DEWALT DCD985L2 20-Volt MAX Li-Ion Premium 3.0 Ah Hammerdrill/Driver Kit

by DEWALT

• 20V Max lithium ion batteries offer longer tool run time and enhanced durability
• Patented 3-speed all-metal transmission matches the tool to task for fast application speed, improved run time
• Heavy-duty 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck provides superior bit gripping strength
• LED light with 20 second delay after trigger release
• High power, high efficiency motor delivers 450 unit watts out of max power for superior performance

Product Description

Amazon.com

DEWALT’s DCD985L2 20-volt max lithium-ion 3.0 Ah premium hammer drill/driver kit comes equipped with patented technology and innovative features that make it ideal for commercial and residential builders, remodelers, carpenters, woodworkers, electricians, and plumbers. Its extreme durability, performance, and comfort allow users to match the tool to the task at hand, increasing its flexibility for a variety of applications regardless of speed, torque, or power.

DCD985L2 20-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Premium Hammer Drill/Driver Kit At a Glance: Compact and ergonomic design that doesn’t compromise on power Three-speed transmission delivers 0-600 RPM; 0-1,250 RPM; and 0-2,000 RPM 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck with carbide inserts helps to reduce bit slippage Drill comes with 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service contract, and 90-day money-back guarantee Battery packs come with 3-year free service contract

The 20-volt max lithium-ion 3.0 Ah premium hammer drill/driver is compact and ergonomic for user comfort (view larger).

The 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck with carbide inserts helps to reduce bit slippage (view larger).

Power
DEWALT-designed electronics have been built into the DCD985L2’s switch to provide maximum life for the tools and batteries by helping to protect them from overheating, overloading, and deep discharge during use. The 20-volt’s lithium-ion batteries provide up to 35 percent more runtime than existing 18-volt lithium-ion battery technology. The included charger has dual voltage capabilities, and it is compatible with both 12-volt max and 20-volt max DEWALT lithium-ion batteries. Plus, the hammer drill’s high-power, high-efficiency motor delivers 535 unit watts out of maximum power for superior performance in all drilling and fastening applications.

Speed
The hammer drill’s patented three-speed (0-600 RPM; 0-1,250 RPM; and 0-2,000 RPM), all-metal transmission allows users to select the appropriate speed for the job at hand and provides a significant advantage for applications that cannot be done at high speed because of torque requirements. While other drills may have to be set to the slowest speed, the DEWALT 20-volt max lithium-ion premium 3.0 Ah hammer drill has a middle speed setting that is more than twice as fast for tasks like drilling larger ship auger bits.

Durability
A heavy-duty 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck with carbide inserts provides superior bit-gripping strength—reducing slippage during high-torque applications—thus providing longer tool life. And the all-metal gear housing meets the demand for extreme toughness.

Comfort and Convenience
The premium hammer drill’s design incorporates a slim handle that extends user comfort during long jobs, and DEWALT’s engineering and design team adjusted the product footprint and weight allocation for ideal balance and a lightweight feel. The bright built-in LED work light above the trigger has a 20-second delay that improves visibility in dimly lit spaces.

About DEWALT's 20-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Tools
DEWALT’s line of 20-volt max lithium-ion tools features improvements in engineering and design to provide the performance, the ergonomics, and the innovation that contractors require. The new line consists of 11 tools, two lithium ion batteries, and two battery chargers, as well as a number of combo kits.

What's in the Box
One DEWALT DCD985L2 20-volt max lithium-ion premium 3.0 Ah hammer drill/driver kit including the hammer drill/driver, a one-hour charger, two 20-volt max lithium-ion batteries, one 360-degree side handle, and one hard plastic storage and carrying case.

DEWALT's DCD985L2 premium hammer drill/driver kit includes features and accessories that make it easy to tackle a variety of tasks (click each to enlarge).

From the Manufacturer

The DEWALT DCD985L2 20V Max lithium ion premium 3-speed hammerdrill/driver kit (3.0 Ah) has a patented 3-speed all-metal transmission that matches the tool to task for the fastest application speed and improved run time. The heavy-duty 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck provides superior bit gripping strength. It has a high power, high efficiency motor that delivers 450 unit watts out of max power for superior performance in all drilling and fastening applications. It also has a LED light with 20 second delay after trigger release. This drill uses DEWALT 20V Max lithium ion batteries which offer longer tool runtime and enhanced durability. Kit includes drill, 1 hour charger, 2 20V MAX 3.0 Ah batteries, 360 degree side handle, and a hard plastic kit box.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome. September 12, 2011

By microeconomics

Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

I have had an older Makita cordless for almost 10 years now. I love that drill. It always had an impressive amount of torque and would last a good long time. But this drill blows it away. The torque on this is unbelievable and the little details are what make this drill great. The LED light is really handy and the ergonomics of the drill are superb.

I can't recommend this drill enough. It has everything you want in a cordless drill:

1. Plenty of torque
2. Great "ease of use features" (LED, Keyless chuck, good balance, etc)
3. the battery lats a long time
4. it charges fast
5. the trigger is responsive and allows for good speed control

The downside to the drill is the case is kinda cheap, although it seems like it would last for a while in the back of a truck, but to really make a drill for this price, they should have given it a slightly better case to handle the rigors of the back of a construction truck ...

Otherwise, very impressive new 20v line of tools. New batterys have finally made a nice leap to power tools making them last longer and giving them more power in a light weight package.

30 of 36 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The beginning of the new generation of DeWalt cordless is starting strong. June 24, 2011

By S. Power TOP 100 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Upfront Summary/Comparison to 18 Volt:
+ Same durability and solid build that DeWalt is known for
+ Same power and even longer runtime than DeWalt 18 Volt Ni-Cads
+ Much lighter feel, especially in the battery
+ More comfortable grip than predecessors

I am very impressed with this drill, especially because of its lightweight but long lasting battery. I got it to replace an older 18V XPR DeWalt that is similar (DC987KA). The DCD985 is as fast or faster and is more powerful than the 18 volt, which is impressive since nothing could stop that one. The hammer-drill function works just as good and even with older bits, it rips though concrete very fast.

The biggest improvement is the weight. This drill feels like it weighs half as much as the 18V, especially in the battery. Despite the battery's weight and size it runs much longer than my old drill, even when that one was new. This improvement comes from the fact that this drill is powered by a Lithium-Ion battery instead of the Ni-Cad that the older drills used. My guess is that the increased range comes from the 20V system instead of 18V or possibly because of an improved efficiency motor and gearing. The extra amperage rating on the battery, from 2.4 to 3.0 probably helps too. For me, as long as the range far exceeds the charge time, which it does on this drill, I don't worry too much about capacity, but this drill has it either way.

There are some people who are saying that insides of this new 20 Volt battery is identical to the 18 Volt Lithium Ion batteries that DeWalt makes as replacements for its 18 Volt batteries. Whether this is true or not, I don't know, and to me it doesn't really matter. Marketing gimmicks don't really bother me, if the product that they are selling performs the way that it should. This battery, in this drill, runs for a very long time, whether it is really 18 or 20 volts.

The charger is compatible and interchangeable with the DeWalt 12 Volt Max Batteries as well. It is very fast and well laid out. The charging light on it is brighter than the old ones, and seems to be a little overkill. If you have it charging in a dark room, it will turn the whole room red, it is so bright.

The handle is comfortable. I never minded the wide DeWalt handles, that had to be bulky because of the battery stem, but the new design is very comfortable too. They are better, but the biggest comfort comes from the drill's lightweight. To me, how you hold it isn't as important as how much it weights (or in this case, how much it doesn't).

The chuck is easy to use and holds the bit security. It ratchets for a securer fit. There is a small LED light that comes on when you use the drill. It is pretty bright and shines in the work area. I'm not sure yet how I feel about it. It isn't a distraction and probably doesn't affect battery life, but I'm not really sure yet how useful I find it.

The box is similar to the DeWalt boxes that they've been using ever since they switched from metal a few years ago. Because of the smaller batteries, the box is about half the size of the one for my old drill. It is a compact, lightweight, and much improved package.

There isn't that much to say about this drill. It does everything that it is supposed to even better than previous DeWalt models that were already outstanding. I highly recommend it. The only people who won't want to jump on board with this new generation of DeWalt products is those folks that have invested heavily in the previous generation system and don't want to have to deal with two different types of batteries.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Much Improved January 19, 2012

By Iowa Paul

Amazon Verified Purchase

I recently purchased this drill as a replacement for a Milwaukee. As always, Amazon's shipping was very quick and arrived in perfect shape.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

PROS: This drill's power is stout. Nothing that I have attempted so far has been able to slow it down.

The trigger is sensitive enough to manipulate for fine screw insertion.

The light is useful and stays on for a couple of seconds after the trigger is released. It is really useful in shaded or darkened areas.

The drill is heavy, but for the power it generates, well worth it.

The chuck is steel and grips bits solidly.

The "slide in" style batteries are excellent and easy to put on and take off. These type of batteries also allow for a slimmer handle which I find more comfortable than the older ones with the "post" style battery.

CONS: It is a little big for smaller or more delicate jobs - kind of like trying to sink a finishing nail with a sledge-hammer.

The light shines slightly under the end of the bit, however, it beats trying to hold a flashlight.

The three-position speed control is a bit stiff (hopefully it will smooth up over time/use).

The hard case is nice but lacks useful storage for several bits of any size. Can put a few in the case loose.

The drill is heavy and can get to you after a while - especially overhead.

The "forward/reverse" slide button just above the trigger is a little stiff - however you won't bump it off one way or the other like on some drills.

CONCLUSION: If you are looking for a very solid (and solid feeling) drill, this is the one. Power, power, and more power.