DEWALT 1/2 in. (13mm) Variable Speed Reversing Drill

13 reviews for DEWALT 1/2 in. (13mm) Variable Speed Reversing Drill

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   Sid Lockman (verified owner) – October 13, 2022

   This is a quality corded drill by Dewalt. It is a 1/2 in variable speed with reverse that is made to last. The variable trigger is a plus and the corded power is great for those all day long jobs when you don’t want to be changing batteries all the time. It comes with a handle that is very easy to install with just a hand twist to tight or loosen. It has a good feel in your hand and works great. Just the quality you would expect from any Dewalt product. The 1/2 inch chuck grabs the bit and retains it very well. The drill has plenty of power for most drilling applications. Another great product from Dewalt.

2. Rated 4 out of 5

   Caterina Bogan (verified owner) – October 9, 2022

   I bought this about 2 years ago, I use it for heavy drilling into masonry and timber. Very powerful and durable drill. The variable speed is a little abrupt so it takes some getting used to when starting a pin point drill location, it could get away from you if you are not careful, there is more torque than some other brands I have used. For this reason it’s not my favorite drill for screwing, although it has the power, it is hard to keep on the head. But for making holes where most drills fail this is great. I also think ergonomically it is a little awkward, so the handle is a must use to get a good grip on the tool. I noticed it stays cool going in masonry and it takes a lot of abuse, for my work I am happy with the purchase.

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   Kamille Runte (verified owner) – August 10, 2022

   While Battery Operated Drills are “all the rage today”, professionals and (handy) home owners alike need the power of an electric drill from time to time. If you are a Dewalt fan, this 1/2 is a good choice. Like another reviewer writes, while you don’t often need the 1/2″ chuck often (compared to the more common 3/8″ cousins), when you DO need it, you NEED It. It saves you a lot of grief figuring out you roptions when the 3/8″ chuck “doesn’t “make it”.While a bit pricey compared to one of it’s 3/8″ “brothers”, it fulfills the requirements to fit all bits from an average bit set/box as well as the variable speed, the power of an electric, and the optional use side handle for those times you need the control and stability.

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   Elmira Daniel (verified owner) – March 10, 2022

   Like the title, can’t go wrong with a quality drill like a DeWalt – heavy and I mean heavy – partly because it is a 1/2 drill and also it has a lot of torque – given that it is electric and you notice the handle that comes with it. I have had no problems and I don’t think I will. If anything, I might expect to be busting my small diameter drill bits – definitely good for the heavy duty loads. Good thing I have a heavy duty vise for the big projects for this size tool.

5. Rated 3 out of 5

   Roderick Koss (verified owner) – February 13, 2022

   This drill feels heavy in the hand and slightly off balance. I find the maximum of 600 RPMs to be fairly slow compared to other models even by this manufacturer. I used the drill with a one inch wood boring bit and while it was able to cut through 2 x 4s it certainly did not feel like it did so with ease. The chuck assembly is ruggedly built and the included handle attaches easily and can be used to provide additional leverage.

6. Rated 4 out of 5

   Stuart Conn (verified owner) – December 28, 2021

   The Variable Speed Reversing Drill works well with masonry, wood and metals. It comes in a yellow color. While using the 360 degree side handle makes the task much at ease. You can easily remove and place it in many different directions. The rubber trigger is comfortable to use while doing deep wholes with a two finger space for extra comfort. By the way it’s reversing option makes it extra ease for ejecting from the hole. The only issue I did have with this drill was really the key was wearing out pretty easy. I’ve added photos for your viewing. I’ve used the drill on making over 15 holes to insert Rebar into a concrete driveway. I also plan on building a shed with electrical and metal roof. After using this great drill, I know it will withstand many future projects in line.

7. Rated 5 out of 5

   Khalid Greenholt (verified owner) – June 23, 2021

   This is a quality corded drill by Dewalt. It is a 1/2 in variable speed with reverse that is made to last. The variable trigger is a plus and the corded power is great for those all day long jobs when you don’t want to be changing batteries all the time. It comes with a handle that is very easy to install with just a hand twist to tight or loosen. It has a good feel in your hand and works great. Just the quality you would expect from any Dewalt product. The 1/2 inch chuck grabs the bit and retains it very well. The drill has plenty of power for most drilling applications. Another great product from Dewalt.

8. Rated 5 out of 5

   Nayeli White (verified owner) – April 25, 2021

   For those that might be wondering, a 1/2-inch drill, as well as its smaller counterpart, the 3/8-inch drill, refers to how wide the chuck opens.In all honesty, there will likely be only rare instances of when the average DIY-er / homeowner will need the power and abilities of a 1/2 inch drill. BUT, there is no getting around it when you DO need it.My use for this drill was for drilling through oak, hardwood flooring to run Ethernet and TV cables down through the basement. The oak flooring proved no match for this powerful drill and the chuck accepted a bit big enough to drill a hole that would provide enough room for the cables. (especially the molded cable ends)This is a variable speed drill. The speed is controlled by how far you pull the trigger in. This ability helps to prevent splintering and allows for more control when starting to drill the hole.The drill is reversible through a switch above the trigger. A trigger lock, for continuous operation, is provided for when the drill is mounted in a drill press stand. The motor’s bearings are self -lubricating. Per Dewalt, the brushes will automatically stop the drill when they wear out so as to help prevent serious damage to the motor.There’s a 360º adjustable side handle that helps in keeping the drill steady.Lastly, included is a rubber strap to keep the chuck key conveniently attached to the power cord.I would have liked to have seen the drill come in it’s own plastic carrying case but I suppose that the shipping box will suffice.You may not need this drill very often but when you do it will not disappoint.Built in the USA with global materials.

9. Rated 4 out of 5

   Loren Brakus (verified owner) – April 5, 2021

   This is not likely to be your every day drill. I’m a big DeWalt fan and the design team created this big bad boy for heavy duty jobs. I would be surprised if this drill didn’t outlive me. It’s powerful, it’s DeWalt, and very well built – as you would expect from a DeWalt product.My only complaint about the tool is it’s nose heavy. That’s why it has that handle out near the nose. You want to have a good hang hold of that handle if it should bind too, because it has a lot of torque. That’s what makes it a specialty drill, in my opinion. That being said, it’s also likely to be exactly what you need for particular jobs where you need that kind of power in the half inch size. Think big tough jobs that would stop your regular every day drill cold. That’s when you’ll reach for this baby – and be happy you have it… just when you NEED it!

10. Rated 3 out of 5

    Carlie Schimmel (verified owner) – March 27, 2021

    In a bubble, I would think this is a decent drill. However I have quite a few drills – both corded and cordless and I think there are better options. On paper, this drill is impressive. 7.8 amps, triple reduction helical cut gears, variable speed and lots of torque. In use, it doesn’t translate as well. The variable speed isn’t very responsive and I think this really limits the high torque required when driving really long screws/lags. My 30 year old Milwaukee magnum is only rated at about 5.8 amps yet has noticeably more power – especially using larger spade bits and self feeders. Without the handle it will rip your arm out if it binds. The gearing doesn’t feel smooth and almost feels like there are steps between speeds.In addition this drill is a little slow for smaller bits. Either a high speed gear set or a max speed of 850 RPM like some of the competitors in this price point have would be welcomed. I was also dissapointed to see this does not have a Jacobs chuck which seems to be standard fare on other higher quality VSR 1/2″ drills.As I mentioned with nothing to compare it to, this drill does perform fairly well. My torture tests involve sending a self feeding 1″ bosch daredevil spade bit through 1 1/2″ oak. The Dewalt accomplished the task, but with more effort than my Milwaukee magnum or Hilti UD16.Overall it will do what a 1/2″ VSR drill is needed to do – just not as well as other brands in the same price point.

11. Rated 5 out of 5

    Carolina Purdy (verified owner) – March 23, 2021

    I have never used anything like this before. As always, I count on my neighbor to help me figure out how to use it. This is a little more professional than I would use because it is a little to powerful for me to use. Therefore, when I need help, my friend comes over and helps me use it. The rubber trigger is great. He is so jealous of this great tool. I told him he can borrow it any time which he knows.

12. Rated 5 out of 5

    May Gutkowski (verified owner) – January 19, 2021

    I needed a ½” electric drill motor to use on larger holes that the 3/8” drill couldn’t do without twisting my hand off. This drill motor is a variable reversing drill that goes from 0 to 600 RMPS. It comes with a an adjustable side handle to help you to control the drill when the bits bites hard and tries to twist you hand off. This drill handles the large bits with no problem. It comes with a 3 year warranty and it built in the USA with Global material Another great product from DeWalt.

13. Rated 4 out of 5

    Christophe Kshlerin (verified owner) – January 2, 2021

    I bought this to use while my cordless was being serviced. I forgot how strong a corded drill could be. Lots of torque