The 235G sends a 3-1/2-inch hole saw through an oak door without any hesitation and powers a half-inch twist bit through steel. Spade bits all the way up to 1-1/2 inches are a cinch, and the 235G even gets a 1-1/2-inch hole saw through steel without any complaining.

If you're used to hefting an 18-volt cordless for this kind of power, you'll be completely amazed at how light this drill is and how sweetly it's balanced. The 360-degree side handle gives you unparalleled control no matter what odd angle you're drilling at.

Are there downsides? Granted, you give up a little freedom with the electrical cord, but if your work is stationary or you're a do-it-yourselfer, it's absolutely worth the trade-off. And while it's a good old-fashioned keyed chuck, DeWalt does make a keyless chuck for it that you can buy separately if you prefer.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Amazon.com Product Description
The powerful and ergonomically designed 1/2-inch, 7.8 amp DW235G drill is an ideal tool for electricians and mechanical contractors. The double-gear reduction provides enough torque to drill up to a 2-1/8-inch hole in wood with a self-feed bit or up to a 1-1/2-inch hole in metal using a hole saw. The metal gear housing and helical-cut, heat-treated steel gears provide increased durability and longer gear life. The 360-degree side handle can be adjusted for greater user control. The unit has a grounded plug for added safety.

Technical Details
Chuck: half-inch, keyed; Power: 7.8 amps, no-load speed of 0 to 850 rpm.

Capacities in wood: spade bit, 1-1/2 inches; self-feed, 2-1/8 inches; hole saw, 3-1/2 inches; auger bit, 1-1/8 inches. Capacities in steel: twist bit, inch; hole saw, 1-1/2 inches.

Tool weight: 4.2 pounds.

What's in the Box
DeWalt 235G drill, 360 side handle, chuck key with holder.

Product Description
Heavy-duty drill packs high torque and slower variable speeds. 1/2" drill is most commonly used to make large holes in wood or metal and therefore provides slow speeds and reversing function to back out jammed drill bits in the wood.