Customer Reviews

Black & Decker DR200 4.0 Amp 3/8-Inch Variable Speed/Reversing Drill

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I bought this drill recently because I'm not a huge do-it-yourselfer. It didn't need to be gold-plated and change your TV channels. It just had to work reliably. This model performed well as I made holes and drove in screws.

I would add/change a few things: 1) An optional case - having it sit around and take up more space than a cased drill in my non-workshop basement isn't great. 2) Basic drill bits - I ended up buying the a drill bit set (also B&D), but this gives you nothing to get started. 3) A different chuck holder - the flimsy star-shaped holder is begging to let go of the chuck just when I need it. There should be some sort of tether. 4) Easier chuck - I know that the next model up is chuckless, but if they do design it with one it should at least not slip everytime it's used.

Like other Black & Decker products, this drill has its place as a tool for quick jobs around the house. I have this drill under my workbench for simple things like tightening loose nuts on door hinges, taking screws in and out of cabinets, or similar jobs. However, for bigger jobs, like screwing long screws into wall studs, building a deck, or putting down plywood floor boards, you need something more powerful. Even though it lacks power, this drill is a good choice for those simple jobs because it weighs less than the more powerful (and more bulky) drills.

In general, if you aren't planning to do heavy-duty work, Black & Decker usually is a good choice in all of their tool categories (not just drills). I have several Black & Decker power tools that I keep around for those times when I have simple, quick work to do, or when a friend of mine needs a tool to borrow for the weekend.

I can't really criticize this tool for its lack of power because Black & Decker is honest about their place in the tool world, they fulfill a necesary need for middle-of-the-road tools, and they charge a fair price.

Extreamly powerfull and fast. A little on the heavy side, but that is to be expected. It costs so little for its power it is mind bogling. It's cord is a little short, but that just makes it simpler to store. I would sudgest that you get a 20' extension cord to use it in the home.

This drill seems cheap, but doesn't meet the basic functions of a drill. The fwd/reverse switch is terrible and doesn't always make contact. you have to try 2-3 times fiddling with it before the trigger works. The chuck is hard on your hands and impossible to tighten. Even tiny drill bits stick in what you are working on. Just useless even if it was free.

I bought this drill a year ago. It worked great the first hour I used it. Tons of torque. However, the bearings on the back end of armature couldn't meet the demand and promptly broke, thus locking up the motor and making the drill useless. I replace the bearing and the thing worked good (not great) up to a few weeks ago when it broke and locked up again. B&D has made great drills for a long time. I don't know if it is my particular drill that is a lemon or if the model is just poorly designed.