Last Updated on 2021-11-19 by Harry Masterton
When it comes to the limitations of cordless power tools, most woodworkers think in terms of power and space. The DeWalt Drill Atomic Compact Series is the manufacturer's answer to both potential issues. What follows is a closer look at the various DeWalt Atomic Drill products offered in the line advertised with the tagline “where size meets power.”
In A Hurry? Go straight to the Best Atomic Drill Winners In Each Category.
- Best Atomic Drill/Driver – DeWalt Atomic DCD708C2
- Best Atomic Impact Driver – DeWalt Atomic DCF850B
- Best Atomic Hammer Drill + SDS – DeWalt Atomic DCH172B
But, what does that mean? How can it help you as a carpenter, DIY homeowner, or woodworking hobbyist? The DeWalt Atomic Compact Series is a collection of cordless power tools designed for drilling and driving, with a majority of the following content broken into:
DeWalt Atomic Drill who and what – A closer look at the product line, its purpose, and how the DeWalt Atomic Drill compares to other DeWalt tool cordless products;
DeWalt Atomic drill review – Some entries below examine the drills in this line. Each DeWalt Atomic drill review covers important features that help modify projects;
DeWalt Atomic impact review – Cordless impact drivers are a popular tool, especially with homeowners. The DeWalt Atomic impact review sections examine torque and other features that help drive fasteners without damaging projects;
DeWalt Atomic hammer drill review – Adding the impact motion to drilling allows you to bore into hard materials quickly. Our DeWalt Atomic hammer drill review entries highlight control features and power specs.
DeWALT Atomic Drill Deep Dive 11 Tool Full Range Reviewed
What Is DeWALT Atomic Drill?
The phrasing “What is DeWalt Atomic drill” might feel clunky coming off the tongue, but it is a smooth search phrase that will produce a wall of search results. If you want to understand what the DeWalt Atomic drill is and what it can do for you, the answer to these questions will help:
What are DeWalt Atomic tools?
The Atomic product line introduces cordless power tools that are lightweight, smaller, and capable of being used in tight spaces or overhead. These tools use the latest technology to run longer and provide more power.
What is the DeWalt Atomic Compact series?
These cordless power tools come with a compact nose tip. Drills and drivers in the series can fit where other products can not operate. The DeWalt Atomic Compact Series is a game changer in terms of power tool accessibility.
Are DeWalt Atomic tools brushless?
Yes. The electric motors do not use carbon brushes, making them run cool and efficiently. There are also fewer moving parts that can break.
What is DeWalt Atomic drill, or even better, what are DeWalt Atomic tools? An ideal solution for woodworkers needing compact tools for tight spaces and awkward angles that are lightweight, compact, and powerful.
DeWALT Atomic Drill Specs
Your DeWalt Atomic drill is part of a product line with unique features compared to other cordless models. Stand-outs with DeWalt Atomic drill specs that caught our eye include:
- Weight;
- Size;
- Battery system;
- Torque.
Lightweight with belt clip
Most Atomic drill, driver, and hammer drill designs weigh roughly a third less than products with similar outputs. The DeWalt Atomic Compact Series 20V drill (DCD777C2) has a tool weight of 2.6 pounds, while full-sized cordless drills are 3.5-pounds or more. That is something you will notice when working overhead or away from your body.
Compact
One of the advantages of the DeWalt Atomic drill series is its compact design. The DeWalt Atomic Compact Series 20V drill DCD708 is only 6.3-inches from tip to back. That fits between most building studs and will clear the interior walls on larger boxes and woodworking projects.
This will generally mean that you will get easier tool control, increased comfort over long work periods, superior visibility with the added advantage of being able to avoid damaging delicate work surfaces
Battery platform
These cordless drills use the 20V MAX batteries, which sell with a wide array of DeWalt tools. Even DeWalt Atomic drill tool only purchases use them.
They are Lithium-Ion, hold a maximum of 20-volts, and run nominally at 18-volts. The MAX range comes at 1.3ah battery or more capacity.
Torque
It is crucial to have the torque for wide bits or long fasteners, and DeWalt Atomic drill products have plenty. For example, the DeWalt Atomic drill tool only, kits, and combos produce up to 1,700 inch-pounds of torque (depending upon the model in question).
Dewalt Atomic vs The Rest
How does the DeWalt Atomic drill series compare to other popular options on the market as in their own DeWALT xr?
DeWalt Atomic drill vs XR
DeWALT 20v max battery with brushless motors as a standard.
The Atomic line kept these additions but reduced weight and size. Atomic products win the DeWalt Atomic drill vs XR debate.
DeWalt Atomic drill vs Makita Subcompact
Makita's answer to the Atomic line is the Subcompact series, which makes most specs the same when comparing DeWalt Atomic drill vs Makita Subcompact.
Makita designs are slightly more compact, but DeWalt will still be more durable. DeWalt's 20V has more capacity than Makita's 18V batteries for sure.
DeWalt Atomic vs Milwaukee M12
DeWalt Atomic vs Milwaukee M12 favors the Atomic series. It has more torque, power, and a better battery.
DeWalt Atomic vs Milwaukee Fuel
Price is the difference in the DeWalt Atomic vs Milwaukee Fuel product lines. They operate similarly, but the Fuel products are more pricey.
DeWalt Atomic drill vs Milwaukee M18
Battery design and power/torque favor the DeWalt Atomic drill. Milwaukee's five-year warranty is their stand-out in the DeWalt Atomic drill vs Milwaukee M18 comparison.
DeWalt Atomic Drill – Full Range Reviewed and Rated
DEWALT Atomic DCD708C2 20V MAX Compact 1-2 Inch Cordless Drill – Driver Kit
The DeWalt Atomic drill in this review might be familiar to our readers, as the “bare tool” version (DeWALT DCD708) has a previous entry on our site. Our DeWalt DCD708C2 review recaps previous information while discussing what extras come in the kit.
4.8 out of 5.0 starsAtomic products provide a small tool profile, and the DCD708B measures down at 7.9 H x 6.3-inches Long. Its tool weight of 2.4 pounds is light compared to full-sized cordless products with similar output ratings. The DeWalt DCD708B is the bare tool (previously reviewed) and the DCD708C2 is a kit with 2 batteries, the charger, and a bag.
DEWALT DCD708C2 – Features
The kits in this DeWalt DCD708C2 review come with a charger and two batteries. A 1.3 amp-hour rating is limiting for job sites, but light-duty work around the house/shop is fine. Its second battery can charge while you work.
Unit Watts Out (UWO) is 340, which is plenty for drilling shallow holes or driving most fasteners. A variable speed trigger provides a range of RPMs that go up to 1,650 and 15 clutch settings make sure you do not overdo it.
DEWALT DCD708C2 – Things We Like
- The DeWalt DCD708C2 has a two-speed design to improve versatility. Ranges include 0 to 450 RPMs and 0 to 1,650 RPMs;
- The ratcheting clutch is 1/2-inch in size. That offers a stronger hold on bit shafts giving superior bit gripping strength and can equip more bits than a smaller chuck;
- Including two batteries is a bonus for those buying this kit. It allows you to charge one while using the other, which is important with the limited amp-hours with these particular packs.
DEWALT DCD708C2 – Not So Good
- The 1.3 amp-hour rating will limit the runtime on this DeWalt Atomic drill product. that can be a problem on the job site, where maximum usage drains batteries fast;
- It comes with a soft-side storage bag. The drill, batteries, and charger will move around (a TOUGH-SYSTEM Hard case would be better).
DeWalt ATOMIC DCF850B 20V MAX 1/4 IN. BRUSHLESS CORDLESS 3-SPEED IMPACT DRIVER
4.7 out of 5.0 stars
The DeWalt Atomic impact driver stands 8-inches high, and the tool length is 3.97-inches. That is shorter than many other DeWalt Atomic drill designs and allows you to use longer fasteners in tight spaces. It has a tool weight of 2.1 pounds, making it a power tool you can use without tiring out from carrying it around and holding it away from you.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCF850B – Features
Like other products in the series, the DeWalt Atomic impact driver runs off the V20 MAX batteries. Amp-hours will be critical as the impact and torque drain the battery pack, so we recommend buying the highest amp-hour rating that you can afford. Three amp-hours should be a minimum for DIY use, and getting a second battery pack allows you to work without interruption.
A 1/4-inch quick-release hex shank helps with workflow, as does the 3,800 IPM rating. Its maximum no-load speed is 3,250 RPMs, and you can get 1,825 inch-pounds of torque to twist those long fasteners through wood posts or sheet metal.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCF850B – Things We Like
- Generates 3,800 Impacts Per Minute. That speed range will drive fasteners quickly through tough materials;
- You can get 1,825 inch-pounds of torque maximum here. Most users will not require more than this for non-commercial applications;
- A length under four inches leaves plenty of room for fasteners between studs. The extra clearance is useful for the proper alignment of the fastener before driving it.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCF850B – Not So Good
- Like most impact drivers, this cordless power tool can be loud. You will need to wear ear protection, especially with long-running sessions;
- An impact-only tool design is not effective for drilling. The power tool is limited to driving fasteners, so you will likely need a separate DeWalt Atomic drill to complement it.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCH172B 20V MAX 5/8 IN. BRUSHLESS CORDLESS SDS PLUS ROTARY HAMMER (TOOL ONLY)
Hammer drills are known for being larger designs due to the mechanisms held within the housing. The DCH172B is not as compact as other DeWalt Atomic drill products but weighs only 4.4 pounds. You will find it easier to hold above your head or with outstretched arms than other full-sized drills with hammer functionality.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCH172B – Features
It is with heavy-duty tools that the brushless electric motor shines. It provides a bit more power, generates less heat, and will be more durable. All of these features are critical with a hammer drill forcing bits into concrete or other materials.
It has a Shocks Active Vibration Control system, reducing handle vibration. It still generates a vibration measurement of 8.8 M/S 2, indicating that you do not want to use it for hours daily to avoid damage to your body.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCH172B – Things We Like
- A Blows Per Minute rating between 0 and 1,100. That helps drive through tough materials without cracking or splitting the projects this compact tool would be used on;
- It has 1.4 Joules of impact energy, which sits in the middle of the common impact energy range. You can tackle most DIY jobs but might need more for heavy-duty workloads;
- The 360-degree side-handle allows for off-hand adjustment for either hand. Adjustability provides better control, no matter what angle you are working from.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCH172B – Not So Good
- It is an SDS product, using slotted bits for hammer drill applications. That limits your bit selection, compared to other Atomic power tools;
- As a rotary hammer drill design, this product is not as compact as other products in the DeWalt Atomic drill line. It is still smaller than other hammer drills with similar output, and it weighs only 4.4-pounds.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCF850P1 20V MAX 1/4 IN. BRUSHLESS CORDLESS 3-SPEED IMPACT DRILLDRIVER KIT
4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Impact drivers are a crucial subset of power tools in the DeWalt Atomic drill series, providing you with the power to drive fasteners for framing, fencing, and production assembly. The 8-inch tool height is standard, but the 3.97-inch tool length is not. Add to that the 2.1-pound tool weight, and you have a compact tool that fits anywhere.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCF850P1 – Features
It uses the same batteries that all DeWalt Atomic drill models do, but this battery has a 5.0 amp-hour rating that will last you longer. That will fuel the 1,825 inch-pounds of torque, 3,800 Impacts Per Minute, and 3,250 no-load RPMs this driver puts out.
A 90-day money-back guarantee, one-year free service, and three-year warranty cover a tool that will get plenty of work on the job.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCF850P1 – Things We Like
- A 5.0 amp-hour battery is included with the kit. That is higher than other ratings, giving you plenty of work time on a single charge;
- The variable speed trigger offers instant changes to RPMs. That allows you to control speeds to prevent cracks or splits in the wood and other materials;
- Its 3.97-inch nose length is 29-percent shorter than most full-sized impact driver heads. That gives you plenty of space, even with a fastener loaded on the tip.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCF850P1 – Not So Good
- It uses the DCB112 charger for 12v/20v MAX battery packs that indicate it puts a full charge in one hour or less. The 5.0 amp-hour battery pack may take longer than advertised to get a full charge, though;
- The kit comes with only one battery, instead of two like other DeWalt Atomic kits. That single battery will last through most jobs with a 5.0 amp-hour pack, but this means the impact driver is down when charging.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCH172D2 20V MAX 5/8 IN. BRUSHLESS CORDLESS SDS PLUS ROTARY HAMMER KIT
Some DeWalt Atomic drill designs can only shrink down so far, and the hammer drill is one of those. While it does have a larger body design and auxiliary handle, the DCH172D2 has a shorter length than full-sized hammer drill products. It weighs 4.4 pounds, which appears heavy for an Atomic product but is light compared to other cordless hammer drills.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCH172D2 – Features
It uses the 20V MAX battery platform for power and comes with two packs rated at 2.0 amp-hours. Those will drain quickly on a job site but will be adequate for most small projects around the house.
Using 1.4 Joules of impact power will put holes in concrete quickly. A single switch changes between drilling and hammer drilling, allowing you to use the tool without the bone-jarring vibrations.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCH172D2 – Things We Like
- A 4.4-pound tool weight is decent for this type of drill. You will find it easier to use from a ladder or in other awkward spots when drilling away from your body;
- The depth rod is an often overlooked accessory that improves accuracy as you work. You can set it to make sure that holes won't go beyond the depth you desire;
- You get a DCB112 battery charger and two DCB203 2.0 amp-hour 20V MAX battery packs. These will work for small projects and allow you to charge one while working with the other.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCH172D2 – Not So Good
- The mechanisms that produce the hammering impact add bulk to the drill design. It weighs twice as much as other products in the DeWalt Atomic drill series;
- A hammer drill has limited use for woodworking projects. The kit can be useful if you are working on decks or add-ons, though.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCK279C2 20V MAX BRUSHLESS CORDLESS 1/2 IN. HAMMER DRILL/DRIVER AND 1/4 IN. IMPACT DRIVER KIT
4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Your DeWalt Atomic Compact series DCK279C2 purchase is a starter kit that gets you a hammer drill driver (6.9-inches nose length), impact driver (5.1-inches nose length), DCB112 12v/20v charger, and two 20V MAX 2.0 amp-hour batteries. A soft-side bag carries everything and acts as a storage space.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCK279C2 – Features
Two battery packs rated at 2.0 amp-hours will get most of us through more than one woodworking project. The only time it might be an issue is if you are making several holes with wide bits, and then it would have to be deep holes, or dense wood grain, to drain the batteries quickly.
Power output is why the DeWalt Atomic drill products in this kit stand out. Woodworkers can use the 340 UWO to their advantage, and the 1,700 inch-pounds of torque is more than enough for fasteners in boxes or cabinetry. These tools fit where other drills can not, and their lightweight allows you to use them all day without discomfort.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCK279C2 – Things We Like
- These tools are lightweight at 2.1 and 2.5 pounds with a powerful brushless motor. Both together weigh 4.6 pounds, which is lighter than some drills;
- Combining a hammer drill/drive with an impact driver covers most users' needs for life. You may never need to upgrade again;
- DeWalt has you covered with a 90-day money-back guarantee, one-year of free service, and a three-year limited warranty. It is the coverage package that sets the market trend.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCK279C2 – Not So Good
- A 1,700 inch-pound output is less than other DeWalt Atomic drill products. The DCF850P1 generate 1,125 more inch-pounds of force;
- The DeWalt Atomic Compact series DCK279C2 comes with 2.0 amp-hour battery packs. They might work for small jobs, but will drain quickly under heavier workloads.
Dewalt ATOMIC DCK489D2 20V MAX Brushless Lithium-Ion Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit
Why settle for a DeWalt Atomic drill when you can have three more cordless power tools as well? Your purchase includes the DCD708 Cordless Drill/Driver, DCF809 Cordless Impact Driver, DCS354 Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool, and DCS369 Cordless Reciprocating Saw. Two 20V MAX battery packs and a charger complete the kit.
The DeWalt Atomic drill and driver design let you drill holes then drive screws efficiently. Adding an impact driver makes things even faster since you won't have to change tips (and with more torque). It is a kit that homeowners and carpenters will appreciate because the reciprocating saw and oscillating tool make demolition/rough-cut jobs fast and easy.
- Four tools cover lots of jobs;
- LED lights help you see in tight spaces;
- It comes with smaller 2.0-amp hour battery packs.
DEWALT ATOMIC DCK278C2 20V MAX Compact Cordless Drill Combo Kit
4.8 out of 5.0 stars
The stand-out feature in most DeWalt Atomic DCK278C2 reviews, including ours, is the power and torque of these tools. Unit watts out for the DCD708B Compact 1/2-Inch Drill Driver is 340. The DCF809B Compact 1/4-Inch Impact Driver provides up to 1,700 inch-pounds of torque.
Those specs are plenty for home and hobby wood projects. These tools would be great for job site use if they came with battery packs that offered a few more amp-hours. DeWalt attempts to address this with a charger that gets batteries ready in an hour.
Most DeWalt Atomic DCK278C2 reviews fail to mention the redundant tool pairing (the DeWalt Atomic drill functions as a driver also).
- Plenty of power/torque;
- Fast battery charge;
- Pairing a DeWalt Atomic drill and driver/impact driver is redundant.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCKTS279C2 20V MAX BRUSHLESS HAMMER DRILL/DRIVER AND IMPACT DRIVER COMBO KIT WITH TOUGHSYSTEM
The DeWalt Atomic drill in this kit functions as a hammer drill and impact driver also. A separate impact driver provides increased torque when needed. Adding the Toughsystem hard case for protection makes this a kit that contractors and other professionals will like.
Added features on the DeWalt Atomic drill and the impact driver make them a good tool for on-the-job. Belt clips keep tools within reach, even on ladders or other perched areas. LED lights shine on work surfaces, even in low-light areas found on construction sites or fabrication shops.
Larger vents combined with the brushless motors will keep things cool as you work throughout the day, and two batteries prevent downtime.
- Large cooling vents;
- Combo-kit hardcase;
- Specialized impact/hammer settings drain battery quickly.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCF809B 20V MAX BRUSHLESS CORDLESS COMPACT 1/4 IN. IMPACT DRIVER (TOOL ONLY)
The purpose of the DeWalt Atomic drill series was to offer compact and lightweight cordless power tools, and this impact driver highlights that. A stubby 5.1-inch nose will fit in most places you would need an impact tool, and it weighs only 2.1 pounds.
We feel that the 1,700 inch-pounds of torque will serve most DIYers and woodworking hobbyists adequately. Professionals might require more power from their tools, but this would make a good backup for remote locations.
The only downside to downsizing a high-torque power tool is that there is little (if any) room for an operator's off-hand. You can place your palm on the back edge, but you will block the vents with your fingers.
- A 5.1-inch nose length;
- Three LED light-ring;
- No space for your off-hand.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCD709B 20V MAX 1/2 IN. CORDLESS COMPACT HAMMER DRILL/DRIVER (TOOL ONLY)
Our DeWalt Atomic hammer drill review highlights the small details, like the bottom-loading battery slot that will not increase the short profile that makes the DeWalt Atomic drill series popular. It uses an ergonomic pistol-drip that prevents slips and provides comfort all day long.
4.6 out of 5.0 stars
What stands out on this DeWalt Atomic drill design is the 7.5-inch length, which provides plenty of access between studs, inside bigger boxes, and corners on fine woodworking projects. You might not need the hammer drill feature often in your shop, but the drill and driver functions will get plenty of use.
There is a real advantage to buying a tool only if you already own other Atomic power tools/kits.
- Variable speed settings;
- Uses 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck;
- Poor LED light location which doesn't give optimum illumination.
Dewalt Atomic Drill Review A Conclusive Drill Down
As you can see, the DeWalt Atomic drill series offers a little tool with efficient performance (going back to DeWalt's “Where size meets power”). Finding answers to questions like, “Are DeWalt Atomic tools brushless,” has shown us that the series of cordless power tools is worth buying. Now, we need to ask, what are DeWalt Atomic tools going to do for you?
The answer depends upon your needs:
- DIY homeowner – A DeWalt Atomic drill or drill/driver with a 2.0 amp-hour battery works for around the house or garage;
- Woodworking hobbyist – Kits with a drill, drill/driver, and impact drivers can assist you with building projects;
- Professional contractor or fabrication shops – Hammer drills, impact drivers, and drills with higher amp-hour batteries and the TOUGHSYSTEM hard cases are a must.
Next, consider what you already have, and pick:
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- New woodworker/no tools – Kits with chargers/batteries gets you started;
- Some DeWalt 20V MAX or Atomic tools – Smaller combos or tool only to upgrade or complete your tool kit;
- Anyone with DeWalt Atomic drill products – Tool only purchases for the specific item you need.
DeWalt Atomic Drill – our recommendations:
Best Drill/Driver – DeWalt DCD708C2
Two different speed ranges, 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck, 340 UWO, 15 clutch settings, and 1,650 RPMs, offer plenty of power and versatility. Including a charger and two batteries makes it ideal for the shop.
Best Impact Driver – DeWalt Atomic DCF850B
Offers three-speeds, 3,800 IPMs, 3,250 RPMs, and 1,825 inch-pounds of torque. A nose length of 3.97-inches and a tool weight of 2.1 pounds is what the Atomic line is all about.
Best Hammer Drill + SDS – DeWalt Atomic DCH172B
It generates up to 1,110 blows per minute, 1.4 Joules of impact energy, and 4.4 pounds tool weight. Add in the 360-degree auxiliary handle and Shocks Active Vibration Control system, and you have a winner!
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