****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I have a 11 year old DeWalt DCD 790 drill that has served me well. However I needed a drill that could power my 8 inch ice auger and the 790 just didn't have the power for that. I also have some projects coming up that require a hammer drill. Since I already have a bunch of DeWalt tools, it made sense to look at DeWalt for a new drill/hammer drill. After looking at reviews of this drill, showing how powerful it is, and the anti-rotation system, I decided to pull the trigger when I saw it on sale ($202).I think the anti-rotation system is a must when you are using large hole saws or something like an ice auger. I've had painful experiences when a large bit jams and the drill keeps turning, twisting your wrist to unnatural angles. The anti-rotation system on this drill works flawlessly. Drilling thru 30 inches of ice, my ice auger jammed just before getting thru the ice and the drill immediately shutdown. All the indicator lights on the drill turn red when the anti-rotation system kicks in. Just release the trigger and it resets. It is one of the best new features I've seen on a power tool.The drill functions are extensive. The three speed gear box allows you to set your drilling to just about any material you are going to drill. The clutch is electronic and not only allows slippage at the select clutch point, but adjusts the drill's speed depending on the clutch setting. At the lightest clutch setting the drill is slowed considerably.I've only done one test hole with the hammer drill function, but it drilled 6" into a cinder block very quickly. In hammer mode, the drill spins much faster than in drill mode and gear speed 3.The LED light is really useful. It's as bright as a flashlight, is adjustable up and down, and you can set it to stay on for up to 20 minutes.The downside on this drill is the weight and the price. With a 6 AH Flex-Volt battery attached and the handle, it comes in at 7 lbs 2 oz. Not something you want to be holding over your head for any length of time. The MSRP of $249 is pretty steep for a drill/hammer drill and probably not worthwhile unless you really need the power this drill provides.
