- Fast, powerful drilling
- Two quick-charging Li-ion batteries
- Slim, easy-grip handle
- Stands up on its battery
- Costs slightly more than Milwaukee
- Shorter warranty than Milwaukee
Experts and owners say the DeWalt DCD710S2 is a superb drill for household and cabinetmaking use -- but it costs a bit more than the top-rated Milwaukee 2410-22 (*Est. $150) and has a shorter warranty (three years for the DeWalt versus five years for the Milwaukee). Both outperform most other 12-volt light-duty drills in top expert tests, with very quick drilling and driving and good twisting power (torque) for tightening and loosening screws. Both come with two Li-ion quick-charging batteries -- so you can work with the spare while charging the other. In tests the Milwaukee batteries took 30 minutes to fully charge while the DeWalt batteries took 40 minutes. Both drills handle nicely, although experts give the DeWalt a slight edge for its slim, easy-to-grip handle and the ability to stand up on its flat bottom-mounted battery (making it easier to pick up and set down).
ConsumerReports.org conducts the most extensive comparison tests of cordless drills, judging 67 drills total (including the DeWalt DCD710S2). Three publications aimed at professional users -- Fine Homebuilding, Tools of the Trade and Journal of Light Construction -- compare fewer drills, but they describe their tests in much more detail than ConsumerReports.org. Owners publish their opinions of this drill's real-life performance at Amazon.com.
| DEWALT DCD710S2 12-Volt Max 3/8-Inch Drill Driver Kit | |
(74 reviews) In Stock. |
|
| Featured Stores | Store Rating | Notes | Total Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  4 store reviews | In Stock. | $184.49 | See It |
 |  0 store reviews | In Stock. | $168.03 | See It |
| See All Stores | ||||
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.org
Experts here pit the DeWalt DCD710S2 against 66 other cordless drills, ranking them based on their speed, power, run time, charge time, handling, noise and overall score.
Review: Cordless Drills and Tool Kits, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
2. Fine Homebuilding
Contractor Paul Johnson prefers the DeWalt DCD710S2 to seven other compact drills in this test. Johnson puts the drills through their paces both in the shop and on the job site.
Review: Tool Test: 12v Li-Ion Compact Drills, Paul Johnson, March 10, 2011
3. Tools of the Trade
After thoroughly testing 10 subcompact cordless drills, Michael Springer picks three favorites -- including the DeWalt DCD710S2. He praises the DeWalt's power, strong chuck and comfortable grip.
Review: Tool Test: Subcompact Drill/Drivers and Impact Drivers, Michael Springer, Aug. 8, 2011
4. Journal of Light Construction
Bruce Greenlaw tests seven 12-volt drill/drivers in detail, driving screws, drilling holes and draining the batteries. The DeWalt DCD710S2 is one of his three favorites. Like other reviewers, Greenlaw likes the DeWalt's performance, ratcheting chuck and slim grip.
Review: Tool Test: 12-volt Drill/Drivers, Bruce Greenlaw, June 2011
5. Amazon.com
With more than 30 owner reviews posted, the DeWalt DCD710S2 averages 4.5 out of 5 stars. In fact, the vast majority of owners give this cordless drill a perfect score, although a couple prefer stronger 18-volt drills. One finds a Milwaukee 12-volt drill more powerful and easier to hold.
Review: DeWalt DCD710S2 12-Volt Max 3/8-Inch Drill Driver Kit, Contributors to Amazon.com
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