The 18V XRP Cordless Power System
by Max Tool
If you are looking to buy basic power tools, cordless is definitely the way to go. Today鈥檚 cordless tools have come a long way since the early days when they were underpowered and overpriced. If you鈥檙e thinking cordless power tools, then look no further than DeWalt. DeWalt took the cordless tool market by storm in the 1990s and has never looked back. They are now the industry leader and continue to make leaps in innovation and advancement that make them a worksite mainstay and a common household name.
When deciding which cordless tools would best suit your needs, it is important to look at the weight of the tool, the power output, and, of course, the price. For most people, DeWalt鈥檚 18 volt cordless system provides the perfect balance between all of these factors. They match the power output of corded power tools, while utilizing ergonomic light-weight designs, both at a price-per-performance level that is unmatched by any of DeWalt鈥檚 competitors. The DeWalt 18 volt XRP lineup is an arsenal of 38 different tools/devices.
Here is a general introduction to the DeWalt 18 volt XRP cordless power tool system:
Batteries & Chargers
DC011, DC9096, and DW9116
DC9096
The backbone of the entire DeWalt 18 volt XRP system is its battery. The current model is the DC9096 yellow-top XRP battery. It is a 2.4 Amp Hour NiCd (nickel-cadmium) dry cell battery. It has been tested to last 40% longer than standard batteries, thus the XRP moniker (Extended Run-Time/Performance). This is an extremely versatile battery, as this single battery can power DeWalt鈥檚 entire 18 volt lineup.
DW9116, DW9216, DW9117, DW9109, DC011
There are several different chargers that can be used to charge DeWalt鈥檚 XRP batteries.
The standard single battery 110V US charger is the DW9116. This basic charger will charge any of DeWalt鈥檚 batteries from 7.2V to 18V (except Univolt) in under an hour. It has a thermal protection system that prevents damage and unnecessary wear to the battery by not charging when the battery is too hot or too cold. It also has a diagnostics system that shows the charge status.
There is also a dual port battery charger (DW9216) with the same features as the DW9116, but can charge two batteries simultaneously. The DW9117 is a 15 minute quick-charger with all the features of the DW9116, without the down-time 鈥?this is extremely handy for those of us who put our tools through long work cycles and don鈥檛 have an hour to waste waiting for our batteries to charge. For people on the go or for people who don鈥檛 easily have access to a US 110V plug, there is a DW9109 1-hour vehicle charger, which plugs into any vehicle 12V outlet or cigarette lighter. With this charger, you can be on a jobsite or out in the field and conveniently charge your batteries from your car or work truck.
DeWalt has also built in a charger to their DC011 jobsite radio. This unit serves double duty as both a sturdy impact-resistant radio and a handy fully-enclosed battery charger.
Drills
DC925, DC920, and DW960
The key tool in any set of tools is the drill. It is an absolute necessity as we鈥檝e all run into situations where we鈥檝e needed to drive some screws, be it for a simple chore like mounting a book shelf or a more complicated task like installing drywall. DeWalt has quite a few drills in their 18V XRP line to choose from.
DC987/DC920, DC988/DC925, DW960
The basic cordless drill is the DC987. This is a very powerful 3-speed drill with 22 clutch settings. It has a fully variable ergonomic speed trigger (i.e. the more you press the trigger down, the faster the drill spins). It will accept almost any standard drill bit size due to its large 1/2鈥?keyless chuck. This drill is rated at 420 UWO. UWO stands for 鈥渦nit watts out鈥?and is a measure of the real-world power output of a drill at the chuck, after transmission, clutch, and chuck power loss. This drill has ample power for drilling through any type of wood (hard or soft) or sheet metal (with the proper drill bits).
The DC988 is nearly identical to the DC987 in functionality, power output, look and feel, and internal parts. The only difference is the addition of a hammer function. With the flip of a switch, the DC988 starts punching the end of the bit on the chuck-side with a hammering action that causes the bit to not only rotate, but also move back and forth along the axis of the drill bit. This is especially useful in breaking through tough materials like concrete, granite, brick, and other masonry applications (these materials typically require the use of special masonry bits). Standard drill drivers may work on these materials, but the hammer function makes the work easier and reduces the amount of stress placed on the drill鈥檚 motor and transmission.
DeWalt also currently offers the DC920 and DC925. These are newer upgraded models of the DC987 and DC988, respectively. The major difference between their older counterparts is the power output has been bumped up 21% from 420 UWO to 510 UWO. There have also been slight cosmetic changes made and some safety features added, but functionality remains the same.
There are times when a standard pistol-grip drill simply isn鈥檛 the right tool for the job because it is too cumbersome when trying to maneuver into tight spots or awkward angles, like when drilling inside small cabinets. For these jobs, DeWalt has an 18V XRP right-angle drill 鈥?the DW960. The DW960 has a shorter stubby head behind the chuck. The bulk of the body of the drill is in the handle. behind the chuck. It is shaped very much like an upside down 鈥淟鈥? The DW960 has a smaller 3/8鈥?keyless chuck and is rated at 320 UWO, which leaves for a generous amount of power in almost any application.
Cutting Tools / Saws
DC390, DC385, DC330, and DC550
DeWalt has several different types of tools in their 18V XRP line to suit almost every possible cutting need. The options include traditional type circular saws (DC390, DW934, and DW936), a versatile reciprocating saw (DC385), a convenient jigsaw (DC330), and a specialized cut-out tool (DC550).
DC390, DW934, DW936
The DC390 is a standard 6-1/2鈥?cordless circular saw for wood cutting. The big convenience of this tool is that you can cut through sheets of wood without worrying about the cord getting in the way. It is also lightweight, without sacrificing power. It will handle any jobsite cutting duty and has a beveling capability of up to 50 degrees. The tough magnesium shoe and upper guard, fan-cooled motor, and replaceable aluminum brushes all work in conjunction to give this saw long-lasting reliability even under the heaviest use.
DeWalt also has a solution for metal cutting in its 18V XRP line 鈥?the DW934. The DW934 is like a beefed up 6-3/4鈥?version of the DC390, designed specifically to cut through metal with a lower RPM rating. This model steps up the shoe to stainless steel and has a specially treated glass window for optimum cut visibility. Pair this saw up with a titanium tipped blade and you鈥檒l be able to go through conduit, rebar, sheet metal, pipes, etc. like a hot knife through butter.
The DW936 is essentially the same as the DC390 in a 5 3/8鈥?compact form. It is 13% lighter and smaller overall. It allows you to do what you鈥檇 normally do with the DC390 in tighter awkward spots.
DC385
The DC385 is an 18V XRP reciprocating saw 鈥?DeWalt鈥檚 answer for a multitude of cutting problems. From plywood sheets to solid oak planks, from aluminum body panels to stainless steel pipes 鈥?this recip saw will handle it all. A long 1-1/8鈥?stroke length combined with a fast 3,000 strokes per minute will make all cuts quick and easy. It is also worth mentioning that DeWalt has a special line of reciprocating saw blades called 鈥淒emolition Blades.鈥?nbsp; These blades are made thicker than standard blades to last longer, have taller steel strips to prevent breakage, and have special anti-stick coatings to reduce friction and heat.
DC330
Whereas circular saws and recip saws are usually for straight cuts, the purpose of a jigsaw is for round cuts, more intricate designs, and other shapes. To meet these needs, DeWalt has the DC330. This jig saw has tons of features to streamline your work 鈥?angled detents on the shoe to simplify bevel cutting, keyless lever-action quick blade change, an adjustable built-in blower to keep wood chips off your cut line, etc. The slip-resistant handle is ergonomically designed for comfort and maximum support for extended periods of use.
DC550
The DC550 cut-out tool shares many of the same functions as a jig saw, but is more convenient and precise. If your cut is in the middle of a board, you do not need to pre-drill a hole to get your blade positioned. The cut-out tool can plunge its own starting hole. It uses spiral cutting bits that resemble drill bits, instead of traditional blades. Unlike drill bits that only drill forward, spiral cutting bits can also cut laterally along the side of the bit in a filing motion. The DC550 has a strong 26,000 RPM motor that is smooth and has very little vibration, allowing for accurate cuts. It has a fully sealed motor and switch to keep dust and shavings out. Some common uses for the DC550 are: cutting out drywall for electrical outlets, cutting out tile for sinks and faucets, and cutting out solid wood for door knobs. This tool is a must-have for any serious drywaller, electrician, plumber, or electrician.
Impact Tools
DW056, DW057, and DW059
DW056, DW057
The DW056 works much like a standard drill-driver, but much better. It is equipped with a quick-release 1/4鈥?hex shank to allow for the use of a wide variety of bits and attachments. It spins like a standard drill, but has an impact function when placed under load (making it suitable for wood, metal, or concrete). This eliminates the kickback from traditional drills and reduces wear and fatigue on the user鈥檚 wrist. It has a compact size (about 4鈥?shorter than a drill), perfect balance of weight, and an over-abundance of torque (1,170 in-lbs 鈥?double that of a drill). It is the tool of choice for all fastening applications 鈥?lag screws, deck screws, self-tapping metal screws, machine bolts, etc. It is a good choice for deck installers, cabinet installers, and just about any home DIY鈥檈r.
The DW057 is just like the DW056 with some notable differences. It has a 1/2鈥?square-head anvil to directly fit drive sockets. Also, it is more powerful at an amazing 1,650 in-lbs of torque. This is enough power to use even on some larger automobile lug nuts or bolts (though not specifically designed for such).
DW059
When the DW056 or DW057 just won鈥檛 cut it, DeWalt offers the DW059. This is a full-size heavy-duty 1/2鈥?impact wrench that does not sacrifice any power for portability. Rated at 300 ft-lbs, it has enough power to remove even the most stubborn nuts and bolts and can perform automotive duty on lug nuts and bolts with ease. It鈥檚 like having an air impact wrench without the cumbersome air hose and air compressor. It has a sturdy solid metal front casing for durability, and a convenient rocker switch for simple forward and reverse.
Notable Mention
There are 2 other very useful tools in the DeWalt 18V XRP line that deserve notable mention. These are the DC410 and the DC515. They help complete any contractor or weekend warrior鈥檚 tool box.
DC410
DC410
The DC410 serves double duty as both a cut-off tool and a grinder. It utilizes 4-1/2鈥?cut-off wheels and grinding discs. It鈥檚 strong enough to cut down smaller bolts and studs. It really excels at cleaning off welding splatters, grinding away old rust spots, and cutting through sheet metal. It鈥檚 a handy light-duty version of a cumbersome corded grinder. The DC410 features a side handle that can be mounted in three different positions for the best tool positioning and firmest grip. It has a solid metal gear case to dissipate extra heat and eliminate thermal buildup.
DC515
DC515
The DC515 is a 1/2 gallon wet/dry vacuum. Having one on standby will make cleanup after a small job quick and easy. It has both a front utility nozzle and an extendable flexible rubber hose for various types of cleanups. As a huge plus to asthma and allergy sufferers, it features a Gore TM HEPA wet/dry filter that鈥檚 good for filtering 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns (the toughest size particles to filter out). The filter can be tapped out or rinsed in water to be cleaned. The entire unit is light enough for one-handed cleanup.
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