DEWALT DW988K-2 18 Volt XRP 1/2-Inch Drill/Driver/Hammerdrill Kit

After reading about the clutch and gearbox problems some owners where having with the early production models, I was worried I might have to switch brands again and have an oddball 18V system that wouldn't be interchangeable with my other DeWalt 18V tools.
I needed a replacement for my worn out DW997K 18V hammer drill that I used every day on the job for two years, with the only repairs being an occasional motor brush change.
I decided to bite the bullet and purchased the DW988K. The first thing I did was check the clutch operation in all three gear ranges, and was glad to find that it was working correctly.
I am now looking forward to another abusive relationship with this DeWalt cordless.
Overall, it feels more solid and works as good or better than the old DW997 it replaced, although the clutch adjustment collar seems a little more fragile compared to the old model. Time will definitely tell. I don't care for the location of the spare bit storage. I liked it...Read more

After one return for a new drill and then trying several Drills at the Depot, and two calls to Dewalt, I finally got the answer to why the clutch DOES NOT WORK in low gear - the drill is DEFECTIVE. The Dewalt tech put it this way: "We designed it to work in all speeds, but that's just the way it came out." In other words, the production model is defective. I have an old 2-speed 18V drill, and the clutch works as it should in the 0-450 rpm range. The XRP clutch does not work in the 0-450 range. Since low speed has the highest torque, this is where you most need a clutch!! Wait for Dewalt to fix this! They know it is defective, but are trying to tell everyone it is normal. Bad show.

I have had this drill for 1 year and have had absolutely no problems. I believe it is the best drill on the market, which is why I bought it. As far as some of the other reviews are concerned I know plenty of people who have this exact drill or the non hammerdrill model and none have had problems. As far as it compared to the Milwakee 18v: Dewalt has more power 450in/lbs to 400in/lbs, 3 speed instead of 2 speed, and a one handed chuck which has never ever slipped compared to a two handed chuck. I have dropped this drill to concrete a number of times, once from a second story straight on the drill bit/shaft. The drill bit was completely bent and the concrete had a big mark but the drill shaft is perfectly straight. I also ran my drill over with an F350 and it still runs like new. Anyways, it is a great drill with more power than alot of corded 1/2 inch drills. I recommend it to anyone.