qadsan

Excellent info for extending the life of this tool....Thanks 8)

Can anybody shed anymore light on the DeWALT DCD770KL? I don't see it listed on the DeWALT web site, but it is listed on DewaltServiceNet.com Is this drill built with the same kind of durable all metal parts and toughness of the new DCD950 / DCD970? I really like the idea of the solid spindle / Rohm chuck combo used on the newer 9xx hammer drills as opposed to the conventional spindle that's drilled / threaded in the center for securing the chuck. The solid spindle makes the tool that much more durable and significantly reduces the chance of breaking a spindle if the drill is heavily used for hammer drilling day and and day out over the years or is dropped on the chuck / spindle, etc. Does the DCD770 use a drilled or solid spindle? Here's some limited info on the DCD770 from another web site: • Single Sleeve 1/2’’ Chuck - Reduces bit slippage during high torque application • Hammer Function - Provides increased versatility for percussion users • LED Work Light - Provides increased visibility in dark / confined spaces • Short Length - Compact to fit into tight spaces at 8.7 inches and 4.9 lbs. • Increased Performance - Delivers 410 (UWO) during drilling and fastening applications • Improved Handle Design - Delivers increased comfort and provides for less user fatigue • DeWalt NANO System - DEWALT’s lithium ion battery delivers 2,000 recharges and lighter weight

That's good to hear there's a very noticeable difference. I just prefer a more positive engagement and chances are it will probably wear in over time just like you said and will then feel just right. Dewalt appears to have put a lot of thought into their new DCD950/970 and I'm looking forward to trying one out and possibly replacing our Hitachi DCV18DL's, which are the main 18V drill / drivers we use. But we've become hooked on the sub-compacts for much of our work and don't use some of our 18V tools nearly as much as we used to. I don't have any real complaints with our Hitachi equipment other than wanting to try something new, which is why we also bought some M18 tools to try out. But I'm a huge fan of the nano-phosphate battery technology and the DC827 impact driver has become the tool of choice when my guys reach for an impact driver.

I agree with you about the transmission shifting better as it wears in over time. When my 927's were new, they had more of a notchy feel to them. I occasionally had to squeeze the trigger a bit and then try shifting again (as you said) and then it would usually be fine. It was never much of an issue to me other than being annoying, but it's nice to hear this is no longer an issue with the newer transmission. The clutch ring on both my DC927's feels a bit loose / sloppy (easy to turn) compared to my Hitachi and Milwaukee drill / drivers which have a more positive click type of engagement. Does the clutch ring on the DCD950 have an improved feel with a more positive engagement (click) at each setting?

I own a DC927. It feels like a solid product, but I'm not happy with the balance. To me, it feels heavier than it really is, but it appears to be well built. I do like the self tightening Rohm chuck for the most part, except on the few occasions when it gets so tight that it becomes difficult to remove a bit. But I never have a problem with bits slipping. Removing most bits for most jobs is quick and easy and I'd much rather have this chuck from Rohm than the Jacobs 500 / 700 series that Dewalt was using. Have you ever had difficulties shifting between the different speeds or has your DC927 always been a smooth shifter?