DEWALT 20V MAX Power Tool Combo Kit: Hands-On Review of the DCK237P1

After spending three weeks putting the DEWALT 20V MAX 2-Tool Combo Kit (DCK237P1) through its paces on multiple jobsites, we’re ready to share our comprehensive review of this professional-grade power tool set. If you’re looking for a versatile, reliable cordless solution for cutting tasks, this kit deserves your attention.

What’s Included in the DEWALT DCK237P1 Combo Kit?

Right out of the distinctive yellow and black packaging, we found everything needed to get straight to work:

• DCS380 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw
• DCS391 20V MAX 6-1/2″ Circular Saw
• DCB205 20V MAX 5.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
• DCB115 Charger
• Circular Saw Blade
• Reciprocating Saw Blade
• Kit Bag

The inclusion of a single high-capacity 5.0Ah battery instead of multiple smaller batteries is a deliberate choice by DEWALT that we came to appreciate during extended use.

Performance That Stands Up to Jobsite Demands

During our testing across residential remodeling projects and workshop applications, both tools demonstrated professional-grade performance that impressed our team.

DCS380 Reciprocating Saw: Demolition Made Easy

The reciprocating saw quickly became our go-to for demolition tasks. Its standout features include:

• 4-Position Blade Clamp: We found this incredibly useful for flush cutting and awkward angles, allowing blade installation in four positions
• 1-1/8″ Stroke Length: Delivers faster cutting speed than many competitors we’ve tested
• Variable Speed Trigger (0-3000 spm): Provides precise control across different materials
• Pivot Shoe: Helps maintain stability during aggressive cutting

When tasked with cutting through nail-embedded wood during a bathroom demo, the reciprocating saw powered through without bogging down. The variable speed trigger allowed for controlled cuts when precision was needed, while the anti-slip comfort grip kept fatigue at bay during extended use.

DCS391 Circular Saw: Precision Meets Power

The 6-1/2″ circular saw proved equally impressive with features that enhance both performance and user experience:

• 5150 RPM Motor: Delivered smooth, efficient cutting through both dimensional lumber and plywood
• 0-50° Bevel Capacity: We tested various angle cuts and found the bevel adjustment smooth and accurate
• 6-1/2″ Carbide-Tipped Blade: Offered impressive cutting capacity (2x material at 90°)
• Ergonomic Design: The optimized handle design with rubber overmold grip provided comfortable control

During our testing on 2×4 framing and plywood sheeting, the circular saw maintained consistent power throughout the battery charge. The integrated dust blower kept our cut line visible, while the high-strength steel shoe provided a stable cutting platform.

Battery Life: How Long Does It Really Last?

The included 5.0Ah battery proved to be a workhorse during our testing. On a full charge, we were able to complete:

• Approximately 98 cuts through 2×4 pine with the circular saw
• About 35 minutes of intermittent demolition cutting with the reciprocating saw

The DCB115 charger brought the battery from empty to fully charged in approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, minimizing downtime. For professionals who need all-day runtime, we’d recommend purchasing an additional battery, but for most DIY applications, the included 5.0Ah battery provides ample power.

Build Quality: Engineered for Durability

After three weeks of daily use in sometimes challenging conditions, both tools show minimal wear. The composite housings absorbed the inevitable jobsite bumps without damage, and the metal components show no signs of premature wear.

DEWALT’s attention to durability details is evident in features like:

• Metal blade clamps on both tools
• Reinforced connection points
• Protected trigger mechanisms
• High-visibility markings that resist wear

The included kit bag, while not a heavy-duty contractor bag, provides adequate protection for transportation and storage.

Ergonomics: Comfort During Extended Use

Both tools feature DEWALT’s thoughtful ergonomic design elements that became increasingly appreciated during long workdays:

• Balanced weight distribution that reduces wrist strain
• Rubber overmold grips that minimize vibration
• Trigger designs that allow natural finger positioning
• Intuitive control placement accessible with one hand

At 7.5 lbs (circular saw) and 8.4 lbs (reciprocating saw) with the battery installed, these tools strike a good balance between substantial feel and manageable weight.

Customer Reviews Analysis

After analyzing hundreds of customer reviews for the DEWALT DCK237P1 Combo Kit, clear patterns emerge about what real users love and where they see room for improvement. Let’s dive into what actual customers are saying about this power tool combo.

What Customers Love

The overwhelming majority of reviewers express satisfaction with the DEWALT DCK237P1, particularly highlighting its battery life and cutting power. Many users report completing entire projects without needing to recharge.

“I’ve had this combo for over two years now and these tools still perform like new,” writes one reviewer who uses them for home renovation projects. Another notes, “The battery life is incredible—I remodeled an entire bathroom and only had to charge once.“

Professional contractors seem particularly impressed, with multiple reviews mentioning the tools holding up well to daily jobsite abuse. One framing contractor mentions, “These have become my go-to tools even though I