Compact combi drills sit in the middle ground between lightweight DIY drivers and heavier trade workhorses, and this DeWalt DCD709D2T-GB is part of the 18V XR brushless range that competes with similar compact models from Makita LXT and Milwaukee M18. The focus here is access and control, with enough punch for everyday drilling and screwdriving, plus hammer action for occasional masonry jobs, without the bulk of a full size combi.
Who is this for?
If you spend time working in cupboards, between studs, or above head height, the shorter body length and relatively low weight make a real difference to fatigue and clearance. Brushless drive is also about efficiency, it tends to run cooler and can stretch a 2.0Ah battery further than older brushed tools when you are doing repeated fixings.
- 18V XR platform: useful if you already own DeWalt XR batteries and chargers.
- Two speed gearbox: slower speed for driving larger screws, faster speed for clean drilling.
- Two 2.0Ah batteries: better for lighter, frequent jobs than one larger pack, with less weight on the tool.