18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Drill/Driver with Keyless Chuck

Comments about Chicago Electric 18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Drill/Driver with Keyless Chuck:

Excellent drill. Very powerful. You have to monitor the charger so it doesn't overcharge, but no big deal. As good as any brand out there but much better price.

Comments about Chicago Electric 18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Drill/Driver with Keyless Chuck:

I work for a Recreational Vehicle manufacturing company in the production line. I use my cordless 8 hrs a day, five days a week. I do the electrical wiring and installations. I had my cordless drill for six months now and just love it. The battery last me all day and I bought a second battery to have one ready all the time. The led light comes very handy for me since it gets dark inside the RV coaches because there is no light while I'm working. I would recommend this product, it's a bargain.

Comments about Chicago Electric 18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Drill/Driver with Keyless Chuck:

I run a cabinet shop and have gotten tired of paying way too much for replacement batteries on name brand power tools. I caught this drill on sale and have been loving it ever since! I use this drill daily, and while I have also noticed the gear grinding between speed changes, I don't think it should be a deterent from buying this drill. It is powerful enough to drive 3 1/2" screws with no problems, and the batteries seem to hold a good charge. Overall a great product for the price!

Comments about Chicago Electric 18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Drill/Driver with Keyless Chuck:

I drilled straight thru my Brick and Cinder block wall with no problems. It did not stop or shut down it just powered right thru. Then when it was time to drill thru my hardwood floor and joists all I had to do was change the bit and setting and it kept on going. I hope this review helps and I certainly hope anyone who buys this item gets as good if not better result then I did, Oh and the Price for what you get just CAN'T BE BEAT!!!!!

Comments about Chicago Electric 18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Drill/Driver with Keyless Chuck:

I recieved the Chicago Electric Portable Drill Driver 68850 in a store trade following a trigger meltdown (FIRE) in Drill Master 19.2 cordless Drill Driver #96526. It's a 1/2" Blue 19.2 volt drill with a blackor grey trigger switch. The 96526 only with the blak trigger is currently under recall where HF may upgrade you to the the 68850 that I am reviewing here. Go to the front page of HF website and scroll down to RECALLS for more info.

The #68850 was impressive right out of the box and came with a plastic hinged case, battery and a funky yellow side handle that slips over the drill just behind the torque adjuster. Then, rotate the yellow handle to tighten/loosen. A good point is the included battery is compatible with other Chicago Electric portable tools.

Having this drill for 6 months with lots of usage, my complaints are few. Seemingly the battery does not last as long as my previous meltdown drill so, I usually charge until the red charger light remains steady indicating full charge, unplug the charger, let the battery cool for a couple hours. Then, it will take about another 25 minute charge. This seems to extend battery usage without overheating the battery which is devastating to Ni-cads. Also let battery cool before charging as stated in manual.

The yellow speed selector on top of the drill does make a wierd noise at times when you stop the drill and change speeds as the speed gears do not always mesh or engage firmly so they grind upon next startup- like the first time you drove a stick shift vehicle. Another contributor in this review thread is correct- trigger the drill to its lowest speed and QUICKLY slide the speed selector into position.
Another trick is when the battery runs low and the drill stalls, select the low speed and you can get a few more minutes of usage. Maybe enough time to finish the project before charging.

The LED trigger light is a handy feature but, in a dark area the drill chuck will block the light and shadow the head of the screw or item you try to engage. It can be engaged with a little practice and much better than holding a flashlite in your mouth and saliva running down your chin.

This drill is not light. At about 5.5 pounds it's great for drilling foward in a wall at head height or lower and EZ to drill down like on a work bench. But, prolonged overhead use can quickly tire your arm and shoulder, unless, you have arms like Popeye and a can of spinach in your pocket.

I only rate HF items with 5 stars when perfect. The quirks mentioned here are not devastating and have simple user solutions or work arounds. With that in mind, I give it 4 stars and recommend it to others.

Comments about Chicago Electric 18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Drill/Driver with Keyless Chuck:

I've had this for about 2 weeks so far I like it. It has a 2 speed selector, I use fast speed for drilling and slow speed for screwing. It also has an LED light which is useful. When setting screws I like it because the drill stops turning immediately when you release the trigger so that you don't over set a screw or break it of. I guess with any battery operated tool you need to buy an extra battery. One thing I don't like about it is that battery charger does not have a maintance charge or a shut off when the battery is fully charged, you can over charge the battery.

Comments about Chicago Electric 18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Drill/Driver with Keyless Chuck:

I use this product mainly around the house and on small engines. It seems to be a pretty good drill for the price. I suggest when switching from high speed to low speed to gently press the trigger and have motor running at a slow speed while makeing the switch. Otherwise when you switch to low with no motor running, it tends to not want to engage the gear and makes an unpleasant noise. I replaced my broken drill with this drill and have really no regrets. this one was a much better price. I love the hour quick charger and the nice carrying case that came with mine!

Comments about Chicago Electric 18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Drill/Driver with Keyless Chuck:

works great, feels almost like a Milwaukee Drill in your hand.... for price it can't be beat! but it does lack Battery life, the battery last very shortly it takes over 1 hour to fully charge the battery, hopefully they will make a "Lithium-Ion" for this kind of cordless drill... I bought 2 batteries to keep one charged while I'm using the other battery.... so far I drilled into brick it works great, drilled through wood, set screws worked great.... so far no problems with it, it's a real Work horse for price! it just can't be beat!

Comments about Chicago Electric 18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Drill/Driver with Keyless Chuck:

It's not the worst thing out there but could use some improvement. 1st to be able to shut the led work light off when not needed, 2nd better grip for the keyless chuck it's hard to grip when you go to change bits. it's good for home use but I dont think it would handle pro use though.

Comments about Chicago Electric 18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Drill/Driver with Keyless Chuck:

I have had this now for a couople of months and have noticed the same problem as 'Uh Buddy' with the grinding when switching speeds. Sometimes it will not turn at all when switched and I have to do a back and forth on the speed switch to get it turning again. His suggestion seems to work. Other than that it has worked well. It powers through just about anything without slowing much. If I had been a little more patient, I would have waited till the hammer/drill (item 68851) was available. It has better reviews.