Customer Reviews

DEWALT DW124K 11.5 Amp 1/2-Inch Joist and Stud Drill

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought the DW124 several years ago, when it was the only drill of it's kind. The other alternative at that time was mainly the stubby Milwaukee Hole Hawg, which was what I had used up until that point. Makita also made a Hole Hawg look-alike but wasn't readily available in my area back then.
The Hole Hawg was fast and had lots of torque but the short body length made it difficult to control. The bulky gear case behind the chuck and the extended motor housing made it too wide to get into really tight spots. It also required you to stay on top of it at all times or it had a nasty tendency to wrench your wrist and shoulder, smash your hand against a wall, bruise your kidneys or pound your upper thigh mercilessly all day long. In addition, when working from a ladder it could throw you off if the bit began to bind up and you didn't react quickly enough.

I now use the Dewalt drill on the job almost every day and even though it is well worn, it has never given me any trouble.

It is fast and has plenty of torque. The long body and handle gives the operator more leverage, making it much safer and easier to control, which is probably why both Milwaukee and Makita copied it and came out with their own similar models last year. I have tried both the new Makita RAD and Milwaukee super hawg and even though the DW124 has a lower 8-amp motor and slightly lower RPM's in both high and low speeds, I still prefer the DW124. Mainly because the Dewalt's chuck is further forward and the top leading edge of the gear case is beveled, so with the bail handle removed, as it always is on my drill, it will fit into even tighter spaces than the others will.
The DW124 is reversible and has two speed ranges. It utilizes a clutch when in low speed to prevent the torque of a jammed bit from snapping your wrist.
I use it with hole saws up to a 4-5/8" with either a 6", 12" or 18" extension. Dewalt says the maximum hole saw size is 6". It is also used with self-feed auger bits up to 4-5/8" and "nail eater" ship auger style bits up to 1-1/2 X 18".
The DW124 kit consists of a steel storage case, adjustable bail handle and a threaded side handle.
An important advantage that Dewalt has over other power tool manufacturers is easy access to repair parts and technical information. You can get parts and tech bulletins online, direct from Dewalt's Service Net. Parts are also available through Grainger Parts Operation. This can be a huge time and cost saving convenience for owners that repair their own tools, as I do.
A drill like the DW124 is a necessity for contractors working in the plumbing, electrical, HVAC and pipe fitting trades, because with the fast pace of construction and high cost of skilled labor these days, you really can't compete or work efficiently without having at least one on the job.
This is a very solid tool and I will definitely be buying another when the time comes. I would also have no problem recommending it to anyone who works in the trades and needs to drill many large holes quickly.

I am a plumbing contractor from the north east, I have been plumbing for almost twenty years and for the last ten to twelve years of that my drilling partner has been nothing but the Dewalt 1/2" 8 amp right angle drill. Nothing compares with it. It fits comfortably in my hands and has more speed and power then any other drill out there. I have tryied them all. I drill a lot of holes in my trade of all different sizes so speed and comfort are major factors, I drill out a building in better then half the time with the Dewalt then I would with the best of the competetors drills.I use to work for some of the biggest plumbing shops in the north east, once the crews got a feel of my Dewalt they all switched to the Dewalt. Its faster,tougher, safer and easier to handle then any other drill Ive ever used.

Ronald Bohunsky
Bohunsky Plumbing and Heating
Kittery, Maine

I do not own this too yet. I have been looking into purchasing a DW124.
I have given it 3 stars to be average and because of the confusion the manufacturer has caused.
This tool may well be deserving 4 or 5 stars, however.

The tool itself is Dewalt's model no. DW124. However, you will see a model number DW124K on occasion which means it is the "kit" version that includes a case.
Next if you search Dewalt's web site you find out that there are two different types: a type 1 and a type 2. What the web site does not tell is you what is the difference in types.
I emailed Dewalt to get the answer. Type 1: 8.5 amps. Type 2: 11.5 amps.
Type 1 is the lower current and power version rated at 8.5 amps which they no longer sell. Amazon should not have this available to ship. From the schematics that I have seen, this model may have the squarer looking handle but I think they also made it with the larger current version. Thus, you can not tell when seeing the square handle whether or not its the 8.5 amp version of the 11.5 amp version.
Type 2 is the higher current and power version rated at 11.5 amps which Dewalt currently is shipping. From Dewalt's schematics, this type appears to have the smoother looking handle. Amazon does not seem to show this version in its pictures.
Regardless, when ordering from Amazon or any other tool supplier for that matter, inquire which you are going to receive.

Hope this helps. Good luck on your drill purchase.

Iam a licensed plumber and purchsed this prodcut along with the self feeder kit and both are excellent,plenty of power in this tool and even has a clutch system so you dont brake your wrists

I'm an electrician, and this thing will drill holes all day! The best drill i have ever owned, and you can't beat Dewalt for quality. Highly recomended.

I bought this drill to use in my work. I works great. It has a good reputation in the trades too. I have spoken with plumbers who use it and they like it a lot. It is a USA made tool and is built to last. I wish all my tools were made this well. I got this drill at Tool-up with free shipping. They are in CT. It was 299 and I love it.

I use alot of tool and seem to like the Dewalt products the best as far as performance and wear and tear. If I have a choice between Dewalt and another product, my choice is always dewalt! Great quality product at an affordable price.

Is it powerful? Yes...Is it comfortable to work with?Yes! Would you buy it again? Yes! , it's my best hole hawg'n friend!