Dewalt Xtreme 12V 5-In-1 Drill Driver Kit DCD703F1 Review

Drilling

The Dewalt Xtreme 12V 5-in-1 did an impressive job in our wood drilling tests, and to our test surprise, it outperformed some of the typically more powerful and capable 18 and even 20-volt models we tested. We were able to drill a hole in a 1 ¾ inch thick solid wood door with a 5-inch hole saw in 40 seconds.

We had no issues making 1-inch holes in framing lumber in a low-speed, higher-torque setting. As you'll discover later in the battery life portion of our review, you'll have plenty of battery life to punch 1-inch holes in joists and studs to run the electrical or hoses for an extra circuit or a mini split system.

When it came down to drilling holes in sheet metal, the Dewalt Xtreme 12V 5-In-1 exhibited a strong performance. Whether we used a smaller or larger bit, this model plowed through with no issue.

Driving

While not as powerful as 18 or 20-volt models like its cousin, the DeWalt 20V Max Compact Drill/Driver Kit DCD771C2, the Dewalt Xtreme 12V 5-In-1 offered an impressive performance. It drove a lag bolt to within ⅞" of an inch of being done before stopping and would probably continue driving on subsequent tries.

It also drove 95% of the 3-inch screws used in our test completely flush with the wood and did so with more perceived ease than any other 12-volt drill we tested.

Battery Life

The Dewalt Xtreme 12V 5-in-1 offered spectacular performance for a 12-volt system, lasting nearly four complete rounds of our tests, driving 64 screws, and drilling 10.3 1-inch holes, which our team felt was more than most would need out of a compact cordless drill, before seriously considering a larger and more powerful line of drill drivers.

The included two-amp-hour battery also only requires 55 minutes to fully charge, meaning you can return to your project after that time if you don't simply swap in another battery. It's worth mentioning that the other 12-volt drills that our team most recently tested included two batteries, not one. Fortunately, extra 12-volt DeWalt batteries aren't too expensive.

Ease of Use

The Dewalt Xtreme 12V 5-In-1 Drill is easily one of the handiest drills around and is a go-to tool for home projects where a 12-volt drill will suffice.

Battery indicator lights allow you to check a battery in the work bag or on your garage tool bench before inserting a battery into the drill. With a fresh battery, the compact but powerful Dewalt Xtreme 12V is easy to use with an ergonomic grip, trigger, and a work light that illuminates your work area at an angle that casts fewer shadows than other tools. For the tightest spaces, the five quick-detach angle-changing heads can be stacked to reach the tightest and most awkward spaces, and a quick-detach hex shank makes changing bits a simple task.

Should You Buy the Dewalt Xtreme 12V 5-in-1 Drill?

If you prefer the lighter weight of a 12-volt drill, and the power level provides you the performance you need, as compared to larger and heavier 18 or 20-volt models, then you can't go wrong with the DeWalt Xtreme 12V 5-In-1 Drill. It offers reliable drilling and driving performance while remaining lightweight, and five attachments extend its versatility, especially in compact spaces. The battery also charges quickly, so you'll be able to handle one home project after another, and its price is approachable compared to similar models.

What Other Drill Should You Consider?