Update:
After several months of hard use, this little tool has made the MVP of my deck building tools. The gyroscope is amazingly efficient. I have dropped it from a height greater than 7ft...TWICE. The first time I dropped it, I wasn’t expecting it to survive. But it did as it did the second time as well. It can drive 1.5” Simpson connector screws all day long. It can get a 2.5” screw 95% of the way in (I tried on a whim). I really abused this thing and it keeps asking for more. I have since semi retired this screwdriver to interior home use. It deserves an easier life. It was replaced by a Dewalt 20v compact driver as I needed more torque to drive framing screws. It will be brought out to do the final job of screwing down the trex fasteners when laying down the boards. You just cannot beat the light weight and power of this driver. Given its success, I hope Dewalt comes out with a 20v or even a 12v version of this. I would be the first in line to buy one. A more powerful version of this would be unreal.
I was a little apprehensive about getting this tool. I had to fix some well neglected gutters and I wanted something light, powerful and easy to use while hanging on for dear life at the top of a two story ladder. My other dewalt drill was just too big, heavy and bulky for use at the top of a ladder.
Size/weight
This tool has a nice compact size that can switch from a “gun” style drill to a “straight” drill. For gutter work, you need to control the torque when driving the gutter bracket wood screws at the same time keeping movement down while at altitude. It’s light weight and small form factor was a huge bonus. A traditional cordless drill is big and heavy to hold. The size of this drill is perfect when you need something powerful and compact.
Power/torque
I was able to drive the gutter bracket wood screws about 2 inches deep. There was a very small learning curve with how much rotation to apply to drive the screws but once you do it a few times, it becomes easy. Practice on the material you’ll be working on so you’ll know exactly how it responds to your input. I drove screws both vertically when attaching the gutter screens to the gutter and horizontally when driving the gutter brackets into the house. The control of the drill is so fine I didn’t strip one hole when drilling the short self tapping screws of the gutter screens. I was also able to drive the horizontal gutter brackets quickly. At first I wasn’t sure it was up to the task but it handled driving wood screws with ease. I don’t think I would be able to control a regular drill with such precision as easily as using this screw driver.
Battery Life
I bought the 2 battery kit because I was afraid I would run out of juice installing both gutter brackets and gutter screens. I only used one battery to install about 55 ft of gutter mesh, roughly 30 brackets and 100 self tapping screws. It still has power left over for more. The onboard battery gauge is a nice touch allowing you to see how much charge you have left. I would still recommend the two battery kit because you’ll be using this tool a lot!
Summary
Once in a rare while, you run into something so wonderful, you’re just blown away. This is one of those tools. It is the perfect balance between function, size, power, cost and user interface. It is now my go-to screw driver. I just look for things to use it on.
Let me tell you if you’re on the fence, don’t wait any longer and get it. The hype is real.
| Brand | DEWALT |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Speed | 430 RPM |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Product Dimensions | 12.5"L x 3.5"W x 9"H |
| Voltage | 8 Volts |
| Maximum Chuck Size | 6.35 Millimeters |
| Item Weight | 1.1 Pounds |
| Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
| Manufacturer | DEWALT |
| Part Number | DC820KB |
| Item Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | DCF680N2 |
| Batteries | 2 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color | Yellow |
| Style | Screwdriver Kit Only |
| Maximum Power | 300 Watts |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number of Handles | 1 |
| Certification | certified frustration-free |
| Special Features | Cordless |
| Included Components | Screwdriver; 1 hour charger; (1) 8V MAX compact battery; Kit bag |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Warranty Description | 3 year limited manufacturer warranty |
