Dewalt is coming out with a new line of 20V Max compact brushless cordless power tools. The new Dewalt ATOMIC Compact Series is launching with a new drill/driver and impact driver. In a “coming soon,” teaser, it looks like a new oscillating multi-tool, circular saw, and reciprocating saw are on the roadmap.
The new Dewalt Atomic cordless power tools has the tagline where size meets power, emphasizing that the drill/driver has 13% more power and is 25% more compact, and the impact driver delivers 21% more torque.
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It’s hard to read, but it looks like the new impact driver is being compared to the DCF886, while the new drill/driver is being compared to the DCD771, which is Dewalt’s brushed motor “special buy” drill and combo kit model that launched in 2013.
Dewalt Atomic 20V Max Drill/Driver DCD708
The new Dewalt DCD708 bears resemblances to the DCD777 brushless drill/driver that came out 2-1/2 years ago, and is similarly spec’ed at 340 UWO.
Regarding the specs, there are some disagreements on the product listings (I found one so far), and so they might be subject to change or correction.
- 340 UWO max power
- 6.3″ length
- Weighs 2.8 lbs
- LED worklight
- 2-speed gearbox, 1650 RPM max
The kit is bundled with a charger, carrying case, and (2) 1.3Ah Li-ion batteries.
Launch Price: $159 for the kit, $119 for the bare tool
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Buy Now(Drill Kit via Home Depot)
Buy Now(Drill Kit via Acme Tools)
Compare(Dewalt DCD791 via Amazon)
Dewalt Atomic 20V Max Impact Driver DCF809
The new DCF809 brushless impact driver has improved and highly competitive specs, but it does lack the multiple speed and torque settings found on more premium tools.
- 1700 in-lbs max torque
- 2800 RPM max
- 5.1″ length
- Weighs 2.1 lbs
- 3-LED worklight
Compared to the current entry-level Dewalt brushless impact driver, DCF787, the new DCF809 is slightly more compact, and more powerful, at 1700 in-lb vs. 1500 in-lbs.
The kit comes with a charger, carrying bag, and (1) or (2) 1.3Ah batteries.
Launch Price: $159 for the 2-battery kit, $149 for the 1-battery kit, $119 for the bare tool
Buy Now(2-Battery Kit via Home Depot)
Buy Now(1-Battery Kit via Acme Tools)
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Home Depot)
Compare(Dewalt DCF886 via Amazon)
Compare(Dewalt DCF887 via Amazon)
Dewalt Atomic 20V Max Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit, DCK278C2
There will also be a 2-tool combo kit, featuring the Dewalt DCD708 drill, DCF809 impact driver, a charger, carrying bag, and (2) 1.3Ah batteries.
Launch Price: $229
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Buy Now(via Acme Tools)
Compare(Dewalt DCK283D2 Premium Combo Kit via Amazon)
Compare(Dewalt DCD777 and DCF787 Combo Kit via Amazon)
First Thoughts
Thank you to Adam for the heads-up!
When Adam’s email came in with the tip, I jumped in my seat. WHOA, a brand new super-compact Dewalt cordless power tool lineup?! Maybe it’s meant to match Makita’s 18V sub-compact product category?
The new Dewalt Atomic 20V Max cordless power tools will likely be all-brushless. At launch, the drill/driver and impact driver both are, and the “20V Max Lithium Ion Brushless” stamp on the marketing banner suggests that future releases will be as well.
Here are the red flags. First, the teeny tiny footnote about the new Atomic Compact Series drill, and how it’s 13% more powerful and 25% more compact, references the DCD771, a 2-generations ago “special buy” drill/driver with brushed motor. While the DCD771 is still on the market, the brushless DCD777 has for the most part replaced it. The DCD777 is more compact than the DCD771, and more powerful. Compared to the DCD777, the new DCD708 IS more compact, but not any more powerful. If Home Depot’s specs are accurate, its max speed is slightly slower.
That aspect took away from my excitement.
The new Dewalt Atomic Compact Series DCF809 impact driver is more compact than the typical budget buy DCF787, and if the specs are accurate, it’s more powerful too. It is more powerful than the single-speed range DCF886 as well, but not as powerful as the 3-speed DCF887 brushless impact driver. It is more compact, though, and overall, the new Atomic cordless impact driver looks like a compelling new addition.
The new Dewalt DCD708 Atomic series drill does look compelling too, as an upgrade to their current entry-level brushless drill/driver, DCD777. Compared to their more premium brushless drills, I don’t think an Atomic vs. XR comparison would be level and fair.
The pricing seems… off, for lack of a better way of putting it. The Dewalt Atomic 20V Max 2-tool cordless brushless drill and impact driver is priced at $229. With… 1.3Ah batteries? Dewalt’s entry-level brushless drill and impact driver combo kit is currently $199 at Amazon (you have to “clip” a coupon to get to that price), but typically drops to $149 during promos and holiday shopping seasons.
The bare tool prices are higher than for the street pricing of Dewalt’s premium and compact brushless offerings, which is puzzling, Granted, these new Atomic series tools are a little more compact – 0.2″ for the impact driver compared to the DCF887, and 0.6″ for the drill compared to the DCD791, and a little lighter, but the DCD791 and DCF887 are more powerful, faster, and better featured. The full authorized dealer price on the DCD791B looks to be $119 at the moment, and the DCF887B is $129.
Dewalt’s entry-level brushless drill and impact driver kits tend to have a cyclic pattern. At holiday seasons, such as in Q4 and for Father’s Day, we might see the 2-battery drill kit sell for $99, and the 1-battery impact driver kit sell for $99.
If I had to make an educated guess, I would think that this is what we’ll see come May and June – $99 kit pricing on the drill and impact driver kits, and maybe $149 kit pricing on the 2-tool combo. That’d be fine.
Here’s the main point. I would say that, after looking at the initial selling points and specs list, I’m not very excited about the new Dewalt Atomic Series cordless drill or impact driver. I’m not turned off by them either. They look reasonably spec’ed, and improvements on their length and weight, and power for the impact driver, are GREAT. Despite my trying to make sense of the new cordless power tool line, as written out and shared in the preceding paragraphs, and eye-roll at the continued use of 1.3Ah batteries, the new tools do bring good things to the market.
With Dewalt competitors, namely Milwaukee and Makita, having matched Dewalt’s $99 holiday season drill and impact driver kit offerings, this is Dewalt bumping things up a notch.
The bigger news here is that Dewalt has given a name to this series of tools, and that they’re expanding it with new cordless cutting tools which are presumed to feature brushless motors.
It will be some time before we learn more about those new Dewalt Atomic “Coming Soon” cordless power tools. Will they, like the new drill and impact, be entry-level tools? Will they be main-line 20V Max cordless power tools and marketed to professionals as being compact alternatives to full-sized tools? Or will they be more prominently featured in “special buy” kits and combo kits, like the DCD771 drill that the new version is compared to in the Dewalt Atomic series marketing?
A 4- or 5-tool combo kit featuring Dewalt Atomic 20V Max cordless power tools might be a good sell towards DIYers or budget-conscious pros who might not need full-sized (and full-priced) pro-grade offerings, or pros who could benefit from using smaller and more compact tools.
One other question comes to mind. Will we see similar developments in the Craftsman 20V Max cordless power tool lineup?
Eric
I will be interested to see the hackzall competitor since I use the DeWalt system.
The toolsinaction forum has a picture of the “DCD701”, a 12v XR branded drill that looks like almost identical plastic to the “DCD708” above.
Evadman
A smaller sawzall like the hackzall, except for Dewalt, would be amazing.
John Rice
This the beginning of the atomic line, so can we assume that they might be coming out with an atomic XR line.
Dave
If you’re on the DeWalt platform and they release a Hackzall lookalike, it’s definitely worth your while. I got one as part of a Milwaukee kit figuring it might do an odd job here or there, but I’ve since found dozens of applications where it supplants the full-sized Sawzall in terms of access and ease of use.
Caleb McCalla
I have 6 dewalt 20v tools but here recently I’ve actually been looking at going all Milwaukee and honestly the 18v hackzall TO MYSELF is a big selling point so if dewalt comes out with one and a small oscillating tool, I’ll be sold to stay with dewalt!
Adam
Looks like slightly beefed up versions of their 12v line. Almost rather see them give Milwaukee competition in that area, but looks like Dewalt doesn’t care too much.
That middle tool looks more like a the M12 cut-off tool, rather than a circular saw.
I’m not sure a compact oscillating tool is necessary, especially if it is similar in lacking of power as the drill & impact.
AngryDrumGuy
I left the DeWalt platform when I went from NiCad to Lithium, taking a chance on Milwaukee, with which I’ve been surprised and happy since 2011.
While I’m always curious if DeWalt may present a compact, comparable option, easy fixes like not using 1.3Ah batteries will prevent me from trying it.
For the last few years, I’ve stared at the $99 holiday deals thinking one would be worth it, but when Milwaukee offers a 2.0 and Makita a 3.0 as their base line, I can’t be pulled away.
I really need a new 18V impact driver too, so this was a peaked curiosity followed by instant disappointment.
MichaelHammer
Skip the noisy impact, use GRK and Fatenmaster screws and never look back. I used to be all about the impact until customers complained and I found that engineered screws are intended to be used with a drill driver (way faster). I haven’t touched one for about three years now.
kizzle
Do you have a source that drills perform better with engineered screws than impacts? I’m not implying that you’re wrong, I’d just like to read up on it.
Hoser
I don’t have a source, but I agree with MichaelHammer. I hardly ever use impacts on fasteners like that, there is zero feedback from an impact and a drill is faster. People tend to use impacts for everything when they shouldn’t. Many times I’ve seen guys strip or break screws because of using an impact instead of a drill with the clutch set.
Ken
I’m learning here. Can someone tell me the RIGHT time to use impact instead of a drill with a clutch? Thanks in advance.
John
An impact is the only tool you’ll see for installing fasteners on a jobsite. Impacts are more compact, lighter, more economical on batteries, and, in the hands of someone with experience are much more consistent since each impact delivers a consistent amount of force. Also unlike a drill they have very little rotational inertia and stop immediately when you let off the trigger.
Hoser
I work on a job-site every day and I see more drills than impacts. And that’s on high end custom homes with very skilled and experienced crews. And I strongly disagree with your statement that “in the hands of someone with experience are much more consistent since each impact delivers a consistent amount of force”. You’ve outlined the problem, every impact has a consistent force, there’s little to no feedback with an impact. They’re great in some situations, but when you really need to “feel” a screw and what it’s doing a drill is where it’s at.
Paul
The impact works very well on small screws etc n easy quick change the button has more control on speed if you use it LOL
Elo Tracy
The regular 1/2-in drill is much faster and quieter than the quarter inch impact. Therefore I use the 1/2 in most of the time, and all the time when I’m trying to make less noise or late at night. I carry five drills with me the most jobs. They are a mix DeWalt and Milwaukee. I like to not change the bits. I do like the three lights on the DeWalt impact because I am able to see the tip of the drill bit make contact with the head of the screw much better than any other drill I have used. The function of the light has always been better on the DeWalt drills as well as them having a higher RPM and more torque than other comparable drills of their competitors. they tend to try to one up the competitors in all of the specs that count. Milwaukee is the only one that has given them a run for their money
OldDominionDIYer
Milwaukee’s 2853-20 which is only 4.59″ long and rated at 2000 in-lbs can be had for $95 bucks on Amazon right now! Their Hydraulic Surge is going for $105 at the moment, both far better tools than these latest offerings. Another Tool site just tested the 2857 (one key version) and it had 2659 in-lbs of fastening torque and 3600 in-lbs of breakaway torque in there independent tests which is amazing!
AngryDrumGuy
Thanks for this! I just grabbed the 2853 for $90 from Amazon.
The price jumped to 105 immediately after I purchased it, so it.may pay to keep an eye on it.
ApecTech
Just bought the gen3 impact (tool only) for $80 shipped on eBay with no tax. I believe amazon still charges tax
Nago
I always liked the DeWalt line of tools. The own and have owned quite a few esp the cordless lines. To be portable and handy I have a small driver but it turned out the spring quick bit holder never could hold a bit. I repaired it twice myself with new parts after sending it to the DeWalt shop three times. Still drops bits. I lost faith and went with Milwaukee. Can’t trust DeWalt anymore.
Chris
Milwaukee is known for having garbage impact chucks so good luck
JoeM
As a DeWALT guy at heart… I think these are Cool… but not Impressive. I’m still rocking the original lineup, with a DCD785, and DCF885, brushed tools. If I had $10 grand dropped in my lap today, and told to buy the new versions of all my tools… These Atomic tools would not be in my purchase, not even the “Coming Soon” ones.
Make no mistake, I do think they’re cool. Nifty. Show promise that we’re making progress in the world of tools. But I’m not impressed with their specs, despite it being compressed into the smaller size. The Impact Driver? A little more impressive to match its equally little size, but not enough to choose an 809 over the 887. They managed to do the work of scaling up the power, in a smaller casing. Cool. But it’s not too impressive.
And, do the batteries being 1.3Ah even matter anymore? They’re 20 volt slides, so they fit the 20 Volt XR, and FlexVOLT, 6 and 9 Ah batteries. Plus the compact 3Ah battery. We’re steadily getting more powerful batteries from DeWALT in this line, so… Do the kit batteries really matter anymore? I get the pricing is a bit stupid for such small batteries, but really?
Stuart
1.3Ah is an indicator of cost-cutting.
Milwaukee’s last promo season kits were bundled with 2.0Ah batteries. Makita’s are bundled with 3.0Ah. Last year’s Dewalt hammer drill promo kit was bundled with compact 3.0Ah batteries.
To me, 1.3Ah just says “we’re doing whatever we can to cut costs.” I suppose a cheaper/lower capacity battery pack is better than compromises in tool quality.
JoeM
I agree with that assessment, definitely a cost-cutting measure. But here’s the thing… It ONLY cuts costs on the KIT. The bare tools are still more expensive. One could argue “More expensive than they should be” but I don’t think that argument is needed to make a very important point about the Atomic line: They’re 20V Max slides. Really… Do KIT Batteries matter to the line anymore? I can see it mattering to 3, 5, 6, and the old 18V XRP 9-tool kits… but on the basic 1-2 tool kits…Kit batteries seem such a waste to pay attention to on the 20V lines.
There were brand new kits, a year or so ago, and everyone was excited about them. They were the new model tools, but they were shipping with 4Ah or 5Ah batteries, when they had just released a 6Ah battery. No one really complained about that. There was certainly a wish for the 6 to be the battery in the kits, but people bought the kits anyways, often along side one or two 6Ah Batteries as well.
There are so many fully functional 20 Volt Max/XR/FlexVOLT batteries “In the Wild” at this point… I honestly ask… Do Kit-Supplied Batteries even matter to the 20 Volt Line anymore? Or have the DeWALT buyers got enough to override any batteries that a kit would provide these days? First time buyers, sure, I can see this being obnoxious, and I agree with that. But… How many first-time DeWALT buyers are even left in the marketplace? Ignore what the other brands are doing compared to DeWALT, look at what DeWALT has achieved on its own, and look at what DeWALT is competing against when buying DeWALT.
Does it really matter anymore? And I could ask that of Milwaukee and Makita too. Look at all the in-system batteries these companies have sold, and “Released Into The Wild”… Do these companies even really need to ship batteries with their kits anymore? Does it matter at all anymore? Regardless of the why they do it factor, We’re constantly buying more batteries. So… I’m not talking the size of the batteries in THIS kit here…I’m talking Batteries IN KITS as a whole… Do they matter anymore? The systems are well established now, aren’t the current Li-Ion generations at 10 years old now, across all the company platforms? That’s a lot of long-lifetime batteries out there already.
It’s not a complaint here. Just an interesting point of conversation, if you get my meaning. Are we, the consumers, really so desperate for more batteries in these Kits?
Matt
Look at Makita’s subcompact line. These Atomics are right on par price wise with those. Aside from a few differences(the subC is a premium impact, kitted 2ah batt)I’d say the two lines are quite similar yet most think the price is right on the makita….
The What?
I’m not sure that “atomic” is the best way to describe this new lineup of Dewalt 20v tools. The name certainly doesn’t fit the description. They should have called it the flat tire cuz this is a let down. You would think that with a name like atomic, it would be far more powerful and have the same if not better features than anything that they have released thus far. This is weak. The specs are not impressive at all and nobody is going to notice or really care about a quarter inch size reduction. I was hoping that they would have came out with something that would have been worth mentioning. Well it is in a sense, but not in a good way. You’re supposed to improve upon the next generation, not take steps back.
Stuart
Atoms are small. The new tools are more compact. “Atomic” gives the sense of something being “powerful.” Makes sense to me.
It takes a comment like yours for me to realize the that specs are impressive, at least for what they are. A quarter inch on one tool, or maybe half an inch on another, can absolutely make a noticeable difference in use. More significantly, a compact tool that’s ergonomic and comfortable to use will be very impactful.
I was hoping for more when I saw the first marketing banner. While not quite as exciting as I had hoped for or anticipated at first glance, the new tools ARE a step forward, and I am sure they will be very welcome in the market.
Toolfreak
The use of the word Atomic is a terrible idea. The first thing I thought when I saw the name was that DeWalt somehow had nuclear-powered cordless tools.
If they wanted to use it as a name for ULTRA-ultra-compact 12V tools to rival the Bosch/Milwaukee offerings, that might have worked. It would also be awesome since there aren’t many useful big brand tools that are super small.
On bulky 18-20V tools that are barely smaller than what’s already available? Dumb.
I really do think they are going to hear it from at least some customers/laywers about the name. Not a smart choice.
bobad
The first thing I thought about the new name was they were changing the battery platform. I said “NOOOOOOOoooooo…”
I’m so relieved.
Anderson
I’m not a fan of the Atomic name either, but the specs say 25% more compact, not a quarter inch. That truly would be not impressive. But on a drill that is roughly 8 inches long, front to back, a 25% reduction would be 2 inches. A lot more significant than a quarter inch.
ToolGuyDan
I think (suspect? hope?) that “atomic” was meant to refer to Democritus’s “atom”: that which, if lessened in any way, is no longer what it purports to be. Slightly less evocative names for the line might be “Essential” or “Minimalist”. The idea being, these includes all the features [someone at DeWalt thinks that] you need, and they’ve packed them into the smallest package physically possible.
Matt
Meh…. 1.3ah Batts? Even most 12v tools come with at least one 2ah batt. Makita’s subcompact (this is easy to compare to the subcompacts) comes with two 2ah AND a more premium styled impact with speed controls etc. Which leads to my next complaint.
Why did they choose to not make these XR? The 10.8vs in Europe have the XR tag. It’s may just be a moniker but in DeWalt speak XR=premium. These are simply written off as Brushless, which leads me me to feel and assume that these are a grade above a home owner styled tool. The specs scream it and the label reads it. These do not seem, as it is with m12 fuel, Makita subcompact, Bosch EC, even CXT by Makita, to be pro minded. Although 340 uwo is up there torque wise( 500-520in lbs?)for a compact drill, its not going to make this worth what they are asking.
When their competition is banging out new, innovative tools….. Makita’s xtd16, the newest m18/m12 hammer drill and impact combos, Bosch’s flexi click 18v drill and new compact Freak, HTP multi volt, Ridgid Octane tools…. this is what DeWalt brings to the table. A long in the tooth, smaller, non premium combo kit with (2)1.3ah Batts AND it’s not even a hammer drill and, the best part is , it’s $229.
Great job DeWalt
OldDominionDIYer
These would be great if they said “Craftsman” on the side. Seems like they (SB&D) are watering down the DeWalt brand for no reason. Overlapping their tool brands everywhere isn’t helping to distinguish their many brands in my opinion. A big ho-hum seems rather un-inspiring really
Roger
I’ve been thinking of getting a 20V compact drill. The hammer is just over heavy for some simple applications. Most times, when a kit comes with 1.3 or even a 2; you’re going to slap at least a 3 on to it and keep the slim packs for reserve.
I knew they were coming out with a new multitool. The hints were there for the last 2 years, but that 99 black friday deal got me.
One handed recip? Yes plz. As long as it’s way better than that 12V.
Bertil
Whilst I can appreciate all the negatives about these two skins, I’m genuinely impressed by them.
There have been a great number of times where the compact nature of these two would have saved me a lot of headaches. I’m more than happy to forego power, so long as I can get the right tool into the space it needs to go. Less power might mean you need a little more time to get the job done, but it’s a lot faster compared to having to bodge up an alternative solution.
I could quite easily see these joining my toolkit, so long as there’s no plastic parts in the gearbox where it matters, and the price drops a bit.
Eric’s comment on the 12v tools has me a lot more excited though, I’ve been praying for a refresh of that line, and those pictures coupled with the old models going out of production really is making it look like my dream may come true!
Robert
I got all excited, then disappointed, then slightly curious.
I mainly have DeWalt and if I hadn’t used Milwaukee or Makita, I wouldn’t know what I was missing. DeWalt’s Flexvolt line is great, their 20v line is mediocre, and their 12v line… We all know about their 12v line.
That rear handle circular saw looks like it could be cool with different blades and provide a niche tool slot in the 20v line, but why do we need another oscillating saw? The XR version is already great. As for the hackzall knock off… Meh. Already have the M12 one and it’s only good because it’s small, that one doesn’t look small…
Go DeWalt go!
I’ve got 22+ batteries and everything from a nailer and miter saw to a planer and drywall cutout tool!
Make a better impact!
Make a brushless 6 1/2″ blade left circular saw! Make better lights you can run off A/C or D/C! Make smaller/better cordless Finish/Brad nailers! Make a pin nailer!
Make a cordless wet tile saw!
Make a 120v Flexvolt 10″ tablesaw!
Make a PEX crimper (not pinch)!
There’s more but we can start with that…
MARIO EMILIO BALARI
Espero deje estos modelos como linea de entrada y lance después una linea mas acorde con las nuevas Makita y Milwaukee de ultima tecnología..
Joe framer
Got very excited like some, then just read more usual crap from dewalt. Dewalt has left the 20v line with older tools , while milwaukee makes the power and Makita makes the precision tools.
…. Only a DIY guy would even entertain the thought of buying this mediocre line.
…. Sounds like a HF line, Atomic.. ridiculous.
Corey
I’m a card carrying DeWalt guy, own a bit of a few lines, but look in or even at my box and it’s plainly heavy yellow lol that being, I grabbed a bunch of subcompacts when it came time to find something “12v-ish” and couldn’t be happier. The only shortcoming I’ve considered in the subs is the impact-both 1/4 and 3/8. While they are small, capable, and super ergonomic, the one let down spec is the most important for a compact tool-nose to back length. The subcompact impacts are nearly identical in length to my DCF887, which should be ludicrous. They are smaller in diameter and height, but just as long as my premium daily rattle gun that can snap bits almost at will? Not what I want to buy something significantly less powerful but just as long for. If this atomic impact proves more accurately sized for it’s spec and application, there’s a good chance I’ll consider getting it. Same if they release a 3/8s maybe akin to Milwaukee’s amazing stubbies in M12, that I would certainly buy. The impact situation aside, the drill would have to be blatantly smaller/more powerful/incredibly more ergonomic to make me move on from the sub drill/driver (why would anyone want a longer version of a super small drill?). Only two I’d be interested in, and while I don’t expect them to be sub par in any way, I just don’t expect them to be even enough of an improvement to look at. Anything I’m unsure of the subs ability to handle, my dcd791 is a champ, and the 996 rounds out any “Anyone’s drill going to handle that?” situations lol Glad to see the expansion, though ?
Mike
Dewalt knows what they’re doing, I use to work for Home Depot and most of the tools that are bought are whatever is cheaper, Milwaukee sells more brushed and cheaper brushless than the fuel version by a lot the same goes for dewalt they sell more brushed tools than brushless and it all because of the price most people can’t justify the little extra power and runtime you get from brushless, your starting to see a lot of ryobi on jobsites now, so dewalt is targeting the larger audience plus you don’t need all that power in these drills and impact drivers
AngryDrumGuy
Mike,
Maybe it’s a regional thing, but there’s a ton of Milwaukee/Makita/DeWalt-FUEL/LXT/XR on job sites in the Southeastern PA/Southern NJ region , with most folks telling me they’d never use box store unless it’s an emergency. Surely this plays into lack of in-store demand for FUEL level type stuff, but it’s absolutely being bought elsewhere. Most contractors I know personally won’t use anything but high end stuff and all order it through employers or non-box store vendors like a supply house.
If high end stuff doesn’t sell so well, I’d be curious why it’s being so rapidly engineered for the contractor level pros? Fuel’s 2nd gen was only a few years old before they took feedback and made them lighter, more compact and added power. Judging by some of the backorders I’ve heard about, the demand can’t be too low.
Keeping the above in mind, I am seeing Ryobi and Porter Cable used more frequently than I have in the past, but usually by newer contractors or folks who don’t have the insane all day/every day demand as some others.
Hoser
I was not impressed by these. I found that I ended up grabbing my 791s, or any drill for that matter instead of this 708. And the impact is only SLIGHTLY faster than the OLD DCF885, I never even bothered comparing it to the 887.
Unfortunately instead of building a premium small drill and impact, they are cheap. I want a premium small drill, not a homeowner quality drill/impact. I found the delay from the time you pull the trigger to when it starts and then release the trigger to the time that it actually stops abysmally slow, and that really, really bothers me. It was slower than the first brushless drills that came out many years ago. I could actually let go of the trigger and put my hand in my pocket before the chuck stopped turning.
And you can say what you want about how impressive specs are on paper, but if you’re a professional you know how tools should feel, and these don’t feel professional to me, and the performance is subpar.
And yes, the name is ridiculous, when I hear Atomic the last thing that comes to my mind is the connotation of a small atom. I think power and impressive, these are neither. Yes I know I probably should think of an atom, but we have been trained to think of Atomic as big powerful explosions.
And as far as batteries, the 1.3 is ridiculous. It just furthers the look, feel, and intention of these being homeowner quality tools.
Hopefully this form-factor will be turned into a professional line of tools in the future, with premium features and power, but for now they are a low level product.
Aaron
The 1.3 batteries don’t even have a fuel gauge, correct?
What a joke.
John Herbst
Interesting they’re not made in USA…
bobad
I don’t think DeWalt has made anything in USA for a while now.
Stuart
Some power tool accessories are made in the USA, certain hand tools (mainly certain utility knives and blades) are made in the USA, and some of their 20V Max cordless power tools are assembled/built in the USA, with components sourced from the USA and elsewhere. Some Dewalt plastic tool storage products are made in the USA.
Joe framer
Much more excited about the new 12v
compact dewaltt tools coming…
Matt J
Any idea if these are intended as basically a successor for the aging DeWalt 12V line? If the primary point of the tools is to be compact while secondarily being pretty competent, that could explain packaging them with smaller 1.3 Ah batteries. Frankly, if these tools are supposed to compete with compact 12V tools from Milwaukee and others, I kind of like the idea of a smaller packaged battery, as the energy capacity of a 1.3 Ah 18-Volt is equivalent to a 2.0 Ah 12-Volt, which is what usually comes with those 12V drill/driver combo kits. I also don’t balk as much when they put 1.3 Ah kits with drills and impacts as the tools are not terribly power hungry, particularly when brushless, and 1.3 Ah is fine.
This way, you only need one charging system and all your batteries work on all your tools. If it seems like it’s an easy job not requiring tons of torque or one where you’re going to need to get into tight spaces, grab the small bag. If it turns out to be tougher than you thought, go back to the van and grab the bigger stuff. All of your batteries work on all of your tools, so you can probably get by with half as many. It also avoids the incongruent bulky grips resulting from stem style batteries in what are supposed to be small, easy to handle Bosch, Ridgid, and Milwaukee 12V models.
Price seems maybe a little high at release, but pretty close to what Makita wants for their similar subcompact kit and what Milwaukee sells their M12 Fuel 2 tool kits at. I imagine a few months after release they’ll come down to even more reasonable sale prices — need to set the MSRP high to make the sales look good.
Stuart
It’s possible, but I’m hopeful for new 12V Max tools. Craftsman V20 chargers are also said to be V12, and I would hope that the SBD cordless power tool team is working on Pro (Dewalt), Enthusiast (Craftsman brushless), DIYer (Craftsman brushed) offerings.
Matt J
I’m hoping for the same. Their current 12V line is really showing its age and given the advancements in 12V tools made by other brands in recent years, DeWalt’s system really doesn’t compete at all in both performance and selection. It’s basically a slightly high end homeowner option at this point.
John Fal
I wished SB&D would had done a craftsman pro line powered by Dewalt like they did with Mac tools. At Least they should do it in 60v Flexvolt. I may be a tad off topic but I’d like to see some higher quality craftsman power tools.
McPop
I think the name atomic comes from the small batteries in this kit.
Altan
“Coming soon!” I do dislike the words like “soon” in any language, very unclear words and I do believe is made for medieval times not for 21st century. Why not saying 6 months or 9 months? “soon” for me means something about today, not even tomorrow…
Philip Proctor
I’ll get the drill when available. Smaller and lighter is better for drilling small holes and turning small hardware screws.
Stephen
I recently dumped all of my Dewalt ( i had the 367 brushless compact sawzall, band saw, 885 and 787 impacts, 995 and 985 hammer drills, 14 gauge double cuts, brushed angle grinder and a whole pile of 4, 5 and 6ah flexvolt batteries) and took the money and jumped into Milwaukee with both feet…..best decision i ever made. Between the M12 and M18 lines, im my opinion they outmuscle and outlast any of the Dewalt tools that I have owned. Personally i think Milwaukee and Makita have a more refined delivery of power in just about any tool you use over the Dewalts. Credit where credit is due, the 885 impact may be the most bombproof impact ive ever had in my hands, the ones i had survived being used as an improvised hammer, fell out of attics and off 12ft A frames straight down and still worked afterwords. And i admit it broke my heart selling the Brushless compact sawzall, that thing was a beast when paired with the 6.0ah flexvolt battery i had, but my M12 and 18 hackzalls took the sting right out of that. Buying bare tools on Ebay helped me build the set I wanted, instead of settling for what they have at retailers, which is just fine with me. Again to each there own, but this stuff from Dewalt wouldnt make me want to run out and jump back on the yellow bandwagon hahaha
D Y
What I want to know is when will Milwaukee step up and fix the cordless nail guns that DO NOT WORK ? …. 2 inch 18 gauge in solid oak…. laughable . I’ve bought and returned 2 guns. One kept overheating and the other wouldn’t sink a 2 inch nail though a 1 1/2 inch pine cleats…… come on guys, some of us do this for a living.
Stuart
Good question, but how is that related to the new Dewalt Atomic cordless power tools? Please stick to the topic.
ToolGuyDan
Yeah, and while we’re at it, what’s the deal with airplane peanuts?
Stuart
No such thing anymore.
Jeremy Neill
Dewalt- I really want you to step your game up with a competitor to the latest Makita. I am a 20v guy through and through but you need to step it up soon with some more exciting offerings than this. I would say concentrate on a drill that is just slightly more powerful and more compact than the latest Milwaukee gen 3 and Impact and you’ll be back right where you should be! You’ve got me hooked and now keep me coming with not economy but instead first class top of the line stuff. Most of us don’t get excited about the ace hardware level tools any more.
Matt
What do we know about the new DeWalt 12v tools….? Is there a planned US release?
Hoser
There is no public knowledge of new 12V tools, therefore no release date.
John Fal
Well I just might be in for the new atomic saws. I’m still using my old 18v Dewalt saws lol, I like my m12 hacksaw but it lacks power.
So I’m for trying that hack saw and smaller circular saw. Can’t wait to see them. Good job Dewalt! (Now go and make us a bunch of new Flexvolt tools). I need a new cordless chainsaw too, one like milwaukees.
bobad
I have all DeWalt cordless tools, which I chose because I thought they were the least likely to change their battery platform. If one of my tools go out (unlikely), I wouldn’t hesitate to buy 1 of these.
Gruven Haus
Atomic? Aren’t there info ads for Atomic flashlights that can be frozen in a whole block of ice and still work plus make you look like a paratrooper????? AMAZING!!!!;
Mike Gillean
340 UWO?? My DCD991 has 820 UWO, for $124 Bare tool @ Amazon
Edward Hermanns
I personally would like to see a 20v atomic rotary hammer. Any news on the possibility of it coming?
Stuart
Haven’t heard anything about an Atomic rotary hammer.