Tool Ratings

Mechanics use impacting power tools regularly in their work and cords can get in the way – can be dangerous, too – so going without one is often a good idea. In that case, the recommended minimum battery you will want for regular use would be in the eighteen volt (18V) category. DeWALT always has an entry in any tool category and even the twin pack gets a limited-time package from the Maryland-based company. The DeWALT DCD950KXI 18V cordless hammer drill and impact driver are available for purchase in one package (thus the letter I in the model name), and it could be a mechanic’s best buy.

DeWALT includes two tools with this kit, but the cordless ½ inch hammer drill / driver is the primary reason it will be purchased; that would be the DeWALT model DCD950KX. The power for this tool comes from an 18 volt DeWALT XRP nickel-cadmium battery, which is one of the stronger of this old-school tech. It provides enough juice for 450 UWO (DeWALT’s term, unit Watts out, is proprietary) and three speeds are selectable from the trigger. The three speed combinations are 0 – 500 RPM / 0 – 8500 IPM (impacts per minute), 0 – 1250 RPM / 0 – 21,500 IPM, and 0 – 2000 RPM / 0 – 34,000 IPM. The standard ½ inch keyless, metal and self-tightening chuck is employed and connected with a 22-position clutch to a strong and patented all-metal transmission. Rapidly becoming an expected attribute, the LED work light is a nice touch here. With this solid feature set, the DeWALT DCD950KX only weighs in at 6.2 pounds (2.8 kg) and manages to include an ergonomic, rubber-coated and swiveling side handle.

The bonus extra in this kit is the DeWALT DC825B ¼ inch 18V cordless impact driver which has its own nice set of features. Rated for 1330 inch-pounds of torque that push out up to 2400 RPM of unladen speed and 2700 IPM, the motor is of the frameless variety and its brushes are even replaceable – indicators of an expected long life. An all-metal transmission uses a magnesium gear case, giving durability and saving on weight, and a heavy-duty impacting mechanism focuses torque without kicking back on the hand. That combined with an anti-slip ergonomic grip and a light overall weight of 4.6 pounds help make this tool easy to control and comfortable enough to use regularly. For those everyday jobs, the ¼ inch drive uses a quick-release hex shank – a picture of simplicity.

Staring with the drill in the DeWALT DCD950KXI kit, the DCD950KX 18V cordless hammer drill / driver, the well-balanced and high-powered tool performs as one would expect from a company which has spent so much time perfecting the power tool. The motor is strong, the tool is in the middle of the weight scale for its type, and it is not overly large – three-speed flexible as well, for the perfect amount of power. Changing your bit is simple, quick and worry-free. The DeWALT XRP batteries do perform very well for NiCad types; even using the very handy LED work light constantly is easily possible. Useful hits right at the heart of the impact driver, and it’s seriously light and compact on top of this; the DeWALT DC825B 18V cordless impact driver can get into the tighter areas where the user may need to work. As with the DCD950KX, the DC825B is comfortable and about as easy to use all day as an impact driver can be – you will reach for this tool when you need what it can do, no doubt. DeWALT’s DCD950KXI kit is up to the company’s high standards, and both tools will be with you for as long as you can keep them in your hands – DeWALT is a proven tool company.

The suggested retail price for the DeWALT DCD950KXI kit is US$585, but the price you can find it available for varies between $225 and $300. The kit includes the DeWALT DCD950KX 18V cordless hammer drill, DeWALT DC825B 18V cordless impact driver, 2 XRP 18V NiCad batteries, a one-hour battery charger, and a sweet plastic case.