Dewalt has launched a new 20V Max Atomic series cordless multi-head drill/driver, model DCD803B.
As with Dewalt’s 12V Max Xtreme model and others like it, this is a problem-solver type of cordless drill that can drill holes and drive screws in tight situations.
The new Dewalt multi-head drill comes with 4 attachments, plus a very neat-looking storage dock.
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It comes with:
- Right Angle Adapter (1/4″ hex)
- Drill Chuck (1/2″)
- Offset Driver (1/4″ hex)
- Quick Release Bit Holder (1/4″ hex)
The driver – with no heads attached – and right angle adapter both have 1/4″ hex chucks, and the quick release and offset driver attachments both have quick-release chucks for faster bit changes.
The drill/driver base unit features a brushless motor, 2 speed gearbox, and LED light.
Dewalt DCD803B Specifications
- Brushless motor
- 569 MWO max power output
- 0-450/0-1650 RPM no-load (without attachments)
- Weighs 2.15 lbs without attachments or battery
- 4.91″ length without attachments
- 15 clutch settings
- LED worklight
The right angle adapter can be used by itself, for accessing fasteners in corners or around obstructions, or with any of the other attachments.
The quick release clutch can be used to facilitate bit changes.
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But you can also use the driver without any attachment heads, in case you needed a slimmer profile.
The offset attachment can be used to drive screws flush to the floor or other surfaces.
Dewalt has some comparative and competitive claims for context:
“Up to 15% more power, based on MWO using DCB205 5Ah battery vs DCD777 drill driver.”
“Up to 128% more power vs Milwaukee, based on MWO using DCB203 battery vs M12 Fuel Installation drill/driver using 2Ah battery.”
The Dewalt DCD777 is an older generation 20V Max cordless drill/driver that has been superseded by the DCD793 brushless and DCD794 Atomic cordless drills.
Price: $229 (tool-only)
ETA: Later in 2025
Discussion
There are not that many 18V or 20V Max multi-head cordless drill/drivers on the market, and so the new Dewalt is definitely filling some holes.
While it’s going to be larger than 12V-class tools, you get the benefit for more power and presumably faster application speeds.
It also looks like Dewalt designed the Atomic multi-head drill with a very robust attachment interface.
The accessory head storage rail looks like a great idea and nice inclusion.
There are signs that Dewalt aims for this to be a more affordable tool, seeing as how it’s launching in the Atomic series rather than XR, and lacks some of the XR line’s premium features such as LED lighting controls.
But, there are no obvious signs that they cut any corners with the tool’s design or engineering.
PW
This is very appealing. I’m deep in the yellow platform, and have had a number of very awkward projects where I was manipulating a floppy right hand angle adapter. Something like this would make miserable operations a lot easier.
The attachment rail is a great idea too.
I’m personally not super hung up on power ratings here – for me this would be more about access in odd places for small bits and screws. I doesn’t need to be a torque monster.
I hope pricing is on the more achievable side.
eddiesky
“I hope pricing is on the more achievable side.”
Bring it down to $199 tool only and I will grab one. I love my Atomic driver and this would replace it as I have much side work installing IKEA and other “fastener deprived assembly” users.
will
It’s $220 for tool only I believe it showed. Either way ypy can get a Dewalt,Bosch or Milwaukee 12v but I think only the deaalt is brushless unless the other 2 updated their models. Anyways id love this,in fact I have had the Bosch model on my Amazon list for almost a decade. I do have the Fein 18v but it only came with the drill and 1/4″ and they never brought any other adapters out. Maybe they have them now or I could have gone with the festool attachments since they helped design the drill. I want the right angle and the offset the most,the others just seem like they’d be less useful.
Stuart
$229. I added the price after the post was first published.
Big Richard
A metal chuck at that.
Luis
First Atomic tool with a 1/2″ full metal chuck
Alex
The 12v line is definitely getting replaced by the atomic line.
Jared
I think that too. Dewalt’s 12v line has good tools, but it’s too limited. Plus they keep making 20v versions of tools that could be or already are 12v.
With small batteries, like the 1.7ah Powerstack, the jump from 12v to 20v size isn’t so huge anyway.
Of course, I say that while also being impressed by the breath of M12 tools and already owning several Bosch 12v tools – so there’s clearly something to be said for just being smaller.
JDietz
I remember that Dewalt rep in a reel or short, saying they’re done developing the 12v line, no more tools. Always wondered if it was true.
Bonnie
Been clear for years now. Milwaukee is basically the only brand whose gotten a significant bite and is still investing with their 10.8/12v line. Pretty much everyone else moved to compact 18/20v tools and/or 4v micro tools, and just keep a handful of older 12V around.
Luis
Bosch has just released a bunch of DA and regular orbit polishers as a 12V exclusive. They also launched a 12V cordless ratchet, although they also released an 18V version. I believe there was something else, thermal camera maybe?
But Milwaukee is way ahead in 12V development over the 2nd and 3rd biggest lineups (Skil and Bosch). No contest
Mopar
Which is a shame, because there is still a not insignificant size difference between the 20v and 12v lines. I have a good chunk of every 12v Dewalt tool, and generally for most tasks they are my go-to tools. I would really love to see a Dewalt 12v palm nailer like the Milwaukee.
Patrick T
Agree. I have the 12v multi-head, a 12v drill and one of the ratchets. My 18v adn 20v tools rarely come out. The 12v multi-head is my go-to for most projects.
I also have a Skill 12v recip saw (the one-handed style). That thing is awesome.
Skil seems to be investing in their 12v line a bit. Would be a shame if Dewalt threw in the towel. The tools are damn good. The only problem is that I think they are only available at Lowes and online.
Luis
Skil’s 12V lineup is quite extensive. Bosch seemed like they were throwing the towel with 12V until last month when they released a cordless ratchet and a handful of polishers
Clay
Also a big fan of the 12v DeWalt tools. I find the drill with a 5ah battery has great balance and ergonomics.
Steve
I’d never relinquish my 12v driver for this 18v Atomic because the former has a light and and latter doesn’t. This seems like an odd choice for a tool that’s meant for working in close, sometimes dark, spaces.
MM
I am certainly interested! I have the Milwaukee M12 installation driver, and I like it a lot, but sometimes I wish it had more power. I’ve been hoping Dewalt would make a 20V version, and it sounds like they finally did. Assuming the price is reasonable, sign me up!
I really like that carrier device that holds the various attachments. That is an excellent idea!
TomD
I have had two of these, the Festool little one and the M12 one.
Every time, for me, it ends up with one attachment and almost never swaps (and I’m not sure I can even find the heads anymore).
Ian
I have a very old Festool drill with similar attachments that I use often for odd jobs. That said, I am pretty deep in to the DeWalt batteries, so this is a definite buy for me. LED’s would have been nice, but really happy to see DeWalt making this.
Tommy
My wife has a Festool as well but it the discontinued 12V with the multi heads. Can’t find batteries for it. It’s now a very expensive paper weight. Batteries Plus rebuilt one bur the drill keeps saying the battery is dead and it will not run.
Ian
Reading more carefully, there is an LED in the base…
KokoTheTalkingApe
I wish there were some photos or even more measurements to let us compare the sizes of the 12V and the 20V. The 12V is about half a pound lighter, but AFAIK there aren’t any width or height measurements published for the new tool. The length is the same.
Bonnie
These always look interesting as an idea… But then I try and imagine how often I would actually need any of them, much less need to be able to switch between them… And I’m left with no good reason to use this over a basic drill or impact driver.
It also seems pretty bulky for a basic driver, only about .1 inch shorter without attachment than DeWalts cheaper atomic impact, and an inch longer than their compact atomic impact.
Obviously there are people for whom this is a great solution, but I wonder how many folk are really in that sweet spot where getting a proper right-angle drill isn’t feasible but they’d use and keep track of all these attachments often enough to make it worth getting this over a regular $20 adapter for the one time a year they need it, or a simpler small powered screwdriver for assembling furniture (most of the sample images).
Al
Good observation, Bonnie. The right-angle or wobbly extensions I have require using both hands. When I need something like this, I’m usually cramming my body in a place I can’t fit _and_ breathe at the same time. Inside an equipment cabinet, in a crawlspace, one arm in between two immovable objects.
I think at a price point below $130, this is a better alternative to getting a different battery platform like the Bosch or the DeWalt 12V. I was tempted many times right before an install job to just suck it up and deal with two different batteries. Instead I have a collection of angle adapters and long flexible bit holders that probably add up to $100+.
This is definitely going on my wish list when it becomes available.
Bonnie
It sounds like you’d be the target market for a full-on right angle driver (which also have really narrow clearance for stuff like the floor installation above) or a really compact tool like their little gyroscopic screwdriver.
Patrick T
At least you can use the same charger on both platforms.
This right angle adapters suck. They are fine if that’s all you have but, you almost need three hands to use them. One to hold the screw, one to hold the adapter and one on the tool.
PW
Exactly. Every time I’ve broken out my right hand adapter, the experience has been an unpleasant wrestling match best handled by an octopus. And it can be almost impossible to get enough torque/purchase on them in some situations.
Alex
It’s a terrific tool to install cabinets and drawers (hence why some people call it installation driver).
Frank D
The value is instantly there, when you need it on a couple of small projects … where you don’t have another option or other options would fail.
I’m only a DIY guy for myself, friends & family. Got started with the Bosch 12v version of this a good number of years ago now … and while it is not my primary tool ( their 12v drill & driver are ) … it has been a godsend in many cases to customize things, drill holes in otherwise impossible locations, etc. and whatever assembly.
I know the tools are not the most powerful, but if you often enough have to get inside cabinets, walls and contort yourself to get a power tool into a tight spot; for one reason or another –
( assembly, disassembly, reinforcement, customization a decade later … without taking something apart or something that cannot be taken apart etc )
– having more options is a good thing. And, I have a number of gadgets & extra things that sometimes work, but often times require something more … and it is when you get into the tightest spots, that more options are better.
Plus to me, the 12v lines have the benefit of reduced fatigue, strain, etc …
But if I need 18v power, for sure I bring out the bigger guns.
TomD
A right angle driver is useful sometimes – but I’ve found that in many situations where I could use the “offset” head I instead just use a 12 or 18 inch bit. For the screws I normally use, you can get some angle on it.
Champs
The other way to look at it is whether you need those other tools and adapters at all.
The way it is for me now, anything other than the M12 installation driver with the drill chuck and offset head in my basic tool bag only comes out for special occasions.
Frank D
Same here. My little Bosh – also known as ” Chameleon ” – with offset head solves most issues in the most compact form. It goes everywhere with me, along with the 12v drill & driver.
Sure long bit, extra long bits, etc can be handy and may be necessary; but the offset head on its own will handle most tasks, unless you need an extra long bit on it because you can’t quite get in tight enough.
Harrison
The market is basically cabinet and millwork installers, which is why the market remained a Festool niche for so long.
You’re not wrong though. Despite being a much better solution than say, a loose right angle adaptor, even professionals do tend to overestimate how often they will use something like this. We own the Hilti 12 V version and while it has more than justified itself over the years, it tends to sit on the shelf for months.
Ironically, Dewalt’s own marketing images undermine the multi-head driver’s case- Not one of the images in this article shows a situation where a standard drill driver couldn’t also complete the task.
Harrison
That said, if you build a drill like this with a sturdy enough coupling, (which it looks like Dewalt has done) there is no reason it couldn’t be your only drill on site, making it a win-win. Compact 18/20v may be the goldilocks for a lot of users who need to run small hole saws and other medium duty drilling tasks that push the 12V models.
MM
I thought about that too, but I think it is worth mentioning that this is not quite as powerful as some of the compact drills on the market. If we compare it to other Dewalt compact drills this tool (DCD803) is rated 569 MWO, a little more powerful than the DCD799 Atomic. DCD800 is 900. DCD801 (brand new model) 1050.
I don’t think the DCD803 will be slouch, but it probably wouldn’t be able to keep up with the same sort of tasks that a DCD800 could.
Harrison
That’s fair. I do sometimes think the amount of power contractors need in a drill, especially for finish grade work, is overblown. There are a lot of mature cabinet and millwork guys still out there getting it done with brushed 2005-era Makita, and other low-powered drivers.
Obviously everyone has different needs- I just feel this DCD803 strikes a better balance for a wider field of users than the ultra low power, 3/8” chuck drivers like the Festool CXT and Milwaukee M12 copy.
Matt_T
I’ve been considering the 18v Bosch version mainly so I wouldn’t have to deal with another battery platform. Makes life easier when everything on the van takes the same batteries. So at least for me the main advantage of these 18v installer drills is working with your primary batteries rather than higher power compared to 12v variants.
Personally I run compact and large drill motors. Could definitely replace the compact and might work better because I mostly use 1/4″ power hex bits in it. I think it could also replace my angle drill.
Saulac
Dewalt should take that angle head and build a true 3” angle disc cutter.
MM
Yes. I’d also love a 90 degree die grinder configured like that, like a Snap-On 861 but on 20V max with some good power
Luis
they need a 20V right angle die grinder, that’s for sure
Tdot77
Check out the Hercules right angle die grinder tool if you need one to get by until DeWalt does decide to make one. It’s only like $75 and you can very frequently get 15-20% off coupons. TTC just did a video on it if you wanna check it out(the WallyWorld Hyper Tough is another one to check out – Iirc, it’s like 65 bucks as a kit). These Harbor Freight Hercules tools are pretty decent for what they are, especially with the 5 yr warranty and reasonably priced batteries too. Harbor Freight has definitely stepped up their game in the last decade or so and are filling in the gap that craftsman left when Sears closed for good. The Icon stuff is damn good too, the new G2 ratchets are professional snap-off quality for a quarter or less of the price…with the same lifetime guarantee and local brick & mortar locations coast to coast.
Mopar
Great, another tool I will *have* to buy.
Love the 12v version, but sometimes you need a little more “oomph”.
D1nonlysnshn
Several years ago, the orange place offered a Black & Decker w/6 different attachments (drill, driver, router, corner sander, jig saw, & oscillating attachment) on sale and I bought it for light work. It keeps me from schlepping a bag of different tools around with me. I have Ryobi, Craftsman, & Milwaukee smaller version, and decided to join the Dewalt family two years ago with the 20v XR set…I will definitely get this once it becomes available just to round out my tool complement.
Stuart
The B&D Matrix was also sold as Craftsman Bolt-On.
JoeM
*Sigh* I am on record as repeatedly disliking multi-head drill/drivers already. So I’m actually going to shorten this to one of the shortest responses I’ve ever given in the history of my time on ToolGuyd.
Can we, safely, consider this to be a separate class of tool lineup released by the major Tool Makers? The DIYer class, just like their Holiday Special drivers? Please? I admit that dock, which appears to have a belt clip on it, is unique and appropriate to the tool. But, surely, this should really be for DIYers almost exclusively.
Stuart
No. This is not a “DIY” tool, it’s a problem-solver for common drilling and driving frustrations. The product images show cabinet installs specifically, but there are all kinds of installation work where right angle or offset heads reduce headaches.
Michael
I’m an aircraft mechanic and I love the 12v (and the 12v ratchet with the 1/4 hex anvil). Lots of screws super close to edges and corners.
Blocky
Good to hear it.
These are also favored by many museum preparators when securing objects on custom (and often concealed) mounts.
Will
I always thought of these the same way, but to hear owners of the 12v version, it’s the best thing ever for installation work.
Mopar
I think of these as the exact opposite of a DIY tool. To me, this is more of very specific niche application tool that is not needed by, marketed to, or even known of by most DIY tops. To that end, they rarely seem to be included in holiday sales or promo kits.
TomD
Exactly. It’s a specialty tool and the vast majority of buyers select the head they need and rarely if ever swap it.
The “multiple heads” confuse the DIYs into thinking it’s for them; but it really isn’t.
When you’re doing one project, once, you can use the “wrong” tool or take it slow or cuss a bit. When you’re doing the same project every day for 40 years, you’re going to get a tool that makes it a “bit” faster.
JoeM
I never meant that it was supposed to be a Holiday Deal. I mean that this class of tool is the same Tool Class as the ones they offer in the Holiday Deals.
The multi-head tools, and the Top-Tool-Brand Holiday Deal Tools (Drill/Driver, Powered Saw, etc.) that are just so different from the main lineup that they don’t make any sense going by the same name as the rest. Not Pro, not Industrial, not Compact (though they can be obviously compact, like this Atomic tool.) not Main or Featured (Featured like All-Star Lineup, not Featured like “It Has Features.”) just another name.
That there’s now a 20V version of the 12V one DeWALT made, I’m saying put both in the same category, outside the main lines and names.
al
This is the opposite of a DIY oriented tool. If anything it caters to a more specialty class of tradesmen than normal. This is for remodelers, cabinet installers, etc, who frequently encounter odd placed fasteners that are difficult to reach, but must be reached
Jim
I borrowed a M124 in 1 for the installation of the first of several pull out shelves I built. Now I WANT my own.
The Dewalt may be considered a DIY tool by some but I think “serious” belongs as an adjective in front of DIY.
Nathan
I’ve been waiting for a project to justify buying the 12v model but if the sizes are comparable or even the same. I’d get this hands down. Only issue was the 12v model was going to be my justification for the 12v ratchet so I guess I have to get the 20 instead……
Lyle
I have the the original Bosch 12V FlexiClick (non-brushless) that I converted to brushless and the Dewalt 12V version of this. Both rarely get used, but when they do it’s very helpful to have them.
I’ll certainly buy this and will try to sell both my Bosch and Dewalt 12V versions. I have no issues with the power of my existing tools, but I’d rather standardize on the Dewalt 20V batteries. I have an extensive amount of Dewalt 12V stuff and my absolute favorite for installing and removing screws is my 12V Dewalt DCD 610. I also like the newer DCD 601, but what I’ve recently decided is that I’d rather carry around the DCB 094K (20V USB-C charger). This charger also allows you to use the battery as a power source. The only problem is that it only works with 20V batteries. I used to carry a DCB 1102 charger in my tool bag and that was good because it can charge 12V and 20V. However, I just came back from a trip to Korea and I brought the DCB 094K instead because it’s really easy to get a USB-C power source basically anywhere nowadays and I didn’t have to worry about any kind of adapter for the AC side. The DCB 094K is smaller and lighter and more convenient, if it could only charge 12V stuff I’d be really happy.
With the PowerStack 1.7Ah and 3.5Ah batteries being powerful, small, and lightweight, size and weight for the 20V line is much less of an issue. I think I’ll move from my 12V screwdriver (DCD 610/601) to the new quiet hydraulic DCF 870. I really wish this new version of the Dewalt 5 in 1 used an impact driver as the base model where you could select impact driver mode or clutch (similar to how we select hammer mode on a hammer drill). That would make the ultimate driver for me.
Nathan
Those parts would take up more space though. Messing with the compactness
w00dy
I always own 3 to 4 drill/drivers and since 8 years I’ve had a Metabo 12v ‘quick’ multihead. I’ve been loving it I use it for 90 percent of all drill and fastening jobs I encounter. I also have a rotary hammer for when I need to drill in concrete and a 18V beast of a drill but that last one seldom gets used. I do need it once in a good while so it needs to stay.
A few years ago I ‘upgraded’ the multi head to a brushless size and it is crazy powerful for its size. But still I’m not ditching the old one because I like it’s sound so much better. The brushless version screams very loudly in use. Really annoying high pitch sound. Makes me grab earing protection for every screw I go and fasten with it.
So on the next machine I will really want to hear it run first.
I use the drill and bit holding attachments most but I’m really happy I have the excenter and corner pieces when I need them!
Peter
For most applications pictures I do not see any reason for a 20V tool or Dewalt’s 12V sized one.
For me Milwaukee and Bosch have hit it home with their 12V design for those applications.
The Bosch 12V version is one of my favorite tool.
Jeff
I have the Bosch 12V brushless multi-head – in fact it was my first “real” power tool that wasn’t my parents’ and I absolutely love it. I rarely use the “other” heads, but when I need them, they are great. The offset head got a lot of use one summer replacing blinds, for example. I’m a homeowner, not a professional, but I am happy with it every time I need to use it.
Ryan
I have the Dewalt 12v version and haven’t found a need for more power. I occasionally use it to drill holes in hard to reach spots on roll cages. It is a wonderful tool that when needed you are glad you have it.
I think i would prefer using 12v 5ah battery over the 20v powerstack 1.7
Stev
I agree, I like the size and weight on the 12v. Haven’t run into a situation where I need more power.
NoDak Farming
I read through all the comments wondering if anyone would share an opinion on Hilti’s 12 volt multi head tool. They’ve offered it for a few years now, and I’ve not once thought of it as being for the DIY crowd. And the form factor looks more than handy. I think I’m mostly curious if multi head tools like that, lose the tight fit of the different heads, if they are swapped out often.
Harrison
I own it. It’s a nice tool! The quality is no better or worse than the rest of the pro tool brands.
It is one of the more powerful multihead drills in the 12v category, and it comes with a 1/2” metal chuck. I only bought it because it was cheap and I had recently purchased a Hilti laser with nice 4ah 12v batteries, that I wanted to use for some other stuff.
The main downside is that the Hilti 12v line is insanely limited, mainly for lasers and gas nailers. Other than the drivers, they have a compact sawzall, a usb charger and a light. That’s it.
All of these attachments have a small bit of wobble to them, but I would expect the collect mechanism to hold up as well as the rest of the driver. Still much, much stiffer than a right angle bit or a flexy extension.
will
I have an old cein drill but it came only with a chuck and 1/4″ and they took years to bring out attachments. Now I see a right angle on amazon for $150,Thats crazy! They also have a kit with a box and 8 attachments but it looks like 6 of them are just different style 1/4″,but I can’t find the offset anywhere. Maybe I’ll try and use a festool since they helped fein design the drill it should work,right?
Stuart
Email both brands and ask first? Or maybe search for what others did for the same model number tool.
anthony watts
all i can see is an upside down drawer runner in the 2nd pic
Steven Gascoyne
Yep I will definitely grab one of these. The compact size and offset and right angle adapters will be very useful and although you can get these as separate accessories, they are always a bit difficult to use when they aren’t attached to the tool directly.
Philip+Proctor
This and the quiet hydraulic impact would be the shizzle for cabinet installs.