Question 1

I don't understand the comments saying this drill is useless as a screwdriver. Anyone else agree that this drives screws as easily as cordless drills?

Accepted Answer

Most electric (mains powered/cord) drills make terrible screwguns and this drill is no exception.

The issue is torque, which is not effected much by the speed of an electric motor. Electric motors deliver almost 100% of their available torque immediately upon being energized and will produce that same amount of torque throughout their speed range (that's why freight trains, in the US, are driven by electric motors. The engines you hear are diesel electric generators which power the electric traction motors that make the train go. Without that instantly available torque the train would never move). All electric motors deliver torque like this. It has nothing to do with a brand.

That instantly available torque is also what makes mains powered drills tear up screw heads, break screws, shred driver bits and cam out of the screw head to put the distinctive track marks on walls and furniture. It's also what makes mains powered drills perfect for drilling holes, which is precisely what they're designed to do.

Since you can't do anything practical to change the way electric motors work the solution is to design the screwgun around a motor with less torque and lower power requirements. It doesn't take much torque to drive a screw (next to none if properly sized pilot holes have been drilled) and useful levels of screwdriving torque can easily, and conveniently, be provided by 18v-24v which can be had in a small rechargeable battery.

Unless you're doing a LOT of 1/4"+ diameter hole making buy an inexpensive mains powered drill and spend the extra money on a nice cordless driver/drill and batteries. You'll get a lot more mileage for your money that way.

Question 2

What is the advantage of a mid handle grip rather than a pistol grip? I am a woman with average strength, inexperienced at DIY but want to learn.

Accepted Answer

Hold your arm straight out and look at the angle a tools handle would need to be bent to  properly fit your hand without the need for you to bend your wrist while using it. A pistol grip is not correct but these tools are not designed for professionals who are prone to suffer from repetitive stress injuries.  For the novice or casual user this handle position change results in more control. For occasional or casual use this should be fine. For professionals it removes a very important portion of the drill often used when precision drilling without a drill press. The area used for bracing the drill as close to the tip as possible. This opinion is consistent with what OSHA recommends to employers for employees in the workplace.

Question 3

Is it reversible drill?

Accepted Answer

Yes and very easy to switch between forward and reverse.  We have really put this drill to work and are very happy with its performance.

Question 4

Is there a lock on the trigger to keep the drill in the "on" position?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no trigger lock on this otherwise excellent drill.

ASIN	B0014GKA86
Additional Features	Variable Speed
Amperage	8 Amps
Best Sellers Rank	#28,724 in Tools & Home Improvement ( See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement ) #47 in Power Drill Drivers
Brand Name	DEWALT
Color	Multi
Customer Reviews	4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (1,854)
Drill Type	Basic Drill
Drilling Capacity Metal	0.38 Inches
Drilling Capacity Wood	0.5 Inches
Global Trade Identification Number	00885911037532
Included Components	Kit Box
Is Electric	Yes
Item Dimensions L x W x H	13.06"L x 12.75"W x 3.44"H
Item Type Name	3/8IN VSR KEYLESS MID-HAND DRILL KIT
Manufacturer	DEWALT
Manufacturer Part Number	DWD115K
Material Type	Blend
Maximum Chuck Size	20 Millimeters
Maximum Power	300 Watts
Maximum Rotational Speed	2500 RPM
Maximum Torque	150 Inch Pounds
Model Number	DWD115K
Number of Speeds	1
Power Source	Corded Electric
Speed	2500 RPM
Torque	150 Inch Pounds
UPC	885911037532
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Voltage	120 Volts

DEWALT Drill, 8.0-Amp, 3/8-Inch, Variable Speed Trigger, Mid-Handle Grip for Comfort, Corded (DWD115K )

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