Customer Reviews

DEWALT DW980K-2 12 Volt XRP 1/2-Inch Heavy Duty Adjustable Clutch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

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

 

 

After one return for a new drill and then trying several Drills at the Depot, and two calls to Dewalt, I finally got the answer to why the clutch DOES NOT WORK in low gear - the drill is DEFECTIVE. The Dewalt tech put it this way: "We designed it to work in all speeds, but that's just the way it came out." In other words, the production model is defective. I have an old 2-speed 18V drill, and the clutch works as it should in the 0-450 rpm range. The XRP clutch does not work in the 0-450 range. Since low speed has the highest torque, this is where you most need a clutch!! Wait for Dewalt to fix this! They know it is defective, but are trying to tell everyone it is normal. Bad show.

I bought this drill about 2 weeks ago and I am still amazed by it. I am in a profession where I use it every day. I have been through 4 drills now, including 2 Makitas, 1 Craftsman and a DeWalt. I have to say that this one takes the cake for features. It has held up well over these past 2 weeks let see what it will do in the future. The batteries last a good 3 days after continues use. If I had to recomend a 12v drill to some one it would be this one.

I bought this drill after considering most of the major brands. I was sold when I first picked it up. It has a really good feel to it. It's light, has a thinner body than any other model currently available, and its weight is evenly balanced. More importantly it packs a lot of power in it's small frame. I've owned it for about a month and I haven't had to reach for my 18 volt or corded models. Three gears allow the user to switch from high torque (350 in.-lbs.) to high speed (1,800 rpm). One of the best features is its 1/2 inch ratcheting chuck. Other drills that I've owned had problems with drill bits coming loose on tough jobs. Not here. Drill bits remain firmly in place--even when drilling into concrete (although a hammer drill would be more suited.) It comes with 2 batteries and a 1 hour charger. No regrets here. It has become my drill of choice.

Recently, I encountered several home task requiring the needs of a drill, for metal drilling. I ventured out to buy a Skil 18v unit, DeWalt 12v XRP, and a B&D 14.4v Firestorm for comparison. After trying all three products on the metal objects and comparing the specs...... I returned the B&D and the Skil. The DeWalt unit is well worth the few extra dollars.

Received the drill for Christmas. When driving screws in the slow position the clutch does not disengage. Called DeWalt and they say that is normal. Clutch works in middle and high speed ranges only. Seems strange because in the past I always drove screws using the slowest speed. Other than this peculiarity, the drill is well balanced and a very convenient size. Like the 1/2" chuck and its ability to really grip. Just wonder why the clutch doesn't work in the low range and why this is not mentioned in the manual?

I am an electrical/hvac contractor and this drill doesn't stand up to professional use. I've had the extra batteries so I've kept buying them, figuring I've just been unlucky, but no, they fail rather consistently; I've replaced 3 in 3 years. The speed and tourque are good, and it will work fine for residential use, but it's not professional grade.

not to long ago i bought the black and decker firestorm 14.4 volt. i stripped the gears the same day and returned it. after extensive research i decided to get the dw980k. let me tell you this is an awesome drill. dont let the voltage fool you. this 12 volt has more power then most 14.4 and 18 volt drills out there. i drilled 1/2 inch holes in 3rd gear through 4x4 oak like a hot knife through butter. I was also able to sink 3" deck screws into a variety of hard woods without any problems. the ratcheting jacobs clutch does a great job of preventing bit slipage. you wont find a better drill for the money. in some cases you might pay more money for less drill. the day before i recieved it in the mail i wished i got the 14.4v but i soon found out this drill has all the power i need. bottom line...if you want tons of power and reliability get this drill. the only reason you would need something else is if you want a drill with a hammer drill feature.

I bought this drill for projects around the house, and it has risen to every challenge. Lots of torque for driving screws into oak. Plenty of speed when used as a grinding wheel. The battery lasts very long.

I haven't had any of the listed problems with the clutch either.

I think it's a great value that will last

I've just purchased my DW980 from Sears. I also noticed the problem with clutch on low gear on the display unit, but the actual unit that I purchased (which I examined prior to the purchase) is flawless. I guess Dewalt has inconsistent quality control, or it could simply that the display unit is defactive, or Dewalt might have fixed the problem on the later production runs. Who knows!?

Nice drill. Great torque. My only complaint is the same as
that by another reviewer -- the clutch doesn't function in the
lowest gear (speed). Clearly this seems to be a flaw. Minus
one star for that.