I had an XRP that I used for 10 years and it was a great drill and it still runs but the case cracked on it and the drill tries to split in two when I use it. So i decided to order this one and I know De Walt has had some quality issues in the past but they have been fixed with this model. I have actually broke paddle bits with this drill. and the all metal chuck and shaft is great for long term usage. Bare-Tool DEWALT DCD950B 1/2-Inch 18-Volt XRPHammerdrill/Drill/Driver (Tool Only, No Battery)
I own a different model DEWALT cordless drill which I use regularly and really like. The DEWALT drills are built for rugged use. I purchased the DEWALT DCD950B 1/2-inch XRPHammerdrill/Drill/Driver as a backup drill and one for drilling into concrete or brick. I read reviews before purchasing where folks who purchased this same model had difficulty with the drill operating regularly. Upon arrival of my drill, I quickly pulled the trigger a few times and all seemed well. It mostly sat for a couple of months until yesterday when I needed two drills for a floor project where I didn't want to have to keep changing bits. Well, my newer hammerdrill worked sometimes and sometimes not. When it failed, the work light would go dim and the motor would not operate. If I turned the mode selectors and kept pulling the trigger, I could usually get it to start operating again until the next failure. This was quite aggravating. The good part was when I called Amazon.com and explained the problem, they immediately shipped me a replacement and expedited the shipping so that it will arrive in one day (tomorrow)! You can't beat that for good service. I can only hope that the replacement drill doesn't have the same problem. Thanks Amazon.com!
I purchased the 950 as a second 18V Dewalt cordless to support my work in homebuilding/remodeling and furniture making. I already have another 18V Dewalt and this gave me the added hammer drive feature plus a second drill/driver. I have had the older one for some 6 years. It is a work horse although a bit heavy when you use it for extended periods especially overhead. The new 950 is a work horse as well and is made a bit sturdier with the metal drive train. It too is heavy. Neither drill/driver disappoints in terms of power. I have 4 batteries and only the non XRP batteries wane in heavy use. By the way I just learned that I can use the new Lithium batteries with either drill driver. I think this is a great design consideration on the part of Dewalt! Certainly this will lighten the unit in use. I will have to wait and see regarding balance when I purchase the Li ION batteries.
The 950 has one LED to light the way and it is a handy feature but I do notice that in some areas the shadow the head casts makes the light somewhat less effective.
I had an unpleasant experience with the first 950 I ordered. I was using it to install a storm door, i.e. light duty.I had freshly charged batteries and within just a few screw installs it would not operate upon trigger actuation. The LED would light but the drill motor did not turn in the low speed setting. I found that switching to the second or third speed setting would allow normal operation, even if I switched back to the lowest speed. Needless to say I sent it back. A new one arrived very quickly and seems to be OK although I did experience the same event once more (one time).
So why did I rate this as a 4 star you say? Primarily because it is a workhorse and I expect it to hold up as my other unit does. I find the hammer drill feature to be the answer to driving deck lags and drilling into concrete for TapCons. I also like the fact that I can swap in/out Li ION batteries and finally the price was right.
I have used Dewalt power tools for about 12 years. I like the torque of their 18V. drill/drivers. I just bought a pair of replacement batteries for my "older" equipment and this drill appeared on the Amazon site. I needed a hammer drill so I picked it up. Less than a $100 is a good price for the drill.
I got this drill in the 9 tool set, and the only tool I use more is the impact driver. I used this to drill 1/2 holes in locust and I had to put my leg against the drill, because it has so much torque. The chuck is great and I've never had a bit slip. It's so strong, in fact, that when I was drilling those 1/2 holes, the chuck dug in slightly to the bit, leaving 3 small lines in the solid cobalt drill bit.
My only complaint is that it won't go into 1st gear sometimes, but running it in 3rd and them going to 1st seems to fix that problem.
This is a great price for the Dewalt Hammerdrill. Cost me $69 bucks for a new trigger on my current drill, so for not much more, I now have a new one as backup. Great since I already have a bunch of batteries and chargers and just needed a drill. Thanks guys!
This is my second 1/2 inch 18v DeWalt hammer drill. The first one is now 10 years old, has a cracked case, the gears are whining, and the smoke is threatening to get out of the motor; altogether not too bad considering the work that drill motor has done in its life. I smoked two different corded drill motors on one project and completed the project easily with the battery drill. I have some critical projects going and saw the deal on the bare tool and jumped at it. The new one is superior in every respect. More power, better balance, only a couple ounces more weight. The chuck is infinitely better, the gear change is smoother, and the torque controls are easier to use. I can drive 3-1/2" wood screws in high gear with no issues with this one; the last one struggled in mid-gear. I think this one will take more abuse as well because the design of the frame was changed to better distribute the forces of turning a bit and bouncing off the concrete from the top of a ladder as well. Considering the fact that I was very pleased with the older drill motor, the new one is exceptional! - Hammer Drill - Cordless Drill - 18v - Cordless'
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