Dewalt Atomic 20-Volt Max Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Drill Driver DCD794B Review

Drilling

This tool made quick work of gnawing through the 2x12 with the paddle bit, wielding a smooth experience that only caught for a millisecond when we finally punched through the end of our test plank. It also prospered during our 16-gauge metal sheet test, drilling through with the ¼" twist bit in just 1.16 seconds and 4.8 seconds with the ½" bit without any uncomfortable binding, bouncing, or bobbling.

It drilled through the entire thick piece of wood, but took a bit of extra encouragement. It can snag when pushed too hard, and we had a few of these issues, but once we got the touch for this compact drill, we were able to crush through the solid wood door in a highly respectable 21 seconds.

Driving

When drilling typical 3" wood screws, the Atomic was a ferocious friend, driving them down with supreme control and a proper amount of speed. We were able to sink the screws to exact depth after just a little practice, and with its 15 different clutch positions, you can tweak this drill for a perfect plunge depth.

Unfortunately, the Atomic didn't do quite as well with the giant lag screw. We drilled a pilot hole and set a ½" lag bolt into the solid wood, but were met with some resistance on speed two.

After switching to speed one, we eventually managed to muscle it almost all the way, but it certainly wasn't easy. We were still left with 0.25 inches to go before being able to sink the lag bolt flush completely.

Battery Life

Our next metric focuses on the battery life of these cordless drills. We performed side-by-side comparisons of battery life by alternating between drilling three 1" holes with a spade bit, followed by driving 16 standard 3" wood screws, then awarded points based on the number of completed cycles.

Once we put it through drilling/driving paces, the Atomic cranked through 8.5 cycles, significantly more than most other tools within our lineup.

To give us additional insight, we timed how long each dead battery took to recharge and the number of included batteries. The Atomic continued to deliver performance in our Battery Life metric. This high-achieving drill's 1.5 amp-hour battery takes just 47 minutes to charge, and by including a pair of them, the manufacturer provides enough power for continuous operation and seamless transfer from task to task.

Convenience

For the final sliver of the Atomic's total score, we took a deep dive into all features and functions that can turn a product from good to great. We assessed elements that will make a tool easier and more manageable in challenging situations, and help facilitate hassle-free operation, such as weight, belt clips, and chuck size. This compact drill isn't missing any bells or whistles and definitely serves up solid scores in our Convenience metric.

The Atomic comes equipped with a very bright light, efficiently illuminating dark workspaces. When you need to go hands-free, the belt hook is ready to sling on your pocket, waistbelt, or bags.

This compact drill falls in the middle of the pack in terms of weight, weighing just over 3 pounds. The chuck can hold bits up to ½" in diameter, and you have two different speed/torque ratios to choose from, giving a broader range of what type of jobs can be accomplished. It's also easy to swap the batteries in and out, and thanks to a battery level indicator on the back, you can keep track of the remaining charge.

Should You Buy the Dewalt Atomic?

Altogether, the Dewalt Atomic is a magnificent cordless drill, built for a wide array of tasks. It can be especially appealing if you own other Dewalt tools and want to stick with one product line or desire battery interchangeability. Although it's slightly pricier, this is our go-to drill if you need pint-sized power combined with a tried and tested manufacturer's name that's sure to make the tough jobs easier.

What Other Drill Should You Consider?

If you're looking for a more budget-conscious drill option, the Craftsman V20 1/2-In. Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1 has reasonable performance at just a fraction of the price. It lacks raw muscle, but if you need a tool for around the house or some light building work and would like to lower your costs, then the V20 is our recommendation. Alternatively, if you need a top performer with no attachment to price, then take a look at the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2" Drill Driver. It offers impressive, high-octane drilling and driving performance that will put a smile on the faces of professional contractors and weekend DIYers alike, but watch out, its price tag is steeper than most.