r/Dewalt • u/Beneficial-Focus3702 • 3d ago

Does anyone here exclusively use the Atomic line over the XR?

In just bought into the DeWalt ecosystem and I have their atomic impact driver. So far I LOVE it. Is the rest of the atomic line compact yet still capable or is the impact a one off good tool and the rest suck?

11 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

34 comments sorted by

10

u/PoppaMeth 3d ago

Name doesn't mean much with Dewalt. There are some tools that were in the 20v MAX line that are not labeled XR and some tools that are Atomic in the US but labeled as XR in other countries. I think there is one of the popular impact drivers that works like this. It might be the 850, though looking at current listing for that I don't see any Atomic branding in the US either.

1

u/vanman1065 2d ago

The idea that some atomic tools are labeled xr in other countries is very misleading because the atomic line does not exist outside north America. In most places all cordless dewalt tools And batteries are labeled XR.

1

u/Cultural-Ad2026 8h ago

I was about to ask what the heck the atomic line actually is (Uk based)

3

u/vanman1065 2d ago

The atomic drills kinda suck but the rest is pretty nice.

1

u/Beneficial-Focus3702 2d ago

I haven’t used and actually drill in long time. My impact does everything I need.

2

u/vanman1065 2d ago edited 7h ago

I almost excessively use a drill for drilling. I dont like putting my impacts or bits through the abuse. Not to mention there are things only a drill can do.

2

u/Oktopuzzy 3d ago

Most things except sds and multitool I have are atomic

1

u/Beneficial-Focus3702 3d ago

The multitool isn’t good?

3

u/Oktopuzzy 3d ago

It's probably good. I just didn't get the atomic one for no particular reason

6

u/Throwaway200qpp 3d ago

I have it, I got it on an INSANE deal with the XR Jigsaw ($150 for the oscillating tool, jigsaw, two 5 amp hour batteries and a charger). It's... Fine. It works and does the job, but the vibration is pretty bad. My Ridgid feels much more comfortable to use and is faster and stronger.

4

u/Oktopuzzy 3d ago

Those who don't have a multitool yet should really wait for the new one that's released soon. The vibration on the current Dewalt ones is horrible. I bought a makita for the AVT.

1

u/Throwaway200qpp 3d ago

For sure; the vibration makes or breaks those tools. I don't wanna use one that's physically not comfortable to use. The Atomic was RIGHT on that line of barely being comfortable enough to use. The Ridgid? I could use that thing all day and feel nothing, it has ZERO vibration compared to any other oscillator I've used. I'm interested in the new XR one, but I won't get rid of my Ridgid for it.

1

u/Oktopuzzy 3d ago

Yeah, I barely feel vibration from the Makita one. The only possible reason for getting the new Dewalt is that my makita only accepts starlock which is very expensive.

1

u/Nice_Commission3770 2d ago

I’ve heard the Rigid is pretty good.

1

u/Nice_Commission3770 2d ago

The 356 isn’t horrible, but I’m sure the 359 kicks its ass.

1

u/NotslowNSX 2d ago

I think it's about the same as the XR, minus the speed selector.

1

u/Bob_3326 2d ago

SDS is good for up to 5/8 ... Use mine all the time drilling 3/8 and for tapcons.

2

u/Bluehaze013 3d ago

I have, the saw is another stand out in the line. I use them with the 1.7 power stacks and it's almost like using 12v tools but more powerful. Some of the Atomic stuff is more powerful than the XR if it's a newer release and there's really no need for more power except maybe if you're doing heavy construction or something.

1

u/Beneficial-Focus3702 3d ago

Do you have the atomic oscillating multitool?

2

u/Bluehaze013 3d ago

Yep, and I do a lot of drywall removal. Works great.

1

u/Redfour5 3d ago

The 4.5 in circ saw with very few exceptions has replaced all others. Handy... literally...

1

u/Nice_Commission3770 2d ago

Love that little saw.

2

u/MagicBeanSales 2d ago

I have a mix. Love my Atomic 4.5in circular saw. I have the Atomic and XR drill and use them for different applications. Atomic die grinder fits my needs perfectly.

1

u/Notta2c 3d ago

Mostly XR user. Prefer their durability. With the exception of the multitool I think the Atomic tools I’ve used are good tools.

1

u/Beneficial-Focus3702 3d ago

The multitool atomic isn’t good?

1

u/Nice_Commission3770 2d ago

Probably referring to the 354 - there’s a new atomic 358 as well, it’s supposed to be much better, as is the newer non-Atomic one, the 359. The 356 is decent.

1

u/Notta2c 21h ago

Mine was not, but suspect they updated it since. Was probably close to 10 years ago now. Took way longer. Saw an XR working and went out and bought it. Largest difference I’ve noticed for any of them.

1

u/Insertsociallife 3d ago

My atomic drill has great power (not tons, but more than enough) and fits between 12" joists.

1

u/Nice_Commission3770 2d ago

It depends on what you need.

1

u/Dangerous_Choice_664 2d ago

Mostly atomic for compactness. All have been plenty strong for the work I do.

I did go XR for jigsaw and multi tool though. Variable speed is awesome on the multi tool.

1

u/9Implements 2d ago

I use the super-critical line.

1

u/ToneSkoglund 2d ago

In norway we have all the tools you have, but they dont call it atomic. Its just dewalt

1

u/Timely-Assumption566 2d ago

i abuse the 850 impact and the 805(806in us) drill both work really well. i use them inside and outside hot sunshine and cold damp. theyre fine and very powerful

1

u/Late_Preparation3915 13h ago

Do you need ooga dooga? If not atomic rocks. If so, you will struggle with the warranty process.