DeWalt Atomic 20V Multi-Head Drill Review: 4 Tools in One

A compact drill/driver powerhouse, DeWalt’s Atomic takes on jobs that usually require a tool box full of tools. I tested it myself, and it walked away with a Tool of the Year award.
Another offset of DeWalt 20 V
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila

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Rating: 4.8/5

Most multi-head drills force you to choose between flexibility and muscle. DeWalt’s Atomic 20V MAX Multi-Head Drill/Driver (model number DCD803B) doesn’t make that compromise. It delivers true 20V torque in a body that’s less than 5 inches long and weighs just over 2 pounds without the battery. That combination makes it one of the best compact drill/drivers I’ve tested. 

I put the Atomic through its paces: driving lag bolts into joists, boring through oak, and setting dozens of fasteners in tight spaces where a full-size drill wouldn’t fit. The drill never flinched. Even when I leaned into the trigger, it powered through without bogging down. If you’re searching for a compact cordless drill with serious power, this model deserves a look.

Best Multi-Head Drill

DeWalt’s Atomic 20V MAX Multi-Head Drill/Driver

DeWalt Atomic 20V MAX Multi-Head Drill/Driver

Four Interchangeable Heads for Maximum Versatility

The genius of the Atomic lies in its quick-connect system. Four interchangeable heads snap on and off in seconds. This includes the following:

  • Right-angle attachment
  • An offset driver
  • A ⅜-inch metal chuck
  • A ¼-inch hex

The quick-connect heads essentially transform a single drill into four, capable of handling overhead screws, cabinet installs, joist drilling, and awkward fasteners with ease.

During my tests, the adjustable right-angle head became my go-to inside cabinets, while the offset driver let me insert screws flush against corners without stripping the heads. And the ultra-bright LED work light—far brighter than many I’ve seen—turned dim recesses into visible work zones.

  • DeWalt multi-head drill with incuded heads
  • DeWalt multi-head drill withwall-mount attachment holder
  • Yet another offset
  • Speed indicator on the V
  • Offset on the DeWalt multi-head drill
  • Storing heads on wall mount
  • Drilling with the DeWalt multi-head drill
  • Drilling with the DeWalt multi-head drill
  • Using the offset attachment to drill right next to a wall
  • Action shot -- changing heads on the DeWalt multi-head dril

Who Should Buy the DeWalt Atomic Multi-Head Drill

This compact DeWalt Drill is a game-changer if you regularly work in tight, awkward spaces or juggle multiple drill/driver tasks. For cabinet installers, remodelers, HVAC techs, and electricians alike, this can be your Swiss Army knife.

That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’re a casual DIYer who only hangs the occasional shelf, the DeWalt Atomic Multi-Head Drill may be overkill. At $249 (tool only), it’s pricier than basic cordless drills. And while it handles 90 percent of home improvement and job-site needs, it’s not designed to fully replace a heavy-duty drill for sustained work in steel or concrete.

The Verdict: A Versatile Drill Worth the Premium Price

Versatility doesn’t have to mean compromise. The Atomic drill is compact and powerful, and DeWalt was clever enough to bundle an entire category of tools into one small but mighty package. That’s why it won a Tool of the Year award—and why it has earned a permanent spot on my wall rack.

Where to Buy the DeWalt Atomic 20V MAX Multi-Head Drill/Driver

 
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Glenda Taylor Avatar

Glenda Taylor

Staff Writer

Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries. 


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