Delta CL144 14.4 Volt Drill Driver

Comment: Suprising because of the Delta name. This drill is just plain awful. Like others have stated, the chuck doesn't hold bits firmly, the battery depletes rapidly needing constant recharging, and it just has no torque. Drilling in soft pine bits bog down, spin in the chuck and stop.

Comment: Delta gave me this drill as a promotional "gift" at a Wood Show, for buying $1000 of other Delta gear.

On the plus side, this drill is light, relatively small, and ergonomically designed.

On the negative side, after only 2 years, the batteries are already dying. Although the chuck works acceptably for bits with 6-sided shanks, it won't tightly hold small bits that have round bases. They slip in the work. Also, the batteries (when then were new) lost a charge in about an hour or so of work. Since they took an hour to charge, changing batteries out is frequent. To top it off, this drill is quite low-powered -- try it on a decent sized hole and it bogs down immediately.

Delta should stay out of the entry-level tool business, as it hurts their reputation.

Comment: When I bought this drill (I actually bought 2), the only review at the time was for 1 star. I took my chance and hoped for more.

Having had a DeWalt 12V for 10 years, it was time to replace it. I do a fair amount of finish carpentry, and needed two drills to drill holes and then drive screws (usually 3/4 hardwood). Some occasional harder drilling through 2x's might also be needed, as well as things around the house.

After charging the batteries, my first project was to run some romex through a joist, something my 12v DeWalt has done many times, requiring a 3/4" hole to be drilled. The Delta stalled the motor and I immediately could smell smoke. I thought I might have fried the motor, but it did not. The windings did heat up as I could smell the varnish on the them. I've stalled my DeWalt many times, never smelling anything amiss. I guess there is no thermal protection on the Delta like my DeWalt other more expensive drills. No more tough projects for the Delta, I'll just keep it light.

The chuck is somewhat small and not as easy to hold onto when tightening it. It also loosens fairly easily during use; something I do not expect regardless of price.

The supplied bits are not hardened very hard, and damage easily. Instead of stripping the screw head, you'll strip the bit. You'll want to buy some additional Philips bits.

When I first opened the case, I was very impressed. A drill, two hefty batteries, and a very solid charger, plus a good case. What a bargain for the money! The batteries don't last as long as high end models, but they do charge quickly on the nice charger. They also stay on the drill well due to the design. With two batteries and the charger, no complaints here despite the shorter battery life. Too bad the function of the drill doesn't match.

For an occasional homeuser, this drill fits the bill.

For an avid hobbyist, you probably would want to look at other drills.

For a professional or weekly user, save your money and buy something better.

Instead of me buying two drills, I wish I bought one Bosch, DeWalt or Milwaukee. In short, you get what you pay for.

Comment: This drill is comparable in performance to the equivalent
dewalt and makita drills for much less money. The batteries
charge quickly and they last a long time before requiring a
recharge. This tool has great ergonomics, similar to,but
better than, the dewalt. I am totally satisfied w this tool
and recommend it to my friends.

Comment: I have two good quality corded drills but I really had a need for a cordless, but no interest in spending the $$ for a really good one. I needed something that would do the job for not a lot of money, and this Delta fit the bill.

I compared this against a 18v Chinese generic "MIT" for half the price, and this Delta is better in every way, from the quality of the motor to the power to the battery. You can pay 3x more for Delta's non-entry level model, or 4x+ for DeWalt, but this is perfect for my needs, and can't be beat for the price.