DeWalt DC970 18V NiCd 1/2" Cordless Drill/Driver

I am somewhat of a DeWalt power tool junkie.  More specifically, I am a cordless DeWalt power tool junkie.  I like the freedom of taking my tools anywhere with only battery life to worry about.

I received my first DeWalt cordless drill as a Christmas present back in 97.  It was a workhorse that served me well for over 14 years.  Then, one day, the motor burned out!  I looked online for replacement motors, only to find they cost almost as much as a new drill.  That is when I found a flier in the mail for a Father's Day Sale at Home Depot.  There, smack dab in the middle of the front page, was an 18V Cordless DeWalt Drill!  More importantly, it was only $99!  OH JOY!  Needless to say, I drove to Home Depot and purchased it immediately.  I then told my wife "thanks for Father's Day present" (she was understandably confused at first).

I removed the cardboard sleeve and noticed that it was the standard DeWalt plastic protective case that comes with most of their tools.  Inside, in addition to the drill, was a standard battery and charger.  The standard battery is not as big as the new XRPs and will not hold as long of a charge.  For light around the house jobs it is more than sufficient.

The drill is about the same size as my old one, albeit slightly lighter, and seemingly as powerful.  Their is only one screwdriver bit holder slot, and it is on the front part of the drill.  This will hold a standard size hex bit (it comes with a dual flat and Philips screwdriver bit).

With a full charge, the drill will easily bore a hole in most woods, and depending on the bit, many metals.  I haven't noticed it overheat or lose power under continuous work.  The one complaint I do have is regarding driving screws into a hard wood in the sense that the drill bit will strip the screw head before going all the way it.  That in itself is a function of my not pre-drilling a pilot hole, or that the screw itself isn't well made, so I can't really blame the drill.

The one complaint I do have is the keyless chuck and its ability to keep a bit in place.  I can tighten the chuck as hard as my hands will allow, and it will occasionally still loosen.  This cause the bit to either wobble, stop spinning, or fall out completely.  This can be frustrating, especially when you get into a rhythm working or you need a precise hole drilled.  This is much less apparent on bits that have a wedge shaped base vice a completely round base.

Overall I am very happy with my purchase and have been using it for awhile now.  It more than handles minor house projects, and would probably do just fine on a construction site.  At $99, with battery, charger, and case, it is a no-brainer. 

Recommend this product? Yes