We were excited when we first heard about DeWalt 12V Xtreme brushless tools. The previous generation was good when it first came out, but really fell behind as some of its competitors developed 12V lines with brushless motor technology. We just needed to get our hands on the tools to see how much more performance to expect.
We’ve had plenty of trigger time with these tools, and they’re a joy to use. The ergonomic handles we enjoy on DeWalt’s 20V Max line translate well to the lower voltage and, of course, the tools are compact and lighter weight.
Be sure to also check out our article on the Best DeWalt Drill
DeWalt 12V Max Xtreme Brushless Tool and Batteries
DeWalt 12V Max Brushless Drill Driver
Less than 6 inches long and 2.4 pounds with a battery, DeWalt’s brushless update to their cornerstone 12V drill driver is a tremendous step up. It boasts 32% more power than the DCD410, the overall design is about 1.5 inches shorter, and it drops 5 ounces off the weight.
Practically speaking, you can use this drill through your entire range of twist bits and spade bits up to 1/2-inch with ease in wood. At $99 for the kit with two batteries, it’s a great all-around drill for around your house or for Pros to supplement their 20V Max drill for lighter duty work.
- Model: DCD701
- Max Speed: 1500 RPM
- Max Power: 250 UWO
- Bare Tool Price: $69.00
- Kit Price: $99.00 (includes two 2.0Ah batteries and charger)
- TSTAK II Bundle: $114.99 (includes two 2.0Ah batteries, charger, and TSTAK II case)
DeWalt 12V Max Brushless Hammer Drill
To make the DeWalt 12V Max brushless hammer drill, start with the DCD701 above, drop a 25,500 BPM hammer mechanism into it, and voila!
The hammer drill has the same speed and power as the drill driver and adds the ability to drill holes in concrete more effectively. It’s a little longer (6.6 inches) and 0.2 pounds heavier (2.6 pounds with battery) for the additional mechanics. If you find yourself working around building exteriors, foundations, or other masonry, spend a little more and grab this one.
- Model: DCD706
- Max Speed: 1500 RPM
- Blow Rate: 25,500 BPM
- Max Power: 250 UWO
- Bare Tool Price: $74
- Kit Price: $119 (includes two 2.0Ah batteries and charger)
DeWalt 12V Max Brushless Impact Driver
Wrapping up the other side of the drill/impact driver combo, the DeWalt 12V Max brushless impact driver also made significant headway in bother performance and size. The speed ramps up 400 RPM to 2850 RPM while the power increases by more than 50% to 1450 in-lbs of torque!
At the same time, it’s more compact by 1.2 inches and loses a couple of ounces in the weight department. DeWalt kept the best parts of the feature set while adding a 3-mode system that includes Precision Drive.
This is a great tool to tackle fastening duties on the majority of your standard screws. Plan on moving up to a 20V max model for larger diameters such as timber screws and ledger screws, though.
- Model: DCF801
- Max Speed: 2850 RPM
- Max Torque: 1450 in-lbs
- Bare Tool Price: $74.00
- Kit Price: $99.00 (includes two 2.0Ah batteries and charger)
- TSTAK II Bundle: $114.99 (includes two 2.0Ah batteries, charger, and TSTAK II case)
DeWalt 12V Max Brushless Screwdriver
Take the size of an impact driver with the smooth operation of a drill and you get a 1/4-inch hex screwdriver. While not everyone sees the need for one, we love the DeWalt 12V Max brushless screwdriver for precision work. From furniture assembly to HVAC panels, the clutch keeps us from overdriving and the 3-LED light ring does a better job of eliminating shadows than a foot-mounted light.
- Model: DCF601
- Max Speed: 1100 RPM
- Max Power: 200 UWO
- Bare Tool Price: $69.00
- Kit Price: $89.00 (includes two 2.0Ah batteries and charger)
DeWalt 12V Max Brushless Impact Wrench
If it seems like the DeWalt 12V Max brushless impact wrench’s design and specs seem really similar to the impact driver’s (including a precision mode), it’s because they are. The main difference is the change from a 1/4-inch hex collet to a 3/8-inch square drive.
It’s a move that makes sense when you’re installing and removing fasteners with a socket, eliminating the need for an adapter. While there are a lot of fastening jobs you can tackle at this performance level, it’s not something we recommend using for your vehicle’s lug nuts. Move up to DeWalt’s 20V Max mid-torque for that.
- Model: DCF902
- Max Speed: 2850 RPM
- Max Torque: 1500 in-lbs fastening, 2400 in-lb breakaway
- Impact Rate: 0 – 3600 IPM
- Bare Tool Price: $69.00
- Kit Price: $89.00 (includes two 2.0Ah batteries and charger)
- TSTAK II Bundle: $159.00 (includes two 2.0Ah batteries, charger, and TSTAK II case)
DeWalt 12V Max Brushless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw
The only DeWalt 12V Max tool that breaks out of the drilling and driving sector is the DeWalt 12V Max brushless one-handed reciprocating saw. Similar in design to the 20V Max Atomic model but built for the 12V system, it’s lightweight and has low vibration.
The saw is a thin metal and PVC specialist, making conduit, plumbing, and irrigation cutting easier than with hand tools or larger saws.
- Model: DCS312
- Stroke Rate: 0 – 2800 SPM
- Stroke Length: 5/8-inch
- Bare Tool Price: $99.00
- Kit Price: $169.00 with a 3.0Ah battery and charger
DeWalt 12V Max Batteries
There are several options for powering your DeWalt 12V tools. We occasionally come across 1.5Ah packs, but the 2.0Ah and 3.0Ah batteries are the most prevalent. Here are you major options to purchase them separately from tool kits:
Are DeWalt’s Other 12V Tools Obsolete?
If you take the list of brushless tools we already talked about, we think they’re more than adequate replacements for each class. However, there are other DeWalt 12V tools that are absolutely still relevant.
- 12V Line and Point Lasers
- 12V/20V Max Radios and Speakers
- 12V IR and Imaging Thermometers
Future DeWalt 12V Max Xtreme Predictions
We don’t have any official word about future DeWalt 12V brushless tools, so we’re diving into some conjecture here along with a great deal of wishing.
Right off the bat, some of our wish list tools will need a bigger battery. We’d love to see a 2P pack at 4.0Ah and/or 6.0Ah. Once that’s in play, here’s what we’d really like to see in the next stage of 12V development:
- Cordless Ratchet (1/4-inch and 3/8-inch)
- Oscillating Multi-Tool
- Jigsaw
- Circular Saw (5 3/8-inch)
- Lighting (especially flashlights and small task lights)
Discover more at the DEWALT website!
