DeWalt ATOMIC 20V MAX Hammer Drill and Impact Driver with TOUGHSYSTEM Combo Kit

A compact combo that earns its spot in the truck

Space is often the enemy on remodels, repairs, and punch lists. That’s where compact tools shine, and the Atomic combo kit from DeWalt has been a steady, handy pairing in my workflow. It packs a brushless 1/2-inch hammer drill and a brushless impact driver into a small footprint, powered by 20V MAX batteries and tucked into a rugged TOUGHSYSTEM box. I used it for a mix of cabinet installs, light electrical work, tapcon anchors, and framing fixes. Here’s how it measured up.

What’s in the box

• Atomic hammer drill (DCD709), 1/2-inch chuck, 340 UWO
• Atomic impact driver (DCF809), 1,700 in-lbs torque
• Two 20V MAX lithium-ion batteries (1.3Ah)
• DCB107 charger
• Belt clips
• TOUGHSYSTEM storage box

The kit is straightforward: compact, brushless tools, small batteries to keep weight down, and a durable case. The batteries are on the smaller side at 1.3Ah, which matters for runtime, but they keep the tools featherlight.

Design and ergonomics

Both tools are impressively compact. The hammer drill measures about 6.9 inches front-to-back and weighs roughly 2.5 pounds. The impact driver is even trimmer at around 5.1 inches long and about 2.1 pounds. That size advantage showed up constantly—getting a straight shot between studs, setting hardware inside cabinets, or driving in tight corners where full-size tools fight you.

Balance is good on both tools with the smaller packs. The grip shape is classic DeWalt—neutral wrist angle, not too bulky—and the triggers have smooth modulation. Build quality feels solid with tight tolerances and no rattles. Both motors are brushless, which typically means longer life, better efficiency, and fewer heat issues in extended use compared to brushed models.

Hammer drill performance

DeWalt rates the hammer drill at 340 UWO (unit watts out), which is their way of expressing power under load. In practice, it sits in the “compact, mid-power” tier rather than the “high-torque” class. That matched my experience:

• Wood drilling: It handled auger and spade bits up to 1 inch in studs without complaint. For larger hole saws (think 2-1/8 inches for locks), it will get through, but it’s not the fastest—expect to pace it and let the brushless motor do its work.
• Fasteners: With the clutch set appropriately, it was precise for cabinet screws and general fix-out work. The clutch has consistent engagement, which helps avoid overdriving in softer materials.
• Masonry: In hammer mode, it comfortably drilled 3/16- and 1/4-inch holes for anchors in brick and block using a sharp masonry bit. In poured concrete, it’ll do light anchor work but slows down on deeper or larger holes. If your day is heavy masonry, you’ll want a more powerful rotary hammer.

Where this drill really shines is access and control. The compact head length lets you work square in places where a standard drill forces you off-angle. If you value maneuverability over brute force, this drill hits the sweet spot.

Impact driver performance

The impact driver is rated at 1,700 in-lbs of torque, which adequately covers the bulk of carpentry, decking, and mechanical fastening tasks:

• Framing screws, 3-inch deck screws, and structural screws in dimensional lumber were no issue.
• 3/8-inch lags into PT lumber went in fine with appropriate pilot holes.
• Sheet metal screws and electrical fasteners were easy to control by feathering the trigger.

Notably, this driver prioritizes compactness and simplicity. If you rely on specialized assist modes (like dedicated “precision” or “self-tapping” settings), you won’t find them here; it’s all about trigger control. That said, the motor delivers predictable power, the anvil feels tight, and the compact nose was a real advantage in cabinet boxes and between joists.

Noise is typical for an impact driver—sharp but not excessive—and vibration is well controlled. After a morning of driving decking screws, my hands weren’t buzzing, which speaks well to the internal gearing and impacts-per-minute balance.

Battery and charging

The included 1.3Ah batteries keep the kit notably light, but they are the limiting factor for all-day work. On a punch-list morning with intermittent use, I could rotate between the two packs and stay productive. On more continuous tasks—driving hundreds of screws or drilling a lot of holes—I swapped to my higher-capacity packs (2.0Ah or 5.0Ah) for the added runtime and a little extra grunt.

The DCB107 charger is compact and dependable, but it’s not the fastest option in DeWalt’s lineup. For light-duty and top-offs, it’s fine. If you plan to run higher-capacity batteries or you cycle packs constantly, consider keeping a faster charger on hand.

Bottom line: the kit’s batteries and charger are ideal for portability and short bursts of work. If you’re running long days, budget for at least one larger pack.

Storage and portability

The included TOUGHSYSTEM box is a real upgrade over typical blow-mold cases. It’s rugged, stackable, and integrates with DeWalt’s modular system, which makes organizing tools a lot cleaner. Mine rolled easily around job sites when stacked onto a wheeled TOUGHSYSTEM base, and the latches feel secure. Inside, there’s enough room to keep both tools, batteries, and bits without playing Tetris. I wouldn’t mind a small parts tray insert, but durability and convenience are excellent.

Where this combo fits

This Atomic combo kit makes sense if you:

• Work in tight spaces and value compact size and low weight.
• Need a reliable, brushless compact drill that can switch to hammer mode for light anchor work.
• Want a capable impact driver for general fastening without the bulk of full-size models.
• Prefer a rugged, modular storage solution out of the box.

It’s not the perfect fit if you:

• Regularly drill larger holes in dense material or do heavy concrete work.
• Need extended runtime from included batteries without buying extras.
• Depend on multi-speed or assist modes on your impact driver for specialized tasks.

Durability and warranty

After exposure to dust, a few inevitable drops onto subfloor, and general jobsite abuse, both tools still feel tight and track straight. Brushless motors help with longevity, and DeWalt’s fit and finish hold up well. The kit carries a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, which is in line with what I expect in this class.

Pros and cons

Pros:
- Very compact and light without feeling flimsy
- Brushless motors in both tools for efficiency and durability
- Impact driver’s 1,700 in-lbs covers most fastening tasks
- Hammer drill’s hammer mode is handy for light masonry
- Rugged TOUGHSYSTEM storage integrates well with modular setups
- Good ergonomics and trigger control

Cons:
- Small 1.3Ah batteries limit runtime out of the box
- Charger is on the slower side
- Hammer drill power is mid-tier; not ideal for large hole making or heavy concrete
- Impact driver lacks specialized assist modes

Recommendation

I recommend the Atomic combo kit for tradespeople and serious DIYers who prioritize portability, access, and day-to-day practicality over raw muscle. The compact design lets you work where bulkier tools won’t, the brushless motors are efficient and durable, and the TOUGHSYSTEM box adds meaningful value for transport and organization. The included 1.3Ah batteries and slower charger keep weight and cost down, but they do cap runtime—plan on adding a higher-capacity pack if you’re on the trigger all day.

If your work leans heavy—large hole saws, frequent masonry, or continuous fastening—you’ll be happier with a higher-torque drill, an SDS-plus rotary hammer for concrete, and bigger batteries. For everything else, especially in tight quarters, this kit is a smart, reliable partner that earns its keep.