What's inside
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Fit comes down to the head, not the name
For drilling or driving inside a narrow cabinet, the useful question is whether the drill can reach the work without hitting the cabinet wall. The Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1/2-inch drill/driver and DeWalt DCD701 are both compact 12V tools, but they are not interchangeable by every measurement. Check the exact kit and generation before buying: published dimensions, included batteries and even the shape of the grip can vary between listings.
The DCD701 is a 3/8-inch drill/driver. Milwaukee’s M12 FUEL drill/driver is commonly sold with a 1/2-inch chuck. A 1/2-inch chuck accepts larger-shank bits, but its larger nose can be a disadvantage where clearance is tight. If you already own bits with shanks over 3/8 inch, that distinction matters; for ordinary cabinet hardware and pilot holes, it usually does not.
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Compare the working envelope
Manufacturers commonly list the DCD701 at about 6 inches long. Milwaukee lists its M12 FUEL drill/driver at about 6.6 inches long, though the exact figure depends on the model generation. Those numbers are measured tool dimensions, not a promise that the drill will fit through a cabinet opening or clear a face frame. Allow room for the chuck, bit, battery and your hand. A 2-inch-long bit adds 2 inches to the reach you need.
Before ordering, measure the gap from the cabinet side to the screw or hole center, then compare it with the drill’s head and battery shape. If the drill fits but your knuckles do not, it is still the wrong setup. A stubby bit or a compact right-angle attachment can help, but an attachment adds length and can reduce control. For repeated work in a cramped corner, a dedicated 12V right-angle drill may be a better tool than forcing a straight drill into the space.
Milwaukee M12 FUEL vs DeWalt DCD701
| Detail | Milwaukee M12 FUEL drill/driver | DeWalt DCD701 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | 12V M12 | 12V MAX |
| Chuck | Commonly 1/2 inch; confirm the specific model | 3/8 inch |
| Published length | About 6.6 inches for common versions | About 6 inches |
| Best reason to choose it | Already own M12 batteries; want a 1/2-inch chuck | Shorter body and a 3/8-inch chuck for routine light drilling |
| Important limitation | Can be a little longer; larger chuck may crowd the work | Does not accept bits with shanks larger than 3/8 inch |
Both are two-speed drill/drivers with a clutch for setting screw torque. That makes them useful for cabinet hinges, drawer hardware and small pilot holes, where too much torque can strip a screw or split a narrow rail. Neither is a substitute for a dedicated impact driver when you have a long run of large screws to drive.
What happens in real cabinet work
For a 1/8-inch pilot hole in a cabinet stile or a small bit through a drawer front, either drill has enough capacity. Start slowly, keep the bit square and stop when the hole reaches the needed depth. A depth stop or a short piece of tape on the bit helps avoid breaking through the visible face. If the bit wanders on a smooth surface, mark the center carefully or use an awl to make a small starting dimple.
Driving hinge screws is where the clutch earns its keep. Begin with a low clutch setting and test on scrap of similar material. If the screw stops before the hinge sits flat, increase the setting one step at a time. If the head strips, the drill twists out of your hand, or the screw sinks below the surface, you are applying too much force, using a worn bit, or both. A hand screwdriver is often the safer finish for the last turn, especially on small brass screws.
Forstner bits and large hole saws are a different job. A compact 12V drill can stall, overheat or grab suddenly when a large cutter bites. Back the bit out often to clear chips, use low gear, and clamp the work. If you regularly drill large holes, choose a higher-capacity drill rather than buying on compactness alone.
Battery platform and price can decide it
Battery compatibility is a practical tie-breaker. If you already own Milwaukee M12 batteries and a charger, the M12 FUEL drill may be the less expensive addition even if its bare-tool price is higher. The same applies to DeWalt 12V MAX owners considering the DCD701. Compare kit contents carefully: a low advertised price may be for the bare tool, while a kit includes batteries and a charger you may not need.
If you are starting from scratch and expect only occasional cabinet repairs, the cheaper drill is fine so long as it fits the work and includes a battery and charger. There is little value in paying for a 1/2-inch chuck if you will only use small bits. Conversely, if your existing M12 setup already covers other tools or you need larger-shank bits, Milwaukee’s chuck and platform may justify the cost. Browse current DCD701 kits and bare tools and M12 FUEL drill/driver options, checking the model number and battery contents rather than relying on a product title alone.
Which one fits your cabinet job?
Choose the DCD701 if the shorter listed body is your priority, you mainly drill small holes and drive cabinet screws, or you already have DeWalt 12V batteries. Its 3/8-inch chuck is plenty for that work. Choose the M12 FUEL if you are invested in M12 or need the flexibility of a 1/2-inch chuck, and have confirmed that its slightly longer body clears the cabinet.
For especially tight spaces, neither straight drill is guaranteed to solve the problem. Measure first; if the tool or your hand cannot line up squarely, use a right-angle drill or a hand screwdriver. A drill that physically reaches the fastener but cannot keep the bit straight is an easy way to damage a cabinet.