Our Honest Review of DeWalt DCK421D2 Combo Kit for 2021

DeWalt DCK421D2 Combo Kit Product Image

Editor Rating: 4.4/5

Great

DeWalt DCK421D2 Combo Kit Review

Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson

Published on: Jan 26, 2022 @ 10:28 pm

 

 

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

DeWalt DCK421D2 Review Summary:

To some people, 8-piece or 10-piece power tool combo kits are too much. In the same manner, they find the 2-piece toolsets to be too basic -they’re looking for a middle ground. This is where the 4-piece toolsets come in -not too large, not too small, but just right.

And that is precisely what the DeWalt DCK421D2 is. This combo kit consists of three essential power tools (drill/driver, impact driver, circular saw) coupled with a LED flashlight. Purchasing these devices together in one package is significantly cheaper than buying all of them individually, turning this DeWalt toolset into a pretty good money saver.

However, in order to do this, one first has to get acquainted with the features of these tools -a blind purchase is something you should always avoid, no matter the brand. In the following paragraphs, we’ll analyze the quality of these devices and try to determine the kit’s value for the money. Read on!

Specifications:

  • Number of Tools-4
  • Weight -16.8lbs
  • Batteries -1 Li-Ion battery (included)
  • Voltage-20V
  • Warranty-3-year limited

DeWalt DCK421D2 Combo Kit – The Basics


The drill/driver that’s included in this set is the DCD780, a model that sports a high-speed transmission and has a thoughtful design that reduces user fatigue during long working sessions. The DCF885 impact driver, on the other hand,is one of the best devices of this type that DeWalt has manufactured so far -it has an exceptionally short head and accepts 1″ bits, which turns it into a perfect tool for fastening in tight areas.

The DCS393 circular saw also deserves words of praise. Sporting a 45-degree angle design and a carbide blade, it’s an extremely efficient device that cuts through all kinds of wood like a knife through butter. Just like all other tools in the combo, the DCS393 also has a great balance and feels great in hands.

Finally, the LED flashlight (DCL040) rounds off this toolset and stands as a welcome addition that allows one to perform the drilling/driving/cutting operations in complete darkness. It has a couple of really interesting features that make it an essential part of this combo – more on that later.

Along with the tools, the DCK421D2 kit also includes two batteries, a charger, and a contractor bag. It is covered by DeWalt’s 3-year limited warranty.

The Features


Drill/Driver DCD780


Combining metal (gearbox/chuck), plastic, and rubber, this drill/driver looks and feels great. It has the same comfort-oriented design of all other DeWalt power tools, as it has been designed to provide the right grip and prevent numbness of hands. An especially praiseworthy thing about the model’s design is that it comes with a couple of really convenient features -the bit holder, the belt clip, and the LED light are all present.

However, the DCD780 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to power-it’s a reliable device with 15 clutch settings, dual speed settings (0-600 / 0-2,000 RPM), and the automatic motor protection that keeps everything in check. Pretty impressive, wouldn’t you say?

Impact Driver DCF885


This impact driver is probably the most interesting part of the whole package. Although quite capable, the most impressive thing about it is that it has the total head length of just 5.55“. When we combine this with the fact that it accepts 1” bits, we get a model that can become anyone’s go-to tool when it comes to fastening in hard-to-reach spaces.

As a step up from its predecessor (DC825), the DCF885 has a torque rating of 1400 in-lbs and is among the most potent impact drivers in its price category. When it comes to extra features, it is worth noting that the unit has a LED light of its own -it is sufficiently bright and has a convenient turn-off delay of 20 seconds.

Circular Saw DCS393


Along with the signature black & yellow color palette, another recognizable trait of DeWalt’s design philosophy is always the handle. The one present on DCS393 features a rubber over-molded coating that provides a firm grip, reduces slippage, and makes it easy to work with the unit for hours on end. Although not as important for DIY enthusiasts, this feature will undoubtedly be crucial for the professional contractors.

Besides the outstanding design, the DCS393 circular saw is also quite potent. Reaching the top speed of impressive 5,000 RPM and having a thin, carbide-tipped 6.5″ blade, it’s a potent machine that completes both the light-duty tasks and the demanding projects with utmost ease. The model also has a high-strength steel shoe which guarantees accurate cuts, which is yet another of its impressive features.

LED Work Light DCL040


A welcome addition to this combo kit, the DCL040 work light has the job of illuminating your working area in low-light conditions. It’s an exceptionally compact (1lb) model with a pistol-style grip and which provides 110 lumens of bright light. One of the best things about it is its flexibility -the flashlight’s head is adjustable and can be rotated for 120° so that the user can easily find an optimal beam angle for his work.

Just like the other tools in the set, the work light also has a rubberized grip that provides optimal comfort. It also has an integral hook that will allow you to attach it to your belt -hands-free use is often necessary.

Accessories & Warranty


When it comes to accessories, the DCD780 is accompanied with the usual DeWalt items –two 2.0Ah Li-Ion batteries, a standard charger, and the soft-sided carrying bag. The set is covered by a 3-year limited warranty, 3-month money-back guarantee, and 1-year of free service.

DeWalt Drill Driver

Pros:

N

Reliable & efficient power tools

N

Compact impact driver

N

A carbide-tipped blade on the circular saw

N

LED flashlight included

Cons:

N

Not the best batteries

N

Poorly-positioned LED on the DCD780

R

Things we liked about it

This 4-piece DeWalt combo kithad us impressed right from the start – it’s a well-grouped collective of essential power tools that comes at a reasonable price. All of the devices included in it are genuinely efficient and possess an ergonomic design that makes them incredibly satisfying to use. Furthermore, each tool has a couple of extra features that raise the overall usefulness and convenience of this toolsetto a new level.

The fact that these tools are coupled with a handy LED flashlight and a sturdy carrying bag is yet another great thing about DeWalt DCK421D2 and something that makes the whole deal even more attractive.

Q

Things we didn’t like

Along with the poorly positioned LED on DCD780 that makes the chuck cast a shadow over the workpiece, we didn’t like how short the charge is on the included 2.0Ah batteries. The high speed and high torque of the tools quickly drain the juice -it’s a shame that DeWalt didn’t include cells of better capacity.

General Impressions


Although they aren’t exactly pleased with the capacity of the included batteries, the users are mostly satisfied with this combo kit. They praise the design and performance of the power tools, with the majority of the users claiming that they’re using them on a daily basis. “They’re solid, light, and very ergonomic,” as one user put it.

Conclusion


All in all, the DCK421D2 combo kit is undoubtedly a good purchase. It offers the essential power tools coupled with some accessories and comes at a price that made it a bestseller in the first place.

If you’re in need of a few good DeWalt tools for your woodworking needs, definitely take this toolset into consideration.

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