CLICK IMAGE for more info and price
Made by: DEWALT
Related areas of interest include:
CLICK HERE for more information and price
Product Description -- All right-angle drill drivers are not the same. Sure, they get the same job done--but it's how easy the tool makes the job that sets the brands apart. This DeWalt model that comes with our highest recommendation. Powered by DeWalt's system of nice, compact 14.4-volt batteries, the tool boasts a tight, thoughtful design. The best feature, we think, is what DeWalt calls its "multi-grip trigger." The trigger is as long as your little finger, and the lower section of handle is textured for a sturdy grip, allowing you to get the tool up into a tight workspace with an extended reach that the other brands don't offer. Another advantage, if you have smaller hands: the easy-to-grip battery is slides on and off easily. Two speed ranges, 0 to 400 and 0-1,250 rpm, offer you lots of applications. The drill is tough enough for the pro and feature-friendly enough for the do-it-yourselfer--we can envision this making quick work of a ducting project at home or on the job. Installing drawer guides in a case piece? No problem with this DeWalt. It can even handle larger bits and fasteners with its 210 inch-pounds of maximum torque. Two batteries, a one-hour charger, and a hard-plastic carrying case round out a great package.
DeWalt DW966K-2 14.4-Volt 3/8 -- I really like this drill and use it all the time on the job. It really can get you out of a jam sometimes. The DW966K now comes with two batteries for the same price as the old kit with only one battery. They are the standard 14.4V battery packs, not the XR extended run-time packs, but this is a good thing because the whole idea behind this drill is to get into the tight places that other drills can't, and having the shorter standard battery sometimes makes the difference between being able to get the drill into the work area, or not. The cordless advantage is evident for working in cramped areas, such as when installing cabinet drawer slides or under cabinet lighting. The keyless chuck is not excessively shrouded so it is easy to get at and is a welcome feature on this type of drill. I have used it with all sizes of spade bits up to 1-3/8" and hole saws up to 1-3/4". The tool could easily handle a larger hole saw, but because it is only a 3/8" chuck, the larger 7/16" shanks won't fit.
The DW966 has a two-speed gearbox and elongated variable speed switch with reverse for screw driving/removal applications, making it far more functional than DeWalt's disgraceful DW160 corded version, which does not reverse. The DW966 does not have an adjustable clutch, but then that is common for all small 3/8" right angle drills, and it is doubtful that it would be of much advantage driving screws in tight work areas anyway.
Overall, I feel that the DeWalt DW966 is by far the best and most functional cordless 3/8" right angle drill available at this time. Makita's 9.6V and 12V cordless designs are now outdated by compare. The tiny Metabo 4.8V power grip is a straight drill, not a right angle drill, so it doesn't qualify. It also must have been designed as a concept tool for the electronics assembly industry or for use in outer space, because it's use in the construction and MRO industries on this planet seem limited.
My only wish is that the engineers at DeWalt would get off their butts and finally produce a 1/2" cordless 18V and 24V right angle drills. They should model them after the DeWalt DW120 and DW124 [formerly the Timberwolf] corded right angle drills, with at least a 2-9/16" auger bit and a 4-5/8" hole saw capacity.
There isn't an Electrical, HVAC or Plumbing contractor alive who wouldn't give anything for a cordless drill like that.
Why did we not buy this sooner! -- We install a lot of kitchens, this pays for its self when putting in a 12" wide or less cabinet, trying to secure the face frames. If you can justify it the budget it is well worth it! Please its not t tool you use lots and lots, so you get two 14.4V batteries that interchange with your other Dewalt tools!
Reviews:
Excellent, highly useful tool -- I love this drill! It was absolutely invaluable for working in the tight angles and narrow spaces I encountered during an extensive kitchen remodel I completed this last summer. I find lots of other uses as an avid woodworker too. Although DeWalt makes an 18-volt version my regular drill/driver has interchangeable power packs for this model. The 14.4-volt batteries last plenty long, have sufficient power for my needs, and recharge quickly. It comes with two batteries so I haven't had any downtime. I found the variable speeds easy to control with the "multi-grip" trigger. The keyless chuck is very convenient and the two clutch settings are essential for switching between drilling/driving applications. Set properly, it always had enough torque for either job. It is very ergonomic with great weight and balance: while it is much easier to control with two hands, it can be used with only one in a pinch (at least for drilling, anyway).
Exactly right -- This drill is a great combination of size & power. I use it for all kinds of stuff. Hogging through studs for electrical, pocket drilling in tight spaces, driving screws, etc.
The more I use it the more I like it. I considered the 9.6v makita but was concerned that it wouldn't have the staying power to drill lots of holes through studs (this was the case for the non standard 9.6v makita). Also I wanted the slow speed this drill provides.
Eventhough this drill was a bit pricy I am glad I choose it. It is serving me quite well.
I only wish it had a clutch for driving screws. This keeps me from giving it 5 stars.