Yesterday, while I was using my DCD709 drill with a 1" auger bit to work on what I thought was a rotten stump, the drill hit a solid section instead and caused a jolt that made my wrist hurt. After pulling it out and adjusting, it let out a nasty squeal and then switched itself into reverse on its own—definitely not a button I pressed! I was left in shock. Given this bizarre behavior, should I consider it done for and finally upgrade to the 800 model? It's served me well for about seven years, and if I need to retire it, I'll have to give it a proper Viking funeral!
2 Answers
Honestly, it sounds like that drill has seen better days. Switching into reverse unexpectedly is a red flag, for sure. I'd say it’s probably time to look for a new one. You might want to keep an eye on the newer DCD801 model with Anti-Rotation technology; I've heard good things about it. If you're scouting for deals, the DCD800 might still pop up at a good price too!
I've never encountered a drill that did that either. It's definitely a sign that something has probably malfunctioned. Given the weird noises and unexpected behavior, I think it's wise to consider retiring it. You've gotten a lot of life out of it!