I am sure most of you have heard by now – a Lowe’s executive is in hot water this week for saying that a specific cordless drill was perfect for “some of our Hispanic pros with smaller hands.” The comment was made in a corporate video that was distributed to Lowe’s store managers.
Store associates found the comment objectionable, and the video was leaked to online media. The executive, Joe McFarland, executive VP of stores, has apologized and released appropriate statements.
But, let’s talk about the Dewalt cordless drill they were referring to as being a nice match for small hands.
I have medium-sized hands, which I guess could be considered small when you consider that stores seem to only carry promo packs of gloves in large and extra-large sizing. Some cordless drills have better ergonomics, in my opinion, and Dewalt’s 12V Max and 20V Max drills are in that group.
A lot of ToolGuyd readers have commented about their drill preferences over the years. Some prefer drills with slimmer handles, like Dewalt’s, others prefer drills with thicker handles, and some don’t have much of a preference – a drill is a drill.
When talking about 12V-class cordless drills, there are still two very different form factors. Bosch and Milwaukee have a stem-style battery pack that is partially inserted into their 12V-class cordless power tools, while Dewalt and Makita have slide-style battery packs that attach at the bottom.
12V-class cordless drills and other power tools with stem-style batteries tend to be more compact height-wise, while those with slide-style batteries are unavoidably taller. Drills that accept stem-style batteries have to be able to accommodate battery packs within their handles, leading to a minimal size and specific geometry must be adhered to. Bosch and Milwaukee have worked hard to improve their 12V-class drills and other tools with each new generation. Still, Dewalt’s 12V Max cordless drills have even slimmer handles since their batteries connect at the bottom and not inside them.
Pro or DIY users with smaller handles, regardless of gender, race, ancestry, or ethnicity, might find Dewalt’s Xtreme Subcompact cordless drills more comfortable than other brands’.
In my opinion, it’s a very good drill at great pricing, especially considering it has a brushless motor and that the kit comes with (2) 2.0Ah batteries.
Specifications:
- 3/8″ chuck
- 15 clutch settings
- 250 UWO max power*
- 0-425/0-1500 RPM
- 5.97″ length
- Weighs 1.9 lbs
* Read More: Dewalt Cordless Power Tools, UWO, and Torque – Here’s What it all Really Means
Kit: DCD701F2, comes with (2) 2.0Ah batteries, charger, carrying bag
Price: $99
Buy Now(via Acme Tools)
Buy Now(via Lowes)
Buy Now(via Tool Nut)
Some of the other Dewalt Xtreme Subcompact cordless power tool kits are also $99. The drill and impact driver combo kit is $149.
Do you prefer cordless drills with slimmer handles, thicker handles, or do you not have a preference?
