Customer Reviews

DEWALT DW120K 7 Amp 1/2-Inch Joist and Stud Drill

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

 

 

The Long Haul review:
It is now 2011 and I have owned this drill since 1998. It has given me great service. As a residential electrician and contractor is has made me quite a bit of money. The drill has cut well over an estimated 25,000 holes in 2x10 joists and 2x4 studs. It has performed beyond its design and ratings by powering 3- 1/2" self-feed bits through doubled 2x10 southern yellow pine. Mine has reverse and the mechanical variable speeds. The die cast angle housing and collar is superior to Milwaukee's version in that it won't come loose and twist on you. It's quite a little monster workhorse.
I can't give it 5 stars because it has some drawbacks. Trigger variable speed would be nice because starting a 4 inch hole saw can become a bit brutal and hairy if you don't hold the drill so it will torque away from you shoud the bit become jammed. It's all or none, in or out. Secondly, due to its design I cant get it into as close of quarters as I like, but I see that there is now a Dewalt available with a design that is closer.
Mine has only been service once, by me, for a cord changeout. Parts seem to be readily available from Dewalt. I expect the trigger to go sometime (no matter what brand, if you use it a lot the trigger is usually the first to go behind the cord.) Trigger is $35.00 online. Comforting to know I can get service parts.

Very nice drill. Lots of power. 360 degree rotating right-angle head is super! Used it to drill out rivets in a ball joint with a 1/2" Cobalt bit. Only thing I could find that would fit under my car. Only problem with this drill is that its variable speed by switching the head from low speed to high speed (mechanical not electronic variable), the trigger is on/off only. It'll also come in handy when I need to drill thru studs, joists, or floors.