DEWALT DC720KA Cordless 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver | ridgid ...
For whatever reason, although most companies have wholeheartedly embraced the Lion technology, Dewalt has chose to slowly move into it and, thus, still has a large portion of tools with NiCd batteries. But really, for my purposes, I doubt I will be using the drill so much that I will use up 2 batteries. After doing some serious research into Makita, Milwaukee, Hitachi, and Dewalt, I chose Dewalt. Dewalt uses its own measurement of torque (Unit Watts Out) whereas most other companies list max torque in ft-lbs. So for this drill, although Dewalt lists it at 410 UWO, I think this probably equates to nearly peak torque of at least 450 ft lbs if not more. UWO, to me, is Dewalt’s real world sustained torque rating like all channels driven in an amplifier. Furthermore, my former so-called variable speed drill only had two speeds, namely 400 or 800 rpm, nothing in between so I was constantly stripping screw heads. Really solidly constructed drill with good power. I hope this review helps because other reviews just seem to spout off Dewalt sucks or “it’s not lithium so it sucks” type comments. I upgraded primarily because I was frustrated by having to drill pilot holes for lag screws all the time due to the lack of power. Also, I really liked the fact that Dewalt uses all-metal gears and it has solid magnet construction in its motor. This drill was my upgrade into the world of pro-grade power tools from a cheapo 14. In receivers, many companies list their amplifier rating with only one channel driven. The added heft of the NiCd gives the drill really good balance. When I first started my job I invested in this DeWalt drill since EVERYONE has one. Rarely do companies list amplifier rating with all channels driven. I really think having a back-up battery negates the charge time issue. After trying out others I would recommend Makita for the price and performance, also do stay away from Ryobi that brand of power tools is a joke (I would get it for my learning teen but not for professional use).