Xtremely Nice Drivers
DeWalt's Sub-Compact Series offers five powerful tool designs to fit in tight spaces.
People have differing opinions about ergonomics, but these little drivers from DeWalt, dubbed the 12v Xtreme Sub-Compact Series, are the most comfortable of all the compact tools I’ve tried. The grips are well-shaped and have a good feel, the LED lights are in the right spot, and the housings are tiny. The longest driver is 6 in. and all weigh less than 2 lb. Even the belt hooks are intelligently designed. And their beauty is more than skin deep—the three-speed impact driver sunk 1⁄4-in. lag screws into a PT 6×6 with surprising speed.
I was also impressed by the Xtreme Cordless Screwdriver. It has a 1⁄4-in. hex chuck that makes the housing less than 5 in. Think of it as a cordless drill with a hex chuck. Unlike an impact driver, it won’t start impacting when you drill larger holes.
The Sub-Compact line also includes a compact drill, a hammer drill, and a 3⁄8-in. impact wrench. All of the new drivers are available in bare tool and kit form, and there are several combo kits too. Prices below are for the bare tool; kits with a charger and 2 amp/hr. batteries cost about $30 to $40 more.
Photos courtesy of the manufacturer
From Fine Homebuilding #289
