DeWalt Drill Drivers

DeWalt DC729KA 18v Drill Driver

Dewalt DC729KA Cless Drill Driver 18v: Specifically designed for use in tight situations, this excellent 18v drill driver offers the user everything for drilling and screwdriving applications and has a compact, lightweight design. There are 17 positions for the adjustable torque control giving consistent screwdriving into a variety of materials with different screw sizes. Two speed settings, variable speed and reverse switch for controllable use and 10 mm single sleeve keyless chuck with automatic spindle lock for quick and easy bit change with one hand.

Includes :1 hour charger, 2 x 1.3Ah NiCd Batteries, heavy duty carrying case

Specifications:

Voltage: 18v
Chuck Capacity: 1.5-10 mm
Battery: NiCd 1.3 Ah
Power Output: 350 Watts
No Load Speed: 0-400 / 0-1400 rpm
Max Torque: 40 Nm
Max. Drilling Capacity [Wood]: 38 mm
Max. Drilling Capacity [Metal]: 10 mm
Weight: 2.0 kg
Length: 218 mm
Height: 229 mm

Reviews

Username: Uriel

Overall Rating: 4 / 5
Value: 5 / 5
Features: 4 / 5
Performance: 4 / 5
Reliability: 5 / 5

Good general purpose drill

"I was looking for a general purpose cordless drill and the DeWalt DC729KA has been very satisfactory. The carry case is sturdy without being too bulky. The batery charges quickly and holds charge well - the spare is invaluable. I have found it powerful enough for all but the hardest jobs (it doesn't have a hammer option) and light enough for small jobs."

Username: Routerman

Overall Rating: 5 / 5
Value: 3 / 5
Features: 4 / 5
Performance: 5 / 5
Reliability: 5 / 5

Safe Buy

"I purchased the DW729KA to replace an ageing Bosch 18v that was losing battery life. The DW is well packaged and well specified; the batteries charge relatively quickly and appear to have good life per charge. It's easy on the hands, not being too heavy or too bulky and the metal gearing should ensure reliability. One of my better buys!"

Read this review and more at Screwfix.com

Great examples of 12v Cordless Drill Drivers include the Black & Decker CP12KB 12v, Bosch PSR 12v, DeWalt DC727KA 12v, Hitachi 12DVF3 12v, Makita 6270DWPE3 12v, and the Ryobi CHD1202 12v

If 14.4v Cordless Drill Drivers are better suited, then be sure to check out the Black & Decker CD14CA 14.4v, Bosch PSR 14.4v, DeWalt DC728KA 14.4v[/LINK], the Hitachi DS14DVF3 14.4v,Makita 6280DZ 14.4v, or the Ryobi CHD-1441 14.4v

For coverage of your 18v Cordless Drill Drivers needs, why not view Black & Decker CD18CA 18v, Bosch PSR18VE-2 18v, DeWalt 920KB 18v, Hitachi DS18DFL 18v, the Makita 6390DZ 18v or the Ryobi CHP-1802M One+ 18v

Doing DIY Safely at Home

Power appliances have changed the way in which we carry out our day-to-day DIY work and cordless drill drivers have become an essential component of all DIY tool kits. Drills have proven to be invaluable for most maintenance and repair tasks around the house and no power tool collection is complete without one.

A Hammer Drill is not only able to provide a rotary motion but can also apply a small amount of hammer action to the drill bit, as though someone was tapping the back of the drill while the bit was spinning. This enables the drill to work through masonry. A Hammer Drill might typically have the ability to switch the hammer action off and on as required. You might find that motor wattages start around 600w for this type of drill and a good idea is to look at machines with around a 700w motor, these might enable you to drill masonry with up to a 16mm bit. This type of drill is a good all rounder for the home.

Consider choosing a drill driver with an adjustable clutch setting. The clutch reacts to the resistance of the screw, which changes as the density of the material changes, allowing you to drill holes of uniform depth. Adjusted properly on identical scrap material, a clutch may keep you from driving a screw too deep, which makes this feature indispensable for beginners. An adjustable clutch may also reduce the possibility of stripping a screw head or snapping a screw off altogether.

The chuck is the attachment where the bit is inserted, having jaws that grip the bit. Drills come in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" sizes. This measurement is the chuck size and indicates the shaft diameter of the bits and accessories that might fit the drill. Chucks can be keyed (the jaws are tightened or loosened with a key) or keyless (the chuck may be tightened or loosened by hand). Keyless chucks offer two major benefits. If you have ever misplaced or lost a chuck key, you already know one of them. A keyless chuck might also allow bits to be changed more quickly. A real plus when you need to change from a drill bit to a screwdriver bit repeatedly or should you happen to be wearing gloves on the job. You can change the chuck in some keyless models with only one hand because the shaft locks when the trigger is off. In most models, however, you have to use both hands to turn the chuck in opposite directions. While you're in the store change the bit on different drill drivers to see what style of keyless chuck you prefer.

Nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries represent the latest breakthrough in batteries. They're smaller and run longer than standard nickel-cadmium (Nicad) batteries. NiMH batteries also pose less of a hazard when it comes to disposal than Nicads because they don't contain any cadmium, which is highly toxic. Makita, Bosch, Hitachi and DeWalt offer NiMH batteries, and other manufacturers might soon produce these power cells too.

Check out drill drivers in DIY centres noting their weight and balance. Try out vertical and horizontal drilling positions to see how comfortable you feel. Contoured grips and rubber cushioning on some models make them very comfortable, even when you're applying direct palm pressure. While you're at it, see how easy it is to change clutch settings and operate the keyless chuck.

When drilling deep or large holes, it is best to drill a small pilot hole first. This is very helpful when drilling deep holes because it's sometimes easier to keep the hole straight with a smaller bit. A larger bit might then normally follow the pilot hole. When drilling larger holes, especially in metal, the pilot hole opens an area in the metal to accommodate the tip of the larger bit so the cutting surfaces may more easily reach the uncut metal. Once you've drilled your hole, you'll probably find a burr on the back surface of your material. This may be removed by lightly drilling the back side of the hole with a larger bit. If the material is thin, such as sheet metal, instead of a burr you may find the material is actually distorted leaving a ragged hole. This be stopped by sandwiching the material between two pieces of wood before you drill the hole. As with all tools, exercise caution, wear safety equipment and learn to use the tools properly.

A drill without a drill bit is useless. A drill bit is the piece at the end of the drill that does the actual drilling. Drill bits come in a wide variety of sizes (diameter) and length. First you have to insert the bit into the drill. The end of the drill’s barrel has an opening. Insert the dull end of the drill bit into this hole. Now you have to tighten the drill bit into this hole so the bit is secure and does not come free. This is accomplished in one of two ways. The most traditional way is to use a chuck key. The chuck key is a small piece of petal shaped in a right angle. One piece of the key fits into the tightening collar around the bit. There is a hole there for that purpose. Then you simply turn the key clockwise tightening the collar over the bit. Turn it clockwise to tighten. Turn it counter-clockwise to loosen the collar and free the bit. When you do this make certain the drill is unplugged from its power source. This is a safety precaution. The second way does not include a chuck key. Instead there are usually two tightening collars. The bit is inserted in the outer most collar. Grasp this collar with one hand holding it steady. With a small bit of power provided by squeezing the trigger the loose collar spins freely and tightens the bit into the collar. If you want to tighten the bit the collar must spin clockwise. If you want to loosen the bit the collar must turn counter-clockwise. The direction of the collar’s spin is determined by moving a switch on the drill usually located near the trigger. Now your drill is ready to go. You now have the correct bit size and it is securely settled into the drill. You are ready to drill. First make certain the bit is the appropriate material for the material you are drilling. Select a bit manufactured for metal should you are drilling through metal and select a bit manufactured for wood when drilling through wood. Using the incorrect bit might damage the bit and perhaps not accomplish the task. Using a wood bit on metal often does not penetrate the metal. When you have marked on the material to be drilled where you want the hole mark it with a pencil or marker with a dot or ‘x’. Place the drill bit exactly on the mark, squeeze the drill trigger and give just the slightest push to the drill. Let the drill do the work. Be patient and don’t strain the drill bit through the hole. Try to keep the drill as perpendicular to the material as possible.

Used for cutting large, fixed, diameter holes in wood or plastic a hole saw might usually cut up to a depth of 18mm though deeper versions are available. Best utilized in a power drill at low speed as the blade saws its way through the material. Sharpening could be done with a fine triangular file - as for an ordinary saw. Like the Hole Saw above, combination saws may cut large holes but they consist of a number of different sized round saw blades, usually ranging from about 25 to 62mm in diameter. Normally the blade are secures by a radial screw in the 'head' with all blades other than the desired sized being removed before the screw is inserted to secure the required diameter blade. Best utilized in a power drill at low speed as the blade saws it's way through the material. Sharpening could be done with a fine triangular file and 'setter' as for an ordinary saw. Forstner bits are utilized to form holes with a flat bottom, such as for kitchen cupboard hinges. Best utilized in a power drill held in a drill stand as there's little in the way of a central point. If utilized freehand, the positioning is difficult to control as there is no central pilot bit. Sharpening of the bit could be done on an oilstone or with a fine file. A Wood Auger bit is ideal when drilling large-diameter, deep holes in wood or thick man-made boards. Generally an Auger bit could only be utilized in a hand brace. The bit might cut a clean and deep, flat bottomed holes. The single spur cuts and defines the edge of the hole while the chisel-like cutting edge removes the waste within the previously cut circle. The threaded centre bites into the wood and pulls the bit into the timber. This 'pulling' action means that the bit is really unsuitable for use in a power drill.

DIY Safety tips:

Although RCDs are a vital safety aid, they can't guarantee 100% protection. Even with them in your home, isn't it better to make a long term investment in good safety practice by looking after appliances such as hedge cutters, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, drill drivers and sanders. Do not work with electricity in damp or wet conditions. If you MUST, always use an RCD. Always place the cable of a hedge trimmer or mower over your shoulder and keep it behind you at all times.
When fixing or checking electrical appliances or connections, always switch off the power and remove the fuse or circuit breaker (MCB). If you're fixing an electrical appliance, switch off the appliance at the socket and pull out the plug. Wear rubber-soled shoes when working on electrics. Cover electrical switches which are broken. Switch off at the mains and remove the fuse to that line, and keep it with you, so even should the power is switched on accidentally the line might stay dead and not you, while you carry out a job. The tapes are a reminder for you and a warning to others. Call in professional help should you do not know what you are doing.

When using a power drill, select a model that has a plastic non-conducting body. Unplug the drill before fitting parts and remove the chuck key before switching it on. Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewellery, which could get caught in the drill.

Do not work with electricity in damp or wet conditions. If you MUST, always use an RCD. Always place the cable of a hedge trimmer or mower over your shoulder and keep it behind you at all times.

If you have any doubts whatsoever about how to safely use any material, or equipment, ask the manufacturer or supplier.