Buying guide for best dewalt drills
Ever since 1924, when Raymond DeWalt founded the DEWALT Products Company to market his “Wonder-Worker” woodworking machine, the brand has had a reputation for pushing boundaries in the drive to always create something better. Research and innovation have allowed DEWALT to amass a remarkable assortment of power tools and hand tools, including the company's highly lauded line of drills.
For nearly a century, DEWALT has tweaked traditional technology and refined what works best to create a wide range of drills that can handle everything from a weekend do-it-yourselfer's side project to a skilled professional's construction site needs. Because of this, DEWALT has such an overwhelming array of drills that it can leave the average consumer a little baffled when it comes to finding the perfect tool for the job.
We’ve created this handy guide to provide clear navigation through the myriad choices. Once you know the differences among the many drills DEWALT has to offer, and you know what it is you truly need for your projects, see the DEWALT drills we picked as the very best.
Corded vs. cordless
DEWALT drills are powered by electricity, which can be delivered to your drill by cord or battery.
Corded electricity
Corded electricity is exactly what you think it is. Simply plug your DEWALT drill into an outlet to power the tool. The main benefit of corded electricity is you will never run out of power. And, in most cases, drawing current from an outlet will provide your drill with more power than you can get from a battery. The downsides are that you can only work where the cord reaches, and a cord that runs across your workspace is a safety hazard.
Cordless electricity
Cordless electricity means running your DEWALT drill from a battery. With this option, you free yourself from the constraints of being tethered to an outlet. DEWALT has two basic battery options.
Max batteries (12V/18V/20V): These batteries snap into the handle or the base of your drill and provide sufficient power to accomplish most tasks. Choosing 18V over 12V will make an appreciable difference in what you can do. However, it’s important to realize that the 18V and the 20V MAX offer the same amount of power. The 20V MAX is simply the newer line of the company's 18V batteries.
- FLEXVOLT system: The second option is investing in DEWALT's FLEXVOLT system. This revolutionary innovation in power supply is an adaptable battery that, depending on your tool's needs, can switch from 20V to 60V. Although you won't need it to power your drill, the batteries in this line can be paired to achieve 108V, roughly the same amount of power you would get from plugging into an outlet.
Assess your drill needs
With nearly 50 different models, you can be sure that DEWALT makes the perfect drill for your projects. All you have to do is know what your needs are.
DEWALT's standard drill/drivers are extremely versatile tools that are capable of doing many things beyond drilling holes and driving screws. With the application of different bits and accessories, such as a 360° side handle, this tool can also sand wood, grind metal, remove rust, create hidden angled joints, and even mix paint.
Price: You can figure on spending between $65 and $112 for this type of DEWALT drill.
DEWALT’s right-angle drills have a tip that’s angled just like you’d expect, at 90°. This is the tool you need to get into those really tight spaces – under sinks, in corners, or wherever there's an obstacle that makes it impossible to use a standard drill.
Price: DEWALT has right-angle drill options ranging from an adapter for $20 to $300 for a top-of-the-line piece of equipment.
DEWALT’s impact drills are handy when you need a little more brute force to get those really stubborn bolts and nuts together or apart. This type of drill sputters with aggressive bursts of increased torque that can quickly make a rusted-tight bolt come free.
Price: DEWALT impact drills range in price from $75 to $400.
DEWALT’s hammer drills combine rotation with a forceful pounding that facilitates working with denser materials. For instance, if you need to set some bolts in concrete, this is the tool you’d use.
Price: The price range for these DEWALT drills is broad – from light duty to heavy duty. Expect to spend from about $100 to $500.
DEWALT drill features to consider
The following is a list of terms and options that you should familiarize yourself with before shopping for your drill. These are general industry options and not specific to DEWALT.
Chuck size: The 3/8-inch size is for most common uses. The 1/2-inch size is for heavier-duty jobs.
LED: Having a light source on the drill can be extremely handy in almost any situation.
The rpm range: The rotations per minute (rpm) tells you how fast a drill is spinning. Slower speeds are better for driving screws while faster speeds are better for drilling most holes. A wide rpm range (300 to 1,500) allows you to perform a wide range of jobs.
Maximum torque: Torque is the twisting force of your tool. The tougher the material you're drilling into, the more torque you need to get the job done.
Maximum bpm: If you are drilling into stone, concrete, brick or mortar, you'll want to purchase a hammer drill. The bpm tells you how many blows a drill can make in a minute. The higher the bpm, the more powerful the hammering action of the drill.
Maximum power: The higher the unit watts out (UWO), the faster the drill will complete a job.
- Weight: Most drills weigh roughly between three and six pounds. Even that seemingly negligible difference can compound over extended use. Make sure you can physically handle the drill that you purchase.
DEWALT drill kits
When you shop for a DEWALT drill, you can purchase à la carte to get the exact tool you need. However, the company has been around for nearly 100 years and knows a thing or two about putting together the perfect tool ensemble to make sure that you'll have everything you need to get the most out of your new tool. In fact, the best place to look for bargains isn’t the bottom line but what DEWALT offers as packaged deals.
The kits that DEWALT bundles together can include such accessories as a 360° side handle, an on-board bit tip holder, a belt hook, a fast charger, a carrying case, an additional battery, and even additional tools.
DEWALT digital
Jobsite WiFi: DEWALT has moved into the digital age with the same built-tough philosophy for tech as it has for tools. The company's Jobsite WiFi access point is rated to protect against dust and water, which allows for dependable service in even the most severe workplace conditions. You can access data, collaborative software, and project management programs without ever leaving your location.
- Tool Connect: With DEWALT's Tool Connect, you'll never misplace a tool again. Utilizing the integrated Bluetooth system, you can track your DeWALT drills with the Last Seen feature, remotely customize each tool for optimum performance, and view real-time diagnostics on tool usage. The system comes with tags that can withstand harsh worksite conditions and keep track of anything you value. Additionally, all 20V MAX tools can be set to be disabled if they’re removed from the jobsite.
FAQ
Q. Where can I find the nearest authorized repair center for my DEWALT drill?
A. The DEWALT website allows you to search for an authorized DeWALT service center by entering either your zip code or your city and state.
Q. Why are some DEWALT tools designated XR? What does that mean?
A. Although all DEWALT tools use lithium-Ion batteries, the XR series is a step up, offering advanced electronics, faster application speeds, and extended runtimes.
Q. Where can I get parts for my DEWALT drill?
A. The best place to search for parts is on the DEWALT website. Not only are the parts listed individually but you can also pull up a diagram to be sure you’re getting exactly what you need.
