Customer Reviews

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

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

 

 

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 Makita's 9.6V and 12V cordless designs are now outdated by compare.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.

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.

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!

I generally like the drill for getting into tight spaces. One draw back is the reversing switch is in a very awkward place. When I'm in a tight space and need to reverse direction on the drill I end up removing the entire drill to activate the reverse switch.

I love this drill! It was absolutely invaluable for working in the tight angles and narrow spaces I encountered during an extensive kitchen remodel I completed this last summer. I find lots of other uses as an avid woodworker too. Although DeWalt makes an 18-volt version my regular drill/driver has interchangeable power packs for this model. The 14.4-volt batteries last plenty long, have sufficient power for my needs, and recharge quickly. It comes with two batteries so I haven't had any downtime. I found the variable speeds easy to control with the "multi-grip" trigger. The keyless chuck is very convenient and the two clutch settings are essential for switching between drilling/driving applications. Set properly, it always had enough torque for either job. It is very ergonomic with great weight and balance: while it is much easier to control with two hands, it can be used with only one in a pinch (at least for drilling, anyway).

I have a custom cabinet shop, and I use the right angle drill for tight spaces while building and assembling the cabinet boxes. I can't say enough about the drill. It is fantastic.

this drill has a good balance of being lighter than the 18v and powerful enough, to do about as well as the 18v.

The right angle drill is a great tool to have in your quiver,It is a must for installing cabinets and tight quarters. How ever the high speed just striped out drilling counter sink holes. the drill was only used on special ocasions. I replaced it with a power corded model and i am quite pleased.If you need it for little things get one,if you are a pro get one with a power cord.

Always wanted one of these to replace my old low power Makita 9.6 volt right angle drill. The only draw back is it's only two speed...wish Dewalt had incorporated the varible speed option to this somewhat expensive tool!

First off, I have to say that I own several DeWalt tools and LOVE them! I'm not a pro - I use mine for working around the house and general personal construction projects.
I wanted to get a right-angle drill for getting into hard-to-reach and confined areas (between joists, into corners, back of cabinets, etc.). I figured this would be a great drill to use.
When I received the drill I was disappointed. Granted, these are just my own opinions - but, hey, they're all I have to go on, right?
The drill came right out of the box dirty...not a good first impression. My first thought was that they had sent me a refurbished drill...but after closer inspection I figured it was new, just dirty. It also looked like it had been used (slight scuffing on the chuck and surrounding area).
Also, the drill was way bigger and heavier than I expected. I was suprised by how large it was...but that's probably my fault (I probably could've figured that out by doing more research first). It felt heavier than my full-size 18 volt Craftsman cordless drill. It also didn't fit my hand very well...I found it difficult to apply a good amount of pressure onto the drill bit and work the trigger at the same time with one hand.
In the end I sent it back and purchased the Milwaukee 0375-6 3.5 Amp 3/8-Inch Close Quarter Drill. Granted the milwaukee drill is corded, but it is REALLY nice - Very smooth - Easy to control the variable speed. So I now only have the frustration of dealing with a cord and a keyed chuck...but the drill fits my hand nice and feels easier to use.
Anyhow, that's just my 2 cents on the DeWalt right-angle drill.