Looking for the perfect tool starter kit for the perfect price? Check out these two Dewalt tool Combo Kits. Models (DCK344C2) and (DCKTS882D2M1)

Everyone knows that buying in bulk can save you money, but that remains the same even when buying tools. Dewalt has some really great combo kits at Home Depot that is perfect for anyone looking for great tools at an awesome price, and the two we are looking at today is the Dewalt 8 piece combo kit with the ToughSystem (DCKTS882D2M1), and the three piece combo kit (DCK344C2).

Let’s start off with the big boy Dewalt 8 piece combo kit. If you are looking to get into the trades, or just looking for some great tools for around the house, this kit has everything you need to get the job done.

What comes in the 8 piece kit:

• Drill, Impact Driver, Circular & Reciprocating Saw & Grinder
• Oscillating Tool, Impact Wrench, Flashlight & ToughSystem Case
• (2) 2.0 Ah and (1) 4.0 Ah 20-Volt Max Batteries

DCD771 is compact (front to back) and lightweight, designed to fit into tight areas

DCF885 offers 1-handed loading for its 1/4 in. hex chuck that accepts 1 in. bit tips

DCS381 with keyless blade clamp allows for quick blade change without touching blade or reciprocating shaft

DCL040 is a bright flashlight to illuminate your work area with LED output of 110-Lumen

DCS355 has a quick-change accessory system that allows blades and attachments to be changed quickly without wrenches

DCS393 with 6-1/2 in. carbide blade can cut 2x4's at a 45 angle in a single pass

DCG412 has an 8,000 rpm motor that provides high power for cutting and grinding applications

DCF883 is compact (5.70 in. front to back) and lightweight (3.4 lbs.) designed to fits into tight areas

Not only do you get all of this above, but they also added a battery charger, three batteries (2)-2Ah and (1) 4Ah and the large ToughSystem Case.

Now even though you do get all of these tools, the one thing I want to point out is that these tools are brushed tools, and even though they offer more than enough power to get the job done.

Best and worst tool out of the bunch,

Best of the bunch: Though this combo kit has a lot of tools, there is one that shines, and one…well not so much. The best to by far in my opinion in this entire kit is the Multi tool. It’s powerful, versatile and just all around awesome.

Worst of the bunch: The one tool that really disappointed me in this combo was the drill. It’s not only under powered, but it started smoking, and when I say smoking, I mean smoke signals. We always try to push the tools we review to the max, but within 5 minutes drill completely died. It’s fine when used for basic drilling applications, but stay far, far away from paddle bits with this.

All in all, it’s a great set for a home owners or an apprentice, but they are not the best Dewalt has to offer.  

The second combo kit that we looked at was the Dewalt 3 piece combo set with soft case (DCK344C2). 

This combo set comes with

• Cordless Drill/Driver, Impact Driver, & Oscillating Tool
• (2) 20-Volt MAX Batteries, Charger, and Bag
• Compatible with the entire line of DEWALT 20-Volt Max tools

• DCD771 is compact (front to back) and lightweight, designed to fit into tight areas
• DCD771 - high-speed transmission delivers 2 speeds (0-450 and 1500 RPM) for a range of fastening and drilling applications
• DCD771 - 1/2 in. single sleeve ratcheting chuck provides tight bit gripping strength
• DCD771 - ergonomic handle ensures comfort and control
• DCF885 offers 1-handed loading for its 1/4 in. hex chuck that accepts 1 in. bit tips
• DCF885 - powerful 20-Volt motor provides up to 1400 in. lbs. of max torque
• DCF885 - produces little kickback (reactionary torque) for reduced fatigue and less chance of stripped screws
• DCS355 has a Quick-Change accessory system that allows blades and attachments to be changed quickly without wrenches
• DCS355 - dual-grip variable speed trigger gives users ultimate speed and application control
• DCS355 - bright LED light illuminates dark work surfaces for accurate cutting

Again, our favorite tool in this kit was the multi tool, but the impact gun and impact wrench are also solid tools. We drove ½” lags through treated 4x4’s with both of these tools, and though they definitely weren’t the fastest, they still got it done.

As for build, they are definitely Dewalt quality and feel great in the hands. They are not too big, so they are light and very versatile. They also come with the batteries and charger, along with a nice soft case. I think these are the perfect tools for not only someone just coming into the trades and looking to save some money, but for those that are looking for a solid set of drivers. The LED lights on the front of the drivers are bright and do a good job illuminating the work area. I also really like the over mold with textured grip.   

  

As for use and abuse, we used this on many different applications such as driving screws into treated wood, drilling holes into metal, driving lags and removing lug nuts, and they held up great. I also did not notice any type of overheating on either of these units.

Though we did have issues with the drill from the 8 piece set, every other tool in these combo kits held up well, and did what we needed them to do. We absolutely love the multi tools, and think it not only rivals anything on the market, but is probably better than anything on the market.

These are great kits that help you save money while offering some great tools. They may not be the best tools Dewalt offer, but they are still a great set to own.