DeWalt Debuts Its First Multi-Head Drill. Can it Compete Against the Best?
Multi-head drills aren’t a new concept, but due to their specialized nature, they’re not too common across the industry. The DeWalt 20V Max Atomic Multi-Head Drill is the first of its kind for the brand, so naturally, we wanted to know if it stand out from the rest. I got my hands on one to see what it has to offer help you decide if it’s the right tool for your arsenal.
DeWalt 20V Multi-Head Drill Performance
- No-Load Speed: 0-450/1650 RPM
- Max Power: 569 MWO
- Chuck Attachment: 1/2 in.
- Hex Bit Holder Attachment: 1/4 in.
- Right Angle Attachment: 1/4 in.
- Offset Attachment: 1/4 in.
- Clutch Positions: 15 + 1
Drilling Power
The DeWalt DCD803 is the new member of the 20V Atomic Compact lineup, and it’s making quite a splash. Looking at the overall profile, it appears that DeWalt based its design on the DCD794 platform, but the specs are a bit more impressive.
This compact multi-head drill sports a brushless motor, 16 clutch settings, and a two-speed motor. On low, you get up to 450 RPMs, and high speed peaks at 1,650 RPMs. Additionally, you get 569 MWO, 49 more than the compact Atomic DCD799 hammer drill.
Those numbers hint at a drill that’s more concerned about control than top-tier performance. But what does all this get you in terms of real-world performance? Well, quite a lot!
Although this is a compact drill, most of your standard drilling and driving tasks are well within reach. There are some things to know before you get started, though. Here’s a quick breakdown of the DeWalt DCD803’s recommended capacities:
| Chuck Attachment | All Others and Hex Spindle | |
|---|---|---|
| Auger Bit | 1-1/4 in. | Screwdriving Only |
| Paddle Bit | 1-1/2 in. | Screwdriving Only |
| Twist Bit | 1/2 in. | Screwdriving Only |
| Self-Feed Bit | 2-1/8 in. | Screwdriving Only |
| Hole Saw | 2-1/4 in. | Screwdriving Only |
| Twist Bit (metal) | 3/8 in. | Screwdriving Only |
As you can see, the DCD803 is most versatile when using the 1/2-inch chuck attachment, but this isn’t really a surprise. This is a specialized kit, mostly intended for things like cabinet installation or other tasks where space is at a premium or you have to approach from an odd angle. With that said, it’s important to adhere to DeWalt’s recommendations in order to avoid damaging the drill or attachments.
DeWalt 20V Multi-Head Drill Design Notes
- Model: DeWalt DCD803
- Power Source: DeWalt 20V battery
- Weight: 2.1 lbs (bare tool), 2.9 lbs (with 2.0Ah battery)
- Head Length: 4.8 in.
Size and Weight
As part of the Atomic lineup, it should come as no surprise that the DCD803 is exceptionally lightweight compared to other 18V/20V max drill. This drill weighs 2.1 pounds as a bare tool and 2.9 pounds with a 2.0Ah battery. With the other attachments, the weight ranges from 3.3 to 3.8 pounds, which is still remarkably light for a drill.
The tool head measures 4.8 inches without any attachments in place, which is identical to the DeWalt DCF860 Impact Driver. This is good news when you’re working in tight spaces, but even the longest attachment only adds 2.5 inches to the total length.
That said, as part of the 20V Max battery platform, it’s not as light and compact as Bosch’s 12V Flexi-Click, though it is slightly more compact than Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel Installation Driver.
Attachments
Aside from the 1/2-inch chuck, the other attachments all feature a 1/4-inch hex drive, so you can use any standard hex shank bits. This kit comes with a right-angle attachment, an offset attachment, and a quick-attach collet that’s similar to your standard impact driver.
The real genius of this system is that it allows you to quickly swap between implements in seconds. For instance, you could easily go from drilling a pilot hole with the 1/2-inch chuck to driving your fastener with the quick-connect collet.
This system utilizes a drop-in load mechanism that employs three steel rods to hold the attachments in place. This is much more secure and easier to use than the ball-bearing retainers we saw on the Skil Multi-Head Drill.
As for storage, DeWalt included a mounting plate so you can keep all of the attachments in one place. This plate can be mounted on a wall or workbench using the keyhole cutouts, but it’s also compatible with DeWalt’s belt hook, so you can hang it up or attach it to your work belt.
Quick Model Comparison
Here’s a quick look at how the DeWalt DCD803 compares to similar models from other manufacturers.
| DeWalt DCD803 | Milwaukee 2505 | Hilti SFE 2-A12 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-Load Speed | 1,650 RPM | 1,600 RPM | 1,600 RPM |
| Max Torque | 569 MWO | 300 in-lbs | 301 in-lbs |
| Head Length | 4.8 in. | 5.1 in. | 5.2 in. |
| Bare Weight | 2.1 lbs | 2 lbs | 1.5 lbs |
Additional Features
- Tether ready for working at height
- Two-position belt hook
- Foot mounted LED work light
- Compatible with all DeWalt 20V batteries
DeWalt 20V Multi-Head Drill Price
The DeWalt DCD803 Multi-Head Drill retails for $229 as a bare tool and comes with a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year of free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
The Bottom Line
The DeWalt DCD803 represents a unique addition to the 20V Max Atomic lineup. It’s lightweight, compact, and has more than enough power for most of the common light to medium-duty drilling and driving tasks. On top of that, its opens up the opportunity to do more with a single tool. But it is just that—unique.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a specialized tool that’s designed to helps Pros deal with fasteners that are difficult to access using a standard drill. DIYers may even find it handy to cover almost all their home projects. But if you’re simply in the market for a compact drill, then I’d suggest going with one of DeWalt’s other capable offerings to avoid having accessories to connect and store.
