DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 7/16 in. Compact Quick-Change Stud and Joist Drill with POWER DETECT Technology

A compact brute that tames big holes in tight studs

The first time I squeezed the trigger on DeWalt’s 20V MAX stud and joist drill in a crowded stud bay, I knew it would replace my corded right-angle for most framing chores. It’s built for one job—driving large bits through wood quickly and safely—and it does that with a reassuring blend of power, control, and thoughtful safety features.

Form factor, balance, and controls

This drill is compact for its class, with a head that slips between studs and joists without contortions. It isn’t light, but the mass sits close to the grip, so it feels less nose-heavy than many traditional right-angle drills. The included side handle has good length and a secure collar; it’s essential kit for steering big self-feed bits and hole saws, and it gives you predictable leverage when a cut starts to wander.

The variable-speed trigger is well tuned. I could feather starts to avoid walking hole saws, then roll into the cut without a harsh jump. Top speed is listed at 1,250 RPM; in practice, the motor spends most of its life below that while pushing high-torque loads, and that’s exactly what you want for framing holes. There’s no clunky gear selector to bump—just smooth, linear control from the trigger.

Power that scales with the battery

Brushless power here isn’t just a bullet point. With a standard 5Ah 20V MAX pack, the drill is fully capable for 1-in to 2-in augers and hole saws. Step up to DeWalt’s higher-capacity XR or FLEXVOLT batteries and the POWER DETECT feature unlocks noticeably more grunt. On an 8Ah pack, the drill stays in the meat of the cut and doesn’t bog when chips pack up. With a 9Ah FLEXVOLT, it feels like a small corded right-angle—minus the cord. The extra power is most obvious with 2-9/16-in self-feed bits and 3- to 4-in hole saws, where torque demand spikes if you hit a knot or cross-grain.

Runtime scales the same way. Expect to chew through an entire run of low-voltage holes or several stud bays of plumbing penetrations on one big pack. For production days, two high-capacity batteries kept me drilling continuously with normal swap-and-charge rotation.

The E-CLUTCH is the quiet hero

Bind-ups happen. Nails, screws, knots, pinch points in old lumber—they’re all wrist wreckers with the wrong tool. DeWalt’s electronic E-CLUTCH earns its keep. When the bit locks unexpectedly, the motor stops almost immediately. It’s faster and more consistent than a mechanical clutch and, in my use, it prevented the classic “wring your wrist” scenario. You still need a stable stance and a firm hold of the side handle, but the clutch turns a dangerous event into a minor pause. It’s one of those features you forget about until it quietly saves you.

Chuck and bit compatibility: know what you’re buying

This tool uses a 7/16-in hex quick-change chuck (about 11 mm across flats), not a keyed or keyless round-jaw chuck. That’s common for high-torque stud and joist drills because it locks onto the shank and won’t spin. The upside is fast, positive bit swaps and excellent torque transfer. The limitation is obvious: you need bits and arbors with 7/16-in hex shanks. Self-feed bits in that shank are easy to find; hole saw arbors are available, but not every store stocks the heavy-duty versions, and not every arbor is rated for this much torque. Plan your kit and stock up—especially if you’re bouncing between diameters all day.

If you do a lot of hole saw work, a heavy-duty 7/16-in hex arbor system is the cleanest solution. Yes, you can run adapters and mandrels to fit smaller-shank accessories, but make sure they’re rated for high-torque right-angle drills. This tool will find any weak links.

Real-world performance in wood

• With 1-in and 3/4-in augers, the drill zips through studs and plates faster than I can move ladders. It’s easy to control and quiet enough that conversation nearby isn’t a shout.
• With a 2-9/16-in self-feed, it stays planted and clears chips well. I found that easing off at the end of the cut prevents blowout in finish-visible areas.
• With 3- and 4-in hole saws, it’s all about patience and pressure. Let the teeth do the work and keep the trigger smooth—this drill provides steady torque without drama. The E-CLUTCH only tripped when I pushed too hard or hit hidden metal.

The side handle’s length and angle let me keep elbows in, which matters when you’re perched on a ladder boring overhead. Kickback is controlled, and the drill’s shorter nose helps me keep the cut square in tight bays.

Durability and maintenance

Brushless motors and electronics don’t mean much if the housings and gears aren’t up to the job. The gearbox here feels tight and consistent; I didn’t notice play or chatter after extended use with large bits. The vents stay clear thanks to the drill’s body shape—chips don’t collect where you grip. Wipe the hex chuck occasionally and blow out chips from around the trigger to keep it feeling crisp.

DeWalt’s 3-year limited warranty and 1-year service are standard for the brand. I’d expect this tool to live a long, ugly life in a framing crew’s kit if it’s not abused.

Tool Connect compatibility

There’s a slot for DeWalt’s Tool Connect chip if you want location tracking and inventory management. On multi-crew or commercial jobsites, that’s a nice safeguard. It doesn’t change how the drill performs, but it’s one more way to keep expensive gear from walking off.

What I’d change

• Weight and size are the tax you pay for this kind of torque. It’s compact for its category, but it’s not a lightweight drill/driver. If you only drill occasional small holes, this is overkill.
• The 7/16-in hex ecosystem is great when you’re set up for it and frustrating when you’re not. Availability of heavy-duty arbors varies by store, so plan ahead.
• Battery not included. For the intended work, budget for at least one high-capacity XR or FLEXVOLT pack; you won’t see the tool at its best with compact batteries.

Who it’s for

• Electricians, plumbers, and low-voltage installers who routinely bore through studs and joists with self-feed bits and hole saws.
• Remodelers who want corded performance without a cord, especially in occupied spaces where noise, dust, and extension cords are headaches.
• Solo operators who value the E-CLUTCH for safety as much as speed.

If your work rarely exceeds 1-1/2-in holes or you mainly use spade bits, a standard drill/driver or a smaller right-angle might make more sense.

Value

As a bare tool, the price lands in line with other premium stud and joist drills. The differentiators are the E-CLUTCH and POWER DETECT pairing with high-capacity packs. If you’re already invested in DeWalt 20V MAX or FLEXVOLT batteries, the math pencils out quickly in saved time and fewer wrist scares. If you’re starting from zero, remember to add the cost of at least one big battery and compatible 7/16-in accessories.

Bottom line

DeWalt’s stud and joist drill is a purpose-built solution that delivers steady torque, excellent control, and meaningful safety tech in a compact package. It handles the work that matters—2- to 4-in holes in framing—without flinching, and it pairs beautifully with high-capacity batteries for long, productive days. The 7/16-in quick-change chuck is a strength if you gear up for it and a hurdle if you don’t. Either way, the core performance is rock solid.

Recommendation: I recommend this drill for pros and serious remodelers who routinely bore large holes in wood framing. It’s powerful, compact for its class, and the E-CLUTCH materially reduces the risk of injury during bind-ups. Budget for high-capacity batteries and the right 7/16-in accessories, and it will pay you back in speed, safety, and fewer cords underfoot. For occasional small-hole users, a lighter drill may be more cost-effective.