This article reprinted from Western Roofing magazine May/June 2007.

36 Volts of Power

The DeWalt DCX6200 Combo Pack with Two Popular Cordless Tools

by Marcus Dodson, associate editor

Manufacturers have gradually been upping their voltage on their cordless tools. The higher voltage means more power, longer run-time between charges, and less downtime on the job. Within the past year, DeWalt has introduced several cordless tools using 36-volt batteries. Recently, the company packaged two of their most popular cordless tools, the DC900 hammerdrill/drill/driver and the DC300 circular saw, into a convenient canvas tote bag. In addition to the two tools, the DCX6200 combo pack also includes two 36-volt batteries and a one-hour charger.

DeWalt designed the DC300 with a full-sized 7-1/4" blade. This feature provides users with increased cutting capacity at 90° and 45°, when compared to other cordless 5-3/8" or 6-1/2" circular saws. This 4,000 rpm saw is also equipped with a patent pending all-metal keyless blade clamp for quick and easy blade changes.

The company engineered another productivity enhancing feature for circular saws on the DC300, a 50° bevel capacity. For added comfort and control the saw has an anti-slip comfort grip.

DeWalt states that when tested against other cordless circular saws using eight feet of half-inch OSB, the DC300 was able to cut through the material 20% faster than other comparable saws.

The DC900 hammerdrill/drill/driver is designed with a patented 3-speed transmission that optimizes the speed applied to each application, offering professional end users maximum performance for various heavy-duty applications. For example, first speed is ideal for use with hole saws and self feed bits when drilling large holes in wood. The second speed is ideal for use with auger bits or screw driving. The third speed is ideal for hammer drilling into concrete.

Additionally, the DC900 is equipped with a ½" self-tightening chuck, which enables the chuck to automatically tighten throughout operation. This provides the end user with over twice the bit gripping torque of a traditional keyless chuck. For added user comfort and control, the DC900 has an anti-slip comfort grip on the handle of the drill.

The DC900 has the ability to complete a variety of heavy-duty applications, such as drilling in wood with self feed bits, auger bits and hole saws, fastening lag bolts and hammerdrilling in concrete as fast or faster than leading corded drills. Combined with 2-3 times the runtime compared to 18V drills, the DC900KL brings new levels of productivity to the jobsite.

We had the opportunity to try both the DC300 and the DC900 for several hours. The DC300 circular saw was a breeze to operate and make quick blade changes. It rarely bogged down and had plenty of power. The DC900 hammerdrill/drill/driver went through 2x4s and 4x4s like butter. It’s one of the most powerful hammerdrill/drill/drivers we’ve used, corded or cordless. For both tools, the 36-volt batteries performed flawlessly. They charged quickly and never slowed or gave up for the three hours of our test.

While using the DC900, we were also able to try on of DeWalt’s hole saw kits. The kit included six hole saws with a quick-change mandrel. The hole saw blades were easy to change and the guide bit grabbed easily and straight in both wood and metal.

The DCX6200 combo pack combines two popular rugged, hard-working cordless tools using DeWalt’s 36-volt system for greater performance. It’s a hard package to beat. •••