Dewalt DC988KA 18v Combination Drill

DC988Ka Rechargeable Cordless Combi Drill

This particular cordless battery operated drill is one of the most popular professional power tools bought by tradesmen worldwide.

As with all Dewalt Tools, what makes this combination drill different from other brands is the high build quality, it's robustness, and above everything else, it's high performance at being able to drill effectively into a wide range of construction materials.

The Dewalt DC988KA 18 volt drill is a combination hammer action drill capable of cordless drilling into wood, plastic, metal, plasterboard, plastics, laminates, brick, stone, concrete, as well as many other types of materials.

It's hammer action (a percussion type action) can be turned off or on allowing it to also drill into materials other than masonry. By utilising it's variable speed and two speed gearbox the DC988 is also a strong performer when drilling into steel, aluminium, brass, copper, marble, timber, and plastics.

Especially useful when drilling into stone work is the reverse action fitted to this cordless drill. This allows easy removal of the drill bit being used by simply reversing the bit out of the hole. At the same time this also clears the hole of any masonry dust present.

When drilling into thick gauge steel drill bits have a tendency to become stuck. Again, with the Dewalt DC988KA this is not a problem. The reverse action can be selected permitting the drill bit to be "backed out" and safely removed.

Having a large capacity keyless chuck this combi drill is also capable of accepting large diameter "zip" and "auger" wood drilling bits. By using these or a standard wood bit this 18 volt drill is capable of drilling a hole in timber of up to 50mm diameter in size. One thing worth mentioning regarding this particular drill is the units capability of delivering very high levels of torque. To avoid unnecessarily the breaking of drill or screwdriver bits because of this it is recommended not to use cheap accessories but to use well known branded ones instead.

The high torque figure this model delivers is a real bonus to the way this power tool performs. This is why the DC988KA can drill very large capacity holes even though it is a cordless drill and not an electric one.

Masonry drilling with this tool is recommended with the lower speed (first gear) selected. Although this lowers the chuck rotation speed it allows the motor to run at full pace and at maximum torque. With the percussion hammer action switched on the DC988 KA is capable of drilling holes up to 16mm in diameter in bricks, blocks, cement, stone, and light concrete.

For drilling into steel and other metals holes up to 13mm in diameter can be bored using standard or cobalt drill bits. The recommended gear chosen should be either low or medium (this Dewalt cordless drill has three gears in total) depending on the diameter and thickness of metal being worked on.

Different types of metal may require a lubricating oil or cutting fluid to be applied to assist the drilling procedure being carried out. This acts by cooling the drill bit as well as the metal itself.

A major benefit of the Dewalt DC988KA Cordless drill over other brands is the units predominantly metal chuck. Keyless in design allowing simple and fast changing of accessories, this metal chuck features serrated teeth to tightly grip any bit being used. The metal chuck will allow fitment of drill bits, screwdriver bits, hole saws, and other tool accessories that have a diameter shaft from 3mm to 13mm in size.

Screwdriving Ability: This model can comfortably handle a wide range of screwdriving and fixing applications. In conjuction with the keyless chuck and three (3) speed metal component gearbox this model also has a variable and reverse action trigger speed control as well as multiple setting clutch - torque control. In total there are 22 positions available allowing the user to preset the drill for the job in hand.

Screws and other fixings can be easily applied into a wide range of materials by using the correct combination of settings. Wood screws can be driven into soft and hard timber with the screwheads flush, proud, or reccessed as required. By using the correct torque setting soft screws such as brass screws can be prevented from breaking saving money as well as labour time on the particular job being carried out.

The high torque fiqure this Dewalt Drill delivers also means this model is capable of fastening and tightening metal bolts and nuts as well. Providing up to 52Nm of torque means the DC988 can be used for metal assembly and fabrication tasks, especially work such as assembling metal shelving, constructing boxes, and structures.

All these qualities identifies the Dewalt DC988KA as an ideal power tool for a wide range of uses whether it be a keen diy'er at home, a builder, joiner, electrician, plumber, metal fabricator, handyman, mechanic, or engineer.