Reddit · r/Dewalt · Jan 24, 2026 · summarized
NegativeThe same loose forward/reverse switch problem showed up on their own unit, and a repair is the open question.
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Drills & drivers
A score out of 100 for how well reviewed a product is next to others of its kind. It rises with positive reviews and with how many there are; negative and mixed reviews take points off.
So a handful of glowing reviews can’t beat a product lots of people like. No sponsored placements.
Reddit · r/Dewalt · Jan 24, 2026 · summarized
NegativeThe same loose forward/reverse switch problem showed up on their own unit, and a repair is the open question.
Reddit · r/Tools · Nov 26, 2025 · summarized
NegativeBrand-new unit makes a grinding-like noise in low gear at low speeds, raising worry about missing factory grease compared with their older drills.
Reddit · r/Dewalt · Oct 10, 2024 · summarized
NegativeBrand new unit made a ticking noise in both speeds, worst in reverse, even with no load. Decided to take it back to the store for a replacement.
Reddit · r/Dewalt · Apr 25, 2024 · summarized
NegativeKit worked at first, but after a couple of days a grinding gear noise showed up in low speed; return was refused at the store and a service claim was started.
Reddit · r/Dewalt · Feb 12, 2024 · summarized
NegativeFirst tool of the brand, unboxed new; a squeaking, rubbing noise near the chuck and a burnt rubber smell after running made them consider returning it.
Reddit · r/Dewalt · Aug 8, 2023 · summarized
NegativeA new unit that replaced a ten-year-old drill, but the forward/reverse button is loose and mushy and skips past the lock position.
Of the 44 reviews with a clear verdict, 70% are positive, 16% mixed and 14% negative. The praise mentioned most is compact. The most common complaint is cheap feel.
The complaints reviewers mention most: cheap feel (2 reviews), chuck or bit issues (1 review) and loud (1 review). For example: The same loose forward/reverse switch problem showed up on their own unit, and a repair is the open question.
We collected and summarized 44 experiences shared on Reddit, with links to the original sources. Reviews submitted here are checked for spam before they appear. Every review, submitted here or collected, is read as positive, mixed or negative.
Cordless drill/drivers, hammer drills, impact drivers and compact impact wrenches from DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Ryobi, Bosch and more, one page per model number, ranked by real owners.