DEWALT DC988KA 18-Volt Cordless Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver Kit Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)a note to 'R. Saccenti': there is a big difference between hammer drills and rotary hammer drills. hammer-drills, like this cordless dewalt use 2 grooved plates that rotate opposite of each other. when they slip and the grooves connect, a bang is heard. this "hammers" the chuck, which in turn, drives the bit into the masonry material. do you remember the manual masonry hand drill bit? you had to hit it with a heavy hammer and it rotated as it drilled. a hammer drill is the same principle. masonry drill bits are more efficient over chisels for only one reason, they remove the dust faster, allowing the bit to go in further and faster.

a rotary hammer is extremely more efficient than a hammer drill, because it drives a piston that pounds the chuck with measurable impact energy. there's really no question which is better. hammer drills are loud and cheaper. rotary hammers are bigger, quieter, more expensive, and do the job in 95% less time, with less effort.

now, there are rotary cordless hammer drills out there, but they are expensive. HILTI makes an 18v, a 24v, and a 36v. DEWALT and BOSCH make a 24v. MILWAUKEE makes a 28v. i apologize if i left out a few.

when drilling into concrete, i use a rotary hammer, especially if it's old (harder) concrete. but for light-duty concrete drilling in cement block, stucco, adobe, hard plaster, whatever, i use this DEWALT hammer drill and i love it every time i use it. i can drill the hole and drive the tapcon (blue concrete screws) with the same tool. driving tapcons with a rotary hammer, usually snaps them in two.

everyone should own a cordless hammer drill, instead of a regular cordless. it is so much more versatile. if you have one, you will use it. most professionals have one cordless hammer drill and one regular drill in the same voltage. one for drilling and one for driving.

if you buy this drill, you will be satisfied with it, just don't use it where it is not intended to be used, ie, hard concrete.

the fastest hammer drilling 18 volt i've ever used is the new makita litium ion. it's hammer power compares to low-grade corded rotarty hammers (for small diameter holes).

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Product Description:
Ideal for drilling in a range of materials, from cement block and stucco to plaster and adobe, the DC988 from DEWALT is a powerful workhorse boasting a 1.2-inch 100 percent metal ratcheting chuck with sturdy carbide jaws, a three-speed transmission, and a robust motor producing 500 in./lbs. of torque. The DC988KA uses a long-lasting XRP extended run-time battery and can store a screwdriver, bit tip holders, and standard-size nut drivers on its body. Additionally, the tool's ratcheting hammer action helps prevent binding, and combines with an ergonomic design to reduce user fatigue. Finally it reaches a maximum BPM speed of 34,000 BPM--perfect for masonry work. The DC988KA comes with two XRP extended run-time batteries, one-hour charger, double-ended screwdriver bit, 360-degree side handle, and a carrying case.

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