DEWALT DC742KA Heavy-Duty Cordless 12-Volt 3/8-Inch Compact Drill/Driver

Reviews of DEWALT DC742KA Heavy-Duty Cordless 12-Volt 3/8-Inch Compact Drill/Driver

1.) Great 12Volt Drill
Reviewed by: Doug Blackwell Clare, MI USA
Rating:
While I admit that I was a little concerned about the compact design of this drill, I was glad to give it a try in light of Amazon's return policy. However, this drill is not going anywhere. Like many other cordless drill owners I got to that place where purchasing replacement batteries was almost as much as purchasing a new drill with two batteries. I used it to for driving some 3.5" framing screws and drywalled a bathroom, laundry room, and small hallway. It has plenty of power and balances well in the hand. The LED light is also a nice enhancement for dark corners in tight workplaces.

2.) No surprises
Reviewed by: Gary of Alaska Alaska
Rating:
It meets all expectations. Nothing significant will disappoint you with one caveat. There is a small light that comes on when the trigger is slightly depressed. It does not light the tip area of the driver as it should. The chuck casts a shadow exactly where you need the light. I seldom need the light but when I do it isn't there. It may work better if you can use an extension. If the light is important to you it will be your only disappointment.


3.) Good drill, good price
Reviewed by: B. Alvarez VT
Rating:
Well balanced and nice weight at 3.8 pounds, it is only 7 ounces heavier than the 9.6V it replaced (probably 10 years old). Work light is useful. Love the chuck. My old 9.6V Dewalt was 'grip strength' and I sometimes didn't crank it enough such that it would open if I reversed and there was tension on the bit in the wood. The new models have a ratchet chuck that is easy to tighten.

The 12V cost little more than 2 new batteries for the 9.6V it replaced and it came with 2 batteries, not a difficult decision to get the 12V. In fact, two 9.6V batteries cost 10% MORE than a new 9.6V drill WITH 2 batteries. Go figure. The Dewalt chargers are 'interchangeable'. Multiple voltages (7.2 to 18V) and the batteries for the 12V have the same 'plug' configuration as the old 9.6V so I have 2 batteries AND two chargers.

This drill has only 1 'holder' for screwdriver bits. Not a big deal, but I did like the "one on either side" bit storage on the 9.6V.

4.) Weight to power is amazing
Reviewed by: Maggie K. Yu portland,OR
Rating:
Iv owned this drill for over 6 years if your looking for a drill that can do all your household needs look no further. I know its not an 18v like everyone raves about. but its light and well balanced. I dropped it many time. Iv drilled thou hardened steel with 3/8 bits and its never failed me yet. Its been a great companion iv used allot of 18v before and this thing is much eraser on the arm. of course more battery swamping but after completing a deck a few swaps is no big deal if your arm is not tired. Other thoughts i have a 14.4 hammer dewalt for larger jobs again that thing and do anything an 18v can do. just has less weight and of course shorter battery life. but again well worth it. lagging an 18v around is just stupidity if you don't need it for the job.

5.) This drill is perfect for my needs. Small yet powerful!
Reviewed by: history buff San Diego, CA USA
Rating:
I have had a DeWalt drill for some time. I really like the chuck design which makes placing a drill bit or screw driver bit easy and almost a one-handed operation. The stop when power is shut off is a nice touch as well. The rugged good looks and attractive design seem to be just right. This new drill is smaller in size but just as powerful as my last DeWalt drill. My son now has my first drill and I have the new smaller version.

6.) Real happy I purchased from Amazon.com
Reviewed by: al CA
Rating:
I ordered this drill last Wednesday and Fedex left it at my front door on Friday. Unfortunately it had been stolen by the time I got home in the evening. Amazon graciously sent out a free replacement on Sunday and it arrived on Monday! You can purchase from Amazon.com with complete confidence!

As for the drill itself, it is priced right. I have not really used it yet, but based on other reviews I am sure it will be great.


7.) Quality product
Reviewed by: D. T. Carroll
Rating:
Not much to add to previous reviews. Drill has lots of torque, battery holds charge very well. I use as a household tool, its strong enough and tough enough for commercial applications.

8.) Great power for a great price!
Reviewed by: tonkatoytruck Texas
Rating:
I have used this drill/driver for over a year now and I hope to get another one soon. It has PLENTY of power for what I do. I have built and assembled complete kitchens with this tool and never ran out of power with two batteries. Good speed control with the trigger, convenient direction reversal buttons, and a very adjustable clutch. 12V is plenty and gives this drill a nice balance between power and size/weight. Fits into most tight spots. Don't know what I did before I bought this great powerhouse.

9.) A GOOD BUY
Reviewed by: Sandalwood Connoisseur
Rating:
This is a lot of drill for the money. It's great for quick fixes around the house. It's powerful enough to do the job but not so heavy that I get tired of holding it. Two batteries and a one hour charger mean that it's always ready to go.

10.) Powerful drill in a small package
Reviewed by: Master Uchual Vancouver, BC, CAN
Rating:
My old, no name 24V drill gave up his battery a while ago, barely making a short use after 12 hours of charging. I got this beauty using a gift card from a well known hardware store. I was not sure what kind of drill I needed. I am the on and off weekend handyman at home and one thing that I knew is that I wanted something light yet poweful. My wrists and my neck knew quite well already how bad it is to hold a 24V beast while trying to drill accurately on a horizontal surface while keeping your balance on the friggin' ladder. So, I saw this baby on the display area, I held it and noticed how incredibly light it felt. I said, this is it. Well priced, way more torque that my crappy 24V behemot and, best of all, no more sore wrists and arms afterwards. My drill come true.

11.) Great Drill
Reviewed by: Jake Anfang
Rating:
This drill was purchased to replace a less than adequate 15V Black and Decker drill. After using this drill to remodel a bathroom, I determined it could easily go toe-to-toe with my old BD 15V, and is much more comfortbale to work with. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another DeWalt product.

12.) Simply The Best
Reviewed by: Stuart Holst
Rating:
Truly the best drill I have ever owned. An amazing price for an amazing product. I do, however, feel that the built-in LED light is rather useless, and can be quite annoying since it only activates when you push the trigger. Regardless, this is still an amazing tool and a must-buy for anyone in need!

13.) 3/8 compact dewalt drill
Reviewed by: M. Walker Albany.Ga.
Rating:
I like the light weight and power of this drill. I prefer it over the Dewalt 1/2 " model DC980 that I own.

14.) Dewalt Drill Driver
Reviewed by: stgycor
Rating:
Our crew likes Dewalt Drill Drivers, but this one had a failed chuck within a day of receipt. Not a fan of Dewalt. One the plus side, Amazon was very responsive and had a new one shipped on same day that I contacted them.

Features of DEWALT DC742KA Heavy-Duty Cordless 12-Volt 3/8-Inch Compact Drill/Driver

This compact drill provides its users with first-rate performance and durability along with exceptional ergonomics. Increased speed and power keep the performance of the drill up while the frameless motor and all metal planetary gear support the durability. Also included is a built in LED light and onboard bit storage as well as two DW9072 12 volt Battery Packs, a DW9116 1 hour charger, and a heavy-duty kit box.

1.) Able to maneuver into hard to reach spaces with convenient compact size;
2.) Lightweight at 3.8-pounds for increased endurance;
3.) Ratcheting, single sleeve 3/8-inch chuck reduces chances of slipping;
4.) Durable motor performs at a the dual speed of 0-400/0-1,450 and produces the top power of 200-unit-watts-out;
5.) Ergonomically crafted for added control, comfort, and ease;

Package Height x Length x Width: 15 in. x 15 in. x 14.7 in.
Package Weight: 9.5 lbs.

Accessories for DEWALT DC742KA Heavy-Duty Cordless 12-Volt 3/8-Inch Compact Drill/Driver