Women and shoes are like me and tools. I believe in using the right too for the right job, and as a result, I am not afraid of any job. The right tool also makes the job go quicker and more safely. This, in combination with the fact that batteries die and that they often cost more than the tools, I have owned most of the major lines of cordless tools from DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee over the last 15 years.

First up, the hammer drill DCD985. All I can say is wowie-wow. I gave up on DeWalt about 8 years ago due to overpriced and short-lived batteries and only average performance/features. Before that, I used to be a real DeWalt fan. I am so glad to see DeWalt making quality tools like this again. This is the big daddy of the 20V max line, and I would not get any other. It is the most awesome drill/hammer drill I\’ve had since my old 24V DeWalt many years ago. IMO, the piece de resistance is the all-metal chuck with carbide jaws. In the old days, these were sourced from Rohm, and I have tried to find them for my other drills, they are so good. If you\’ve struggled with large bits spinning in the chuck, you will love this chuck. It\’s an all-metal chuck, so it can take some serious abuse and not get all cut up like cheap plastic ones. Speaking of, it also has an all metal transmission housing with 3 gears. The vast majority of drills have 2-speed transmissions (if any). Usually, the low speed is a granny gear for hole saws or spade bits, etc. Then the high speed is for tiny small bits or for grinding/sanding bits — often too high. This one has an additional middle speed which is often just right. It has a single, not-terribly-impressive LED below the chuck which is typical of many drills. I don\’t like that DeWalt uses marketing speak and won\’t tell me the torque output of the drill which is what I think of. This kit does come with TWO full-size (3AH) 20V max batteries which is very nice. The operation of the transmission, electric brake, etc., is smooth/powerful. Overall, I give the hammer drill 4 stars. The reason is that as good as it is, the battery life is unproven and, although this line is new to DeWalt, competitors have been making Li-ion tools for years and have a vastly broader offering. Thus, if you were only looking for a hammer drill, you could conceivably give this 5 stars.

On to why this is an interesting combo. For years, I have tried to economize and buy a kit of many tools using the same batteries. This is because of the hassle of buying/charging/storing/replacing the darn batteries and chargers. The reality is that around 18V is just right for a good (hammer) drill. Unfortunately, it is too weak for a saw (circular, recip, etc.). Also, it is overkill for light-duty tools like a light, or for tools for putting in shelving, or for instrument-type tools. So, I have given up on trying to use the same batteries, but at least with this combo, you can still use the same charger as the DCF610 screwdriver uses different 12V max batteries but the same charger. The cordless screwdriver has a quick-release 1/4″ hex shank “chuck”. It is the push-in to lock type (like the Rapid Load) which I like better than the pull-to-set/lock on the Milwaukee. It is about 3/4″ shorter than the Milwaukee and better balanced. The build quality/materials are nowhere near as beefy as its big brother, but the operation is better/smoother than the comparable Milwaukee M12 and Makita 10.8V products which I also own/have owned. It is better in that it has 3 LEDs on the front around the perimeter which can actually be useful compared to the single LED typical of many. I don\’t like how DeWalt\’s marketing speak says this is 12V “max” but 10.8V nominal. What does that mean? They also won\’t spec the torque. Also, the SINGLE battery is a compact size and rated at 15.6Wh. If you believe that\’s at 12V, that\’s 1.3AH which is better than the advertised 1.1AH. In any case, it is comparable to the Milwaukee M12 batteries which are either 14WH or 16WH — all of which are fairly wimpy and won\’t last long. I do, however, really like having a smaller light-weight drill. There are just too many uses where you just need to drill a small hole or work in a confined space where a big hammer drill is just unwieldy or will tire your arms. Like the 20V max hammer drill, the batteries are unproven. It does have the 3 LEDs, but only 1 battery, so I really consider this drill more like a teaser/sample since you will probably want a spare. Overall, I\’d give it 3 stars since it only comes with 1 battery and the motor does not feel as heavy-duty as 12V drills of yore (the Milwaukee is even cheaper-feeling). If it had 2 batteries and you were not interested in other 12V products, then 4 stars. Note: If you had a nice 12V Makita from 10 years ago, this — and the Miwaukee and Makita and Bosch — are not it. These are lightweight, compact drills. The 12V drills of yesteryear have moved up to ~18V.)

In sum, I\’m glad to see DeWalt making great quality tools again. I would rate these tools better than Milwaukee\’s and Makita\’s products. The lines are new and small, however, but hopefully will grow. If the lines were bigger, I would have no issue with only a single 12V max battery. Take a look at Milwaukee\’s M12 line to see what a huge line looks like. I have their M12 “Dremel” and “Fein” along with a few work lights and electrical tools. I have too many M12 batteries!

Both DeWalt tools also lack battery gauges. Although often fairly inaccurate, I am spoiled by this feature. You at least have an idea of whether you need a spare battery BEFORE you climb up the ladder, go into the attic, get situated under the whatever.

Finally, this set also comes with a nice (non-compartmented) nylon/canvas bag. The bag is generously sized to hold both tools and related “stuff”, and it has meaty plastic rails on the bottom to keep the bag off a wet floor and to reduce wear. A few minor nits in that there are no bit holders and the charger flashes rather brightly. Nits, though. If you are not so much interested in the breadth of the other tools in the line, then this should be at the top of your short list.

Four and a Half stars would be more appropriate (see my comments at the very bottom of the review) but marking it as 4 stars would not be fair, so I\’ve given it a 5 star rating.

Although I could give this 5 stars just for the drill-mounted light, there is ALOT more to like about these tools.

Heft — Heavy but well-balanced. Fit the hand like an extension thereof.

Weight — heavier than what I have been used to but every ounce worth the “weight”.

Performance – After charging up the pack (it arrived with a very low charge), I was more than satisfied with work performance, torque, speed, brute strength and endurance.

Endurance — Outlasts the rechargeable drill I have been using (generic brand) by leaps and bounds.

Work-light — while drilling in a dim-lit area, this was a huge help. Put the light right where it was needed.

Appearance – handsome, nice stand-out color combo.

Carry case– sturdy, big, nice looking, with great rubber feet on the bottom, nice to have pockets on the outside (small but usable). But everything gets jumbled up inside — I wish it had pockets (compartments) on the inside, for each unit and for chargers, as well as a place for drill bits and screw-driver bits.

UPDATE: Feb 2012 – I LOOOVE this Combo Kit. Battery retains charge for a long time, recharges effortlessly, and both machines are monsters that GET THE JOB DONE. GRRREAT!!