DEWALT DW966K-2 14.4-Volt NiCd 3/8-Inch Cordless Right Angle Drill/Driver Kit

by DEWALT

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The DeWalt DW966K-2 14.4-volt Ni-Cad 3/8-inch cordless right angle drill/driver kit features two speed ranges (0-to-400 and 0-to-1,250 RPM) for increased user flexibility on a wide range of applications. This drill/driver is capable of producing 210 unit-watts for heavy-duty applications such as turning large bits and fasteners. Other features include a multi-grip trigger for added comfort and convenience and variable speed with a reverse mode. With a durable, right angle sealed ball bearing transmission for longer tool life, this drill/driver weighs 4.4 pounds and comes with a one-hour charger, two 14.4-volt compact batteries, and a heavy-duty kit box.

From the Manufacturer

The DEWALT DW966K-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: 0-400 RPM; high: 0-1,200 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, compact 14.4-volt NiCad battery, which delivers an impressive 210 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 4.4-lb. DW966K-2 comes with two compact 14.4-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: 14.5 x 12.6 x 4.4 inches ; 8.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000065CJ3
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: DW966K-2
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #27,595 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars DeWalt DW966K-2 14.4-Volt 3/8, August 3, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: DEWALT DW966K-2 14.4-Volt NiCd 3/8-Inch Cordless Right Angle Drill/Driver Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

I really like this drill and use it all the time on the job. It really can get you out of a jam sometimes. The DW966K now comes with two batteries for the same price as the old kit with only one battery. They are the standard 14.4V battery packs, not the XR extended run-time packs, but this is a good thing because the whole idea behind this drill is to get into the tight places that other drills can't, and having the shorter standard battery sometimes makes the difference between being able to get the drill into the work area, or not. The cordless advantage is evident for working in cramped areas, such as when installing cabinet drawer slides or under cabinet lighting. The keyless chuck is not excessively shrouded so it is easy to get at and is a welcome feature on this type of drill. I have used it with all sizes of spade bits up to 1-3/8" and hole saws up to 1-3/4". The tool could easily handle a larger hole saw, but because it is only a 3/8" chuck, the larger 7/16" shanks won't fit.
The DW966 has a two-speed gearbox and elongated variable speed switch with reverse for screw driving/removal applications, making it far more functional than DeWalt's disgraceful DW160 corded version, which does not reverse. The DW966 does not have an adjustable clutch, but then that is common for all small 3/8" right angle drills, and it is doubtful that it would be of much advantage driving screws in tight work areas anyway.
Overall, I feel that the DeWalt DW966 is by far the best and most functional cordless 3/8" right angle drill available at this time. Makita's 9.6V and 12V cordless designs are now outdated by compare. The tiny Metabo 4.8V power grip is a straight drill, not a right angle drill, so it doesn't qualify. It also must have been designed as a concept tool for the electronics assembly industry or for use in outer space, because it's use in the construction and MRO industries on this planet seem limited.
My only wish is that the engineers at DeWalt would get off their butts and finally produce a 1/2" cordless 18V and 24V right angle drills. They should model them after the DeWalt DW120 and DW124 [formerly the Timberwolf] corded right angle drills, with at least a 2-9/16" auger bit and a 4-5/8" hole saw capacity.
There isn't an Electrical, HVAC or Plumbing contractor alive who wouldn't give anything for a cordless drill like that.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Exactly right, October 23, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: DEWALT DW966K-2 14.4-Volt NiCd 3/8-Inch Cordless Right Angle Drill/Driver Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

This drill is a great combination of size & power. I use it for all kinds of stuff. Hogging through studs for electrical, pocket drilling in tight spaces, driving screws, etc.

The more I use it the more I like it. I considered the 9.6v makita but was concerned that it wouldn't have the staying power to drill lots of holes through studs (this was the case for the non standard 9.6v makita). Also I wanted the slow speed this drill provides.

Eventhough this drill was a bit pricy I am glad I choose it. It is serving me quite well.

I only wish it had a clutch for driving screws. This keeps me from giving it 5 stars.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why did we not buy this sooner!, April 21, 2003

By 

Sally A. Zaher "FireResce Chick" (Ravenna, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: DEWALT DW966K-2 14.4-Volt NiCd 3/8-Inch Cordless Right Angle Drill/Driver Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

We install a lot of kitchens, this pays for its self when putting in a 12" wide or less cabinet, trying to secure the face frames. If you can justify it the budget it is well worth it! Please its not t tool you use lots and lots, so you get two 14.4V batteries that interchange with your other Dewalt tools!