DeWALT is a quality name in the power tool world, and most of us likely have at least one of their tools in our woodworking shop. Its cordless drill is a very popular tool, a generally reliable and durable tool that we use often.
As with all things in the world, though, problems do occur with DeWALT cordless drills. DeWALT does offer a good warranty, and with major problems early in its use, the warranty will cover repair and replacement. Some problems are DIY fixable, though too.
Key Points:
- DeWALT is known for reliable and durable products, but even DeWALT brushless drills can encounter issues; however, the problems discussed here could apply to any other brushless drill.
- The common thread that runs through these problems is proper maintenance – take care of your tools, and they will take care of you. Read the owner’s manual and follow its suggestions for proper care, storage, and use.
- Expect over time problems to present and know where to look for solutions. Most are common sense resolutions but don’t hesitate to rely upon warranty protections when available.
Our intention today is to identify common problems and, where possible, offer a DIY solution for you. That can sometimes be a little tricky if the power tool is still under warranty, as opening up the tool during the warranty period may void the warranty.
In some instances, that will be a judgment call you will need to make.
What Are Some of The Problems That Can Occur With A DeWALT Brushless Drill?
DeWALT brushless drills are generally very reliable tools, but there are a few potential problems that can occur.
These include:
- Battery problems: DeWALT brushless drills use lithium-ion batteries, which are known to be susceptible to overheating and damage. If a battery is overheated or damaged, it can cause the drill to malfunction or even stop working altogether.
- Motor problems: The motor in a DeWALT brushless drill is also a potential point of failure. If the motor is damaged, it can cause the drill to overheat, stall, or even stop working altogether.
- Switch problems: The switch in a DeWALT brushless drill can also fail over time. If the switch fails, it can prevent the drill from turning on or off properly.
- Gear problems: The gears in a DeWALT brushless drill can also wear out over time. If the gears wear out, they can cause the drill to lose power or even stop working altogether.
In general, DeWALT brushless drills are very reliable tools. However, as with any tool, there is always the potential for problems to occur. If you experience any problems with your DeWALT brushless drill, it is important to contact DeWalt customer service for assistance.
Here are some additional tips to help prevent problems with your DeWALT brushless drill:
- Use the correct batteries: DeWALT brushless drills are designed to use specific lithium-ion batteries. Using the wrong batteries can damage the drill.
- Avoid overheating: DeWALT brushless drills can overheat if they are used for extended periods of time at high speeds. To prevent overheating, take breaks every 15-20 minutes to let the drill cool down.
- Store the drill properly: When you are not using your DeWALT brushless drill, store it in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the batteries from overheating and the motor from corroding.
By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your DeWALT brushless drill and prevent problems from occurring. It is best to take the extra steps to properly maintain good performance and condition of all our power tools. The benefits are obvious – no downtime in the shop, smooth operation of the tools, etc.
The Differences Between Brushed And Brushless Power Tools
Brushed motors use carbon brushes to transfer electricity to the motor windings. This creates friction, which can cause the motor to lose power and generate heat. Brushed motors also require periodic maintenance, as the brushes wear down over time.
Brushless motors use electronic commutators to control the flow of electricity to the motor windings. This eliminates the need for carbon brushes, which means that brushless motors are more efficient and require less maintenance. Brushless motors also tend to be more powerful and run cooler than brushed motors.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between brushed and brushless power tools:
Feature | Brushed Motor | Brushless Motor |
---|---|---|
Efficiency | Less efficient | More efficient |
Maintenance | Requires periodic brush replacement | No brush replacement required |
Power | Less powerful | More powerful |
Heat generation | More heat generated | Less heat generated |
Noise level | Noisier | Quieter |
Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
In general, brushless power tools are more expensive than brushed power tools, but they offer a number of advantages, including:
- Increased efficiency
- Longer battery life
- Less maintenance
- More power
- Cooler operation
- Quieter operation
If you are looking for a power tool that will last for years and provide you with the best performance, a brushless tool is a good investment. However, if you are on a budget or do not need the extra performance, a brushed tool may be a better option.
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing between brushed and brushless power tools:
- The type of work you will be doing: If you will be using the tool for heavy-duty tasks, a brushless tool is a better choice.
- Your budget: Brushless tools are more expensive than brushed tools.
- Your personal preferences: Some people prefer the lower noise level and longer battery life of brushless tools, while others prefer the lower cost of brushed tools.
What If The Battery For DeWALT Brushless Drill Won’t Charge?
When the toaster won’t work, what do we do? We unplug it and plug it in again, and sometimes that’s enough to resolve the issue. With a corded drill, this might work, but in the case of a cordless drill, there is no plug.
Now what?
Here are some things you can do if your DeWALT brushless drill battery won’t charge:
- Check the battery charger. Make sure the charger is plugged in and turned on. If the charger is not working properly, it will not be able to charge the battery.
- Check the battery pack. Make sure the battery pack is not damaged. If the battery pack is damaged, it will not be able to charge.
- Clean the battery contacts. The battery contacts can become dirty over time, which can prevent the battery from charging properly. Use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to clean the battery contacts.
- Reset the battery. DeWALT batteries have a reset function that can be used to clear any errors that may be preventing the battery from charging. To reset the battery, follow the instructions in the DeWALT battery owner’s manual.
- Replace the battery. If the battery is old or damaged, it may need to be replaced. DeWALT sells replacement batteries for their brushless drills.
If you have tried all of these steps and the battery still won’t charge, you may need to contact DeWALT customer service for assistance.
Here are some additional tips to help prevent your DeWALT brushless drill battery from not charging:
- Do not overcharge the battery. Overcharging the battery pack can damage it and prevent it from charging properly.
- Do not store the battery in a hot or cold environment. Extreme temperatures can damage the battery and prevent it from charging properly.
- Do not drop the battery. Dropping the battery can damage it and prevent it from charging properly.
By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your DeWALT brushless drill battery and prevent it from not charging.
What If The Chuck on Your DeWALT Brushless Drill Wobbles?
There’s something odd-sounding about a wobbly chuck, isn’t there? But, sometimes, a drill chuck does wobble, and when it does, you need to address the wobble.
A wobbly chuck on a DeWALT brushless drill can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Loose chuck: The drill chuck may be loose, which can cause it to wobble. To tighten the drill chuck, follow the instructions in the DeWALT drill owner’s manual.
- Damaged chuck: The drill chuck may be damaged, which can cause it to wobble. If the drill chuck is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
- Worn-out anvil: The anvil is the part of the drill chuck that grips the drill bit. If the anvil is worn out, it can cause the drill chuck to wobble. If the anvil is worn out, it may need to be replaced.
Here are some things you can do to fix a wobbly drill chuck on a DeWALT brushless drill:
- Tighten the drill chuck: If the drill chuck is loose, you can try tightening it. To do this, follow the instructions in the DeWALT drill owner’s manual.
- Replace the drill chuck: If the drill chuck is damaged, you may need to replace it. DeWALT sells replacement chucks for their drills.
- Replace the anvil: If the anvil is worn out, you may need to replace it. DeWALT sells replacement anvils for their drills.
If you have tried all of these steps and the chuck is still wobbly, you may need to contact DeWALT customer service for assistance.
Here are some additional tips to help prevent your DeWALT brushless drill chuck from wobbling:
- Do not overtighten the drill chuck: Overtightening the chuck can damage it and cause it to wobble.
- Do not use the drill chuck to grip drill bits that are too large or too small: Using the chuck to grip drill bits that are too large or too small can damage the chuck and cause it to wobble.
- Store the drill properly: When you are not using your DeWALT brushless drill, store it in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the drill chuck from corroding and becoming damaged.
By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your DeWALT brushless drill chuck and prevent it from wobbling.
What To Do If The Chuck on Your DeWALT Brushless Drill is Jammed
Here are some things you can do if the chuck is jammed on a DeWALT brushless drill:
- Check the drill chuck release button. Make sure that the drill chuck release button is not stuck. If the chuck release button is stuck, you can try to free it by pressing it repeatedly or by using a small screwdriver to pry it open.
- Check the drill bit. Make sure that the drill bit is not stuck in the material. If the drill bit is stuck, you can try to remove it by tapping on it with a hammer or by using a wrench to loosen it.
- Inspect the chuck. Look for any signs of damage to the chuck, such as a broken jaw or a damaged gear train. If you see any damage, you may need to take the drill to a repair shop.
- Clean the chuck. Sometimes, dirt or debris can build up in the chuck and cause it to jam. You can try to clean the chuck by using a brush or compressed air.
- Lubricate the chuck. If the chuck is old or has been used heavily, it may need to be lubricated. You can use a light oil or grease to lubricate the chuck.
If you have tried all of these steps and the chuck is still jammed, you may need to contact DeWALT customer service for assistance.
Here are some additional tips to help prevent your DeWALT brushless drill chuck from jamming:
- Do not overload the drill. Overloading the drill can cause it to overheat and jam the chuck.
- Do not use the drill in wet or dusty conditions. Using the drill in wet or dusty conditions can cause dirt and debris to build up in the chuck and cause it to jam.
- Store the drill properly. When you are not using your DeWALT brushless drill, store it in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the chuck from overheating and jamming.
By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your DeWALT brushless drill chuck and prevent it from jamming.
Here are some additional troubleshooting tips that you can try:
- Try using a different drill bit. If the drill bit is damaged, it can cause the chuck to jam.
- Try using a wrench to loosen the drill chuck. If the chuck is very tight, you may need to use a wrench to loosen it.
- Try tapping on the drill chuck with a hammer. Sometimes, tapping on the chuck can help to loosen it.
- Try lubricating the drill chuck. If the chuck is dry, lubricating it can help to loosen it.
If you have tried all of these steps and the chuck is still jammed, you may need to take the drill to a repair shop.
What To Do If Your DeWALT Brushless Drill is Stuck in Either Forward Or Reverse
There are a few things you can do if your DeWALT brushless drill is stuck in either forward or reverse:
- Check the drill chuck. Make sure that the drill chuck is not locked. If the chuck is locked, you can unlock it by pressing the chuck release button.
- Check the drill bit. Make sure that the drill bit is not stuck in the material. If the drill bit is stuck, you can try to remove it by tapping on it with a hammer or by using a wrench to loosen it.
- Inspect the drill. Look for any signs of damage to the drill, such as a broken drill chuck, a jammed reverse switch, or a damaged gear train. If you see any damage, such as a crack in the reverse switch, you may need to take the drill to a repair shop.
- Clean the drill. Sometimes, dirt or debris can build up in the drill and cause it to stick. Perhaps some burr became stuck in the reverse switch. You can try to clean the drill by using a brush or compressed air.
- Lubricate the drill. If the drill is old or has been used heavily, it may need to be lubricated. You can use a light oil or grease to lubricate the drill. Check the owner’s manual for guidance.
If you have tried all of these steps and the drill is still stuck, you may need to contact DeWALT customer service for assistance.
Here are some additional tips to help prevent your DeWALT brushless drill from getting stuck:
- Do not overload the drill. Overloading the drill can cause it to overheat and stick.
- Do not use the drill in wet or dusty conditions. Using the drill in wet or dusty conditions can cause dirt and debris to build up in the drill and cause it to stick.
- Store the drill properly. When you are not using your DeWALT brushless drill, store it in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the drill from overheating and sticking.
By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your DeWALT brushless drill and prevent it from getting stuck.
What To Do If Your DeWALT Brushless Drill Is Noisier Than Normal
There are a few reasons why your DeWALT brushless drill might be noisier than normal. Here are some of the most common causes:
- The drill is not properly lubricated. Brushless drills require lubrication to keep the moving parts running smoothly. If the drill is not properly lubricated, it can become noisy. Brushless drills are quieter than brushed drills, so noise is out of the ordinary, usually signaling some issue needing attention.
- The drill is overloaded. Overloading the drill can cause it to overheat and make more noise.
- The drill is damaged. If the drill is damaged, it can make more noise.
- The drill is dirty. Dirt and debris can build up in the drill and cause it to make more noise.
Here are some things you can do to troubleshoot a noisy DeWALT brushless drill:
- Check the lubrication. Make sure that the drill is properly lubricated. You can use a light oil or grease to lubricate the drill. The DeWALT owner’s manual will guide you, so be sure to read it.
- Avoid overloading the drill. Do not overload the drill. If you are not sure how much power the drill can handle, consult the owner’s manual.
- Inspect the drill for damage. Look for any signs of damage to the drill, such as a broken drill chuck or a damaged gear train. If you see any damage, you may need to take the drill to a repair shop.
- Clean the drill. Use a brush or compressed air to clean the drill. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be causing the noise.
If you have tried all of these steps and the drill is still noisy, you may need to contact DeWALT customer service for assistance.
Here are some additional tips to help prevent your DeWALT brushless drill from becoming noisy:
- Do not overload the drill. Overloading the drill can cause it to overheat and make more noise.
- Keep the drill clean. Dirt and debris can build up in the drill and cause it to make more noise.
- Lubricate the drill regularly. Lubricating the drill will help to keep the moving parts running smoothly and prevent them from making noise.
What To Do If Your DeWALT Brushless Drill Gives Off A Burning Smell?
If your DeWALT brushless drill gives off a burning smell, it is important to stop using the drill immediately. The burning smell could be caused by a number of things, including:
- Overheating: If the drill is overheating, it can cause the insulation on the wires to melt and start to smoke.
- Damaged motor: If the motor is damaged, it can cause the windings to overheat and start to smoke.
- Carbon brushes: The carbon brushes in the drill can wear down over time and start to smoke.
- Dirt or debris: If dirt or debris builds up in the drill, it can cause the motor to overheat and start to smoke.
If you notice a burning smell coming from your DeWALT brushless drill, you should:
- Stop using the drill immediately.
- Inspect the drill for any signs of damage, and if you see any damage, do not use the drill.
- Contact DeWALT customer service for assistance.
Here are some additional tips to help prevent your DeWALT brushless drill from emitting a burning smell:
- Do not overload the drill. Overloading the drill can cause it to overheat and start to smoke.
- Do not use the drill in wet or dusty conditions. Using the drill in wet or dusty conditions can cause dirt or debris to build up in the drill and cause it to overheat and smoke.
- Store the drill properly. When you are not using your DeWALT brushless drill, store it in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the drill from overheating and smoking.
Take good care of your power tools, and they will take good care of you. Nothing here is to suggest that a DeWALT brushless drill is a bad product.
On the contrary, we are a fan of DeWALT drills. These issues actually apply to any brushless drill. It just so happens we use a DeWALT brushless drill, and so we chose the one we use for this article.