DeWalt DC223KA 24V

Refined and improved from DeWalt’s earlier 24V cordless drills, the DeWalt DC223KA is a impressive looking power tool, and an ideal choice for a plumber, joiner or electrician looking for hard working cordless SDS drill. (Review continues below…)

A notable feature of the DeWalt DC223KA is the vibration control system that’s designed to make using the drill easier over sustained periods..

The DeWalt DC223KA 24v SDS drill in detail:

Drilling power

There’s no doubt it that with 2.1 Joules of impact energy and 0-4200 blows per minute, it’s capable of delivering virtually anything you can put in front of it. The max drilling capacity into masonry is 22mm and the chiselling function will make a similar impression on brickwork if you’re looking to chase out sections for wiring, or take out plaster or render. Only the 24V Makita cordless SDS drill outperforms the DeWalt for power.

• 24V cordless
• Max drilling capacity: (diameter) Concrete – 22mm, Mild Steel – 13mm, Soft Wood – 30mm
• Chuck
• Impact energy (Joules): 2.ij
• No-Load Speed 0-1100 rpm /min (normal), 0 to 520 /min (save mode)
• Full Load Impact Rate – 0 to 4200 /min.

Anti-vibration System

If you’re looking for a 24V cordless SDS drill that helps reduce fatigue, this might be the one for you. DeWalt have developed an internal mechanism connected to external housings via spring dampeners to lower vibration significantly, reducing the effort needed to operate the drill over longer operating periods. This system is called Active Vibration Control and the dampening effects are impressive.

• Hand/Arm Vibration 9.0 m/s2
• Uncertainty K 1 (Vibration) 1.5 m/s²
• Hand/Arm Vibration – Chisel 6.5 m/s²
• Uncertainty K 2 (Vibration) 1.5 m/s²
• Hand/Arm Vibration – Metal 2.5 m/s²
• Uncertainty K 3 (Vibration) 1.5 m/s².

Weight and length

This 24V cordless SDS drill has a vertical hung motor and gearbox, and the battery sits neatly
Behind – allowing you to get this compact tool into the tightest of spaces. At 3.9kg it’s fairly lightweight for a drill of this power and the length is a tidy 290mm.

Battery type

As with all the 24 Volt SDS hammer drills we’ve reviewed recently, the DeWalt DC223KA does not use the more expensive Lithium Ion batteries but instead runs on 2.0Ah Ni-Cad Batteries. These are air cooled improving runtime when batteries are charged hot, thus prolonging battery life. The drill is sold with two batteries and a one-hour charger, so if you’re looking to use it on a bathroom or kitchen installation you can be totally confident that it will be up to the job.

Safety clutch

The drill has a safety clutch which is definitely worth have for any 24V SDS drill. The clutch forces the chuck to slip if the torque goes beyond a designated level, causing the drill to stop rotating.

Chuck type

SDS Plus chuck – with easy push fit bit reception

Number of drilling modes

Three:

• Hammer drilling for concrete and masonry
• Rotary drilling only in wood, ceramic, steel or hammer only
• Rotation stop for light chiselling applications in plaster, tiles and render.

Other features worth mentioning

• Lock-Off switch
• Replaceable brushes for prolonging the drill’s working life and modular design for easy servicing
• Electronic motor brake for additional control
• Spring loaded battery latch system for quick change and secure battery fitting.
• Rubber coated grip to reduce surface vibration and user fatigue.

Includes:

• DC223KA 24v SDS drill
• 2 x batteries
• Charger
• Multi-position side handle
• Grease tube
• Heavy duty carrying case.