DEWALT 2-Tool 20-Volt Max Brushless Power Tool Combo Kit with Soft Case and Free Tool Gift $229

This is effectively buying this kit for 159 and getting the Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit that has the battery included for 70 more.

Is this combo atomic? Dewalt model numbers are just hard to follow...

Is this combo atomic? Dewalt model numbers are just hard to follow...

Is this combo atomic? Dewalt model numbers are just hard to follow...

No, just the older brushless models just before the XR line. Now, some of the free tool choices such as the oscillating tool are XR. Personally, I like the smaller batteries for drills and such that are non-power hungry. They last a lot longer than the older NiCad that were three times the size for the same amperage and make the tool lighter.

If you wanted to chase these down on say, eBay, you can get a better deal for new, but not a lot better and a lot more difficult to exchange or return. I still see the brushed predecessor to this impact driver on job sites and still working. At 1500 in/lbs of torque, this brushless one is no slouch, but there is now one above at 1800 in/lbs. Everyone wants the latest and greatest at a giveaway price, when most do not need it.

I would rather get compact version of all the tools. It just the model number that get me. There are so many.

Dcd70, dcd77, dcd79, dcd99. I bet there are more.

If you will do a quick search of any model, there will be an option for Dewalt.com [dewalt.com] that will give you the specs for anything still being manufactured. Or, you can just go to the site and enter the model number. Just know that site is agonizingly slow and better to right mouse click whatever in the preview drop down and open multiple windows if comparing to let them load.... because like you say, it can get confusing. To be even more confusing, the ratings vary from WHO (watt hours out), in/lbs (inch lbs of torque that divided by 12, gives ft/lbs). etc. There is a conversion chart for WHO to inch or foot lbs that helps. And sometimes, the ratings are not on the site and you have to chase down elsewhere.

We have a lot of DeWalt and for the Atomic line, the DCD709 [dewalt.com] is probably their best versatile tool for drilling, hammer drilling and with the variable clutch, driving fasteners. The appearance is a little deceiving, because when you pick it up, it is solid and heavier than it would appear to be for it's size. The slimmer handled Atomic oscillating tool is fine, but has a single speed gearbox with a variable speed trigger that does not bother me, as I seldom switch between the 3 speed gearbox of the XR that also has a variable speed trigger.

If I wanted all compact tools, I might consider the 12v Milwaukee line, or maybe even the Bosch, but there will always be a specific tool from one manufacture that is better suited for a specific job than the other. Mostly, whatever battery and charger line invested in, is what people stay with because of the cost and versatility. We do have some Ryobi work lights, because with HD Ryobi days, they are less than half the cost of DeWalt or Milwaukee even when on sale and included two 4 amp batteries, charger and bag.

Maybe that helps...

If you go to their site(.co.uk) you can find actual torque measurements in nm for most products. Atomic and xtreme are all just xr overseas. Most model numbers are the same but with some extra markings for the target locale.