Customer Rating: 
Summary: A great long-term investment.
Comment: I write this review from the perspective of an aggressive hobbyist. My first power tool purchase was a DeWalt compact 12 volt drill/driver. My primary use for this tool was fixing small things in the nightclub at which I worked during my college years. As my skills gradually increased I began to take on more demanding tasks. It was clear to me that I needed some other tools and a little more power also. Frankly I didn't do much market research as I was satisfied with my DeWalt drill. Having said that, I will not compare this tool set with others on the market. The price tag for the combo had me second guessing myself so I asked a contractor if I actually needed a $500 tool set. He advised me that I had to make my decision based on my projected frequency and intensity of usage. According to him, the cheaper tools often have weaker motor housings. In other words, the tool will break if it is pushed too hard and will, generally, have a much shorter life span. Not to mention diminished accuracy and power.
So if your usage is going to be: (1) Light and infrequent, consider an alternative to this combo. (2) Heavy and/or frequent, purchase a high-performance combo.
A word of caution, err on the side of purchasing the high-performance combo if you are not sure if your usage over time will increase.
After two years my combo still functions flawlessly.
Hammerdrill/drill/driver: This tool does what it states. It is nice having a light duty drill/driver as the 18-volt version can get heavy after a couple hours of work. For light duty work, a compact 12-volt drill/driver is ideal. Even in general, having two drill/drivers with you can save you a lot of time as you can place two different accessories in each drill. i.e. a drill bit in one and a screw tip in another. As a note, the hammerdrill feature works well, but within reason. This tool is not primarily designed for such use.
I have used this combination of drill/drivers to complete these two major tasks:
Extend a deck. Including anchoring posts into concrete footings and attaching ledgerboard into concrete.
Complete a rough framed room. As helpful info, there is a cheap depth setting drywall bit DeWalt makes that's a great time saver for setting screws in drywall.
Reciprocation Saw: There are a million uses for this saw, just pop in the appropriate blade and cut away. The only major drawback is that the saw vibrates a lot as it is relatively light weight. This makes clean plunge cuts difficult and while recip saws are made for rough cutting, it is a little more difficult to cut a straight line compared to some other recip's I have seen. Do not let me discourage you, I could list a hundred positives, but that would encompass more space than allowed.
As I truly enjoy the functionality of this saw, I purchased the 24-volt version. The 24-volt is a monster tool, but in retrospect my decision was not a good one. I already had a cordless recip; I did not need another one. I would have been better suited with a top of the line Milwaukee corded sawzall. This saw is a powerhouse, half the cost of my 24-volt DeWalt as it is corded, and an industry leader. If you ever need a more powerful recip saw, this would be my recommendation.
A final note. All of the tools in this package have been upgraded. The new 18-volt recip is a little heaver and has a 1 inch stroke (mine has ¾ inch). This may have corrected the flaw mentioned earlier.
Circular saw: This is a very functional saw. It cuts very well and comes with a rip cutting extension. I have only one complaint: The base is flimsy. It works, but a stronger base would have been a benefit.
After using this saw for 2 years, I decided it was time for me to move on to a more powerful saw. I was debating the DeWalt lightweight, high-strength base model with the DeWalt 364K which is the heavy duty version (and very heavy). I paid the extra $20 for the heavy duty model based on the reasoning that I already have a good light weight circular saw (my 18-volt). Also I may, in the future need powerful cutting power for lvl, concrete, brick, etc... Not to mention running my 18-volt through a lot of pressure treated wood is an abuse in my eyes. The 18-volt will take it, but that really is the place of a corded saw. I would recommend the DW364K if you need corded power to add to your tool set. However, I did not do any market research on corded circular saws so it may be worth your while to research some other brands for a corded circular saw (consider Skil and Bosche).
In the upgraded version of the 18-volt circular saw now available, the base plate is solid. This resolves my major drawback.
Also, buy a 24 tooth carbide blade, the 16 tooth blade included is a very rough cutting blade.
Flashlight: Works well, nice to be able to hang it on things.
For sustained work involving two or more of your tools you really need a third battery and a second charger. I would suggest purchasing another 18-volt tool you need as the cost of an extra battery and charger is significant. Do not buy the 18-volt jigsaw. It is my only DeWalt tool I am not satisfied with. The bevel lock comes loose while cutting every now and then; ruining the piece you are working on. If you need a jigsaw, purchase a Bosche; they apparently make the best jigsaws.
I sincerely hope this review helps.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Greatest Tools In The Worls
Comment: Theses four tools are the greatest, The drill is the best you can buy, strong enough to drill through anything. The reciprocating saw is wonderful for anything, even a quick prune of a low tree branch. The Circular Saw comes with the framing blade, cuts quick and the blade doesnt dull if you hit a nail or two, and the light is great for when you need an extra hand to hold a light, just adjust it and set on a flat surface and you have light to work by. I have had these tools for a few months now. I even try to find an excuse to use them.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Made in Mexico
Comment: A word of warning before you spend your hard earned money on DeWalt tools. Black and Decker (they actually make DeWalt) recently moved the manufacturing of DeWalt tools from Easton, Maryland to Mexico. Most of the DeWalt tools being sold now were either manufactured in Easton after layoffs were announced or were made in the new Mexico facility. The facility has been riddled with problems from day one and may never produce the same quality tools as the Easton plant. Yes, every tool maker now manufactures outside the US, but DeWalt admittedly priced their tools higher because they could stamp "Made in America" on them. Now all they have is higher prices, a bright yellow case stamped "Made in Mexico". I am not telling anyone not to buy DeWalt, just sharing the truth.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Not Up to Porter-Cable Quality at the Same Price
Comment: While the DeWalt Kit is satisfactory, it does not hold up well in comparison to the 19.2 volt Porter-Cable kit I replaced it with. First, the DeWalt is underpowered at 18 volts. Second, the Porter-Cable has a degree of durability not found in DeWalt - unfortunately, DeWalt continues to follow the trend of becoming more and more like their alternative line - Black & Decker - but at a premium price. Finally, the Porter-Cable tools are desiged to have a smaller footprint, allowing you to use them more effectively in small spaces. Overall, the DeWalt kit is good, but is not up to the quality of the Porter-Cable even though both have the same price.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great Dewalt Cordless Set
Comment: This is the best cordless set I have owned. The drill has plenty of power, even in concrete. It is heavy-duty and has stood up to several drops from a ladder. As with most 18 volt tools, it would be nice if it didn't weigh quite so much. The circular saw works great! The flashlight is powerful but I found the bulb to break easy. The reciprocating saw is the weakest link in my opinion. It works well but is difficult to run at low speeds. Because of this, I still prefer to use my corded Sawzall for some jobs. Overall, I would rate this kit as very good and highly recommend it.
