DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Cordless Quick-Change Stud and Joist Drill With E-CLUTCH System Kit

Power is only half the story with a stud and joist drill—control is the other half. After putting this DeWalt 60V stud/joist drill through rough-in work on a few small remodels and a new build, it’s clear DeWalt aimed to balance brute force with smart safety and workflow features. It’s not perfect, but it’s a serious piece of kit for anyone boring big holes in wood all day.

Build, size, and ergonomics

This drill is long and heavy. At roughly 24 inches end to end and around 14 pounds with the battery, it demands a two-handed grip. The magnesium gear case keeps the weight reasonable for its class, but plan your stance before you pull the trigger—especially in low gear with a large bit. The included side handle is absolutely necessary and locks in securely without wandering under load.

The overall build feels jobsite-tough. The casing tolerates bumps and the gear housing never got more than warm in extended use. I appreciate the straightforward layout: a prominent quick-shift speed selector, a 7/16-inch hex quick-change chuck, and just enough overmold where you want it without becoming slick with dust. It fits down most stud bays, though the length can make some tight turns awkward. You’ll sometimes need to start a hole at a slight angle and straighten out as you go.

Power and drilling performance

Torque is the headline here. In low range (0–400 RPM), the drill chews through structural lumber with large self-feed bits. I ran a 4-5/8-inch self-feed through kiln-dried SPF studs and LVL with no drama, and it kept its pace even when the bit hit knots. For typical plumbing and electrical work—2-1/8 to 2-9/16 inches for waste lines or large conduit—the tool stays in its comfort zone and feels confident rather than reckless.

High range (0–1320 RPM) is handy for smaller paddle bits and faster hole saw work where you want speed more than torque. The drill transitions smoothly between ranges using the selector, and I rarely felt the need to feather the trigger into a new speed. That quick-shift feature sounds minor on paper, but in practice it trims the time you spend fiddling between holes and helps you keep your focus on trajectory and chip ejection.

Chip clearing is excellent with self-feed bits. Keep the bit sharp and back it out when needed; the drill’s power lets you manage the cut rather than fight it. With larger hole saws up to 6-1/4 inches in wood, the tool holds its own. Expect to run in low range, brace properly, and let the saw do the work.

Safety and the E-CLUTCH system

Bind-up is where stud and joist drills earn—or lose—your trust. DeWalt’s E-CLUTCH anti-rotation system is the most meaningful safety feature on the tool. When a bit catches on a nail or jams at the back of a hole, the system senses the sudden motion and shuts the motor down. In my use, it intervened quickly without false triggers. You feel a brief arrest of motion instead of a full-on wrist twist.

This doesn’t give you a license to be careless—proper body positioning and two-handed control are still non-negotiable—but it’s a real wrist-saver and reduces the “white-knuckle” moments that can sour a long day of drilling. If you’re moving from a corded right-angle drill with no electronic clutch, you’ll notice the difference immediately.

Chuck and bit changes

The 7/16-inch hex quick-change chuck is fast and confidence-inspiring. Bits snap in and release without a fight, and there’s no drifting under load. The trade-off is flexibility: this chuck is purpose-built for heavy hex-shank accessories. If your kit leans on round-shank augers or oddball adapters, you’ll either need hex-shank versions or a separate drill. For pro rough-in work, it’s largely a non-issue, but it’s worth noting if you expect one tool to replace your entire drilling lineup.

Battery, runtime, and charging

The kit’s FLEXVOLT battery pairs well with this platform. Runtime is solid for a high-torque drill; I could complete a typical floor run of larger holes on a single charge, then swap while the pack cooled and recharged during layout or cleanup. Runtime will vary wildly with bit size and material—big self-feed work drains any pack quickly—but I didn’t feel hamstrung by battery life. The included charger tops the pack off in a reasonable window, and having the battery, charger, and bag in the kit makes it a ready-to-work package.

One practical note: this is a 60V-class tool. It’s happiest on the big FLEXVOLT packs, and it rewards you for keeping them charged and rotated. In cold weather, give the battery a minute in the cab before heavy drilling; you’ll notice better punch and fewer sag-induced slowdowns.

Speed control and workflow

The two-speed setup is well chosen for the job. Low range offers the torque for large cuts; high range lets you hustle through smaller holes without scorching bits. The quick-shift selector is positioned well—you can change ranges with a gloved thumb without shifting your grip.

Trigger modulation is predictable, and the soft-start feel helps keep big bits from skating on initial contact. The brake stops the chuck promptly, which is useful for rapid repositioning and for reducing the “coast” that can tug your wrist when you release the trigger.

Visibility and extras

The LED work light does its part in dark stud bays, though its impact diminishes behind a large hole saw or thick self-feed head. Still, it’s better than fishing for a headlamp for quick checks. Tool Connect tag readiness is a nice touch for crews tracking inventory; solo users might ignore it, but fleet managers will appreciate the option.

The side handle installs quickly and holds its position, which is important when you’re resetting grip dozens of times. The kit bag is large enough for the drill, bits, charger, and spare batteries, and it stands up on its own without collapsing.

What I liked

• Excellent torque in low range; keeps pace with big self-feed and hole saw work
• E-CLUTCH stops bind-ups quickly and consistently, saving wrists
• Quick-shift speed selector streamlines gear changes mid-run
• Robust build, magnesium gear case, and secure side handle
• Fast, reliable 7/16-inch hex quick-change chuck
• FLEXVOLT battery provides credible runtime for heavy drilling

What could be better

• Heavier and longer than some alternatives; tight bays require planning
• 7/16-inch hex chuck limits bit compatibility compared to a 1/2-inch keyed chuck
• LED is helpful but can be shadowed by large accessories
• You’ll feel the weight by day’s end; this is not a one-handed drill for overhead work

Durability and service

After several weeks of use, there’s no slop in the selectors or chuck, and the drivetrain feels as tight as day one. DeWalt’s 3-year limited warranty, one year of free service, and 90-day satisfaction guarantee add some peace of mind for a high-torque tool that’s going to live a hard life. Keep the chuck clean, blow out chips, and avoid stalling hot—basic care goes a long way here.

Who it’s for

• Plumbers, electricians, and HVAC pros drilling large holes in framing
• Remodelers and builders who want a cordless alternative to corded right-angle drills
• Crews that value electronic anti-rotation safety and asset tracking options

If you mainly drill small pilot holes or work overhead all day, this is the wrong tool. It’s overbuilt for light tasks and will wear you out needlessly. But if your day is defined by big holes in wood, this is the right category—and this DeWalt is a strong entry.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt 60V stud/joist drill to pros who regularly run large self-feed bits and hole saws through framing and want a cordless tool that prioritizes power and safety. It’s heavy, and the 7/16-inch hex chuck narrows accessory choices, but the payoff is excellent torque, a genuinely effective E-CLUTCH, and a workflow that stays smooth under load. If your work calls for big holes fast—and you value your wrists—this drill earns a spot in the kit.