Pros:
- compact, short, lightweight = a joy to use
- slim handle is great for smaller hands (e.g. women, kids)
- one-handed chuck uses all types of bits
- good high end speed for drilling
- well balanced
- stands upright; belt hook
- excellent battery life between uses
- relatively inexpensive for additional battery packs (30 USD)
- powerful enough for 98% of my drilling/driving needs
Cons:
- LED lighting isn't as good as the hex chuck version of this drill
- the one handed chuck adds length as compared to the hex chuck version of this drill
- not cheap (but worth the price I think)
Dewalt was little late in releasing their compact driver drills (Bosch has had one for years), but they really set themselves apart for the rest with this one.
I think this category of drill is perfect for most homeowners. Bosch, Porter-Cable, Makita, Milwaukee, Dewalt, and others all make ultra compact 12V lithium ion driver/drills. They are all a vast improvement over previous options because:
1) Lightweight: e.g. drilling over you head to hang pictures
2) Lithium Ion Batteries: don't lose as much charge between uses
3) Compact: can fit your drill in tight places
All manufacturers except Dewalt put the battery in the handle which makes for a beefy handle and an off balance drill. Dewalt puts the battery at the bottom which balances the drill and allows it to have a more ergonomic grip. My wife tried some of the other drills with the battery in the handle and found them awkward to hold because of the size of the grip. She loves this one.
The combination of a lightweight drill with a slim grip makes this the perfect drill for many women. Even my kids can use it. My wife hates my Porter Cable 14.4 volt NiCad because it is so darn heavy that she has to use two hands and almost throws out her back doing it. Now my doesn't have to ask me to do the drilling because she can do it herself comfortably.
Dewalt is a great choice for drill to have around the house that every one can use.
If you found this review helpful, let me know with your vote. If not, then leave a comment on how I can improve the review. DEWALT DCD710S2 12-Volt Max 3/8-Inch Drill Driver Kit
This past summer the big orange box store was promoting Milwaukee 12v lithium ion 2310 inspection camera with free 2401 m12 compact screwdriver. Well, always wanted an camera (tired of poking holes in drywall and using a mirror with flashlight), but wasn't crazy about the driver. You see, I have small hands, and the handle of the driver was wide to accommodate the barrel-shaped battery. Plus, if you wanted to use drill bits, one had to get the bits with hex shank. The rep offered a free 3 ft. ext. cable - that sealed the deal!
To my dismay the Dewalt new 12v max drill/driver came out 3 months later. Never had Dewalt before, because of the weight/big handle issues. So I got it. Here are my comparisons:
Milwaukee: Fatter handle to grip.
Difficult to pull out battery (have to squeeze tabs).
Need hex-shanked drill bits.
Short enough to put in pocket.
Dewalt: Very easy grip.
Easy slide-out battery.
Stands up. If laid down on side, has rubber bumpers. Won't scratch fingers picking it up.
Belt hook. No need to put in pocket.
Yellow easier to see in dark (like attics).
So far both are powerful enough for my needs: remodeling/maintaining rentals. Time will tell which will last longer.
In all fairness, keep in mind the Milwaukee is a compact driver(hex) and the Dewalt is a drill/driver(chuck).
I'm a tiny old lady (70 yrs, 110 lbs, 5'1") and have small, arthritic hands. My husband has several Drill-Drivers and I can barely hold them with two hands, much less manage holding a screw or other item. I can actually hold and effectively use this drill with ONE HAND ONLY. WHAT A JOY! I dreaded projects and repairs that required a drill but now I look forward to using this gem. The quick load accessory is a must for rapidly changing bits or drivers. The tiny battery adds to the lightweight compactness of this tool. Don't know what kind of battery life I'll get but charging the battery for the first time was quite rapid. I look forward to years of enjoying this device.
First, I must say I am just a handy homeowner who decided after many years to upgrade to a cordless drill. Being a woman, I never liked the large drills and battery packs. When I saw this, I had to have it. It is lightweight yet pretty powerful, although I'm no expert. I did read many reviews and most are very favorable. I helped a friend hang curtain rods with it and now she says she wants one!!! Now it is my favorite tool.
This drill is a darn nice tool for its intended purpose which is well beyond occasional homeowner use. While I'm not a contractor, I operate a farm and greenhouse operation and have use for an extensive line of tools including 36v, 18v, and now 12v max Dewalt cordless. Each has its place, but I found I seldom used my two 36v drills nor my 18v drills with their truly wonderful lithium nano-phosphate batteries. Sure, for heavy portable drilling, sawing, grinding, and fastener-driving I reach for the 36v or the 18v. The higher voltage drills, though, are quite large and cumbersome compared to this new 12v max. This little guy is CONVENIENT, very confortable, and very well thought out. It has rubber bumpers to protect fine finishes should you set it down on a table for instance; the belt clip is enormously handy, the handle is properly sized for the human hand, the chuck tightens easily and firm. The battery life and torque output of these tools is impressive given their size. I think Dewalt, a little late into this competition for quality compact tools, has hit a home-run with this line-up. BTW - My favorite tool of all time is the 18v DC827 (same driver as DC826 and DC825) 1/4" hex impact with DC9180 batteries. Playing around with the new DCF815 (12v max impact driver) and this little DCD710 drill has me convinced that these new little guys will be the most reached-for cordless tools in my lineup. Amazon's prices are really terrific on these Dewalt tools at the moment, but I'd strongly recommend going to a brick and morter store to try these and other offerings by Dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee etc. if you're new to the game. If you're primarily driving fasteners, think hard about an impact driver instead or in addition; they're pretty good for drilling too but vastly superior to a drill for all but finish driving. For odd jobs around the house with a single cordless tool I'd probably reach for the DCF610 screwdriver instead of either the drill/driver or impact. It's light, comfortable, one-hand bit change, terrific illumination, easy to control so it won't damage delicate screws, and it drills nicely too if you have some hex drill bits. Same thoughtful rubber bumpers and belt clip as the other tools in the lineup. - Cordless Drill - Construction - Lightweight - Drill'
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