Tool Review: DeWALT Automotive Technicians 14.4V four-tool combo kit

Oct. 19, 2009
Our reviewer takes a closer look at DeWalt's 14.4V cordless four-piece technician's kit.

DeWalt's Automotive Technicians 14.4V four-tool combo kit, No. DCK413C, features a 1/2" compact drill driver, 3/8" impact wrench, 90-degree pivot head flashlight, fluorescent area light, two batteries and charger with a heavy-duty kit bag. The compact drill driver delivers up to 375 in./lbs. of torque, fits in tight spaces and weighs under 4 lbs. The impact wrench features a hog ring anvil, weighs under 3.5 lbs. and delivers 135 ft./lbs. of torque. The area light has a 360-degree telescoping rotating hook and runs 2.75 hours on a single charge; the flashlight goes 3 hours per charge.

The review

Paul Leow, a PTEN review panelist and shop owner in Wauwatosa, Wis., was impressed by the power and abilities in DeWalt’s 14.4V cordless tools.

“This is the best tool. I mean, the drill is nice, but it’s your average drill. The lights are nice, but they’re your average lights. But this puppy has got a lot of torque to it,” Paul said. “If I’m taking fender wells off, or anything else like that … it’s got enough torque to do that. I was even using them for removing spark plugs.

“It’s real easy to flip the switch for forward and reverse. … It doesn’t feel like you’re holding on to a heavy tool for a long time. It’s got a real user-friendly, comfortable grip to it.”

Paul said the impact wrench is a favorite as well, due to the torque.

“It also has a nice light, so if you’re confined to a small space, you can actually see the bolt before you’re putting the tool on there.”

In addition to the torque on the drill and impact wrench, Paul liked the ease of switching batteries between the four tools, and the speed of charging.

“I put the batteries in the charger and in about an hour, went back and they were fully charged. I haven’t recharged them since. They really hold a charge.

“All around the set as been very nice to me.”

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