DeWalt 12V Xtreme Subcompact Drill & Driver Lineup Reviewed

DEWALT has introduced the XTREME Subcompact line of 12V MAX brushless tools, built to deliver professional-level performance in tight spaces. The new series targets trades such as electrical, drywall, remodeling, automotive, metalworking, woodworking, and masonry, offering compact, lightweight designs without sacrificing power and control.

The XTREME Subcompact lineup includes a Brushless 12V MAX Drill/Driver, Brushless 12V MAX Impact Driver, Brushless 12V MAX Screwdriver, Brushless 12V MAX 3/8-inch Impact Wrench, and Brushless 12V MAX Hammerdrill. Each tool leverages brushless motors for improved efficiency, longer runtime, and reduced maintenance compared with brushed designs.

Key features and specifications for each model in the series are summarized below:

• 12V MAX Brushless Drill/Driver (DCD701): Built for small pilot holes and compatible with up to a 1/2-inch spade bit, this compact drill measures 5.97 inches long and weighs 1.91 pounds (tool-only). It produces up to 250 UWO (Units Watts Out), includes a variable-speed trigger and 2-speed transmission, and features a belt clip and a bright LED located on the tool’s foot for improved visibility in tight spaces.
• 12V MAX Brushless Impact Driver (DCF801): Optimized for small fasteners and capable of handling up to a 1/4-inch lag bolt, the impact driver is 5.05 inches long and weighs 1.75 pounds (tool-only). It delivers up to 1,450 in-lbs of maximum torque and offers three operating modes—High Speed, Low Speed, and Precision Drive™ Mode. Precision Drive™ Mode pauses the tool for one second before impacting to protect fasteners and surfaces when precise control is needed. The driver also includes three LEDs on the nosecone, a variable-speed trigger, and a belt clip.
• 12V MAX Brushless Screwdriver (DCF601): Designed for tight or hard-to-reach fastening tasks, this screwdriver measures 4.81 inches long and weighs 1.5 pounds (tool-only). It produces up to 200 UWO and features a 15-setting clutch for precise torque control. Additional conveniences include a belt clip and three LEDs on the nosecone for improved work area illumination.
• 12V MAX 3/8-inch Brushless Impact Wrench (DCF902): Featuring a hog ring anvil for quick socket changes, this compact impact wrench is designed for hard-to-reach nuts and bolts. The tool measures 5.11 inches long and weighs 1.73 pounds (tool-only). It achieves up to 1,500 in-lbs of maximum fastening torque and 2,400 in-lbs of breakaway torque. The wrench includes a variable-speed trigger and three modes—High Speed, Low Speed, and Precision Wrench™ Mode—to help prevent overtightening and run-off. Three LEDs on the nosecone illuminate the work area.
• 12V MAX Brushless Hammerdrill (DCD706): Tuned for drilling in brick and block and capable of smaller holes in concrete, this subcompact hammerdrill is 6.6 inches long and weighs 2.04 pounds (tool-only). It offers up to 250 UWO, a hammer function rated at 25,500 BPM, a variable-speed trigger, and a 2-speed transmission. The tool also includes a belt clip and an LED on the foot for added convenience in confined environments.

Each XTREME Subcompact kit includes a DEWALT 12V MAX lithium-ion battery that now features a Fuel Gauge charge indicator—press a button to display remaining charge on three LEDs. Kits ship with the 12V MAX 2.0Ah Battery (DCB122), while the 12V MAX 3.0Ah Battery (DCB124) is available separately in single and twin packs. These Fuel Gauge batteries are backward compatible with previous DEWALT 12V MAX tools and chargers and are covered by a two-year limited warranty.

For professionals who need capable, compact tools that tackle demanding tasks in confined spaces, the XTREME Subcompact Series offers a balanced combination of portability, power, and precision. DEWALT backs these tools with a three-year limited warranty, a one-year free service contract, and a 90-day money-back guarantee. The series was announced for availability in summer 2019.

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