Replies

1. 
   sschefer | Jul 21, 2002 08:49pm | #1

   Its likely that the gearbox was not fully engaged. I had a similar problem with mine when driving screws in a tight spot. I inadvertantly hit the gear selection switch on top and shifted it between speeds. Fortunately mine just went into neutral and there was no apparent damage. IMO the top switch is of a poor design since it sits slightly above the top of the drill allowing it to be hit and shifted accidently. A partial engagement would most certainly damage the gearbox.

   Steve - in Northern California

   
   

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   Edited 7/21/2002 1:49:52 PM ET by Steve Schefer

1. 
   woodchuckwil | Jul 22, 2002 03:52am | #2

    Thanks for the input,Steve. Feels like it's the clutch mechanism. Probably just one of those things.

2. 
   dhpascoe | Jul 22, 2002 04:45pm | #3

   My view is that none of the cordless I've seen are properly designed for that kind of heavy duty work. I would never use mine for that but one of my cast metal bodied Milwaukee HD drills.

   Dave

3. 
   Kwatkins50 | Jul 22, 2002 09:12pm | #4

   I experienced the same failure with a 9.6v DW 926 after 15 months of use around the house.  I ordered a replacement clutch/transmission for $22 and installed it myself to save the $25 minimum labor charge at the local service center.  The biggest problem was  not having a cordless drill for the week it took to get the part.  You may want to replace the clutch/transmission on your old drill if you still have it.

4. 
   TheOldTimer | Jul 23, 2002 07:35am | #5

   I had the same problem with my DeWalt 9.6 Battery drill.  It was 18 months old and I only used it in the shop.  They wanted $90.00 to repair it so I threw it in the garbage and purchased a PorterCable.  I also had a problem with the DeWalt random orbit sander, it lasted about 15 months and went out. No more DeWalt tools for me. I think I will stick with PorterCable.  You can buy this stuff for a reasonable price when you buy the kit.  When it comes time to replace the battery, they want about half the price that the drill cost.  My wife bought me a Ryobi drill about three years ago and I must say that the thing is still going gangbusters.

   Good Luck and stay safe:

   The old Timer

1. 
   woodchuckwil | Jul 23, 2002 03:26pm | #6

      Thanks for the input, guys.   I was going to go with another brand, although I've been a big fan of Dewalt,  but I already had 2 good batteries so I hated to waste them. I think they knew they had a problem because they completely redisigned the front end. Hopefully it will be stronger, but I am going to use my Milwaukee corded drill to run lag bolts from now on.

1. 
   dhpascoe | Jul 23, 2002 03:53pm | #7

   Good Idea! BTW, Ihave 2 DW 9.6's, one's a year and the other two. Both are doing fine but I never use them to drive screws without pilot holes like a lot of people do. I don't think these things are made for that.

   Dave

5. 
   sydspal | Jul 23, 2002 08:16pm | #8

   I've been working for an electrician for about 6 mo, we use the 18V hammerdrill daily.  The older model was what we originally had and it lasted 2yrs of heavy use before needing repair.  Repaired for about $130 and better than new; better chuck.  The 3speed replacement is good but, I have the trouble wih the gear box slipping due to the location of the selector switch.  I still think I'd buy one anyway.  I feel this could be improved but, so can technique.

   By the way, I'm not much of a Dewalt fan overall. And, I'd avoid the P-C 19.2V.  There's just not enough torque for the heavy work we do.  The Dewalt's really do upstage the P-C hands-down.