Dewalt DCD708N 18v XR Li-Ion Brushless Compact Combi Hammer Drill 160mm - Bare

As I have several batteries already I only needed a bare unit. Ordered this, price was competitive, delivery was prompt and well packaged, quality and performance as you would expect from a DeWalt.

Super

I have this drills larger brother, the 795 ( now replaced with the 796 ) , so I pretty much knew what to expect.This 709 is 15mm shorter than the 795(6) and is a little slower and lighter but in all other respects is the same. Personally I find the slower speed more useful for screw-driving. ( I prefer using a drill for screwdriving rather than an impact driver. Impact drivers are fantastic for construction but they are too noisy and inaccurate for fine work. ).Oddly the 709 has more clutch settings than the 795(6) and the torque they have a completely different feel to the 795(6). Neither is better, they are just different.The drill is not as snappy to start and stop as other DeWalts but I actually prefer that. Other DeWalt's tend to be a bit noisy, especially when they stop suddenly. They give out a rather annoying clunk. The 709 is quieter, which I like.This is my go-to drill. It's small, light and mostly does what I want. Only if I need more power do I reach for a large drill.I expect this drill to last pretty much a lifetime or until I drop it in a pot of paint or something equally my fault. Don't hesitate. Buy one. they are great.

Wasn't sent the DCD708 with the plastic chuck, but the DCD796, which has the crummy self unwinding metal chuck. My very first Li-Ion dewalt had this chuck - it's rubbish. Every time you use it in reverse, it spins the chuck undone, so quite useless. Good job the chuck on my old NiCad DC725, which died after 19 years, will fit - possibly the best chuck around.

Really nicely made, well balanced drill, with good quality Chuck.