Dewalt Drills seem to be pretty well built and serviceable

[steppinthrax]

I've had this DC987 for 7-9 years now. It's pretty much a 18V 1/2" Dewalt XPR drill. I've left this thing out in the rain I've used the bottom as a hammer. It got to the point where the variable speed wasn't working anymore, the torque function was no longer working and one battery that I left in the rain was no longer charging.

I took the drill apart and took the transmission apart. I was surprised to find the transmission gears are made from hardened steel (like an an automotive transmission). I soaked the transmission in degreaser and cleaned it. I carefully inspected each gear and found noting wrong. I re-assembed it and re-packed the transmission with Lithium grease. I bought a new "trigger switch" from eBay for $15 bucks. I bought 1 battery insert and some motor brushes. Now this drill functions like brand new. Most likely sand or some dirt got inside and was messing with the transmission. Much better than paying $200.00 for a new drill.

 

[Imp]

How long did the battery last?

Last I checked, it was $80 per battery. *shudders*

 

[lxskllr]

My main drill looks like this...

Cordless, and I've never had to buy batteries. The chuck's gotten a little sloppy from from using it as a breast drill without adequate lubrication, but it still works ok.

 

[Mayne]

I just paid 200 dollars for my dewalt bit that broke on a job 2 days ago.

 

[Imp]

My main drill looks like this...

Cordless, and I've never had to buy batteries. The chuck's gotten a little sloppy from from using it as a breast drill without adequate lubrication, but it still works ok.

Not entirely sure if serious... but that is effing genius. No battery and no cord to plug in -- no worrying about overloading a circuit or battery leaking.

I actually thought about getting one of these after I got sick of my 12 V drill -- it used a NiCad battery and I had to make sure it didn't completely self-discharge all the time.

 

[lxskllr]

Not entirely sure if serious... but that is effing genius. No battery and no cord to plug in -- no worrying about overloading a circuit or battery leaking.

Absolutely serious. I used it exclusively for ~20 years. I got a cheap B&D cordless from Marlboro, but I hardly ever used it, and I have a drill press in the basement when I need to make a halfway precise hole in something. When I need to make a big hole, I have a bit brace, but I don't often have to make big holes.

 

[TwiceOver]

absolutely love the little impact drivers. So much power in a small package.

 

[master_shake_]

i bought 2 of these one for work and home and have put one set through the ringer at work.

use em for everything even on engines. they're great!

 

[twinrider1]

My main drill looks like this...

Cordless, and I've never had to buy batteries. The chuck's gotten a little sloppy from from using it as a breast drill without adequate lubrication, but it still works ok.

Too many parts. I take a rock and beat a hole in it.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Too many parts. I take a rock and beat a hole in it.

Hammer + screwdriver = drill

Everyone knows this.

 

[Zim Hosein]

I just paid 200 dollars for my dewalt bit that broke on a job 2 days ago.

$200.00 USD for a drill bit Mayne? WTF?

 

[jcwagers]

They also make an adapter where you can use the 20v lithium ion batteries with some of the older 18v drills and tools. I'm sure you probably already knew about that but I believe you can buy the adapter alone or it comes as part of a kit that includes batteries and a charger. It's not cheap and might not be worth the money in your situation but......just thought I'd make mention of it.

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCA22...308&sr=8-2&keywords=dewalt+18v+to+20v+adapter

 

[shortylickens]

I like my little Bosch tools. They work great and havent died yet.

 

[Ns1]

My main drill looks like this...

Cordless, and I've never had to buy batteries. The chuck's gotten a little sloppy from from using it as a breast drill without adequate lubrication, but it still works ok.

Hipster as fuck bro

 

[highland145]

Absolutely serious. I used it exclusively for ~20 years. I got a cheap B&D cordless from Marlboro, but I hardly ever used it, and I have a drill press in the basement when I need to make a halfway precise hole in something. When I need to make a big hole, I have a bit brace, but I don't often have to make big holes.

+1 For whatever reason, the brace bits make a better hole for dowels for me.

Inherited a yankee drill from my grand. Works well but I'm still a dewalt fan.

 

[sdifox]

Too many parts. I take a rock and beat a hole in it.

https://www.amazon.com/Hilti-460-MX...915&sr=8-3&keywords=hilti+powder+actuated+gun