DEWALT DC742KA Cordless 12-Volt 3/8-Inch Compact Drill/Driver

by DEWALT

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Engineered to satisfy the demands of professional contractors, the cordless DEWALT DC742KA 3/8-inch compact drill/driver has a comfortable, compact size--just 3.8 pounds and about 8 inches long--that easily fits into tight, narrow spaces. It comes with two 12-volt batteries and a 1-hour charger, as well as a kit box for storage and transport.

Compact, yet powerful drill/driver kit includes
batteries and charger (view larger).

DC742KA 12-Volt, 3/8-Inch Compact Drill/Driver At a Glance: Two speed ranges (0-400/0-1,450 RPM) for versatility 200 unit watts out of maximum power 3/8-inch ratcheting chuck reduces bit slippage Includes two 12-volt batteries and 1-hour charger Three-year limited warranty; one-year free service

Power and Performance

Driven by a 12-volt battery, the DC742KA offers plenty of power for hole drilling and screw driving through virtually any building material. Its variable-speed, two-speed, reversing motor can be operated on low (0-400 RPM) for driving large screws and drilling large holes, or high (0-1,450 RPM) for drilling smaller holes and fasteners. The tool is equipped with a 3/8-inch, keyless, single-sleeve, ratcheting chuck that securely locks down on bits to prevent slippage, even when boring large-diameter holes. And its adjustable slip clutch has 17 settings, which ensures precise, consistent screw driving in various materials--hardwood, softwoods, plastic and metal--without fear of over-driving or stripping the screws. An onboard LED worklight greatly enhances visibility when working in dark, confined spaces.

Warranty

This DEWALT tool is backed by three-year limited warranty covering any defects due to faulty materials or workmanship (from the date of purchase). It's also covered by DEWALT's one-year free service contract, where DEWALT will maintain the tool and replace worn parts caused by normal use--for free.

What's in the Box

DEWALT DC742KA 12-volt, 3/8-inch compact drill/driver; two 12-volt batteries; 1-hour charger; operating instructions

From the Manufacturer

Like every DEWALT cordless drill/driver, the DC742KA is engineered to satisfy the demands of professional contractors. This heavy-duty model has a comfortable, compact size--just 3.8 pounds and about 8 inches long--that easily fits into tight, narrow spaces. The DC742KA is driven by a 12-volt battery, which provides plenty of power for hole drilling and screw driving through virtually any building material. Its variable-speed, two-speed, reversing motor can be operated on low (0-400 RPM) for driving large screws and drilling large holes, or high (0-1,450 RPM) for drilling smaller holes and fasteners. The tool is equipped with a 3/8-inch, keyless, single-sleeve, ratcheting chuck that securely locks down on bits to prevent slippage, even when boring large-diameter holes. And its adjustable slip clutch has 17 settings, which ensures precise, consistent screw driving in various materials--hardwood, softwoods, plastic and metal--without fear of over-driving or stripping the screws. An onboard LED worklight greatly enhances visibility when working in dark, confined spaces. The DC742KA heavy-duty cordless 12-volt compact drill/driver comes with two 12-volt batteries, a one-hour charger, and a plastic storage case. It’s backed by DEWALT’s three-year limited warranty, 90-day money-back guarantee, and one-year free service contract.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 8.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000X1TYPS
• Item model number: DC742KA
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,455 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #21 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Drills > Pistol-Grip Drills

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great 12Volt Drill, August 17, 2009

By 

Doug Blackwell (Clare, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: DEWALT DC742KA Cordless 12-Volt 3/8-Inch Compact Drill/Driver (Tools & Home Improvement)

While I admit that I was a little concerned about the compact design of this drill, I was glad to give it a try in light of Amazon's return policy. However, this drill is not going anywhere. Like many other cordless drill owners I got to that place where purchasing replacement batteries was almost as much as purchasing a new drill with two batteries. I used it to for driving some 3.5" framing screws and drywalled a bathroom, laundry room, and small hallway. It has plenty of power and balances well in the hand. The LED light is also a nice enhancement for dark corners in tight workplaces.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good drill, good price, October 13, 2009

By 

B. Alvarez (VT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: DEWALT DC742KA Cordless 12-Volt 3/8-Inch Compact Drill/Driver (Tools & Home Improvement)

Well balanced and nice weight at 3.8 pounds, it is only 7 ounces heavier than the 9.6V it replaced (probably 10 years old). Work light is useful. Love the chuck. My old 9.6V Dewalt was 'grip strength' and I sometimes didn't crank it enough such that it would open if I reversed and there was tension on the bit in the wood. The new models have a ratchet chuck that is easy to tighten.

The 12V cost little more than 2 new batteries for the 9.6V it replaced and it came with 2 batteries, not a difficult decision to get the 12V. In fact, two 9.6V batteries cost 10% MORE than a new 9.6V drill WITH 2 batteries. Go figure. The Dewalt chargers are 'interchangeable'. Multiple voltages (7.2 to 18V) and the batteries for the 12V have the same 'plug' configuration as the old 9.6V so I have 2 batteries AND two chargers.

This drill has only 1 'holder' for screwdriver bits. Not a big deal, but I did like the "one on either side" bit storage on the 9.6V.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No surprises, September 12, 2009

By 

Gary of Alaska (Alaska) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: DEWALT DC742KA Cordless 12-Volt 3/8-Inch Compact Drill/Driver (Tools & Home Improvement)

It meets all expectations. Nothing significant will disappoint you with one caveat. There is a small light that comes on when the trigger is slightly depressed. It does not light the tip area of the driver as it should. The chuck casts a shadow exactly where you need the light. I seldom need the light but when I do it isn't there. It may work better if you can use an extension. If the light is important to you it will be your only disappointment.