DeWalt In-Line Stud and Joist Drill with E-CLUTCH System Kit

Why I reached for this DeWalt joist drill

My work often lives in cramped stud bays and overhead joist runs, so a stud-and-joist drill is one of those tools that either makes the day go smoothly or turns it into a wrestle. After several weeks with DeWalt’s in-line joist drill kit, I can say it falls on the “smooth” side—especially when the bit bites or a hole closes up around a self-feed. Power is part of the story, but control is where this tool earns its keep.

Setup, kit, and first impressions

The kit includes the drill, a 60V MAX FLEXVOLT 9Ah battery, the fast charger, and a contractor bag. It’s ready to work out of the box. The keyed 1/2-inch chuck is old-school, but for big-diameter boring it’s the right call; it clamps aggressively and doesn’t loosen under heavy torque the way some keyless chucks can. I do wish DeWalt provided onboard storage for the chuck key.

At a glance, the drill is long and purpose-built. The magnesium gear case saves some weight, but this is a serious, two-handed tool. The secondary handle threads on quickly and offers multiple clocked positions, which is essential for bracing against studs or joists. The LED sits low on the gearbox and throws enough light to find your mark in dim basements, though it won’t replace a headlamp.

Power and speed control

The 60V brushless motor is genuinely stout. DeWalt pairs it with two mechanical speed ranges—0–400 rpm and 0–1320 rpm—selected by a quick-shift lever. In practice:

• Low (0–400 rpm) is the workhorse for self-feed and auger bits up to the top end of the drill’s capacity (4-5/8 in self-feed, 6-1/4 in hole saws).
• High (0–1320 rpm) is useful for smaller holes, spade bits, and pilot work where faster chip evacuation matters.

The speed selector is glove-friendly and decisive. I found it best to stop the motor completely before shifting, even though the lever itself is robust.

E-CLUTCH and bind-up behavior

Control is where this DeWalt stands out. The anti-rotation E-CLUTCH system monitors the tool’s motion and cuts power if it senses a sudden rotational event—exactly the kind of bind that can wrench wrists or send you off a ladder. I induced a few binds on purpose in knotty 2x material and while crossing nail lines. Each time, the motor stopped fast and predictably. You still want to set your stance and keep a firm grip on the side handle, but this feature takes the anxiety out of those “will it catch?” moments.

A small note: the E-CLUTCH will err on the side of caution. If you push too aggressively and the bit briefly hangs, it may trip even when you feel in control. The reset is quick—release and re-engage the trigger—and the trade-off is worth it.

In the joists and studs

I ran this drill through the usual rough-in tasks: 2-9/16 in self-feed for water lines, 1-3/8 in to 1-1/2 in for electrical, and larger hole saws for vents and dryer runs. A few observations:

• With a sharp self-feed or switch-blade bit, low speed has torque to spare. I could maintain a steady feed without feathering the trigger.
• The length helps. Bracing the rear handle against a stud while the front handle counters the torque feels secure and reduces the urge to “muscle” the tool.
• Between 16-inch on-center studs, the overall footprint is fine, but in tight soffits or short bays the tool’s length can be limiting. Plan your approach; drilling from the accessible side is often the safer play.
• On stacked plates and doubled joists, chip clearance is good. I didn’t notice significant clogging unless the bit was dull or I entered at a shallow angle.

If you’re drilling through top or bottom plates all day, a self-feed with aggressive carbide teeth chews faster and cleaner than a conventional hole saw. You’ll make better use of the drill’s low-speed torque and avoid heat-soaked, stuck hole-saw cups.

Runtime and charging

With the included 9Ah FLEXVOLT pack, I was able to complete a substantial run of mixed-diameter holes on a single charge—enough for a typical residential rough-in day when I stayed in low gear and used a sharp 2-9/16 in self-feed for the bulk of the work. High-speed work and large hole saws draw more, as expected. The fast charger earns its name; topping the pack over a lunch break was usually sufficient to finish the day.

If you’re on larger jobs or regularly cutting 4- to 6-inch openings, I’d carry a second 9Ah pack. The tool sips lightly in low gear but can gulp when pushed hard in high.

Ergonomics and handling

This is a big drill, and it handles like one. The grip textures are excellent and the triggers are smooth, with a gradual ramp into torque that makes it easy to ease into the cut. Balance is forward-biased with the battery installed, which I prefer for boring—in some positions it lets you lean the tool into the work without fighting to keep the nose down.

That said, overhead work will tire you. The long body and gearbox mass aren’t a problem for occasional holes, but if your day is 80% overhead drilling, frequent breaks and smart bracing are your friends. The secondary handle is mandatory, not optional.

Noise and vibration are controlled for a high-torque drill. You’ll still want hearing protection, but the brushless motor has a clean, even note without the harshness of some older gear-driven models.

Durability and build

The magnesium gear housing and overall fit and finish inspire confidence. After a few weeks, mine has the expected scuffs but no looseness in the gearbox or play in the chuck. The keyed chuck runs true and hasn’t walked under load. I’d prefer a hard case for a tool this size and weight; the included contractor bag swallows the drill, battery, charger, and bits, but offers minimal protection in a crowded truck.

DeWalt’s Tool Connect Tag-ready recess is a nice touch for fleet users, though the Tag is sold separately. If theft deterrence or asset tracking is part of your operation, this is worth noting.

Capacity and bit pairing

DeWalt rates this drill for up to 4-5/8 in self-feed bits, 6-1/4 in hole saws, and dry core drilling up to 6 inches. Those are ambitious ceilings that the motor can reach, but bit choice matters:

• Self-feed or aggressive carbide-tooth bits in low gear make the most of the torque and reduce stalling.
• Hole saws that clear chips efficiently help prevent heat soak and binding on thicker stacks.
• Keep your bits sharp; dull cutters will trip the E-CLUTCH more often and drain batteries faster.

The keyed 1/2-inch chuck accommodates the full variety—from hex-shank self-feeds to round-shank hole saw arbors—without complaint.

What I’d change

• Onboard chuck key storage. It’s a small addition that prevents unnecessary trips to the toolbox.
• A hard case option. A molded case with bit storage would better protect the tool in transit.
• Slightly brighter or repositioned LED. It works, but in deep bays the light gets blocked by the gearbox.

These are refinements, not deal-breakers. The fundamentals—power, control, and safety—are excellent.

Who it’s for

• Plumbers and electricians who regularly bore large holes in studs and joists.
• Remodelers and HVAC installers needing controlled power for venting and duct runs.
• Pros and serious DIYers who value anti-rotation safety in a high-torque drill.

If your work is mostly small-diameter holes in open spaces, a compact drill/driver will be faster. This DeWalt is overkill for that.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt joist drill kit. It combines serious torque with a well-implemented E-CLUTCH that meaningfully reduces the risk of wrist-wrenching kickback. The two-speed drivetrain is geared right for both heavy self-feed work and faster boring with smaller bits, the runtime on the included 9Ah pack is legitimately workday-worthy for residential rough-ins, and the build feels ready for jobsite abuse. It’s not the lightest or shortest option, and I’d like a hard case and onboard key storage, but those are small trade-offs for the control and confidence this tool provides in the places that matter most—inside studs and between joists.