7 Reasons to Use DeWalt Drills for Your Next DIY Project

DIY projects become far more enjoyable and far less stressful when you have the right tools in your hands. After more than 20 years working in DIY, construction, and as a self-employed professional handyman, I have learned that few tools matter more than a reliable drill.

I have been using DeWalt drills for over two decades, and over the years, I have built up a solid collection of tools from their XR range. Out of everything I own, my drill is easily the most used. From driving screws into timber to drilling into metal, plastic, masonry, and concrete, it is a tool I reach for every single day.

If you’re new to drills, you might be wondering what type you actually need. For most DIYers, a combi drill is the go-to option because it can drill, drive screws, and even handle masonry with its hammer function. If you’re unsure what that means, here’s a full guide explaining what a combi drill is and how to use one properly.

Because so many DIY and professional tasks involve drilling holes or driving fixings, having a dependable, powerful drill is not optional. It is essential. That is why I consistently choose DeWalt. I’ve even compared DeWalt with Makita and Milwaukee to see which is best.

Here are seven reasons I recommend DeWalt drills for your next DIY project:

1. Long Mastery of the Craft 

DeWalt drills date back to 1924 when Raymond DeWalt, then superintendent of Seabrook Farms, set out to launch a ‘Wonder Worker’ electric universal woodworking machine.

It’s now almost a hundred years since the company started its operations, and you can have confidence in the wealth of experience they’ve acquired for a whole century. Currently, they produce and sell over 200 hand and power tools, as well as more than 800 accessories.

2. Compatible with Several Drill Bits

You may need to drill into different materials and also drill holes of varying diameter measurements in the course of your project. Having several drill bits handy would make everything so much easier.

Most DeWalt Combi drills can take round or hexagonal shank drill bits up to 13mm in diameter. Many larger drill bits will also be compatible when using reduced-shank bits. Wood boring spade bits also allow users to drill holes up to 38mm.

DeWalt drills are designed to accommodate several types of drill bits. They include twist, brad-point, auger, self-feed, spade, Forstner, hole saw, countersink, and step drill bits, among many others. As a handyman, I work with a variety of materials. A good set of wood, metal and masonry drill bits helps get the job done quickly and accurately.

To make your drill bits readily accessible while on the job, you may want to use accessories such as a DeWalt magnetic bit holder. You simply fix this to your DeWalt drill using the standard accessory screw hole and then magnetically attach your drill bits and screws. This makes your DIY project much smoother and faster as you can effortlessly reach for the specific drill bits and screws every time you need them.

3. Corded vs Cordless Combi Drill: Which Is Better for DIY?

When choosing a combi drill, one of the key decisions is whether to go corded or cordless. I own both and have used both extensively over the years, and each has its place depending on the type of work you are doing.

Corded combi drills are powered directly from the mains, so you get a constant and reliable supply of power. This becomes especially important when using the hammer function for drilling into concrete or masonry. In my experience, a corded drill delivers more consistent power in these situations, making it easier to get through tough materials. They are also a great option when you are working in one place with easy access to power and need to drill for long periods without stopping. I have been on jobs where I have completely drained three cordless batteries one after another and had no choice but to stop work, which is something you simply do not have to worry about with a corded drill.

Cordless combi drills are what I reach for most of the time. The freedom to move around without being tied to a cable makes a big difference, especially when working outdoors, on ladders, or moving between rooms. Modern cordless models from DeWalt are more than capable for most DIY tasks, including drilling into wood, metal and even light masonry. With 12V to 20V batteries and even more power available from FlexVolt systems, they have significantly closed the performance gap.

In my experience, a cordless combi drill is the best all-around choice for most DIYers. However, if you regularly drill into concrete or need to work continuously for long periods, a corded drill is still a very useful tool to have alongside it.

4. Long Warranty Period

Most DeWalt drills come with a full three-year warranty. That’s further proof of the confidence the company has in its products. Most companies offer a long warranty period to attest to the quality of their products and services. 

In case your DeWalt drill malfunctions due to production flaws, you’ll be able to get a replacement, as long as you make a valid claim within three years after purchase. On top of that, you’re offered 90-day money-back guarantee and one whole year of free service. 

5. Unique Brushless Motor

The conventional brushed motor uses brushes and a commutator to facilitate the transfer of electricity to the magnetic coils. The main disadvantages of this are the loss of energy due to friction, and faster wear and tear. 

Fortunately, you can now purchase DeWalt drills with brushless motors. Since the brushes and commutators are done away with, the motor is more efficient and less prone to wear and tear.

6. Safety

Your safety is important when handling a DIY project. One way to ensure that you remain safe is by using different quality and versatile tools for the trade.

DeWalt drills enhance safety through their high-quality anti-slip rubber grip feature. Having a firm grip when using power tools like a drill reduces their likelihood of slipping out of your hands and harming you.

Besides that, these drills comply with all relevant mandated industry safety standards.

7. Versatility

Are you looking to drill into tight spaces or difficult areas like under the sink? DeWalt drills have you covered. Make use of their right-angle drills designed to drill holes and drive screws into the most difficult spots.

You also have a wide range of options to choose from in regards to features like:

• Chuck size,
• Weight,
• Maximum power,
• Maximum blows per minute,
• Maximum torque, and
• Rotations per minute.

Why I Recommend the DeWalt DCD796 Over Cheaper Models

After using DeWalt drills for over 20 years, the DCD796 is the model I recommend most for DIY and regular use. It’s a clear step up from cheaper options like the DeWalt DCD776C2, and you notice the difference straight away.

The main upgrade is the brushless motor, which makes the DCD796 more efficient, longer lasting, and better on battery life. In real terms, that means you get more work done on a single charge and less wear on the tool over time. From my experience, cheaper brushed models tend to run out of power quicker and feel less consistent when you’re using them regularly.

It’s also more powerful, especially when using the hammer function. When drilling into masonry or concrete, the DCD796 performs noticeably better, whereas cheaper models can start to struggle once the material gets tougher.

Despite that extra power, it’s actually more compact and better balanced, which makes it easier to use in tight spaces and less tiring over longer jobs.

If you’re only doing occasional light DIY, a cheaper model will do. But if you want a drill that’s more powerful, lasts longer, and won’t let you down, the DCD796 is well worth the extra money.

In Summary

I use my DeWalt drill on almost every job. It’s the most used drill in my toolbox and has a host of great features that help me get the job done to a high standard. DeWalt drills also have several hidden features that most people don’t know about. It’s this clever innovation that keeps me coming back to their lineup of tools, time and time again.

I’ve long been a fan of DeWalt tools. My first professional drill was a DeWalt, purchased over 20 years ago, and I still own one today. I’ve also owned Makita drills in the past and have a good comparison of the two, which you might find a good read.