Are you also confused about buying the Dewalt DCD708 cordless drill? I was in this same situation a few years back, but after buying and using it for now 4 years, I can help you solve your confusion.
Buying tools is a one-time investment and no one wants to make a bad decision, and to solve this problem, I come up with this detailed Dewalt DCD708 drill review.
Dewalt DCD708 is a lightweight and compact drill driver kit and can be used in the tightest of spaces. It is a powerful and efficient device with enhanced resistance to mechanical wear and tears it can drill through even the toughest surfaces easily.
I have used the Dewalt DCD708 for around 4 years now and I can help you decide whether you should buy this one or not?
Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links.
Dewalt DCD708 Review
Every maintenance enthusiast knows that a drill driver kit is an indispensable part of your toolkit.
Not only is it a multipurpose device that serves multiple purposes at once but the recent smaller compact drill drivers are handy and portable but do not let that compromise with its features.
But out of the variety of kits available in the market which one would work best for you? Can be a tough question to answer.
4 years back when I was facing a similar dilemma and at that time after doing some rigorous research online I had settled on purchasing the Dewalt DCD708 which was one of the best drill driver kits in the market for a very long time, from one of the most established and successful manufacturers of maintenance and remodeling power tools, Dewalt.
And honestly what happened to be a decision made on a whim is now a constant indispensable member of my toolkit
So I thought why not put together a detailed Dewalt DCD708 review. So if you are considering DCD708 as a potential power tool option then this is the right place to visit.
I hope this will help you make a decision. There are also some of your most frequently asked questions included at the end of the chapter.
Overview
Dewalt DC708 is a member of the Atomic chain of tools from Dewalt; this chain of power tools mainly includes devices that have a sleek and compact design and prioritize portability above all else.
But that doesn’t mean it compromises its functionality with a flexible and diverse feature and also has some of the best specifications when it comes to drills drivers available in the market.
Significantly less bulky when compared to its contemporaries it is a device designed to be used for prolonged hours at a stretch without the user getting arm fatigue or any form of painful muscle cramp.
The easy press trigger is another feature that removes the tension of the fingers while simultaneously increasing the torque of the device
If you are a homeowner searching for a drill driver kit that would be the perfect addition to your toolkit but is absolutely overwhelmed by the overflow of information from the internet, the DCD708 may be a good choice for you.
Dewalt DCD708 is a perfect device for anyone starting out in the world of power tools and accessories.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t use the device if you are a professional, if you are a professional in desperate need of a personal multipurpose power tool or are looking for an upgrade from your old traditional drill then the Dewalt DCD708 is perfect for you too.
If you are further interested then, we will take a detailed look at the features of Dewalt DCD708 and how all its features work in harmony to make the device work as efficiently as it does.
Specifications
Before further exploring the features of Dewalt DCD708 let’s take a closer look at some of its specifications:
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
- Speed: 1750 RPM
- Torque: 500 in-lb
- No Load Speed: 0-450 RPM, 0-1650 RPM
- # Of Speed Settings: 2
- Clutch Settings: 15
- Chuck Size: 0.5 in.
- Motor: 340 UWO
- Battery: 1.5 Ah
- Warranty: 3 years
Let’s head over to the features of the Dewalt DCD708 drill and how all its features work in harmony to make the device work as efficiently as it does.
Features
- Power
The device is powerful enough to drill through metal sheets though it may falter a few times when trying to drill a concrete surface.
It has a battery runtime that can sustain drilling numerous wooden screws and 16 gauge metal sheets with the same kind of efficiency as it began with. Though it may falter when it comes to a giant lag screw.
When provided with the right tools, the Dewalt DCD708 is capable of performing roofing and masonry tasks. Its lightweight and compact design facilitate the process as both of these two works mainly include working hours on end without stopping.
The brush-free motor engine used by Dewalt DCD708 is way more powerful than the brush motor engines that were previously used in traditional drills.
The brushless motor means the engine has a greater resistance to mechanical wear and tear and thus can last long even after vigorous use and have lower maintenance requirements.
- Torque Control
The torque to weight ratio of such devices is also significantly higher which in turn ensures better performance of the power drill. The torque to weight ratio is mainly responsible for the better balance of the device.
So that when on drilling the torque increases astronomically a machine with a good torque to weight ratio will hold its chuck in its place and it will not be a strain for the user to hold the drill in their hands.
The enhanced performance is reflected in the device’s impressive battery runtime and charging time of mere 90 minutes when using a 1.5Ah battery. But during our testing and usage, after 1 year the charge time increases from 90 mins to around 100-110 mins.
It is so in the versatile range of speed from 0-450 RPM and 0-1500 RPM that it offers and also a smooth speed transmissions mechanism to ensure that you can easily transition from one speed to another without any faltering.
This superior control over the speed and power of the device also allows the user to experience a superior torque control which is further enhanced by the 15 variable clutch settings that the device allows you to implement.
A superior torque control means superior drill quality control. So now you can work even with the toughest of tough surfaces and the most fragile surfaces with the same tool.
All you need to do is adjust the speed accordingly and you will get a fine drill without causing any kind of chipping or breakage.
The single sleeve keyless chuck that can be tightened by one hand, is capable of ratcheting motions this ratcheting motion allows faster bit changes, increases the gripping tension which in turn provides a better hold on the device which only increases as the torque increases providing a safer and more secure grip over the device.
- Design
The device also has an immensely ergonomic design with a soft anti-slip grip handle and the ½” chuck that allows you to comfortably hold your device while you are working with it, once again being a perfect addition to avoider painful muscle cramps when working on difficult to reach surfaces hours and hours on end.
The built-in LED light with a 20-second trigger system where when you hit the LED button it Illuminates your workspace for 20 seconds, so now working in a low light workspace won’t be a huge problem.
Even in the case of power outages or working in areas where it is not possible to take a flashlight with you, the built-in LED will save your day.
Like every drill driver, even Dewalt DC708 comes with a kit that contains a lithium-ion battery, a compatible charger, and a detachable belt clip.
The belt clip provided with the kit lets you comfortably carry the kit around when your work demands you to travel.
- Compatibility with other tools
All devices of the atomic range of tools from Dewalt though lacking in versatility like XR make up for it through their long battery lives and their compatibility of establishing a wireless connection with other Dewalt tools like Dewalt XRP Extended Runtime Battery packs, Dewalt 18 V Lithium-Ion batteries, Dewalt 20V MAX Lithium-ion batteries, and the tools which are required for masonry and roofing.
This allows you to exercise control over what kind of impact driver you want your project to have and can even easily swap out batteries when you need to.
- Affordability
An affordable option that is significantly lower priced than its other contemporaries with a similar feature set available in the market. Dewalt DCD708 is a device that outperforms its price.
The affordability is mainly because it is catered towards users who are mostly DIY-ers and homeowners and will not be able to pay an abnormal amount of money for a drill driver kit.
- User Convenience
It is due to this very same reason that DC708 is so easy to use. It has a simple design, with an intelligent trigger where you are not entirely responsible for the torque of your device but the adjustment happens to a speed you are comfortable with.
It is due to these reasons that the device can be used by people across all age groups, even kids but under strict adult supervision and across all levels of expertise with power tools.
A lightweight but powerful drill driver kit, Dewalt DCD708 is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a smart, handy, and portable power tool that can handle both heavy-duty and light-duty work without causing much hassle.
The portability allows the user to work even in the most cramped spaces and weighing just 2.4 pounds causes minimal hand fatigue even when working with the device for several hours.
- Customer support
Dewalt DCD708 comes with a 3-year limited period warranty which is a very welcome incentive for anyone thinking of buying the device.
The Dewalt DCD708 also has a strong online community of users who will gladly answer any of your know-how questions or any technical difficulties you are facing.
So you will never see yourself hitting a dead end when facing any kind of challenges related to the device irrespective of the fact that you are inside or outside the warranty period.
Dewalt DCD708 is a versatile multipurpose device that is one of the best that there is in the market today and is a power-packed package for maintenance enthusiasts who have a soft spot for power tools that do not compromise power for user convenience but value portability above all else.
And also comes with a 3-year limited period warranty and has a strong online community so you need not worry even if your device goes through some technical problems.
It itself has a lower susceptibility to wear and tears and is a low maintenance device that ensures in every step of the way the user’s utmost convenience.
PROS and CONS
Pros
- Brush-free motor engine with greater power and durability
- Greater endurance to mechanical wear and tear.
- Smooth transmission between different speeds.
- Built-in LED with 20-second trigger mechanism.
- A ratcheting chuck creates a rotatory notion which allows faster bit changes
Cons
- The chuck loosens on its own at times
- Then gear change is not as smooth as in some of its contemporaries.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
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What does the XR on Dewalt Drills mean?
Dewalt XR stands for ‘Xtreme Runtime’ and refers to the range of devices that work on 20V Lithium-ion batteries; there are all devices that have engines that work with brushless motor engines.
This gives the devices of this group the advantage of superior power, battery runtime, and higher engine speed as well as the smoother transition between those speeds and working for efficient energy transmission as compared to its other contemporaries.
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What is the difference between Dewalt XR and Atomic?
Both Dewalt XR and Atomic refer to a range of cordless power tools by Dewalt with different sets of varying features.
Dewalt XR stands for ‘Xtreme Runtime’ and refers to the range of devices that work on 20V Lithium-ion batteries; there are all devices that have engines that work with brushless motor engines.
This gives the devices of this range superior power, battery runtime, and higher engine speed as well as the smoother transition between those speeds and efficient energy transmission as compared to its other contemporaries.
Atomic signifies the range of power tools by Dewalt which mainly focuses on creating tools with a compact and sturdy design with a reduced size and weight.
These tools can be used for prolonged periods of time when working in tight and cramped areas where only these kinds of devices can fit, thanks to their size.
They prevent causing painful muscle cramps and fatigue for its users, thanks to their portable and handy designs. Another such range is the Dewalt MAX range of power tools which use 18 V Lithium-ion batteries but have brushed motors and standard size.
Final Thoughts
Though the opinions and views expressed here on the Dewalt DCD708 drill are entirely my own and are influenced heavily by my personal experience, it’s always better to take a second counsel when making these important decisions.
It is always better to list down the features you absolutely cannot do without in your drill driver kit; this will help you narrow down your choices accordingly.
Throughout the course of my experience with the Dewalt DCD708 cordless drill, it has delivered consistent performance with barely any hiccups along the way.
It has a high-performance engine which shows when it takes only a few seconds to transition between two competing polar opposite speed points.
Though the loosened chuck can be a problem and you need to always be careful to avoid any kind of mishap. But it’s an easier problem to workaround.
Dewalt DCD708 is a perfect drilling power tool for anyone looking to do some lightweight renovation, maintenance, or upcycling work and needs a portable and handy device to do the same.
The device is created mainly keeping in mind DIY-ers and homeowners and even entry-level professionals but if you are an experienced professional then you may want to opt for a more advanced and expensive option.