Customer Reviews

DEWALT DW4KIT-2 18 Volt XRP 1/2-Inch Drill/Driver/Hammerdrill, Reciprocating Saw, Circular Saw, and Floodlight Kit

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I upgraded from a 14.4V drill and I really enjoy the extra power that the third gear delivers. The hammer action is a great help in certain applications. It gives that little extra needed to get the job done. The 6 1/2-inch saw is very quiet but has the power to go through just about anything. It makes nice straight cuts and seems to run forever before needing a battery change. It is also very lightweight. The reciprocating saw is really handy, not having to watch for the cord and having the power of a corded saw. It's great. It could come with one more battery. I bought another 18 volt drill just for the extra batteries. I do use the drill too. The light is handy for those out-of-the-way jobs, or remodels without power. Overall, I think it is a great set of tools and it is not that heavy so taking it from job sight to job sight day after day doesn't wear me out.

I write this review from the perspective of an aggressive hobbyist. My first power tool purchase was a DeWalt compact 12 volt drill/driver. My primary use for this tool was fixing small things in the nightclub at which I worked during my college years. As my skills gradually increased I began to take on more demanding tasks. It was clear to me that I needed some other tools and a little more power also. Frankly I didn't do much market research as I was satisfied with my DeWalt drill. Having said that, I will not compare this tool set with others on the market.

The price tag for the combo had me second guessing myself so I asked a contractor if I actually needed a $500 tool set. He advised me that I had to make my decision based on my projected frequency and intensity of usage. According to him, the cheaper tools often have weaker motor housings. In other words, the tool will break if it is pushed too hard and will, generally, have a much shorter life span. Not to mention diminished accuracy and power.

So if your usage is going to be: (1) Light and infrequent, consider an alternative to this combo. (2) Heavy and/or frequent, purchase a high-performance combo.

A word of caution, err on the side of purchasing the high-performance combo if you are not sure if your usage over time will increase.

After two years my combo still functions flawlessly.

Hammerdrill/drill/driver: This tool does what it states. It is nice having a light duty drill/driver as the 18-volt version can get heavy after a couple hours of work. For light duty work, a compact 12-volt drill/driver is ideal. Even in general, having two drill/drivers with you can save you a lot of time as you can place two different accessories in each drill. i.e. a drill bit in one and a screw tip in another. As a note, the hammerdrill feature works well, but within reason. This tool is not primarily designed for such use.
I have used this combination of drill/drivers to complete these two major tasks:
Extend a deck. Including anchoring posts into concrete footings and attaching ledgerboard into concrete.
Complete a rough framed room. As helpful info, there is a cheap depth setting drywall bit DeWalt makes that's a great time saver for setting screws in drywall.

Reciprocation Saw: There are a million uses for this saw, just pop in the appropriate blade and cut away. The only major drawback is that the saw vibrates a lot as it is relatively light weight. This makes clean plunge cuts difficult and while recip saws are made for rough cutting, it is a little more difficult to cut a straight line compared to some other recip's I have seen. Do not let me discourage you, I could list a hundred positives, but that would encompass more space than allowed.

As I truly enjoy the functionality of this saw, I purchased the 24-volt version. The 24-volt is a monster tool, but in retrospect my decision was not a good one. I already had a cordless recip; I did not need another one. I would have been better suited with a top of the line Milwaukee corded sawzall. This saw is a powerhouse, half the cost of my 24-volt DeWalt as it is corded, and an industry leader. If you ever need a more powerful recip saw, this would be my recommendation.

A final note. All of the tools in this package have been upgraded. The new 18-volt recip is a little heaver and has a 1 inch stroke (mine has ¾ inch). This may have corrected the flaw mentioned earlier.

Circular saw: This is a very functional saw. It cuts very well and comes with a rip cutting extension. I have only one complaint: The base is flimsy. It works, but a stronger base would have been a benefit.

After using this saw for 2 years, I decided it was time for me to move on to a more powerful saw. I was debating the DeWalt lightweight, high-strength base model with the DeWalt 364K which is the heavy duty version (and very heavy). I paid the extra $20 for the heavy duty model based on the reasoning that I already have a good light weight circular saw (my 18-volt). Also I may, in the future need powerful cutting power for lvl, concrete, brick, etc... Not to mention running my 18-volt through a lot of pressure treated wood is an abuse in my eyes. The 18-volt will take it, but that really is the place of a corded saw. I would recommend the DW364K if you need corded power to add to your tool set. However, I did not do any market research on corded circular saws so it may be worth your while to research some other brands for a corded circular saw (consider Skil and Bosche).

In the upgraded version of the 18-volt circular saw now available, the base plate is solid. This resolves my major drawback.

Also, buy a 24 tooth carbide blade, the 16 tooth blade included is a very rough cutting blade.

Flashlight: Works well, nice to be able to hang it on things.

For sustained work involving two or more of your tools you really need a third battery and a second charger. I would suggest purchasing another 18-volt tool you need as the cost of an extra battery and charger is significant. Do not buy the 18-volt jigsaw. It is my only DeWalt tool I am not satisfied with. The bevel lock comes loose while cutting every now and then; ruining the piece you are working on. If you need a jigsaw, purchase a Bosche; they apparently make the best jigsaws.

I sincerely hope this review helps.

this is my second dewalt set. the first was stolen about 3 years ago. since then i have tried the competitions kits out. this set comes the closest to 5 star. i wont dog the others, but i will tell you what i like about the dewalt. the new 3 speed hammer drill adds a new level to drilling in concrete. i save it for that purpose only. why risk stripping gears to drive screws? the recip saw does a good job and is very light weight. I absolutely love the lever release for blade changes. by far the BEST quick change on the market. i like the circ saw now that it is 6-1/2". the 5-3/8 couldnt bevel a 2X4 at 45 degrees. you want to keep a good blade in it to ease the strain and increase battery life. remember to get thin kerf blades! the flex light will come in handy more often than you think. i find my myself using it more and more.

i deducted a star for the circ saws ergonomics. it is a little ackward to get use to.

i recommend getting a third battery with this kit. a couple reasons for this. with a third battery you can use a couple tools and always have a fresh one waiting on the charger. this will also spread out the lives of all three batteries.

This is a great addition to my tools. I am a general contractor. I do alot of my own work in many areas of the trades. I have put off buying another cordless anything for almost two years. This combo package is the best set money can buy. The drill has plenty of power. I used it the first day to drill some 1/2" holes in concrete. The sawsall is awsume plenty of power for any job. The light is an unknown, the circular saw is real handy, it has one flaw the handle and the safty are clumsy for me. The handle is at the wrong angle and the safty is in the wrong place, at least they were consistant. other wise very handy. I,m sure they have seen the porter cable by know. good design. That is the only flaw. If it didn't have the safty it would be no problem. Still can't figure out why it is even there.

I bought this tool set because i thought that not using cords would be nice. I also thought that the light would be the least used but i have used it more than any other tool.I rewired my attic and my storage building, also I like to turn off all the power when i work, it is also great for finding the match for wallpapering. The drill has performed flawlessly and the reciprocating saw has worked like a corded one. If anyone is doubtful about this set, don't be it does live up to all that i expected and more.

I have used the kit now for a month.
I have left my regular corded tools at home! I use the saw and drill daily, the recipocating saw is a real work horse.
If anything I should of got the next larger kit that includes the jigsaw. Now I will have to buy it seperatly at additional costs.
This 18 volt system rocks.
I am a finish carpenter who no longer has to have a spagetti of cords to step on or constantly pluging and repluging various tools in. Now if they would come up with a router. :)

If you do production work with one tool all day of course you will want a corded tool but if you build things using multiple tools this is for you.

Cordless has come a long way! There is nothing like loading up the wheelbarrow with your tools and heading for the project in the back yard- without the extension cord. Hold onto the drill with both hands because is is loaded with torque. Speeds are easily controlled with three settings and variable speed. The hammerdrill portion works well and it is a 1/2" drill! The circular saw is lightweight and reasonably powerful. It is so capable that I gave my electric circular saw away. The reciprocating saw is incredible. I have cut wood and metal with it and it leaves me shaking my head in disbelief- it works that well.

As for longevity, we'll see. So far I am very impressed. Its tough to part with ...money to replace the electric tools you already own. It gets a lot easier, though, once the new tools have overwhelmingly impressed you. In case you can't tell, I am completely satisfied with these tools. Nice job DeWalt!

While the DeWalt Kit is satisfactory, it does not hold up well in comparison to the 19.2 volt Porter-Cable kit I replaced it with. First, the DeWalt is underpowered at 18 volts. Second, the Porter-Cable has a degree of durability not found in DeWalt - unfortunately, DeWalt continues to follow the trend of becoming more and more like their alternative line - Black & Decker - but at a premium price. Finally, the Porter-Cable tools are desiged to have a smaller footprint, allowing you to use them more effectively in small spaces. Overall, the DeWalt kit is good, but is not up to the quality of the Porter-Cable even though both have the same price.

I purchased this set of tools about 6 months ago as an upgrade from my previous corded tools. As an avid DIYer, these tools have been the best tools I have ever used and DeWalt has once again lived up to their name with this combo pack. $500.00 Dollars seems a little steep for tools if your like me just a weekend warrior, but if your looking for a new set of tools definatly go with these.

1.) The 18v battery never seems to give up. I have gone on 6 hours of use on one battery charge.

2.) The Drill/Driver is the best drill I have ever used. First the variable speeds are awesom, but even cooler are the ajustable torque settings that sometimes I thank god for having when you need that little bit of extra kick and you cant forget the hammer drill for those tough masonry projects.

3.) The circ saw I was a little disappointed with just because the base is flimsy metal and the saw doesnt have that much power but it is still with out a doubt the best cordless circ saw I have ever used.

4.) The Reciporcating saw, man's 2nd best friend. I havent found anything this saw cant cut through, anything from cutting a couch in half to cutting metal pipes. The most versitile tool in this kit.

5.) The Flashlight will litterly light up 2 rooms.This flashlight replaced my maglight. Once I was working under a counter and needed my flashlight, I took it under with me, turned it on and when I tried to position it I aimed it into my eyes and I think burned my retinas out. (Not Litterly.) Also this thing will remain lit for litterly 2 1/2 hours.

Everyone I have talked to who has it loves it. The craftsmanship is amazing, once again DeWalt has lived up to their name and quality and I am positive these tools will last for years to come. Dewalt is a standard among the powertool market and if you have the chance to get this professional and novice alike, definatly go for it.

Theses four tools are the greatest, The drill is the best you can buy, strong enough to drill through anything. The reciprocating saw is wonderful for anything, even a quick prune of a low tree branch. The Circular Saw comes with the framing blade, cuts quick and the blade doesnt dull if you hit a nail or two, and the light is great for when you need an extra hand to hold a light, just adjust it and set on a flat surface and you have light to work by. I have had these tools for a few months now. I even try to find an excuse to use them.