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DEWALT DC4KITA 18-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit | List Price: $988.22
Discount Price: $661.58
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Brand: DeWalt
Binding: Tools & Hardware
Features: - DC988 drill/driver/hammerdrill has 500 in.-lbs. of maximum torque
- Exclusive 3 - speed all metal transmission
- DC390 cuts 2X4's at 45 degrees in a single pass
- DC385 with keyless blade clamp for quick blade changes
- DW919 flexible floodlight for hands-free use
"THE" do-all kit [Posted on 2006-01-06]
I don't know how I got along with out this kit. The power, battery life, quality, and durability of these Dewalt tools are top of the line. I'd say these rank at the top with the Makita and Milwaukee kits. The DC988 drill works great, even after 2-3 years of use it is still as strong. I had only a small gripe because of the stiff cluch (even the lightest setting was to strong). The DC390 circ saw is great for quick cuts (when you don't want to pull out the miter or cords and the regular circ saw). The new DC385 saw is strong and can take the punishment (only grip is the front guard is easy to cut into, especially now with the new design that allows the blade to be mounted sideways, but it causes no real functional issues).
The price you pay for the Dewalt is the only downside, it seems to be the most expensive kit. But if you already have 18V dewalt tools...
The only weak part of the kit is the batteries. They will be the part that breaks when you drop it (usually the case, but sometimes the solder joints) I can't say that the same thing won't happen to the other kits, so don't make more out of it than it is... just try not to drop them. (ha ha)
I would like to find out if a smart charger could be bought for the packs. One that can discharge the pack and then pulse/reflex charge them back up with a peak charge cut off (instead of a temp or timed cutoff) I don't think the DW charger does any of that.
Mixed Bag [Posted on 2006-03-23]
I'm a professional construction worker (framing-to-furniture) and I currently have two of these kits at my disposal (one in my work shop, and one in my home shop) so I suppose I have a pretty good feel for these tools at this point. I'll take them one at a time.
1. Flexible Floodlight: a real surprise to me--an invaluable tool. Very bright, stable bulb and you always have a battery handy.
2. Reciprocating saw: a very handy battery gobbling tool. I don't know how dewalt gets thier battery ratings but this saw can munch a fully-charged battery in a few minutes of hard use. It is, however, perfect for running around new construction trimming door shims, cutting a muffler off your old jeep, or other small projects that make a cord a hassle. The blade change system is great in that it clamps the blade much tighter than other quick-change systems.
3. Circular Saw: surprisingly, the weak link of the system. This saw is dangerously underpowered. It runs at such low rpms that the cut is always jagged and it bogs down easily. An underpowered circular saw can be deadly in unexperienced hands so be really careful with this one and don't for a minute consider it a 'construction' circular saw. The table is very flimsy and one drop will make adjustments difficult and accuracy impossible. However, it's a good saw for trimming 1/4" plywood and cedar shingles.
4. Cordless Hammerdrill: the best of the kit. Some tools lend themselves to battery power and the drill is the first of such tools. This is a relatively powerful drill with a broad speed range that can run all day on a single battery under normal use. It has higher rpms than most corded drills with a 1/2" chuck and plenty of power in the low end to drive large hole saws and forstner bits when need be. The keyless chuck is the best of any cordless drill out there.
5. The batteries: The batteries charge quickly (45-60 minutes) in the stock charger. Most of the time, two batteries is enough for one carpenter, working alone. If you were to depend on the reciprocating saw much you would need at least a dozen batteries to get through the day. Under normal use the circular saw and drill won't wear out a battery before the other is charged.
There is a disturbing rumor that the quality of the batteries in these kits is much lower than the replacement batteries you can buy. One of my batteries (one of four) went dead after about a month of use--dead. All the rest have been pretty good. My friends in construction have had similar problems. One kit blew out four batteries in a row. When replacement batteries were purchased new the problems dissapeared.
One more note, you will need at least a week off work practicing taking these tools out of the plastic case and getting them back in--it's an exact science.
You pay for what you get [Posted on 2006-05-12]
I've had numerous cordless products over the years but none compare to this combo kit. I have only had it 2 weeks and wanted to use it more before reviewing but I tell you, this is one nice set of tools. Although I learned a long time ago to pay the money and get the best, I continually look for "deals". Well, this is a deal. The combo gave me a good value on 4 tools, 3 of which I really wanted, with the light a good bonus.
Impressed with the comfort and power. My neighbor is really jealous so this is a side benefit. I look forward to many projects and will update from time to time.
Wasn't formerly a big DeWalt fan but now I'm sold.
THE tool set for general rough construction (new or not) [Posted on 2006-10-16]
***REVISED 11/9/06*** (also for info on DC988 drill wobble see bottom)
This set is worth the $500 or more + tax you would pay in a store... If you don't mind your stuff possibly looking a little banged up (witch it will become over time if you actually really used them) your looking at a good deal here.
In the new construction world of homes this set is invaluable. You have the drill witch is also a light duty hammer drill, it has plenty of torque. I know as I have used it to boar a ¾" hole through a 2/4 with an auger bit... several times. It still had enough juice left in it to put in about 80 or so electrical devices before the bat stated to get low (and that bat was at least a year old and used at least every other week day). And the hammer drill is perfect for those finish or decretive jobs in brick. My only problem is the weight, the before mentioned would be murder on the wrist/s if that kind of work was done daily. A 14.4 V would be ideal if it just had the bat life and brute power I need at times. The circular saw is like any other, it's vary convent when you need to do quick (as in not a lot) and neat work. The only time I used it is when I was in a hurry, way off somewhere or found I needed to cut some wood after getting there and didn't want or just flat out didn't feel like getting a cord out for the other just to cut a few peaces of wood. It's not something I would rely on to do large jobs (cuz it sucks the bat dry fairly quick) like trimming 2x6 planks off the edge of an 800 SF deck or cutting 40,45 or so 2x4 "blocks" (that's when you break out the corded tools). It has enough power and bat life to do what it looks like it could do. The light is great, the heavy 18V bat keeps it planted on the ground (normally) but it's not to heavy or bungle sum to drape over pluming, wiring or 4" duct work under a house. Only thing is after time the flex loosens and dose not stay put as well... The reciprocating saw is just like any other, quick change lock up or down orientation of the teeth. It has a nice amount of blade movement and a good strong motor. As long as the bat holds out it will do any job a corded one will.
The best thing I like is I know it's 100% true that Dewalt tools are vary tough. Also they are apparently sealed well, as I used that model drill countless times to drill small holes in brick and mortar as did the owner. One day I cleaned the drill for the owner and found some vary thick, black, smelly grease in need of change but not much else in the gear train. Been using it nearly every weekday for a good 6 months or so after that and still no problems.
***REVISE*** (The drills wobble was result of defective thread rolling/forming on the spindle not the chuck. Problem fixed after ordering and instilling new spindle, see dewalt website for digram of drill and contact local parts dealer for fix).
I've bought and had this set since oct24 06, when it got here it was all but 100% new looking. I found only a few vary small nicks and some stains/discolorations. But hey I don't care about that, yeh they work great! I opened up the drill and the gears where not new, but defiantly in good condition (no "mushing out" or anything like that).
Fair at best [Posted on 2008-03-29]
Dewalt is the Chevy of power tools, lots of bells and whistles but junk overall, really just a yellow Black and Decker. I am used to Milwaukee, but saw my contractor friend with this kit and got all excited. I was disappointed from the start. Now we are both dissapointed as his have broken time and time again. The owners manual for the VARIABLE speed drill said not to use it on any speed but full speed as it may cause the variable speed switch to fail. What???? My Milwaukee doesn't say that. What did they think I wanted a variable speed drill for? The warranty is terrible too. Milwaukee used to have lifetime on power tools and all of mine still do, I have used it several times over the years. The Dewalt batteries are terrible, my 10 year old Milwaukee has better batteries than my 5 year old Dewalt and they really failed 2 years ago with light homeowner use. I struggle to get a job done with them and new ones cost around $80+ each. I really don't think I will throw good money after bad. This kit is going to the auction this week and I'll let some yellow loving fool get stuck with them. I had one other bad experience with a corded Dewalt drill and it was awful too so just like GM products, I have sworn them off for ever no matter how cool they may appear.
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