DEWALT DW960K-2 Heavy-Duty 3/8-Inch 18-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Right Angle Drill

by DEWALT

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

A unique tool that makes it easy to work in tight, awkward spaces without sacrificing power, the DW960K-2 right angle drill is a member of DeWalt's 18-volt power tool system. Featuring two distinct modes for project-specific performance, a low mode that delivers 0 to 500 RPM for 310 in./lbs. of torque and a high mode that delivers 0 to 1,500 RPM for 80 in./lbs. of torque, this heavy duty tool performs well in a wide range of applications. Also offering a 3/8-inch chuck that is compatible with a large compliment of drill bits and a multi-grip design that forefronts a three-position rubber paddle switch for maximum versatility and close quarters, this drill driver comes with a one-hour charger, two 18-volt batteries, a screwdriver bit, and a heavy-duty kit box for easy transport and storage.

From the Manufacturer

The DEWALT DW960K-2 cordless right-angle drill/driver is capable of drilling holes and driving screws in spaces that are too tight and totally inaccessible by virtually any other tool. Measuring just 4 -inch from front to back, this ultra-compact tool is short on stature, but big on features, including: 3/8-inch ratcheting chuck and two-speed motor (low: 0-500 RPM; high: 0-1,500 RPM) for efficient drilling and screw driving into virtually any building material, durable right-angle transmission with sealed ball bearings, and a multi-grip trigger for enhanced comfort at any angle. This contractor-grade tool is powered by a long-running 18-volt NiCad battery, which delivers an impressive 320 unit watts out of power. Use this go-anywhere drill/driver to drill holes and drive screws inside cabinets and drawers, between floor joists and wall studs, behind ducts and pipes, and underneath counters and tabletops. The 4.7-lb. DW960K-2 comes with two 18-volt batteries, one-hour charger, and rugged 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

• Product Dimensions: 18.2 x 5 x 12.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00009YUK0
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: DW960K-2
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,359 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Even better with a 1/2 chuck, February 4, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: DEWALT DW960K-2 Heavy-Duty 3/8-Inch 18-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Right Angle Drill (Tools & Home Improvement)

Out of necessity and because it has ample power, I had been planning to convert this drill to a 1/2" chuck for some time, but just recently got around to it.
Since the DW960 comes with a 3/8" capacity chuck, I assumed that it would be mounted on a 3/8" X 24 TPI spindle as most 3/8" drills are.
Before buying a 1/2" chuck with a reduced 3/8" X 24 TPI mount, I decided to remove the original chuck and check the spindle to be sure.
With the chuck removed, I found that the DW960 has a 1/2" X 20 TPI spindle, which is the standard spindle size for mounting a 1/2" chuck.
I wouldn't bother changing out the chuck on my older model DW966 14.4V right angle drill because it doesn't really have enough power to make it worth the expense, but I decided to check the spindle size on it anyway. It too has the 1/2" X 20 TPI spindle.
Dewalt most likely does this to give the short spindles more strength, not to allow for an upgrade to a 1/2" chuck. Nevertheless, I really need this drill to be a 1/2", so I purchased a Jacobs made Dewalt OEM style keyless chuck from McMaster and installed it on the drill. It fit perfectly, actually better than the original did, and for my work needs, the extra chuck capacity makes all the difference.
I would never attempt to use this right angle drill as hard as my straight 1/2" cordless drill, but when working in a tight space, it's great to finally be able to use the DW960 with my Greenlee hole saws larger than 7/8", which have 7/16" shanks. This was the main reason for wanting to ditch the standard 3/8" chuck.
I've used it with hole saws up to 3-1/2" in 1X and 2-1/2" in 2X material. This seems to be completely within the drills ability without producing any unusual motor strain or heating. Understandably, I'm sure Dewalt would not approve of this modification and if the motor or gear train does eventually end up as toast, I'm okay with the fact that it will be my fault, not Dewalt's.
With that being said, it now appears that I can finally stop waiting for Dewalt to produce an 18V cordless 1/2" right angle drill.

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Small package - great power, September 22, 2003

By 

Atlanta David A (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DEWALT DW960K-2 Heavy-Duty 3/8-Inch 18-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Right Angle Drill (Tools & Home Improvement)

For years I have struggled to get my full-size cordless drill into tight spots. I have tried everything from flexible-shaft-bit-holders to crazy angles when I drill. Finally a solution -- and one that works interchangeably with my other 18 volt tools. The first task I put this to was drilling holes for 3 inch PVC drain lines in 50 year old southern pine floor joists. Using firm but gentle pressure, I was through the joist in no time. After a dozen or so holes, the tool was running hot, but had plenty more power to keep running. I then employed it replacing some drawer guides in a cabinet and it worked like a charm on the low speed setting.

Overall, another great product from DeWalt. I continue to wonder what takes them so long!

PROS: Great power; interchanges with DeWalt 18v system; easy to hold; comfortable to operate; plenty of power for carpentry

CONS: forward/reverse switch is very small (or my fingers are fat); no adjustable torque (really not needed for most applications)

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Must Have Tool, March 26, 2006

By 

Tom "ontrac1" (Flemington, NJ United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: DEWALT DW960K-2 Heavy-Duty 3/8-Inch 18-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Right Angle Drill (Tools & Home Improvement)

You probably won't use this tool on every job, but when your Hole Hawg is too clumsy to fit in a tight spot or you just don't need all that firepower, this "little" RAD is a godsend. Like another tool reviewer did, I too replaced the 3/8 chuck with a 1/2" keyless chuck which makes the tool more usable. It was the most difficult chuck I had ever removed from a tool. It was torqued and loctited on very well, almost too well. I have not experienced any of the problems other reviewers had, but unfortunately there are lemons and DOA's with most anything you buy today. I feel the tool is well made and serves it's intended function very well. If you buy this elsewhere like Home Depot, be aware that they sell the kit with only 1 battery for $199.00 not the 2 batteries that come with the kit sold on Amazon.com. The designation is DW960K-2 for the 2 battery kit and DW960K for the single battery version. Both kits include the same drill, kit box and charger.