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- Verified Buyer
The DeWalt Max XR tools are night and day better than the standard DeWalt tools. If you only sparingly use them, you can save money getting the standard editions, but they do not last as long because some apparent (such as metal chucks, four way blades, metal bases, metal gears) and not so apparent differences exist.Pros: This is an extremely easy way to upgrade from 18v or another manufacture's tool sets without having to add too many more pieces to your bag.Cons: Yes the circular saw is "left handed" (see more below). It would be nice if DeWalt included 1 2Ah battery and 1 5Ah battery. The saws drain small batteries quickly. The drills are better balanced with the small batteries. If you already have a few 20v tools, you may consider DCK694D2 instead because it has 2 5Ah batteries included instead.The tools:DCD791 Drill: This is your basic, lightweight contractor's drill. It is capable of everything except for hammer drill requirements. I have used it as a drill saw, ceramics, tiles, and basic bore holes. I prefer using the smaller battery on it because the larger battery throws the balance off and would only be necessary if you are drilling hundreds of holes in a project.DCF887 Impact driver: This tool is amazing for driving final bolts, screws, etc on your project. It is strong enough to remove lugs from a car or truck. The three settings on the bottom adjust the strength for your project. Speed 1 turns it into an electric screw driver eliminating overdriving screws. Speed 3 will drive into anything. Speed 2 is a balance between the two. Once again, unless you are driving 3/4" lags all day, I prefer the smaller battery for balance.DCS570 Circular saw: Yes it is true that DeWalt put the motor on the wrong side of the blade making this saw easier to use left handed than right handed. I do not see this being fixed anytime soon. I only use a circular saw for quick cross cuts and rough cuts. That makes it easier to use the saw left handed while saving clean cuts and rips for a table saw instead. If you use this often, a larger battery will be your best friend adding weight, stability, and runtime. It does come with a basic blade, but no wrench for installation.DCS367 Reciprocating saw: DeWalt switched to the more compact model for the XR line. If you prefer side cuts to vertical cuts, you MUST get an XR line saw because the new standard ones do not allow for four way blade installation. I personally prefer my old 18v traditional model for balance, but the run time on it stinks. Even with a 5Ah battery, you are lucky if you get 20 minutes of solid runtime with this tool. That is up from less than 10 minutes on the 18v model. These are great for quick, small demolition and landscaping. Any major projects still require a corded saw or an army of batteries and chargers. Come on DeWalt, not even one free wood and nails blade?DCS355 Oscillating Multi-Tool: This is the pearl in this set in my opinion. DeWalt is always trying to give an angle grinder instead. I have nothing against angle grinders, but they eat through batteries like crazy so corded is usually a better choice. The oscillating tool is well balanced. I prefer the quick change blade chuck to Bosch and Fein making you drop the very hot blade cover off of the blade for changes. With the DeWalt you are only trying to avoid burning yourself with the blade instead of the blade and blade cover. Oscillating multi tools are incredible for drywall cuts, grout removal, small close cuts, and work well on plastic or metal pipe. Some people like to use multi tools for tile, but I think they are better at chipping or cracking tile than cutting it. Once again, oscillating tools eat through batteries like crazy, but this tool is better balanced with a smaller battery. I suggest using it for small projects only while keeping a corded model on hand for larger ones. The multi tool came with two wood and nails blades.DCL040 Work light: It seems like every time I turn around DeWalt is giving me another work light. Yes they come in handy. If you don't have one this model is ok. It would be nicer if it acted like a torch lamp or it had a hook for mounting. It works well being placed under the sink or another flat place with poor lighting. Consider the light as nothing but fluff for the tool set description.Canvas bag: The bag is large enough to haul all of the tools, batteries and chargers. It has one heavy duty zipper. It does not have any separate compartments for blade or bit storage. With all of the included tools, charger, and batteries the bag weighs about 40 pounds. You definitely need to bring a tool box with any accessories you need on a job site along with the bag.Batteries and charger: As previously stated, the set comes with 2 2Ah 20v batteries and one charger. One problem that has not been addressed by all tool manufacturers is charging temperature. If anything, the 20v batteries are pickier than the 18v models. It is best to recharge them in a climate controlled environment. They do not charge well at all above 80 degrees or below 50 degrees. Unless this set is for light duty homeowner use, you will need to purchase additional batteries and another charger. I recommend the 5Ah batteries because they offer the best balance of runtime, weight, and cost. If you choose to purchase an additional charger, I recommend the two battery charger. It does cost more than purchasing two single chargers, but it saves space, an outlet, and offers 2 USB charging ports (no excuses from your work crew that their phone went dead).In conclusion, this set or the previously mentioned DCK694D2 are excellent sets. Either way, you will need to order additional batteries and a dual charger may be a good idea depending on your work load. I know it is nitpicking, but it would be nice if DeWalt included some driver bits, a small drill bit set, and blades for all of the included tools. I like how many different tools are available with the 20v line meeting the needs of every trade. I have had good luck with DeWalt tools for years having never managed to break or wear one out other than the 18v batteries. Most of my 18v tools are from 2000 - 2005 with regular use and abuse while still working. My corded DeWalt tools are 20+ years old and still working. If you are a builder that is ready to switch or a weekend warrior, this is a great set to get you started with 20v.
