Black & Decker DR501 6-Amp 1/2-Inch Drill

by Black & Decker

Product Description

Amazon.com

It's industrial-type power for the home do-it-yourselfer. The six-amp motor gives you plenty of power—up to 750 rpm—for whatever's on your do-list. Triple gear reduction means a longer tool life and more guts for heavy-duty drilling and driving tasks. We like the fact that B&D built this gear housing of metal, protecting it from an inadvertent tumble from atop a ladder. They really paid attention in ergonomics class, too—we love the soft grip handle for super comfort and extra control. The auxiliary handle rotates 360 degrees, so it's wherever you need it most. Another plus in the ergonomics department, the handle's more centered on the tool, so its overall balance is a big improvement over older models. The trigger's bigger, letting you squeeze with two fingers rather than one, something we're partial to as well. B&D threw in a couple nice touches, too, in the on-board bit storage and built-in two-way level. Great drill/driver for the homeowner or serious do-it-yourselfer.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Product Description

1/2" Vsr Drill - 1/2" VSR DRILL. 6 amp - 0-750 rpm variable speed drill. Triple gear reduction for greater power. Metal gear housing

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13 x 3.5 x 11.4 inches ; 5.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000C6DX4
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: DR501
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #279,411 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Reverse Switch, August 15, 2005

By 

James A. Collis "jcollis" (Beaumont TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Black & Decker DR501 6-Amp 1/2-Inch Drill (Tools & Home Improvement)

The drill works fine, however I couldn't reverse it. I called Black & Decker, & they told me to push it very firmly, & that when it had worn in it would work well.

5.0 out of 5 stars very pleased with this purchase, December 30, 2009

By 

D. Pannell "Dave" (Alabama) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Black & Decker DR501 6-Amp 1/2-Inch Drill (Tools & Home Improvement)

I purchased this drill about 4 yrs ago, i think. It's been a while. I needed a drill with enough power to rebuild my kitchen floor with new treated 2x12's, and 3/4" treated plywood subfloor. I was going to be using it alot for 2 1/2" screws. It worked tirelessly throughout the whole process. I then built a half pipe skateboard ramp for my son out of the same material. The drill consistently had enough power to pull 3/4" treated plywood flush with the transition beams on the ramp. Never had a problem with this drill. Ever. I use it in my woodturning business as well. It works well with some 2" sanding pads while the wood is still mounted on the lathe. You can really sand down the rough wood left from a power carver with this drill. The detachable handle makes it really versatile.

AND FOR THE RECORD: in another review, this part of the description was in question

(1) the detachable handle has a screw cap on the end for bit storage

(2) it does have a small fairly useless little level bubble at the back end

2.0 out of 5 stars You get what you pay for, October 14, 2007

By 

Jonathan Fiorillo - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Black & Decker DR501 6-Amp 1/2-Inch Drill (Tools & Home Improvement)

Gutless wonder. I bought it because it was cheap. My 3/8" drill is faster, has more torque, and takes longer to overheat. It still works after three years, but that's because I don't use it. If you're a serious fabricator, spend some money.