Dewalt POWERSTACK Combi Drills
DeWalt PowerStack combi drills are compact 18V site drills built for drilling, screwdriving, and hammer work where bulk just gets in the way.
If you're in and out of kitchens, lofts, cupboards and first-fix runs all day, a dewalt powerstack combi drill makes more sense than dragging round a bigger lump. These kits pair DeWalt brushless compact drill bodies like the DeWalt DCD793 with PowerStack batteries, so you get proper site-ready punch, less bulk in the bag, and a setup that suits everyday drilling and fixing work. If you want a dewalt compact combi drill that earns its keep on snagging, second fix and general install jobs, start here.
What Are DeWalt PowerStack Combi Drills Used For?
- Drilling into timber, metal and masonry on day to day site work, where one drill needs to cover pilot holes, fixings and light hammer drilling without swapping tools every five minutes.
- Working through kitchen fits, bedroom installs and refurb snags, where a dewalt compact combi drill is easier to handle in cupboards, corners and awkward overhead positions.
- Running first fix and second fix jobs for sparkies, plumbers and fitters, where the DeWalt PowerStack 18V combi drill gives enough punch for brackets, clips, boxes and general fixing work.
- Loading the van with a lighter everyday drill kit, especially if you want a dewalt powerstack drill kit that keeps weight down but still stands up to regular site abuse.
- Handling quick maintenance callouts and property work, where a compact brushless combi is faster to grab than a larger drill and still covers most holes and fixings you hit in a normal day.
Choosing the Right DeWalt PowerStack Combi Drill
Sorting the right one is simple: match the drill to the work you actually do, not the biggest numbers on the box.
1. Compact Daily Drill or Bigger All Rounder
If most of your day is fixings, pilot holes, wood drilling and the odd masonry hole, a dewalt compact combi drill like the DeWalt DCD793 is the sensible buy. If you are regularly boring larger holes or drilling hard masonry all week, step up to a heavier combi instead of expecting a compact body to do a big drill's job.
2. Body Only or Full Kit
If you are already on DeWalt 18V, body only keeps costs down. If this is your everyday site drill, a dewalt powerstack drill kit is usually the better shout, because you want the right charger, case and batteries from day one rather than patching a setup together later.
3. PowerStack Battery Size Matters
Do not just buy on drill spec and ignore the battery it comes with. Smaller PowerStack packs keep the drill compact and are spot on for overhead and second fix work. If you drill more masonry or run bigger bits, more battery capacity will make the kit more useful over a full shift.
4. Hammer Mode Is a Bonus, Not a Breaker Replacement
A DeWalt PowerStack combi drill will sort plugs and light blockwork holes, but do not buy one thinking it replaces an SDS. For regular concrete work, keep the combi for drilling and driving, then use the right hammer drill for the ugly stuff.
Who Uses These on Site?
- Sparkies rate a dewalt powerstack combi drill for first fix holes, back box fixings and chasing in brackets, especially when they are up steps or working through tight service spaces.
- Kitchen fitters and chippies use these for cabinet installs, pilot drilling and hinge work, because the compact body is easier to control inside carcasses and against finished surfaces.
- Plumbers and heating engineers keep a dewalt powerstack drill in the van for clips, pipe brackets and light masonry drilling, where a smaller combi saves arm ache over a long day.
- Maintenance teams and snaggers swear by this sort of kit because one brushless compact drill covers most small to medium drilling and fixing jobs without hauling a full heavy setup round site.
The Basics: Understanding DeWalt PowerStack Combi Drills
This type of drill is popular because it covers three jobs in one tool. The main thing to understand is how the combi action, brushless motor and PowerStack battery affect real site use.
1. Combi Means Drill, Drive and Hammer
A combi drill handles screwdriving, standard rotary drilling and light hammer drilling into masonry. That means one tool will cover timber studs, metal fixings and plug holes in block or brick on the same job.
2. Brushless Helps with Runtime and Heat
A DeWalt brushless compact drill wastes less energy and tends to run cooler under repeated use. For you, that means better battery use and a drill that copes better with all day stop start work.
3. PowerStack Keeps the Setup Smaller
PowerStack batteries are designed to give strong output from a more compact pack. On site, that helps keep the drill shorter and easier to use in tight spots, which is exactly why these kits suit fit-out, maintenance and general install work.
DeWalt PowerStack Combi Drill Accessories That Actually Matter
A good combi is only half the job. The right extras save wasted trips to the van and stop a simple fixing job turning into a faff.
1. DeWalt Drill Bits
Get proper bits for timber, metal and masonry instead of trying to make one tired set do everything. A compact combi only works properly if the bit is sharp, straight and matched to the material.
2. Spare Batteries and Charging Kit
One flat battery can stall a whole install, especially if you are up ladders or moving room to room. Dewalt FLEXVOLT Batteries Chargers and Mounts are worth a look if you want more charging and battery options across wider DeWalt kit.
3. Driver Bit Sets
Chewed bits round screws, slip under load and waste your time. Keep a decent driver bit set in the case so your combi is ready for fixing work, not just drilling.
4. Holsters, Cases and Storage
If the drill lives loose in the van with mixed fixings and wet offcuts, it will show. Proper storage keeps the tool, charger and batteries together and stops you hunting for the one bit you need at the far end of site.
Choose the Right DeWalt PowerStack Combi Drill for the Job
Use this as a quick guide before you pick your kit.
| Your Job | Category or Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Second fix, kitchen fitting, snagging | Compact PowerStack combi drill | Short body, low weight, brushless motor, easy control in cupboards and tight corners |
| First fix drilling and general site fixing | 18V PowerStack combi drill kit | Hammer mode, two batteries, charger, enough runtime for a full working day |
| Maintenance and van stock | Body only compact combi | Good if you already run DeWalt 18V batteries and just need a lighter everyday drill |
| Mixed drilling into timber, steel and light masonry | Brushless compact combi drill | Two speed gearbox, clutch control, hammer setting, solid all round site use |
| Frequent larger holes or harder masonry | Heavier duty combi or SDS setup | More torque and better hammer performance when a compact drill is not enough |
Common Buying and Usage Mistakes
- Buying a compact combi for constant heavy masonry drilling is the usual mistake. It will do plug holes and light hammer work, but for repeated concrete and bigger diameters you need an SDS or a larger drill.
- Ignoring the battery setup catches plenty of lads out. A good dewalt powerstack combi drill with the wrong battery choice can mean poor runtime or a drill that feels more nose heavy than it should.
- Using blunt or cheap bits makes the drill look worse than it is. Poor accessories slow the job down, overwork the motor and leave rough holes and damaged fixings behind.
- Choosing body only without checking your existing chargers and batteries is a fast way to waste a morning. Make sure your current DeWalt 18V setup actually covers the drill before you order.
- Running hammer mode for jobs that only need rotary drilling wears bits faster and makes a mess of finished surfaces. Use the right mode for the material and the drill will stay sharper and easier to control.
Compact Combi Drill vs Standard XR Combi Drill vs Impact Driver
Compact PowerStack Combi Drill
This is the best fit for everyday drilling and fixing where space matters. A dewalt compact combi drill is easier to handle overhead, inside cupboards and across repeated install work, but it is not the one for big holes all day.
Standard XR Combi Drill
An XR combi usually gives you more size and often more outright grunt, which suits tougher drilling and rougher first fix work. The trade-off is more weight and bulk when you are carrying it from room to room.
Impact Driver
An impact driver is the better tool for long screws, repeated fixing and stubborn fasteners, but it is not a substitute for a combi when you need clean drilled holes. If driving is most of your day, look at DeWalt Impact Drivers alongside your combi.
What Most Trades Actually Do
Most site lads pair a compact combi with an impact driver. The combi handles drilling and light masonry, while the impact takes the strain on fixings and longer screws, which is quicker and easier on the wrists.
Maintenance and Care
Clear Dust Out Regularly
After masonry drilling, brush or blow dust away from the chuck, vents and battery rails. Fine dust left to build up is what makes a good drill start feeling rough and tired.
Look After the Chuck
If bits start slipping, do not just crank it harder and hope for the best. Keep the chuck clean, remove packed debris and replace worn bits before you blame the drill.
Store Batteries Properly
Do not leave PowerStack packs rolling round a cold wet van for weeks. Charge them properly, keep the terminals clean and store them dry if you want decent runtime and long battery life.
Check for Wear After Drops
These drills are site tools and they take knocks, but after a drop check the casing, chuck alignment and battery fit. If it wobbles, jams or starts running out of true, get it sorted before it ruins bits and fixings.
Use the Right Tool for the Job
The easiest way to wear out a compact combi is to ask it to do breaker work. Keep it on drilling and driving duties and it will last far longer as your everyday van drill.
Why Shop for DeWalt PowerStack Combi Drills at ITS?
Whether you need a single dewalt powerstack drill body, a full dewalt powerstack drill kit, or the latest compact models like the DeWalt DCD793, we stock the range properly. You will also find the bits, batteries and add-ons to match, including Dewalt Power Tool Accessories and Dewalt FLEXVOLT More Power Tools. It is all in our own warehouse, in stock, and ready for next day delivery when the job cannot wait.
DeWalt PowerStack Combi Drill FAQs
What is the DeWalt PowerStack combi drill?
It is a DeWalt 18V combi drill setup built around PowerStack batteries, usually paired with a compact brushless drill body. In plain terms, you get a shorter, lighter site drill for drilling, screwdriving and light hammer drilling without the bulk of a bigger unit.
How does the PowerStack combi drill compare to the XR version?
The big difference is the feel in the hand and how compact the setup stays. A PowerStack combi drill setup is usually handier in tight spaces and better for all day carrying, while some standard XR combis can offer more size and outright drilling muscle for heavier work.
Is the DeWalt PowerStack combi drill brushless?
Yes, most models in this part of the range are brushless, including compact site favourites. That matters because brushless motors are more efficient, run cooler and suit repeated daily use far better than older brushed setups.
What battery does the DeWalt PowerStack combi drill use?
It uses DeWalt 18V batteries, with these kits focused on PowerStack packs. Always check whether you are buying body only or a full kit, and check the included battery size if runtime matters more to you than keeping the drill as compact as possible.
Will a DeWalt PowerStack combi drill handle masonry properly?
Yes, for normal plug holes and light block or brick drilling it is absolutely fine. Be honest about the work though. If you are drilling concrete all week or pushing large diameters, use an SDS and save the compact combi for what it does best.
Is the DeWalt DCD793 enough drill for daily trade use?
Yes, for plenty of trades it is exactly the sort of daily van drill you want. It is well suited to sparkies, kitchen fitters, maintenance teams and plumbers doing regular drilling and fixing work, especially where a full size combi just feels clumsy.
Do I need a combi drill and an impact driver, or will this do both?
A combi drill will cover both drilling and some screwdriving, so it can do the lot if you are travelling light. But if you drive long screws or fixings all day, pairing it with DeWalt Impact Drivers is the better setup and easier on the drill.
What should I buy with a DeWalt PowerStack combi drill?
At minimum, get proper drill bits, decent driver bits and enough battery to last the shift. Start with DeWalt Drill Bits, then sort the rest of your everyday consumables through Dewalt Power Tool Accessories so the drill is actually useful from the first job.
