The DEWALT 20V MAX Tools Worth Owning First

The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and impact driver kit, model DCK240C2, is the classic first DEWALT set. The description says it pairs the DCD771 compact 1/2-inch drill/driver with a 1/4-inch impact driver, two 20V MAX batteries, a charger and a storage bag. A drill/driver makes holes and drives screws, while an impact driver adds rapid hammering blows to its spin so long screws go in with less effort.

The listing gives the drill as 7.5 inches long and 3.6 pounds, and the impact driver as 5.55 inches long and 2.8 pounds. The drill has a 1/2-inch single-sleeve ratcheting chuck, and the impact driver has a 1/4-inch hex chuck that accepts 1-inch bit tips with one hand. Both tools have LED work lights that stay on for 20 seconds after you release the trigger. A 3-year limited warranty is listed. The listing does not mention brushless motors or battery capacity.

It suits beginners and gift-givers who want a dependable pair of tools for shelves, furniture and small repairs. If you want brushless motors, look at the DCK277D2 kit further down.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Power Tool Combo kit, model DCK1021D2, is the big one: ten 20V MAX tools, a charger, two 2Ah batteries and two large contractor bags. The listing names some of the tools directly, including the DCS381 reciprocating saw with a keyless blade clamp, the DCL040 LED work light, a Bluetooth speaker that runs on DEWALT 12V or 20V MAX packs, and a vacuum with two cleanup modes. It also mentions a quick-change wheel release, which points to a cut-off or grinder-style tool, and a compact 7.6-inch drill.

The listing does not lay out the full ten-tool list in one place, so check the product page if you want a specific tool. The title calls it a brushless combo kit, but the listing does not say which of the ten tools are brushless. The description confirms all included tools work with any DEWALT 20V MAX battery and charger.

This is a generous gift for a new homeowner or anyone setting up a garage workshop. The two 2Ah batteries are small for ten tools, so many owners add larger packs later. If you want fewer, better tools, the two-tool kits are simpler.

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscillating Tool kit, model DCS356C1, includes the multi-tool, blades, one battery and a charger. An oscillating tool moves its blade side to side in tiny, fast arcs, which lets it make plunge cuts in drywall, trim door casing, cut flooring and sand into corners. The listing mentions uses as a drywall tool, detail sander, laminate floor cutter and floor sander.

Its brushless motor delivers up to 57% more runtime than brushed tools, according to DEWALT. It has a 3-speed selector, a Dual-Grip variable-speed trigger, a Quick-Change accessory system that swaps blades without wrenches, a universal adaptor that fits most oscillating tool accessory brands, and an LED. The title gives up to 20,000 oscillations per minute (OPM). The specification lists battery capacity as 40 amp-hours, which is not realistic for a single 20V pack, so treat the true capacity as not specified. A 3-year limited warranty is listed.

It suits remodelers and first-time homeowners tackling baseboards, drywall repairs or flooring. If you already own DEWALT 20V batteries, the bare DCS356B below is the same tool without the battery and charger.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and impact driver brushless kit, model DCK277D2, pairs the DCD777 1/2-inch drill/driver with the DCF787 1/4-inch impact driver, two compact 2.0Ah batteries, a charger and a contractor bag. Brushless motors use electronics rather than carbon brushes, which generally means less heat, less wear and more work per charge.

The listing gives the drill as 7.6 inches front to back, with an ergonomic grip, variable speed trigger and an LED with a 20-second delay. The impact driver has a quick-release hex chuck. Listed specs include 1,500 in-lb of torque and 2,800 rpm, which match the impact driver side of the kit. Warranty is listed as a 3-year limited warranty, a 1-year free service contract and a 90-day money-back guarantee.

For most people asking which DEWALT 20V tool to buy first, this is the sweet spot: two brushless tools that handle decks, furniture and home repairs. For drilling into brick or concrete, step up to the hammer drill kit next.

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver and hammer drill kit, model DCK250QQ2, is the most powerful set here. A hammer drill adds a pounding action while it spins, which is what lets it bore into masonry. The listing calls the DCD806 DEWALT’s most powerful 20V MAX two-speed hammer drill, up to 109% more powerful, with speed settings of 0-650 and 0-2,000 rpm.

The DCF845 impact driver has a brushless motor, 1,825 in-lb of torque and 3,400 rpm, and DEWALT claims 30% more torque. The kit includes two 20V MAX XR POWERPACK batteries of 4Ah and a charger. A higher Ah number means a bigger fuel tank, so these run longer than the 2Ah packs above. The kit weighs 4.84 kg in total, and the listing does not mention a bag or the warranty.

It suits homeowners mounting TVs on brick, building fences or driving large lag screws. For light furniture assembly it is more tool than you need.

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscillating Multi-Tool, model DCS356B, is a tool-only listing. “Tool only” or “bare tool” means no battery and no charger in the box. You get the multi-tool, a universal accessory adaptor and two wood cutting blades.

The features match the DCS356C1 kit: brushless motor with up to 57% more runtime than brushed, a 3-speed selector with 0-13,000, 0-17,000 and 0-20,000 OPM, a Dual-Grip variable-speed trigger, Quick-Change accessories and an LED. It weighs 2.4 pounds. Our deeper guide to the DEWALT 20V oscillating multi-tool explains blade types in more detail.

Pick this if the person already owns any DEWALT 20V MAX kit. It is a smart add-on gift, but useless without a battery.