There are some companies like DeWalt who create ecosystems around tools. They stick you in by making their tools reliable and keeping you there with one unified battery system. From tiny little screw drivers to big ass reciprocating saws, they all uses the same batteries.
Their 20V MAX line is at the heart of that ecosystem. And it works well. The battery life are sufficient.
And it fits into our workday. But now DeWalt has extended that portfolio out with these new Atomic series. They have a small footprint but do not sacrifice the output power we’d expect from DeWalt.
Does it stand up to the hype? That is what this review will find out. These things need to cut through framing nails or drive screws into hardwood flooring.
Full Review Of DeWalt Atomic Compact Tools
DeWalt Atomic Series Overview
They’re all designed to fit in your hand, but will smaller form factor sacrifice speed, durability and even control? As any tradesperson or serious DIYer knows, if something doesn’t feel right, it won’t get the job done. Making things much smaller is the design goal of Atomic.
It’s the same 20V system of DeWalt shrunken down and jammed inside a smaller package. What results is something that look like a toy but acts like a pro tool. The first thing you notice is the balance.
Ergonomics and Design
These tools is front heavy, which is good for driving but can feel awkward for overhead work. They are front heavy, which helps with driving, but can be clumsy if you’re working overhead. But the tiny head slips into areas a full sized drill wouldn’t.
And it’s that reach that make them the selling point. Typically, the nay-sayers will raise concerns about power output. These have ratings from DeWalt.
Power and Battery Performance
But ratings only mean something if they work well, and these do. The brushless motors in the Atomic line are fast spooling up. They holds their rpm while pushed to the max. On lag bolts tested for the impact driver, there was no stalling.
It chewed its way through them without issue. You hardly feel any feedback through the handle, so there’s less hand fatigue throughout your day. The other big consideration is battery time.
With the Atomic tools you’ll use the standard 20V MAX batteries. That’s great news. No need to purchase a set of specialty batteries for all those small tool.
It uses the same battery as the rest of your bigger tools. Of course the smaller size doesn’t leave much space for giant battery packs, however the brushless motor makes up for that. For most light-duty tasks, one of their compact batteries should of get you through an entire day.
Durability and Control Features
Ergonomically speaking They’re tiny, good if you want precise control; not so much if you’re trying to get something done by sheer force of arm. It takes a bit getting used to as far as holding a tool in your hand goes. Because they’re small, it’s different than grabbing a regular drill.
And the trigger is where you can reach it quickly if you need to do lots of the same thing. Because it seems like less time to get deployed, you’ll probably find yourself using the Atomic driver more. It stays put at the end and doesn’t start to wiggle on you (which I’ve experienced on another smaller brand).
Because these tools are marketed as compact, durability can always be an issue. They used high-impact polymer for the body and steel gears so they should hold up to abuse and drops well. In testing, I dropped them multiple times on concrete and there were no noticeable issues with them at all.
The electronic brake shuts the chuck off quickly, providing another level of control and safety. It may not seem like much, but it’s a nice addition if you’re around flammable material or in a crowded environment. It’s not an entry level tool price-wise, but it fits into the other pros in DeWalt’s line up.
Value and Conclusion
So you’re paying that premium for brand heritage and battery compatibility. If you already have DeWalt batteries, the good news is that they are cheaper than. Take a step back and look at the versatility factor and that makes the value proposition even better.
There is a variety of tools on one battery platform, and they all perform well. The bottom line is whether these compact tools actualy hold up under real pressure. The DeWalt Atomic Compact 20V lineup isn’t a revolution, just a refinement.
It’s taking what works and shrinking it down. Sounds easy, but it’s hard to do without sacrificing power and duribility. These tools is precise in a way that larger tools aren’t, and excel when working in tight areas.
They’re not a replacement for your bigger workhorses, but a necessary addition. They fit into your workflow and your pockets. The Atomic series provide fast access and speed.
It is a little tool that shows that sometimes size doesnt matter after all.