I have the full range of Dewalt Xtreme 12V Max brushless cordless power tools at my disposal (thank you, Dewalt!), and find myself using their screwdriver far more than I have with similar tools in the past.
I own a Milwaukee M12 screwdriver that I purchased as part of a Black Friday promo maybe 2 years ago, and I can’t tell why, but I tend to like this Dewalt cordless screwdriver a bit more.
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The Dewalt Xtreme Subcompact 12V Max screwdriver is not quite as small or compact as the visualizations “Xtreme Subcompact” might invoke, but it’s light and as small as I’d ever want it to be. The DCF601 cordless screwdriver is comfortable to use, and when it stands upright on its battery pack, I’ll never lose it on a table or benchtop.
My daughter got some small legos stuck inside a pop-up toy that she grew out of and we were looking to donate or give away. The toy had 13 screws (or thereabout if I recall correctly), and they were quite small.
A manual screwdriver would have been too tedious to use, and I couldn’t really see myself using a small inline cordless screwdriver on something like this – the ergonomics would have been brutal.
I was actually quite surprised at how much control the Dewalt Xtreme Subcompact cordless screwdriver provided me with, so that I didn’t strip out over-driver the self-threading screws.
This was a plastic toy, not a construction installation, and so something like an 18V drill/driver would have been a poor fit, leading me to use a ratcheting screwdriver, “pocket tool” type technician screwdriver, or precision screwdriver.
The screwdriver still has enough oomph for cabinetry applications and other such tasks where larger 18V or 20V Max drill/drivers or high-powered impact drivers might lack finesse and precise-enough low-end torque control.
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Cordless screwdrivers are by no means an essential part of my kit, but its perfect balance of size, speed, power, comfort, and control makes it one that I’m quite fond of.
There seem to be two distinct standpoints regarding tools like this. The first is one of dismissal – “why do they even bother making a tool like this?” The second is almost completely opposite – “I love my 12V screwdriver so much, why don’t brands make this in 18V/20V Max size?”
Yes, there’s a lot of overlap when it comes to functionality. Some brands now have multi-head cordless drill/drivers that might even make standalone cordless screwdrivers obsolete, although they’re often priced at a premium with more complex designs and loose pieces to lose.
Do you really need cordless screwdrivers with 1/4″ hex chucks when cordless drills often feature the same clutch dials and comparable speed and power? No. But the screwdriver’s smaller size has its benefits.
Plus, when you’re going back and forth between drilling and driving tasks, dedicated tools will make everything easier, quicker, or both.
Well, why not just use an impact driver? One could surely do this, especially with the speed and torque settings brushless motor tech allows for. But for smaller fasteners, it’s simply not optimal. Could you imagine working the #2 or #4 screws on a plastic toy with an impact driver? Well sure, you can, but that doesn’t make it ideal.
You could use a framing hammer on finish nails, but doesn’t it work out better to use a smooth-faced 12 or 16 oz claw hammer?
Back to the Dewalt Xtreme screwdriver – it could be smaller, it could be more powerful, and it could be faster. But as it is, it’s dialed-in just right, and I haven’t found anything I could complain about yet.
- 1/4″ hex chuck
- 200 UWO max power
- Brushless motor
- 0-1100 RPM
- 4.8″ length
- Weighs ~ 2.0 lbs with 2Ah battery
- 3 LED lights
- 15-setting clutch
Price: ~$119 for the kit
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The kit, DCF601F2, comes with the screwdriver, belt clip, (2) 2.0Ah batteries, charger, tool bag.
If you’re on the fence or don’t have an immediate need, you can usually save some money on this kit if you wait for a seasonal coupon or promo discount.
Do you find cordless screwdrivers like this one to be a “do not need” or “must-have” as part of your work or hobbies?
Chris I
I can’t imagine working on a plastic toy using a power tool at all, actually.
Stuart
That’s what I thought too, but I counted the screws and had the cordless screwdriver *right there* next to me and thought to give it a try.
Robert Adkins
I love my Hammerhead compact cordless screwdriver for working on computers, appliances, and toys. They went belly up, but must have sold the tooling and design to Skil, you can still buy a clone of it under that brand.
Paddy
Stuart , have you ever used the original 12 volt screwdriver and if so, how does this one feel in comparison? I know the newer one has a slight RPM increase and appears to be shorter but slightly fatter to the original unit.
Stuart
I donated mine a while back, and so I can’t make direct comparisons. Based on the brushless tech, you’re going to have more power here, and it’s going to be more capable. Also keep in mind that Dewalt can draw upon nearly a decade of advancements to polish the Xtreme subcompact model, whereas the original was a first generation Li-ion tool that even preceded the 20V Max line.
The original always felt okay to me, and I agree this new one has a chunkier appearance. But, it doesn’t feel as chunky as it looks. I guess it’s almost like they stuck the old version into a hydraulic press, and out came the new version with its stubby design.
I had to go weigh it for this post. My original preview post says it weighed 1.5 lbs without battery, but Dewalt’s website says it weighs 2.0 lbs for the tool only. That can’t be right, so I weighed it. ~1.5 lbs without and just a hair under 2.0 lbs with.
If I were a heavy user of the older model, I might upgrade right away. If I were a more casual user, I’d wait until I needed replacement batteries and then spring for the new kit.
The new version is a little lighter, with the older model said to weigh 2.2 lbs, but I think the geometry and balance will be more impactful than the small savings in weight.
John E
I have both. The new one sits on a shelf.
Jeff
I love this thing! From working on toys for the kids, assembling furniture for the wife, to driving drywall screws. It will even drive a #9×3″ deck screw. It is so light and handy. I drove 1lb of drywall screws and had 2 bars of battery left.
Bill
I’ve used my Dewalt 8v max, DCF680, gyroscopic screwdriver on a number of toys for the grandkids, as well as other delicate plastic applications, and I have found it works great. It takes a little getting use to, but because it also has a 15 position clutch and smaller and lighter than most other 12v screwdrivers, I find it almost perfect for these lighter tasks.
Paddy
That 8 volt driver is still my favourite and a go-to for all small jobs. The girlfriend loved it so much that I had to get her one as well! For slightly larger jobs, the original 12 volt screwdriver still pulls its weight.
Just a Medic
Agreed. That 8v screwdriver is perfect for repairing semi-disposable plastic toys. Using a 12v-class tool seems like overkill.
Ed Ski
Agreed. It takes some getting used to (twist slow or faster and direction) but I assembled an IKEA kitchen with it and have to swear (and at IKEA) that it was amazing. NOTE: You MUST get Pozidriv bits to do it right.
Paul
I love the extreme line. I carry and use it everyday in the trades. I always liked the balance of the dewalt 12v system better than the m12 line. Wish dewalt made a 12v compact bandsaw.
Rick
I don’t own a Dewalt; but it appears the battery would be much easier to remove than on the Milwaukee’s I own. Sweaty hands and trying to squeeze the tabs to remove the battery is difficult.
C_Andrews
Agree 100%. A smaller driver with a focus on control over raw horsepower is something I use quite often.
Gonna add this to the farm.
C_Andrews
Went to grab one at Lowe’s, they showed 5 in stock, but they couldn’t actually fine any. They said the difference was within the realm of shrinkage (shoplifting), and didn’t know when more would be coming.
Oy.
Nils
Hey- don’t let me talk you out of a tool but I actually use the 20v 887 impact driver and when you switch it to power level one it just snugs 1/2” #8 screws in plywood. It is really is incredible that it’s got so much finesse.
Same impact will bury lags all day in power level three. It’s nice to only need a single one.
Dave the tool
When DeWalt originally came out with the 12v line I bought in. Of the 3 tools, the drill, impact and screwdriver I also believed the screwdriver was the best of the 3. Unfortunately Dewalt didn’t expand the lineup past a recip Saw and scope so I bought in to the Milwaukee line and have never looked back. No contest, not even close between what Milwaukee offers in their 12v lineup! Milwaukee comes out with new M12 tools all the time and also updates older models when they think its time ie brushless, ergonomics, etc. I have the 2 speed brushless M12 screwdriver now and honestly I liked the Dewalts “feel” better but it makes no sense to invest in Dewalts 12v over Milwaukee unless you know you are not going to want other tools in the 12v line as Dewalt only has a few.
Bill
Dave, your post outlines my sentiments, and purchases, almost perfectly. In fact, based on the postings on this site over the last few years, many have jumped from the Dewalt 12v line to Milwaukee’s for this reason. But, as you and Stuart have said, there is much to like about the ergonomics of Dewalt’s tools. I still own my 12v Dewalt tools and they still get used from time to time.
Does anyone still own the venerable Dewalt 7.2v screwdriver (DW920), with the two position handle?
This was loved by many and while I still own mine, the batteries died long ago.
Dave the tool
I have (2) of the Dewalt 7.2v Screwdrivers. I picked them up second hand and both look and work like new plus the cases 2 batteries and charger. Dewalt sold a ton of these and they are cool BUT awkward to carry around, they don’t stand upright and don’t sit on a ladder well and are too long to put in a utility belt bag. Unfortunately my (2) just sit in their cases as I grab either my M12 tools or I have a smaller discontinued Craftsman Ryobi clone in the 4v line thats small enough to carry in my utility belt bag for the light end stuff.
Bremon
I bought this kit a few months ago. It’s a great tool for a wide variety of light tasks that don’t require the oomph of an impact driver while still being small and light. The clutch makes it much more applicable to fine tuning things than an impact does.
Jim Felt
When I first went cordless with the 9.6v NiCad Blue Makita’s I was hoping for more power. In the mid ‘90’s for some reason Costco had a pallet of the very first 18v DeWalt “pro” drivers that Fine Homebuilding was raving on about. I bought into DeWalt that day.
They all lasted into the 2010’s until I them all to Jimmy Carter/Habitat for Humanity.
First Bosch 12v than 18v replaced them and now Milwaukee, Hilti and Festool.
For whatever reason I never stayed with those otherwise great (for their moment) DeWalt tools. Tactile? Ergonomics? Color? Dunno.
Can’t go back though.
Robert Adkins
I think even heavy-duty drivers should have a clutch. I have broken off many stainless steel screws (which are notoriously weak) with my driver. I could set the clutch just short of the breaking point, and when it clutches, back it out and re-drive and it would probably go.
Kevin Denny
Just picked one of these up last week and have been using it a lot over that time. Im a big fan of the 1/4” screwdrivers as it seems with most of my projects I need balance and precision over raw power. Also, with the hex shank, swapping back and forth between different driving heads is a breeze. The one thing I kind of miss from my old Makita 10.8v screwdriver is the 2-speed transfer case. Of course it was much more necessary with the Makita as that thing was completely gutless, but having a low speed option was nice. Still, Im very happy with the new Dewalt and I would agree that this is the kind of tool you’ll use way more than you think.
Carl J
I have many DeWalt tools. However my new favorite is the Bosch GSR12Vscrewdriver. That darn little battery seems to last forever and because the battery is small, the tool itself is light but packs plenty of power and control. Last week I used the Bosch to put together a swing set. There were hundreds of fastners and some drilling too. Took me 7 hours in total to get that thing put together and the battery held up without needing a recharge. Additionally the kit has several heads that are interchangeable, eg right angle drill head that makes this little drill/screwdriver very, very versatile.
Clay
Got one for Father’s Day (along with the drill/impacr driver kit) and I love it so far. Used it yesterday working on a tub drain.
Chris
I have a m12 brushed Screwdriver I got close to 6years ago. (wow, I’ve been out of high school for 6 years…!) it was actually supposed to be a 3/8 chuck drill. But someone must have swapped it out and returned it… bastards. But it worked out in the end as I then had a reason to go buy a m12 fuel drill in the packout case.
I don’t really use the m12 screwdriver a whole lot unless I’m doing a lot of drilling and screwing, rather than changing drill bits. But it’s a pretty good tool. Torquey enough for what I need it for.
JoeM
I’ll join a third group: “Well, at least it still has a full-sized grip, unlike the Atomic series that made the grip shorter.”
If not for the fact that I still have a DCF885 (Brushed, but functioning just fine), and the 680 Gyro… I… Really don’t have any overlap not being covered, where I would need the 12V. Plus… It’s a Lowes exclusive, the entire Extreme Sub-Compact series 12 Volts are, last I checked. And, frankly, Exclusives get put on my “Never Buy” list, because I hate Exclusivity in Tools. Being told I can only shop one place to get something isn’t economically sound for me. Removing my choices is not how you get me to buy things.
Though, if I was in the identical situation as you, Stuart, I would’ve done the same. Grab that screwdriver and get the job done quiclky and efficiently. No need to go looking for what is right in front of your face.
Corey Moore
I’ve gotten all my Xtreme 12v’s from acmetools, there’s not a Lowe’s within 150 miles of me. I know other online distributors have them, too.
Paddy
The exclusivity is for big box stores so if the only dealer in your area is a Home Depot, you can’t see or hold the tool before deciding to buy.
Online ordering is good and I use it often but I prefer to see the tool first and see if it works for me before deciding where I’ll purchase it from. Fortunately there are a number of good independent dealers in the Montreal area that facilitates that but not everyone has that luxury.
JoeM
Yep, Paddy, I understand. I have a bias against Lowes for it destroying RONA Hardware to keep its foothold in Canada. Some RONA stores kept old, unsold and outdated, stock of some Dremel products, and now that feature is gone.
Which means I’m limited to one of a small handful of options. Atlas Tools, Blackrock Tools, Amazon, or Busy Bee Tools. None of them carries EVERYTHING, but among them, I can usually find at least SOMETHING. And Customer Service is AMAZING with all of them. I’ve contacted them just with questions and it’s like talking to a PERSON, not a script. You have no idea how happy it makes me to here “Oh, Dude… I totally understand what you’re saying… This thing can TOTALLY kick that (Other Brand) version any day! We know! We cracked a few out and tried them in the warehouse! It was awesome!”
Home Depot or Lowes customer support, there’s a lot of “We don’t recommend that as its use.” and “You’ll have to go through DeWALT for that, we won’t deal with that at our stores.” Which sucks. It’s like they’ve staffed the places with drones, instead of people who know the product!
JoeM
Canadian. Don’t have Acme. Been surfing the different alternatives, like Atlas and Blackrock for them though.
That said… I really APPRECIATE the 12 Volt Line… but I already bought into my 20V Max line, and the overlap is such that what I WANT from the 12 Volt Line are things like IR Thermometers, and the never-perfected Radar/Wall Scanner. I’d say the Inspection Camera too, but… I’m genuinely having trouble figuring out where I’d use it. I know at least 5 of my dear friends who could name off at least a dozen places THEY’D use it… but I don’t need it myself. If I had a crapload of disposable income, I WOULD buy them, plus spare parts and batteries, for those 5 dear friends, without guilt or remourse. Sadly, I am not that kind of wealthy.
I’m still rocking the original lineup of 20 Volt Max tools. The Brushed tools. Although I would… Well, I would give a testicle if it meant I could get my hands on the latest, upgraded XR BRUSHLESS versions… Like the… 797 Compact Hammerdrill? 997 Pro 3-speed Hammerdrill? 887 Impact Driver?… Every time I say “The Brushless ones look like it’s worth the upgrade, I just can’t afford it, and they release a slightly newer model that is EVEN BETTER. Then came the Atomic series, and I WAS in a Home Depot around Christmas 2019, and they had them on display. They shortened the grips, and now either my Index, or my Pinky, no longer grip ANY of those tools. That’s the first time the DeWALT line has gone into “I genuinely CAN’T go there” territory. But the “Full Sized” Brushless XR line… And a few of the FlexVOLT tools as well… I’d be in, if I could afford them. The 7.25″ Circular saws, 20 Volt, FlexVOLT, and Worm Drive.. MAYBE the Tracksaw? I could probably justify. The 790 Miter Saw, and whatever the 10″ Table Saw is? The Air Compressor and the Tire Inflator… Yeah, those would be great. Have trouble justifying angle grinders and the FlexVOLT Reciprocator, since my Brushed 380 is still a magnificent beast of a tool. Can’t see it needing a companion.
Rambling. Sorry Corey. Ultimately, I would recommend the 12V eXTreme Compact line before the 20 Volt Atomic line at this point. No offense intended to anyone who has, or prefers the Atomics. My hands are too big for the new grips on the Atomics. That makes it a little less safe to use, with fewer fingers on grip. If you’ve got smaller not-bear-paw hands, I’m sure the Atomic series are every bit as powerful and accurate as the rest of the 20 Volt Family. But… Sadly… I have Bear Paws… My Father and Grandfather had very large hands, and mine are only MARGINALLY smaller. I think my PINKY fingers are ring size 16? Index and Middle hitting 20+? This is NOT a criticism of DeWALT by any stretch. I just have abnormally large hands for the rest of me.
Ken Kuhlman
I made a video on this screwdriver a while back. Love this thing.
https://youtu.be/n1bVPM8hvYc
Paddy
Great review Ken!
Michael
The 12V screwdriver is my favorite by far! I got the 12V set as my first cordless set of tools because there was a sale and I had no reason to get into 20V for anything yet. I will pick up that screwdriver twice as much as any other. I only use the impact driver if the screwdriver can’t get it done, but that’s not very often. 3″ deck screws no problem. I was totally looking at the new model and should my batteries keep dying off I may purchase it just for the batteries.
Brett
Can you comment on the difference between the screwdriver and the impact driver in “screwdriver mode” (1 of 3 bars lit in the power adjust – the icon is a screw head). I frequently use that mode on my impact but don’t have the full on screwdriver. Didn’t think it was needed but maybe I’m wrong?
alex
The impact in this mode is much more slower than a regular screwdriver and can still destroy delicate materials if you are not careful. If you are working on delicate stuffs, a regular screwdriver is a better choice.
alex
You have to realize that because the way it’s made, the faster an impact spins, the more torque is applied to the fastner. Therefore the only way to reduce the torque applied to a fastener is by reducing the speed as well.
So it will save you in a pinch if you only have a of couple of delicate screws to drive but otherwise you should reserve your impact for though fasterners and use a proper screwdriver for any finish work where you don’t need additional torque.
Nathan
I’ve contemplated getting one for a while – really wish there was a 20V model of the same thing if only for common battery.
I purposely spent the few extra dollars on the 895 impact driver with the 3 speeds – and amaizingly later won a 887. same device really. In this case the 3 speeds/torque settings are very useful. Yes like said above it spins a bit slower in 1, which also causes the motor to put out less torque. For example I used that 895 to put down #4 screws in to 1/2 ply for a hinge. after pilot drilling mind you. and it works great but yes be a bit careful.
Ideally this device would have worked as well or better and I would suspect faster if nothing else. both are faster than by hand.
anything more delicate like screwing down some electronics for example – I would certainly want one of these. Might even be nice to have more than 15 settings.
Question does the dewalt manual happen to indicate a rough torque range for each setting? Reason I ask – sometimes you might have torque settings for putting together something – it would be nice to be able to set it within range and let it rip.
adam
I have the original 12v screw driver and it is my go-to driver for most tasks around the house. I love the thing!
Nathan
wait so the atomic line has a different handle/ergonomics? hmm.
meanwhile – I purposely bought the 3sp 895 impactor when it came out – i now own a 887 which is similar won it somehow.
anyway – like said above I find you can do fine work with the 1 lower speed – but I will also say you have to be a touch careful. I have run #4 screws with it, and larger screws I will use speed 2. rarely using speed 3 other than for large or longer items. like a 3 inch #10 or a lag screw.
But I see a benefit to using this screwdriver. question does the manual have any sort of torque ranges for the clutch settings? Years ago I used a driver from some company that did that and I thought it was useful.
Fm2176
I have two of the original 12v Max screwdrivers as well as two of the 8v Max gyro versions. I love those for basic installations and repairs. If I need more power I have a slew of DeWalt 20v Max, M12 Fuel, M18 Fuel, and Ridgid 18v drills and drivers.
The only 12v Max Xtreme tool I have so far is the 3/8″ impact wrench. It doesn’t fit in with the rest of my cordless mechanic’s tools, since the mid-torque, and both high torque Fuel 1/2″ impacts as well as the non-Fuel 3/8″ and Fuel 1/2″ ratchets round out my toolbox.
JoeM
The Atomic line does have a slightly shorter grip. Yet the 12Volt eXTreme Subcompact line are full-sized grips, nearly identical to the 20Volt Max/XR/FlexVOLT grips that are so loved by those who have held them.
You just have to ask yourself a question before buying an Atomic… Do any of your fingers fit a ring size lower than 10, or as high as 12? If so, you won’t notice the difference with the Atomic line. The profile and ratios are identical to the rest of the family. It genuinely comes down to whether or not you have “Bear Paws” for hands.
My Pinky on both hands take a ring size of 14. By the time you get to my middle and index, that has gone up to size 20. My Thumb, if I WAS to put a ring on it, would probably be somewhere in the region of size 24. This is on both hands. Add it up, and the width of my fingers are wider than the grip on the Atomic is long. NOT BY MUCH. But, it’s enough to require one finger to go unused. Either the pinky hangs over the battery, or the index is on the tool body, leaving your middle to use the trigger. Right or left handed, this is somewhat inconvenient.
This is a minor quibble at best. The design, grip, and profile are still the same. Just shrunk a little bit. The whole tool is intentionally small, hence the name Atomic, right? So, if you need sub-compact 20 Volt DeWALT tools, Atomic should work fine for you. If you have hands like mine, chances are you’re never, EVER, putting them into such cramped quarters as to make the Atomic line mission-critical to your life.
Big Hands? Don’t try the Atomics. Go to the standard XR line, and FlexVOLT lines. We don’t shame people for wearing different sized gloves, we shouldn’t have the problem with the Tools they choose either. My hands don’t fit the Atomics. Not that important to me, or the tool line. If the glove doesn’t fit, get the size that does. Atomic doesn’t fit in your hands? Go XR. Problem solved.
Lyle
I love this thing. I currently have the following:
Current generation Dewalt 12V screwdriver
Previous generation Dewalt 12V screwdriver
Bosch 12V FlexiClick (previous brushed version)
I have also owned:
Milwaukee M12 drill (no idea specifically which model)
Bosch PS22 (brushless screwdriver)
I’m just an average homeowner/DIYer that likes to build or work on things over the weekend. With that being said, for me I think the biggest differentiator is ergonomics. I don’t have big or small hands. I just think that the Dewalt tools in general feel better to me. On the 12V side, because Dewalt (and Makita) put the batteries below the handle as opposed to inside the handle (3 18650’s in a triangular arrangement), the handle is a bit slimmer and feels more comfortable to me.
I only kept the Bosh because the FlexiClick offers the various attachments that really offer some specialty when necessary. I don’t use the tools often enough to notice a difference in power/endurance between brushed/brushless versions. I just think that they feel very balanced and comfortable to use. Right now, my go to is still the older 12V, which is narrower, but a little bit longer. It does weight a little bit more but it’s so light that the difference is negligible. One huge improvement was the introduction of a battery gauge on the 12V batteries. For a while, you could pickup the older version of the Dewalt 12V screwdriver for like $70.
Javier A.
The DeWalt DCF601 is what made me buy into the DeWalt 12V (and eventually the 20V) line. It is the best electric screwdriver I’ve ever used, period. The size, the (lack of) weight, the myriad of adjustable clutch settings, and the excellent light ring around the collet make it my favorite and “first-grab” screwdriver. The only thing I wish it was was the ability to use 1″ bits – they fit, but won’t lock into place – but that’s the cas with most tools of this type, so it’s really a “wish list” type of thing, and not a complaint.
I personally experienced your point about having dedicated tools when putting together a large wooden playhouse/swingset for my daughter early this year. I used the 12V Xtreme drill to drill my pilot holds, and then started driving the screws in with the 12V Xtreme Screwdriver. Probably saved me at least 1/2 hour of switching back and forth between twist drills and phillips bits.
I was so pleased with the Xtreme line that I wound up with most of it: the Screwdriver, the Drill, the impact driver, and the impact wrench. I’ve used all of them, and have been very, very happy with their performance, weight, and ergonomics. The price on these kits is also excellent when you catch one of the frequent sales that these seem to be on. I just wish DeWalt would come out with a 4.0Ah battery!