My dad and I recently went through a bunch of old tool chests that he inherited from his step father. In addition to a couple hand planes that need some TLC, a few sharpening stones, and two hatchets (why wouldn’t I take them?) my heart skipped a step when we opened a crate that held a lovely (read: well used) yellow drill. I knew this was a good sign because his step father never bought cheap power tools.
Yes, I know this model drill has been upgraded for some time now. However, this is the exact same model drill I used so much while apprenticing with a luthier during high school. It did come with a small obstacle, though. The cord just below the strain relief was damaged and would need to be fixed before I’d feel comfortable using it. This repair only took about 10 minutes, which included the time to take pictures!
Items for the repair:
- Flat head/torx screw driver
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers & crimpers
- 2 barrel crimp connectors
In my haste, I didn’t snap a shot of the damaged cord… Sorry guys, just take my word for it, I guess. Here’s the drill ready to have the cord repaired. I’ve already cut the damaged area of the cable and threaded the “new” section into the handle.
Anything look awesome? The metal gears? Why yes, that’s what I was so happy about too! They are in perfect condition, and all the ball bearings are still in great shape.
I just used 2 barrel crimp connectors to connect the wires. Alternatively, you could use wire nuts, or spend way too much time and solder the wires into the switch… Don’t think I wasn’t tempted…
The last thing to do before closing the case up is to orient the strain relief pointing away from the drill, as shown.
Just install the 7 screws and you’re back in business!
So, thoughts on this drill. I have yet to meet a DeWALT tool that I don’t like. This drill is a touch heavier than most corded 3/8 drills, but did you see the size of the motor and all the extra metal components in there? I’m not really hung up on the weight of this tool, but if you’re needing a dainty drill, this isn’t the tool for you. This drill will run all day without complaining and packs enough torque to wrench your arm off. The one downside is that it is a touch loud, but I’m usually wearing ear plugs while I’m in the shop, so it’s not an issue.
If you’re lucky enough to find one of these at the pawn shop, restore, etc., do yourself a favor and get it! If you’ve got the spare coin to grab a new one, you won’t regret that either.
Karen says
Hi Mike, I followed your instructions to replace the power cord on my Dewalt drill dw100, but can’t get the clamshell back together. It’s as if the motor ‘grew bigger’! It just rocks on top of the motor. Any tips?
Thanks!
Mike says
I’d make sure that none of the gears our internal components popped out of place when you opened up the drill. Other than that double check that the chord isn’t getting caught when you go to close it up. Sometimes clamshell designs kinda snap back into place, but that doesn’t sound like what’s going on here. Hope that helps, good luck!
Dave Leader says
Hi Mike,
I bought mine new at least 25 years ago. I’m a hobbyist, so the most I’ve done with it is a variety of jobs around the house, and 25 years ago, I built all of my own cabinets for a new dental office, and I’ve done some work for a new employer. Now, after using it for a few jobs around my new place, I see that the frayed cord (frayed for at least 10 years) may actually have become a hazard. I just ordered the new cord. I will come back to your site to learn again from your experience.
Be well!
Dave in Gloucester, Ma.