Showing posts with label cordless. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cordless. Show all posts

Saturday, 30 January 2010

Dewalt Cordless Circular Saws

Information And Specifications On The Cordless Range Of Circular Saws From Dewalt

Dewalt produce a range of portable cordless circular saws designed to withstand rough jobsite conditions. Most of the models are fitted with powerful 18v motors giving a high speed for improved cutting of hard and soft woods.

When used in conjunction with Dewalt XRP high performance batteries their portable cordless circular saws have a long run time as well as high power.

Dewalt manufacture and sell circular saws for the professional user that are suitable for most construction applications. They are used worldwide by tradesmen and in particular woodworkers, joiners, kitchen fitters, builders, plumbers, as well as the DIY'er looking for high quality tools they can rely on.

Model Range Of Dewalt Cordless Circular Saws

DW934 Metal Cutting Saw

This model is the entry level rechargeable cordless circular saw / trimsaw ("naked" version.

The DW934 utilises a powerful 18v Dewalt fan cooled electric motor that is fitted with replaceable carbon brushes. Unlike several other brands of power tools, this allows the saws motor to be serviced when needed and not simply replaced. The carbon brushes fitted to any power tools motor are a major component that will need replacing occasionally, especially if the tool is used often as a professional tradesmen would do.

The Dewalt DW934 has a power output of 315w making it a powerful saw bearing in mind its compact size. A 173mm diameter cutting blade is fitted as standard equipment (a 40 tooth tct blade) giving a maximum depth of cut in different types of material of up to 61mm. The cutting blade is designed to run relatively cool giving burr free cutting on steel and other metals.

As this particular cordless saw is aimed at the metal worker it is fitted with an anti magnetic stainless steel shoe. The cutting saw blade also has full metal guarding to withstand tough site conditions.

The Dewalt DW935 trimsaw is ideally suited for onsite cutting of metal trunking and duct work, threaded metal rods and steel unistruts, sheet steel, and many other components such as cable channels and heating ventilation pipes.

This model is supplied as a "naked" unit without batteries, charger, or carry case. It is aimed at the tradesman or worker that already owns one or more cordless Dewalt Power Tools.

Dewalt DW934K2 H

This wood and metal cutting trimsaw is identical in specifications to the DW934 listed above. The difference is the Dewalt DW934K2 is supplied as a cordless circular saw package including 2 x 18v XRP Batteries, a fast one (1) hour battery charger, and heavy duty carry case. As with the "bare - naked" version, the DW 934K2 circular saw has a spindle lock for easy swap over of the cutting blade, a tough metal sole plate, and benefits from an ergonomic design.

Dewalt DW936 Cordless Trimsaw

This is perhaps the most popular cordless circular saw in the Dewalt cordless saw range.

Standard features include an efficient and powerful 18 volt motor capable of driving this trimsaw through a wide cross selection of materials including hard and soft woods, laminate flooring, kitchen worktops, plastics, and many more.

This "naked" version of this particular model is supplied without a battery charger or rechargeable battery packs. It is the cheapest "wood cutting" cordless circular saw in the Dewalt range, being sold this way to cater for the tool owner that already has a 18v Dewalt Drill or similar power tool. As most 18 volt Dewalt tools have interchangeable batteries a cost saving is achieved by packaging it this way.

The Dewalt DW936 saw is capable of cutting up to 41mm in depth by use of its standard 136mm tct blade. It can also cut at bevel angles up to 50 degrees. Most users will only cut bevels up to 45degrees. At this angle the saw will cut up to a depth of 28mm. This makes this compact and light trimsaw ideal for cabinet fitting, especially bedrooms, kitchen cabinets.

Being fitted with a tungsten carbide tipped saw blade the Dewalt DW936 can cope with plastics and laminates including the popular 38mm thickness kitchen worktop. With no trailing mains electric leads the DW936 is versatile as well as practical.

To allow a good run time on whatever size of cordless battery pack is fitted, this models blade is an ultra thin kerf design giving low levels of friction but with high cutting performance. It accepts standard Dewalt rechargeable battery packs from 2.0aH to 3.0aH rating.

Dewalt DW936K Circular Saw

This portable cordless circular saw is identical in specification and performance to the "naked" DW936 model. It differs by way of inclusion of two (2) 2.0aH NiCd batteries and a rapid battery charger. It is also supplied with a heavy duty kitbox.

As with the "naked" version, the Dewalt DW936K is a great addition to anyones tool collection, providing a versatile, tough, truly portable saw that is capable of regular work.

Being cordless you can take the tool to the work instead of the other way round. No mains electric power supplied is needed except for if you want to recharge its batteries. This model features a lock off switch and electric motor brake for complete control and safety, as well as accurate mitre cutting by way of its bevel adjuster soleplate. For accurate straight cuts in hard and soft woods a side rip fence is included as standard equipment.

For optimum weight balance and portability the saw blade is fitted to the left hand side of this particular cordless circular saw. At first use this might seem unnatural but it is something that is easily accustomed to as you go along. Within minutes you will find it is easily adapted to, bearing in mind the very low weight and great balance the DW936 saw has.

The Dewalt DW936K is not the cheapest cordless power tool you can buy, but does offer great cutting performance, a good run time on its rechargeable batteries, and reliability.



Thursday, 28 January 2010

Dewalt 18v Cordless Combination Hammer Drills

Information On Dewalt 18 Volt Cordless Combi Hammer Drills

As with all major power tool manufacturers, Dewalt have a range of 18v cordless combi drills that have been designed for all round use in the home or workplace.

Unlike a dedicated hammer drill, their most popular models are classed as combination drills, being capable of drilling into light masonry, metals, woodwork, and plastics, and also featuring a screwdriver function.

The three clear modes on a combi hammer drill are; 1) Percussion hammer action 2) Normal drilling mode 3) Screwdriver mode.

The 18 volt motor size is the most popular "power size" of any cordless combination drill due to several factors. These are; the weight of the drill itself, the manageability whilst in use (taking into account the ergonomics and drills shape), the drills power, and above everything else, the all round capability, versatility, and performance.

Dewalts Range Of 18v Drills

The range of models manufactured by Dewalt have evolved over many years taking cutomer demand into account as well as improvements in manufacturing technology. With Dewalts history of being probably the top manufacturer in the World for cordless power tools they have updated and changed specifications and feaures on every new 18v cordless drill they have launched.

Recent models include the Dewalt DC988KA and the DC925 models. Both are very similar in design and construction, being capable of tough regular use by professional tradesmen that need a tool for daily use.

Dewalt DC988KA 18v Cordless Hammer Drill

This is a great value for money cordless hammer drill featuring a 18 volt motor for its power source, with current provided by 2 x 2.4aH NiCd batteries. Having a 13 mm keyless chuck the DC988KA can accept all popular sizes of drill and screwdriver bits with the drill capable of accurate drilling up to the following specifications:

  • Wood - 50 mm
  • Metals - 13 mm
  • Masonry - 16 mm

As standard equipment this Dewalt cordless drill features a three (3) speed gearbox (with metal internal gearing), a multi position torque control, variable speed trigger action (fitted with a reverse action), electronic brake, and a fan cooled motor. For easy servicing the motor fitted to the DC988KA has replacement carbon brushes. Replacement is simple and fast for anyone used to servicing or repairing power tools.

For fast charging of its batteries the Dewalt DC988KA uses a rapid battery charger. The model number supplied with this particular drill is normally the DE9116 unit.

Dewalt DCD925B2 18v Cordless Drill

A later model than the DC988KA, this combination drill also features a three (3) speed gearbox providing three operating speed ranges to suit most tasks it is asked of. The lower gear provides optimum torque for powerful hammer action drilling into most types of masonry. When fitted with a masonry drill bit the DCD925B2 can drill into bricks, blocks, stone, and light concrete.

The second speed gives a medium speed range suitable for a wide range of applications. Different types of metal, plastics, and other materials can be tackled with this setting chosen. The third speed allows this 18v drill to run at a maximum no load speed of 2000 rpm. Hard and soft woods can be easily drilled with the Dewalt DCD925 on this gear setting, especially when twist or spade type drill bits are used.

The rechargeable battery packs supplied with the DCD925 B2 are not of the cheapest specification. As standard equipment each purchaser of this model will receive 2 x 2.6aH NiMh batteries giving this 18v drill a long running time on each charge. This particular model is also fitted with an extra sensitive variable speed control which increases user control when drilling and screwdriving.

Friday, 22 January 2010

Popular Dewalt Battery Packs

Information On Dewalt Rechargeable Batteries

As a leading manufacturer and supplier of professional cordless power tools, Dewalt offers a complete cordless system with a choice of different power options from 3.6v to 36 volt.

Although Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries are becoming more prominent as standard equipment on some new top of the range cordless drills and other powertools, the majority of models at this time are fitted with either Nicad or NiMH batteries.

In addition to powertools Dewalt also manufacture a wide range of accessories and attachments that are cordless including; Site Radios, Wet and dry Vacuum Cleaner, Site Area Light, Flourescent Lights, and Flashlight Torches.

Heavy Duty NiCd Batteries:
  • DE9054 3.6v 1.2aH
  • DE9057 7.2v 1.3aH
  • DE9062 9.6v 1.3aH
  • DE9061 9.6v 2.0aH
  • DE9074 12v 1.3aH
  • DE9071 12v 2.0aH
  • DE9075 12v 2.4aH
  • DE9094 14.4v 1.3aH
  • DE9091 14.4v 2.0aH
  • DE9092 14.4v 2.4aH
  • DE9098 18v 1.3aH
  • DE9095 18v 2.0aH
  • DE9096 18v 2.4aH
  • DE0243 24v 2.0aH
  • DE0242 24v 2.4aH

Heavy Duty NiMH Batteries:

  • DE9084 7.2v 2.0aH
  • DE9051 12v 2.6aH
  • DE9052 14.4v 2.6aH
  • DE9503 18v 2.6aH
  • DE0241 24v 3.0aH

Heavy Duty Li-ion Batteries:

  • DE9180 18v 2.0aH
  • DE9280 28v 2.2aH
  • DE9360 36v 2.2aH

All new Dewalt Rechargeable Battery Packs are covered with their 1 year warranty. In addition this includes a 1 year free service contract, and a 30 day no risk satisfaction guarantee.

Monday, 18 January 2010

Dewalt DCD925B2 Cordless Hammer Drill XRP

Dewalt DCD925 B2 18v Drill Product Information









The DCD925 is a versatile and powerful cordless hammer drill that is suitable for a wide range of uses at home or in the workplace.

As with all Dewalt cordless power tools this model is of an improved design over its predessor, the DC925 combi drill. This is by way of its overall design, as well as its ergonomics and specifications.

The Dewalt DCD925B2 is driven by a powerful 18 volt battery motor for heavy duty drilling and screwdriving applications. The batteries supplied with this unit as standard are the renowned XRP 18v NiMh battery packs. Two of these are included with the purchase of the DCD925 giving the drill an excellent runtime whether it is being used for screwdriving applications or work drilling into metal, wood, plastics, or masonry. The capacity of the rechargeable battery packs is 2.6aH, and when placed in the packaged charger unit require only a 40 minute charge time to be ready for use with full power.

The battery charger is an "intelligent" Dewalt Battery Charger that maintains the battery condition as well as charging it. It can also be used for a quick top up of the DCD925's battery packs if needed, and at any time.

Being a combination drill this new model has three (3) modes; 1) Hammer action for drilling into all types of masonry including bricks, blocks, slabs, plaster, stone, marble, and light concrete. 2) Drilling mode used for rapid boring into all types of hard and soft woods as well as plastics and metals. 3) Screwdriver mode for controlled screwing of fasteners and fixings.

Three (3) Speed Metal Gearbox

To allow this drill to perform over a wide speed range (both chuck and motor) the Dewalt DCD925B2 is fitted with a three (3) speed gearbox. Coupled with an ultra smooth gear selector this gives the drill three operating speeds. When used in conjunction with its variable trigger control this gives speed ranges of:


(1) 0-500 rpm / (2) 0-1250rpm / (3) 0-2000rpm


Unlike older models of cordless drill drivers and dedicated cordless hammer drills it is this wide speed range that makes the DCD925 a versatile and great all round tool for the professional user.

Comparison To The Dewalt DC988KA

The new model is sold alongside the DC988KA model combination drill which is well known to most builders, joiners, plumbers, electricians, and other professional tradesmen. The DC988 is a good value for money cordless drill that has been on sale for several years now, having been dropped from the Dewalt range at one point, and then resurrected again.

With lower specifications than the new DCD925 it is normally not first choice for the user looking to buy the best and latest model, but is aimed at the user that has a limited budget but which would rather stick with a Dewalt Power Tool because of their strength, robustness, and high performance.

Dewalt DCD925B Specifications:
  • 3 Mode Combination Drill
  • 18 Volt Battery
  • 2.6aH Battery Capacity
  • 13mm Chuck Capacity
  • 450w Electric Motor
  • Weight - 2.9 kg
  • Batteries x2 (NiMh)
  • 40 Minute Full Charge Type
  • Intelligent Battery Charger
  • Max Torque 55 Nm
  • Variable Speed & Reverse Action
  • 13mm Keyless Chuck (Metal)
  • Chuck Capacity 1.5mm - 13mm
  • Auto Spindle Lock
  • Drilling Capacity - 50mm Wood
  • Drilling Capacity - 13mm Metal
  • Drilling Capacity - 16mm Masonry
  • White LED Integral Worklight
  • 22 Position Torque Clutch Control
  • Supplied With Side Handle
  • Carry Case
  • 12 Month Warranty (Trade Use)

Summary Of This Dewalt Cordless Hammer Drill

The Dewalt DCD925 B2 can tackle most tasks the professional user will throw at it. By using the drills three speed gearbox it is capable of drilling into metal, wood, and timber with perfect control. Accurate screwdriving especially with large capacity wood screws is easy for this drill, helped by the 22 position torque control and variable speed trigger action. Removing screws and fasteners can be described as "childs play" when the reverse action is selected.

The busy tradesman will appreciate the speed with which drill bits or other accessories can be swapped using the standard keyless 13mm heavy duty chuck. The auto spindle lock fitted allows single handed use with this particular chuck.

This particular model cordless combination hammer drill is the not the cheapest you can buy, but it is a great all rounder offering strong performance over many other rival brands. A statement about Dewalt Power Tools is that they are guaranteed to be tough, powerful, precise, and reliable.

In addition ergonomics now play a big part with modern cordless drills. This also applies to this model with it having a good overall balance, a reasonable weight, and fitted rubber grips. These features increase comfort for the user w hen working for long periods of time with the Dewalt DCD925B2.

Friday, 15 January 2010

Keeping Power Tools Casings Clean

Methods For Cleaning The Casings On Cordless And Electric Tools

Most modern battery operated and electric power tools have housings and casings manufactured in metal or one type of plastic or another.

Depending on the country the tool is to be distributed and ultimately sold in, the tools casings will be made using either steel, aluminium, or normally an abs type hard plastic. The design and material used is dictated not only by the type of use the tool is to be put to, but also by the health and safety regulations and laws in the country of sale.

In the USA it has been common practice for manufacturers such as Bosch, Dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee, and many others to use a great deal of aluminium in a power tools construction. This gives some of them an "old fashioned" appearance compared with others which have totally plastic clamshells.

One reason as to why this has been common in the USA compared to the UK, and other countries in Europe, is that in the USA the mains electric supply is 110v compared to 240v. In a 240v power tool there is a possible risk of the user getting an electric shock if the tool is faulty and the electric current conducts through it's metal casing.

All "CE" marked tools for sale in the UK and European countries now have to be double insulated hence their casings are mostly made of plastic or similar materials.

Cleaning Plastic Housings On Power Tools

If oil or grease is present on the particular tools casing the tool should first be disconnected from any power source whether it is mains electric, or battery powered. In the case of cordless tools the battery should be completely removed unless it is self contained.

Using soft cloths and a soft cleaning brush (a toothbrush is ideal), a degreasing agent such as the one manufactured under the brand name "Gunk" should be sparingly applied to the surface areas that need attention. Care needs to be taken to ensure none of the degreasing solution enters the cooling or ventilation apertures.

Following the manufacturers instructions with regards to timescales, the degreasing liquid should be given time to work and break down the dirt, oil, and grease present. It may be neccessary to wipe the solution of the tool casing and apply a new layer of solution several times. It all depends on how dirty or soiled the power tool is.

The use of the soft brush, being agitated in various directions will help the cleaning solution do it's job and allow the cleaning solution to penetrate deep into any scratches, gouges, or pit marks that are present.

When you are happy the degreaser has done its job, the tools casing should be given attention with a clean soft cloth to remove any excess liquid and the oil / grease deposits present. The plastic housing (clamshell) should now be completely dried and left for five to 10 minutes for any vapours to evaporate.

The next stage is to apply a cleaning product that will prevent the grease, oil, or dirt building aggresively up in future and help keep the casing clean. There are several products freely available to buy that are suitable but it is important to choose one that has no silicone or polish type surfactants in its make up.

Some of the most effective plastic cleaning products are those that are used in the automotive industry. One being "autoglym" plastic and rubber cleaner. This is an easy to use gel type solution that is long lasting. It is free of silicone, silica, and ammonia. This is ideal for the cleaning of power tools, forming an anti static barrier that protects against moisture, dirt, dust, oil, and plastic staining.

Thursday, 14 January 2010

Dewalt Battery Care

Information On Caring For Dewalt Rechargeable Batteries

1) Are Genuine Dewalt Batteries Manufactured To A Higher Quality Than Alternative Brands Or Copies?

Yes. It is recommended that only genuine Dewalt branded battery units are fitted to any Dewalt Power Tool.

2) Do the battery packs need to be completely discharged before re-charging?

No. It is just the opposite. As soon as you feel or notice a significant drop in power or speed from the particular cordless tool you are using, you should stop using the battery that is fitted. It is at this time when it is best to re-charge it using the recommended charger unit. If a rechargeable battery is totally run down it could damage it.

3) Can any battery charger manufactured by Dewalt be used to charge my battery?

No. Particular Dewalt battery chargers will only recharge certain batteries. Dewalt however do make and sell several charger units which accept the majority of batteries they have produced. These are described as their "intelligent chargers. These units have been developed over the years and can accept battery packs of different voltages, capacity sizes, and chemical make up. Different specifications and fitment apply to each unit.

4) What are the model numbers of their "intelligent" multi voltage chargers?

Several code / spare part numbers apply. The most popular ones being; DE9112, DE9116, DE9117, DE9216.

5) Why does the battery become warm whilst it is being charged?

During the charging process, as the rechargeable battery reaches full power capacity some of the energy converts to heat. A battery in good condition should become warm to the touch at this point, but not become hot. If you have a Dewalt battery that gets hot after a full charge the battery or charger unit has developed a fault or reached the end of its useful service life.

6) Can the temperature affect a Dewalt battery or it's operating performance?

Yes. If the temperature is cold (below 40 degrees Fahrenheit) or too hot (105 degrees Fahrenheit or more) it will not accept a full charge. If charging is attempted in these temperature extremes the battery in most cases will suffer a reaction and be damaged, affecting it's runtime and overall performance when fitted to a power tool.

7) Can an automotive charger be used with Dewalt cordless tool batteries?

Yes. However, only the DW9109 model can be used. This will accept batteries from 7.2 volt to 18 volt in size.

8) Does a Dewalt "15 minute" rapid charger give as much power as a 1 or 2 hour charger?

Yes. The 15 minute fast charger is an "intelligent" model that uses a three (3) stage process to top up each battery pack. This high tech unit measures each internal cell, balances them, and fills each cell up to it's maximum possible capacity.

9) Can the "15 minute" intelligent charger damage a battery beacuse of it's very fast charging?

No. Due to a patented termination system this unit will not damage or harm any battery used in it. This particular charger will allow you to care for your power tools battery and get the maximum service life from it.

10) If my Dewalt battery will not hold power or accept a new charge is it faulty?

Possibly. There are however several reasons why you may have this problem. If the pack has a broken connection inside, or a single internal or multiple cell has failed, the battery will be unuseable. Other options are the battery has been charged incorrectly or with a damaged / faulty battery charger. There could be dirt or an object preventing the contacts working. Finally, due to use and age it could of reached the end of it's normal service life.



Wednesday, 13 January 2010

How To Maintain Dewalt Ni Cd Batteries

Maintaining Dewalt Ni Cad Rechargeable Batteries

It is important to take care of the rechargeable battery packs that are supplied with any new Dewalt cordless tool.

Depending on the type and particular model number of Dewalt tool you have purchased you will have as standard either one, two, or three rechargeable batteries.

The only exception to this is if you have bought one of their tools that are currently available as a "naked" unboxed unit. By unboxed this refers to the cordless tool being supplied with no batteries, charger, carry case, or kitbox, being supplied as a "bare" unit in just a cardbox type carton.

The Dewalt range of rechargeable batteries for their cordless power tools range in voltage from 7.2v to 36v. The most popular being the 12v nicad battery, 14.4v nicd battery, and the 18v ni cd battery.

Over the last few years these different voltage batteries have also been manufactured with new direct replacements which have greater capacities. For example the most popular battery in the Dewalt cordless range; the 18v De9095 NiCd battery (capacity which is 2.0 aH) can be directly interchanged with the new alternative DE9096 2.4 aH capacity battery. The difference in capacity does not give the relevant powertool any more power, but a longer running time on a full charge. Eg: If you own a Dewalt DC988KA 18v cordless drill with a 2.0 aH battery fitted you may achieve 100 to 120 holes drilled into hard timber before the battery runs out. With a 2.4aH De9096 replacement battery fitted you may achieve 150 to 170 holes.

Once you have bought a new Dewalt cordless tool it makes sense to get the most out of in it's lifetime, including the units rechargeable batteries.

How To Maintain Dewalt NiCad Rechargeable Batteries

The solution to keeping the battery on your Dewalt cordless tool well maintained is to use the tool regularly and by doing so "cycle" it's rechargeable nicad battery pack.

The first thing to undertake with any new nicad Dewalt Battery is to charge it completely the very first time when you buy it. After manufacture all new rechargeable batteries are shipped in a discharged state with very low charge and power in them. The battery must therefore be fully charged before it's first use.

Using the correct charger for your particular nicad dewalt battery (unless you own one of the intelligent chargers) the battery pack should be left in a charging state until the indicator light shows the period of time is complete. The battery should then be fitted to the required drill or other cordless tool and used as needed.

The next stage is to use the tool until the battery shows the first sign of having no power. On a cordless drill this would be when the motor and chuck slows down to a very low speed. It should not be used to the point where the chuck and motor does not rotate at all.

At this point is when the battery is at it's optimum state to receive a new full recharge.

Placing the flat discharged battery into the charger will allow the charger unit to measure the amount of current needed to top up each cell within the batteries housing, and start the charging process over again.

This is the best way to maintain all Dewalt Nicad Batteries and get a good service life from them.

Hints And Tips To Extend The Life Of The Tools Battery

As mentioned above the best way to keep a rechargeable battery pack working at it's peak is to "cycle" it by discharging and recharging on an ongoing basis or schedule.

Other help you can do to extend it's life is by way of:

1) Storing it when not used at a normal room temperature. This should be in not a cold or hot environment.

2) Avoid dropping the battery whether fitted to a power tool or not.

3) Not leaving the battery in a medium to full charge capacity. On nicad batteries this can lead to "memory effect".

4) If stored off the relevant power tool keep the battery metal contacts away from any other metallic objects.

5) Use only a recognised original equipment Dewalt Battery Charger.

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.