DeWalt Atomic Compact Series Drill/Driver and Impact Driver Review

Upgrade your drills and drivers with a lighter and more compact alternative from DeWalt’s new Atomic Compact Series.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the DeWalt Atomic Compact Series Drill/Driver and Impact Driver kit.

Hi everyone, today I’m sharing my thoughts on a tool available at a Home Depot near you: the DeWalt Atomic Compact Series Drill/Driver and Impact Driver.

A few weeks ago, I was surprised with the delivery of the DeWalt Atomic Compact Series Drill/Driver and Impact Driver kit. I’ve been putting the new tools to good use and I’m now ready to share my thoughts on them.

Tool Specifications

First, let’s look at the tool specs.

Drill/Driver (DCD708)

• 2.4 lbs (no battery)
• 6.3″ from front to back
• Has variable speed trigger
• Brushless motor
• 1/2″ ratcheting chuck
• Builtin LED foot light

Impact Driver (DCF809)

• 2.1 lbs (no battery)
• 5.1″ from front to back
• Has variable speed trigger
• Brushless motor
• 1700 in-lbs of torque
• 0 IPM to 2800 RPM
• Builtin LED ring light

Review

Before I jump into my thoughts of the tools, I feel it’s important for you to know where I’m coming from.

First, I’m am a weekend woodworker. I’m not using these tools as often as a professional contractor would.

Second, it has been many years since I last purchased a cordless drill/driver, so the DeWalt DCD708 Drill/Driver is a really significant upgrade for me. We’re talking night and day difference.

On the other hand, I already owned a DeWalt Impact Driver. It is about 2 years old, so the differences there are not quite as significant.

Form Factor

I have small hands and I’m not very strong. However, both the drill/driver and impact driver feel great in my hands, not too heavy or unwieldy.

Power

My most common use case for the drill is for drilling pocket holes. My previous (very old) cordless drill/driver wasn’t up to the task. I do own a powerful corded drill specifically for drilling pocket holes.

I was able to plow through drilling pocket holes with DeWalt DCD708 Drill/Driver. It didn’t feel as powerful as my corded drill for this task, but the convenience of not being tied down due to a cord makes up for it.

Easy of Use

Swapping out the drill bits on both tools is a breeze. Especially, on the impact driver. The exchange is almost effortless.

I really love the builtin LED lights on the drill/driver and impact driver. It’s a great touch, especially when working in poorly lit conditions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the market for a new drill/driver or an impact driver, these tools get my thumbs up.