DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless vs CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver
Both made our Best Mini Cordless Drill 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 if you want 265 in-lbs torque is enough for 1/2-inch wood drilling and most fastener driving. Choose the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1 if you'd rather have 20V battery platform, shares batteries with the broader CRAFTSMAN V20 tool lineup. Overall we rank the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Mini Cordless Drill 2026 list.
Winner overall: DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2
DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 vs CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1 compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 8 in Best Mini Cordless Drill 2026 | #2 of 8 in Best Mini Cordless Drill 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | Best Value |
| Brand | DEWALT | CRAFTSMAN |
| Key features | 12V MAX motor with 265 in-lbs torque; 3/8-inch chuck; 2-speed transmission | 20V MAX battery platform; 280 unit watts out (UWO) power; 2-speed gearbox with keyless chuck |
| Biggest strength | 265 in-lbs torque is enough for 1/2-inch wood drilling and most fastener driving | 20V battery platform, shares batteries with the broader CRAFTSMAN V20 tool lineup |
| Main trade-off | 12V platform, less battery compatibility with 20V DEWALT tools | Slightly larger and heavier than true 12V mini drills |
| Best for | buyers who want the best overall package | value-focused buyers who want the most for their money |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Best Overall
Choose the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 if…
- 265 in-lbs torque is enough for 1/2-inch wood drilling and most fastener driving
- 3/8-inch chuck handles most standard drill and driver bits
- 2-speed transmission: low for driving, high for drilling
Best for: buyers who want the best overall package
Prefer the alternative? See the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1 section.
#2 pick · Best Value
Choose the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1 if…
- 20V battery platform, shares batteries with the broader CRAFTSMAN V20 tool lineup
- 280 UWO handles heavier drilling than most 12V compact drills
- 1/2-inch chuck accepts larger bits for drilling hardwood
Best for: value-focused buyers who want the most for their money
Prefer the alternative? See the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 section.
Pros and cons of each
DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2
Pros
- 265 in-lbs torque is enough for 1/2-inch wood drilling and most fastener driving
- 3/8-inch chuck handles most standard drill and driver bits
- 2-speed transmission: low for driving, high for drilling
- Two batteries included, one working, one charging at all times
Cons
- 12V platform, less battery compatibility with 20V DEWALT tools
- Smaller battery capacity than 18V alternatives, shorter run time per charge
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1
Pros
- 20V battery platform, shares batteries with the broader CRAFTSMAN V20 tool lineup
- 280 UWO handles heavier drilling than most 12V compact drills
- 1/2-inch chuck accepts larger bits for drilling hardwood
- Lower price than DEWALT or Milwaukee equivalents
Cons
- Slightly larger and heavier than true 12V mini drills
- CRAFTSMAN battery ecosystem smaller than DEWALT or Milwaukee
DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 vs CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1: common questions
Which is better, the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 or the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1?
Choose the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 if you want 265 in-lbs torque is enough for 1/2-inch wood drilling and most fastener driving. Choose the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1 if you'd rather have 20V battery platform, shares batteries with the broader CRAFTSMAN V20 tool lineup. Overall we rank the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Mini Cordless Drill 2026 list.
What is the difference between the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 and the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1?
The DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 stands out because 265 in-lbs torque is enough for 1/2-inch wood drilling and most fastener driving, while the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1 stands out because 20V battery platform, shares batteries with the broader CRAFTSMAN V20 tool lineup. The trade-offs differ too: the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2's main caveat is that 12V platform, less battery compatibility with 20V DEWALT tools, and the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1's is that slightly larger and heavier than true 12V mini drills.
Is the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 worth it over the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1 instead if 12V platform, less battery compatibility with 20V DEWALT tools is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1 instead of the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2?
The CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless 1/2-inch Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1 suits value-focused buyers who want the most for their money, while the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 is best for buyers who want the best overall package.