DeWalt Extreme 12V Max DCD701F2 Review
If you want solid battery life and great power out of a 12-volt model, this is a good choice
Credit: Abriah Wofford
By Ross Patton ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ July 20, 2022
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Our Verdict
The DeWalt Extreme 12V Max DCD701F2 produced one of the better performances we've seen out of a 12-volt model during our side-by-side analysis. This lithium-ion-powered tool is perfect for lighter-duty jobs and is compact enough to squeeze into tight spaces. While it is lower voltage than the top-tier models in our review, this model still showed some commendable drilling performance that beat out some of the higher-voltage models during our comprehensive evaluation of the best drills. It has several features that add to its overall convenience, and although the battery life doesn't seem like much compared to the top models, it was one of the longest-lasting 12-volt versions. If you already own this model's compatible battery and charger, it would be a great addition to your collection of tools.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
DeWalt Extreme 12V Max DCD701F2 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Drill For Most People | Best for Serious DIYers or Professionals |  Best Compact 5-in-1 Drill |  Best Budget Drill | |
| Price | $149 List Check Price at Amazon | $120 List Check Price at Amazon | $180 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $155 List Check Price at Amazon | $125 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A compact and powerful 12-volt drill with a decent battery life | This drill contains potent power in a compact package, especially for a 20-volt model | This tool delivers excellent performance across the board and is a stellar option for both DIYers and professionals | This is a compact, convenient, and very capable 12 volt drill that won't disappoint | Battery life and solid performance make this a good choice for average homeowner tasks |
| Rating Categories | DeWalt Extreme 12V M... | Dewalt Atomic 20-Vol... | Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1... | Dewalt Xtreme 12V 5-... | Bosch 18V Compact Br... |
| Drilling (30%) | |||||
| Driving (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (25%) | |||||
| Battery Life (5%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Specifications | DeWalt Extreme 12V M... | Dewalt Atomic 20-Vol... | Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1... | Dewalt Xtreme 12V 5-... | Bosch 18V Compact Br... |
| Battery Voltage | 20V | 20V | 20V | 12V | 18V |
| Motor Type | Brushless | Brushless | Brushless | Brushless | Brushless |
| Measured Weight | 2.4 lb | 3.2 lb | 4.2 lb | 2.1 lb | 2.8 lb |
| Five Inch Hole Saw Test | 50 seconds | 21 seconds | 11 seconds | 40 seconds | 56 seconds |
| Lag Screw Test | 3.8 in | 4.8 in | 5.0 in | 4.1 in | 3.4 in |
| Max Chuck | 3/8 in | 1/2 in | 1/2 in | 3/8 in | 1/2 in |
| Included Battery Pack(s) | 2.0 Ah | 2.0 Ah | Tested with 2.0 Ah | 2.0 Ah | 2.0 Ah |
| Manufacturer Peak Torque | 250 in-lbs | 404 UWO | 1400 in-lbs | 182 in-lbs | 400 in-lbs |
| Measured Charge Time | 47 min | 47 min | 25 min | 55 min | 63 min |
| Measured Length | 5.9 in | 5.9 in | 6.9 in | 6.5 in | 6.3 in |
| Clutch Settings | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 20 |
| Manufacturer Stated RPM | Low: 0 - 425 High: 0 - 1500 |
Low: 0 - 450 High: 0 - 1650 |
Low: 0 - 500 High: 0 - 2100 |
Low: 0 - 400 High: 0 - 1500 |
Low: 0 - 500 High: 0 - 1900 |
| Drill Model Tested | DCD701F2 | DCD794 | 2903-20 | DCD703 | GSR18V-400 |
| Box Model (Kit) Tested | DCD701F2 | DCD794D1 | Tested tool-only, no kit | DCD703F1 | GSR18V-400B12 |
| Battery Indicator Location | Battery | Battery | Battery | Battery | Battery |
| LED Location | Above the battery | Above the battery | Above the battery | Above the battery | Above the battery |
| Included Belt Clip | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Our Analysis and Test Results
This nifty little drill has several features and elements that we like. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Drilling
Compared to the best of the best models, the results of the DeWalt Extreme 12V Max DCD701F2 aren't very compelling. That said, compared to the other 12-volt versions in our review, the DCD701F2 was one of the best.
The 12V Max has great drilling power for its low voltage. Credit: Abriah Wofford
The DeWalt Extreme 12V Max DCD701F2 crushed the hole saw test, completely drilling the hole with ease in 50 seconds. It slowed down a tiny bit while drilling through sheet metal, but was still able to drill holes in 4-5 seconds using a ½" bit. This model had a bit of a rough time with a paddle bit in the stack of wood. It got the job done, albeit slowly and only in its lowest gear.
This 12V model works great for a lower-voltage model. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Driving
The DeWalt Extreme 12V Max DCD701F2 was not nearly as strong at driving as it was at drilling. During the lag screw test, this model started strong, but when it finally quit spinning, there was still 1 3/16" distance left between the screw head and the boards.
The DeWalt Extreme 12V had a bit of a rough time sinking a lag screw into lumber. Credit: Austin Palmer
Our team found that the DCD701F2 did an average job of driving standard wood screws at an average speed. We noted that this model had good speed control on the trigger.
The 12V Max has no problem driving deck screws. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Battery Life
The DeWALT made it through four complete sets of our screwing marathon, then died on the fifth round of the experiment. The battery included with this model charges in 47 minutes.
The 12V Max battery is super compact. Credit: Abriah Wofford
The release button for this battery is a bit difficult to press. Credit: Abriah Wofford
It takes a little bit of force to insert the battery into the Extreme 12V Max. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Convenience
We found this model to be among our favorites to use. We like that the DCD701F2 has an equipable belt clip that can be attached to either side of the drill. The light is fairly bright, and it's great that it stays on for a full 20 seconds. Weighing in at 2 lbs 6 oz, this model is ideal for tasks that involve holding your tool at arm's length at or above shoulder height. It's compact, allowing it to easily be used between studs and in all kinds of confined spaces.
It's really easy to shift between gears on this model. Credit: Abriah Wofford
We noticed that this model's battery is somewhat tricky to attach and remove. However, some people may see this as a benefit, as the added effort to insert and release is less likely to release or come undone accidentally.
The light on the Extreme 12V Max is bright and stays lit for 20 full seconds. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the DeWalt Extreme 12V Max?
Considering its voltage and size, the Max DCD701F2 is a powerful drill. Its compact size makes it easily storable, and it has many attractive features. However, it must be noted that this particular model is very pricey. Unless you really want a high-performance 12-volt drill because of its size and weight, we'd recommend going with a more powerful model that costs less.
What Other Drill Should You Consider?
Many elements make the Extreme 12V Max an attractive option. It's light and small, yet provides similar drilling power to the mid-range 18 and 20-volt models. However, it cannot hold a torch to the top-tier higher-voltage drills in our review. If you're a Dewalt user, the Dewalt Atomic 20-Volt Max Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Drill Driver DCD794B outperforms DCD701F2 in every way. If you're looking for a decent model for light-duty tasks that won't break the bank, check out the Craftsman V20 1/2-In. Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1.
—Ross Patton
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