In my weekend bitch thread, I commented on the problem I experienced with my DeWalt drill. Here's the text of it from my post:
My relatively new DeWalt cordless drill took a dump. About a dozen screws into the project, it farted and locked up. Changed batteries, tried different speeds & torque settings... nothing, pull the trigger and it won't make a peep. I toss it aside and break out the handy-dandy $19 corded Skil drill I got at WallyWorld and commence to shelving again. Bout 15 minutes later I happen to pick up the DeWalt to move it and notice the damn thing is exothermic. It's HOT, like warp-core-breach hot. Pulled out the battery, cussed it to no end, stomped around the house a bit, and got back to shelving.
For reference the drill is only about one and a half years old.
I contacted DeWalt about my issue. Based on my description, the tech at the service center said it was likely a problem with the switch. Although the drill has a 3-year limited warranty on workmanship & materials, the he said the nature of the problem wouldn't fall under that warranty. I don't see why not, though. In the time I've had it, I've probably used it less than a dozen times and it wasn't hard use at that. In fact it still looks nearly new. I'm a bit miffed about this and turned off about DeWalt in general. Seems like this would be just the kind of thing covered by 3-year deal.
At any rate, the DeWalt tech was actually very nice and helpful. He offered me a few options.
1. I can send it off to the factory service center in Knoxville to have it repaired. The gentleman I spoke with there said that at most it would cost $99 and likely the charge would actually be around $70-$75.
2. I can take it to a nearby retailer that is an authorized service center. I called them and explained the problem but the dude I spoke with wouldn't offer any ideas on the matter. He bluntly stated that he have to see if first-hand. I told him of my contact with the factory service center & their thoughts on what was wrong and that I was trying to determine if it was worth my while to drive half an hour to his establishment, but he still wouldn't give me the smallest iota assistance. I understand the need to go hands-on with the drill to determine the problem, but I would've expected that he could have at least offered a hypothetical on the issue; i.e. if it is this problem, then it'll probably cost this much. I'm kinda' miffed about this too.
3. I can order the suspect part directly from DeWalt and attempt repair on my own. I know I can get the drill apart and I can probably even get the switch changed, but I don't know about getting it all back together properly. Not to mention, the switch may not be the problem at all; it could be the motor or even just a bad wire.
Now to further complicate things, or maybe simplify as it seems, I've found a whole slew of the exact same model of my drill on eBay for $70 + $13 shipping. See:
DeWalt DW959Seems silly to repair when I can replace for about the same money.
Then there's the issue if I should stay with DeWalt or go for another manufacturer. The DeWalt has been a good drill until now. What's more, it I got it as part of a combo kit that came with a circular saw, reciprocating saw (sawzall) and a work light that all use the same battery. It's nice to have a common component and not have to hassle with all kinds of different power & charging systems. But then, the whole experience has soured me on DeWalt and I wonder if the pasture might be greener with another brand.
Any input y'all might offer is appreciated!
Thanks,
Steve