[windowguy]

[posted this in Construction but want feedback from any veteran tool users]

I'm a weekend warrior using a 14 volt DeWalt cordless about 8 years old. I've noticed recently the spin of the drill is not true circular anymore, its slightly "orbital". I'm probably not describing this well but think of my bits "wobbling" slightly as they spin.

Now, if you're driving sheetrock screws into wood its not a problem, but try driving self tapping screws into metal where pinpoint is crucial (if the head dances around it doesn't bite) and it takes about 10 seconds to put a screw in. (should take 2 seconds).

I went to a DeWalt factory store and had a new chuck and transmission put in ($95) but the problem only got slightly better. Do any of you veterans know what i'm talking about? Can this be fixed or should i just get a new drill? I'm very mad that they couldnt fix my problem.

 

[PaliBob]

After spending $95, I'd take the drill back to DeWalt and scream & yell until they gave me some kind of adjustment, which hopefully would be a major price cut on a new drill. Unless you have a new set of batteries there is no reason to stick with 14V or to even stick with DeWalt for that matter.

Let us know what happens.

 

[Tom Struble]

i dont think id spend that much on an 8 yr old cordless,but thats just me

 

[windowguy]

i went back to the store and told them i was still unhappy. i told them to go grab another drill and lets see if that one is orbital. So he did and sure enough it was orbital, but not as bad as mine.. maybe mine was older. So i was told it was normal. Now i know its NOT normal because i'm not imagining that suddenly its taking me 10X longer to drive screws in.

Perhaps this just happens to DeWalt over time. 20/20 hindshight i should have just bought a new drill for $200, right? Maybe if i buy a new one from that store they will give me some credit on my old one?

With regard to 14 volt i stick with them because that's what this weekend warrior has accumulated over the years (circular, reciprocating, etc) and i'm drowning in batteries already to buy an 18 volt now would swarm me in more batteries.

It's just killing me though because for 75% of the tasks its okay, anything through wood it doesnt matter, but driving into metal it matters a ton, i hate to spend money on something that still works, just not as good anymore though.

 

[PaliBob]

I feel your frustration.
It might help a little if you really whack the metal with a center punch then started the hole at extremely slow speed.

 

[Thurman]

My experiences with DeWalt and yours are certainly different. I have had tools repaired/rebuilt at a DeWalt Service Center and seldom had to contact them regarding the work done. But when I did the problem was corrected quickly. At this point I would kick off an e-mail message to DeWalt about this as well as using their 1-800 number for customer satisfaction. I just went out and checked both my DeWalt 1/2' drills with a 1/8" bit in them and they run pretty darn true.Try the phone call and let us know how this works out.