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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
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DeWalt Extreme 12V Max DCD701F2 Review
Credit: DeWalt
Price:  $150 List
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Manufacturer:   DeWalt
By Ross Patton ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Jul 20, 2022
58
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#15 of 23
  • Drilling - 35% 7.1
  • Driving - 35% 5.2
  • Battery Life - 20% 4.2
  • Convenience - 10% 6.7

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 the best tools.
REASONS TO BUY
Compact
Solid drill performance
Good battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
Stiff to insert battery
Expensive

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Tool Only Drill
Editors' Choice Award
Best Drill Kit Overall
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
Best Buy Award
Best 12 Volt Option a Budget
Price $150 List
$103.09 at Amazon
$189 List
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$79 List
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$139 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
58
94
89
60
48
Star Rating
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Bottom Line A compact and powerful 12-volt drill with a decent battery lifeThis tool delivered excellent results across the board and is a fantastic option to complement the M18 battery systemA drill driver set capable of a wide range of tasksA great budget drill for a homeowners or DIYer and has more than enough power for moderate to light-duty tasksOur favorite compact 12-volt drill when considering overall performance and price
Rating Categories DeWalt Extreme 12V... Milwaukee M18 Fuel... Kobalt XTR 24-volt... Craftsman V20 1/2-I... Bosch 12V Max Drill...
Drilling (35%)
7.1
9.6
9.4
6.6
5.8
Driving (35%)
5.2
10.0
9.4
6.2
4.5
Battery Life (20%)
4.2
9.8
8.4
4.4
3.2
Convenience (10%)
6.7
6.2
6.2
6.0
5.8
Specs DeWalt Extreme 12V... Milwaukee M18 Fuel... Kobalt XTR 24-volt... Craftsman V20 1/2-I... Bosch 12V Max Drill...
Five Inch Hole Saw Test 50 seconds 15 seconds 17 seconds 55 seconds 70 seconds
Lag Screw Test 3.81 in 5.00 in 5.00 in 4.37 in 3.87 in
Manufacturer Peak Torque 250 in-lbs 1,200 in-lbs 1,200 in-lbs 280 in-lbs 256 in-lbs
Measured Charge Time 47 min 25 min 85 min 58 min 85 min
Measured Weight 2.39 lbs 4.06 lbs 4.09 lbs 3.44 lbs 2.17 lbs
Measured Length 5.875 in 7 in 7 in 8.25 in 6.625 in
Measured Number of Settings 15 14 22 23 20
Manufacturer Stated RPM Low: 0 - 425
High: 0 - 1500
Low: 0 - 550
High: 0 - 2000
Low: 0 - 550
High: 0 - 2000
Low: 0 - 450
High: 0 - 1500
Low: 0 - 350
High: 0 -1300
Included Battery Pack(s) 2.0 Ah Tested with 2.0 Ah 4 Ah
Tested with 2.0 Ah (not included with kit)
1.3 Ah 2.0 Ah
Max Chuck 3/8 in 1/2 in 1/2 in 1/2 in 3/8 in
Battery Voltage 20V 18V 24V 20V 12V
Drill Model Tested DCD701F2 2803-20 KXDD 124B-03 CMCD700 PS31
Box Model (Kit) Tested DCD701F2 Tested tool-only, no kit KXDD 1424A-03 CMCD700C1 PS31-2A
Battery Indicator Location Battery Battery Battery Battery Drill
LED Location Above the battery Above the battery Above the battery Above the trigger Above the trigger
Included Belt Clip Yes Yes Yes No No

Our Analysis and Test Results

Performance Comparison


dewalt extreme 12v max dcd701f2 - this nifty little drill has several features and elements that we...
This nifty little drill has several features and elements that we like.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Drilling


To assess the overall drilling performance of each model, we performed three evaluations. First, we timed how long each model took to drill through a 16-gauge thick piece of sheet metal, then we timed how long each took to drill a 5" hole in a wooden door using a hole saw attachment, and finally, we timed how long it took to drill a 1" hole in a stack of 2" x 12" boards using a 1" paddle bit. 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.

dewalt extreme 12v max dcd701f2 - the 12v max has great drilling power for its low voltage.
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 the 1" paddle bit in the stack of wood 2" x 12" boards. It got the job done, albeit slowly and only in its lowest gear.

dewalt extreme 12v max dcd701f2 - this 12v model works great for a lower-voltage model.
This 12V model works great for a lower-voltage model.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Driving


To test these tools' driving performance, we used ½" x 3" lag screws to see how far each model could sink the fastener into a stack of 2" x 12" boards. Appropriately sized pilot holes were drilled before we began. 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.

dewalt extreme 12v max dcd701f2 - the dewalt extreme 12v had a bit of a rough time sinking a lag screw...
The DeWalt Extreme 12V had a bit of a rough time sinking a lag screw into lumber.
Credit: Austin Palmer

For the second test in our driving metric, we objectively judged the feel of each model while driving 3" deck screws into our test lumber stack. Our team found that the DCD701F2 did an average job of getting this task done at an average speed. We did note that this model had good speed control on the trigger.

dewalt extreme 12v max dcd701f2 - the 12v max has no problem driving deck screws.
The 12V Max has no problem driving deck screws.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Battery Life


For this metric, we devised a way to drain the batteries without overheating them or frying them completely. Our test involved taking a stack of 2x12 boards and screwing them together with 14 deck screws, then drilling 1" diameter holes into the boards. We gave each device a break for a few minutes, then repeated this process over and over again until the batteries were dead while carefully tallying the screws sunk and holes drilled. The DeWALT made it through four complete sets of screws and holes, then died after ten screws on the fifth round of the experiment. We then timed how long it took each battery to charge fully. The battery included with this model charged in 47 minutes.

The 12V Max battery is super compact.
The 12V Max battery is super compact.
The release button for this battery is a bit difficult to press.
The release button for this battery is a bit difficult to press.
It takes a little bit of force to insert the battery into the...
It takes a little bit of force to insert the battery into the Extreme 12V Max.

Convenience


For the final portion of our total score, we looked at any elements or innovations that may set each model apart from the others. 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.

dewalt extreme 12v max dcd701f2 - it's really easy to shift between gears on this model.
It's really easy to shift between gears on this model.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

We noticed that this model's battery is somewhat difficult 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.

dewalt extreme 12v max dcd701f2 - the light on the extreme 12v max is bright and stays lit for 20 full...
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. Mostly it's light and small yet provides similar drilling power to the middle-of-the-road 18 and 20-volt models. However, it cannot hold a torch to the top-tier higher-voltage drills in our review. If you are a Dewalt fan, the DeWalt 20V Max Compact Brushless Drill/Driver DCD777C2 outperforms DCD701F2 in every way but costs the same. 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