DeWalt 1/4 in. (6 mm) VSR Drill

Some drills are built to brute-force big holes; this one is built for speed and finesse. The DeWalt 1/4-inch VSR drill is a compact, high-RPM corded driver aimed squarely at small-diameter drilling in light-gauge steel and general-purpose wood and metal work. After several weeks using it in the shop and on site for pilot holes, sheet-metal penetrations, and hardware installs, I’ve come to appreciate what it does exceptionally well—and where it doesn’t belong.

Build and first impressions

Out of the box, the drill feels purpose-built: light in the hand (about 1 kg), compact, and sturdily put together. The metal gear housing and helical-cut, heat-treated gears are exactly what I want in a corded unit that will live in a shop drawer for years. There’s a reassuring smoothness when you feather the trigger—no gear chatter, no rattly plastics. DeWalt includes a keyed metal chuck and a simple holder for the key on the cord. I’m not usually nostalgic about keyed chucks, but on a high-speed drill made for small bits, the choice makes sense.

The ergonomics are straightforward. The rubber overmold and two-finger trigger make for comfortable control, even when you’re modulating speed for delicate work. The forward/reverse slider is positive and not easily bumped, and the lock-on button sits where you can use it intentionally, not accidentally.

Chuck and bit retention

The keyed chuck has a 0.5–10 mm capacity, which translates to clamping everything from tiny pilot bits up to modest step-bits and small spade bits. It grips with authority. I routinely drove 1/16-inch high-speed steel bits through 16–20 gauge steel without any slippage, and I was able to tighten the jaws on even smaller numbered bits confidently. Compared with many compact keyless chucks, runout is minimal here—good enough that small holes track on center and countersinks sit cleanly. Bit changes are slower than a keyless setup, but the payoff is reliable retention at 4000 rpm where vibration can loosen lesser chucks.

Speed, torque, and drilling performance

This is a fast drill. The variable-speed trigger ramps up smoothly to a 4000 rpm ceiling, and that speed is the headline feature. In light-gauge steel, that high rpm is ideal for clean holes with small twist bits and for step-bits that like to cut quickly without snagging. Using a 1/8-inch cobalt bit and a dab of cutting fluid, I could pop a series of HVAC knockout holes in 18-gauge sheet with excellent chip ejection and no bogging. With a step-bit, I worked up to 7/8 inch in ductwork efficiently—exactly the sort of task this drill excels at.

Torque is modest (8.2 Nm), which aligns with its purpose. In wood, 1/2- to 5/8-inch spade bits were no problem, and it will do a 3/4-inch spade at a steady pace with a good grip and sensible feed pressure. Push much beyond the rated capacities or try to drive large hole saws, and the motor reminds you this isn’t a low-speed torque monster. There’s no clutch, so you’re relying on your wrist and trigger control; that’s fine for the intended work but something to respect if you’re stepping outside the spec.

Reversing is instant, which is helpful for backing out of tight holes and for gently clearing chips when a bit starts to bind. The combination of high rpm and a sensitive trigger also makes tapping small holes in thin stock very manageable—I ran a few M4 and #8 taps cautiously, and the control felt predictable.

Control, balance, and comfort

One of the strongest points here is control. The trigger is easy to feather, so starting holes with small bits is straightforward—no skating if you center punch and come in square. The tool’s light weight cuts down on fatigue during repetitive overhead work, and the compact body fits into cabinets and between studs with less fuss than larger drills. Vibration is low, likely thanks to the helical gears and the balanced layout. Noise levels are mild for a corded drill; at the ear it’s not intrusive, and conversation in the shop isn’t a problem.

The lock-on switch is a nice addition for repetitive drilling on a drill guide or with a wire wheel, though I mostly left it off for safety. If you use it, be mindful of your setup and secure your work—high rpm plus distraction is a bad combo.

Where it shines

• Small-diameter holes in sheet metal: electrical knockouts, HVAC ductwork, appliance panels, brackets.
• Pilot holes and hardware installs in wood and metal: hinges, cabinet hardware, brackets, jigs.
• Step-bit work in light-gauge materials: fast, clean, and stall-free.
• Bench tasks: countersinking, deburring, and light-duty wire wheel cleaning with the lock-on engaged and a stable setup.

This is also a great “second drill” on the bench: while a heavier 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch unit handles big bores, the DW217 feels like a precision instrument for everything small and fast.

Limitations and trade-offs

A few boundaries are worth noting:

• It’s not for big holes in thick stock. The rated capacities—1/4-inch in steel, 3/4-inch spade in wood—tell the story.
• No clutch, no hammer mode, no LED. If you’re driving screws regularly, drilling masonry, or working in dark spaces, this is the wrong tool.
• Keyed chuck means slower bit changes and a key to keep track of. The included holder helps, but it’s not foolproof.
• High rpm requires a light touch in wood with larger bits to avoid burning; this is a finesse drill, not a brute.

None of these are faults; they’re design choices consistent with the drill’s mission.

Durability and service

The metal gear case and heat-treated gears inspire confidence. After sustained use at high rpm, the gearbox warms but never felt stressed, and there was no hint of gear noise or play developing. Brushes and other service items are straightforward on corded tools, and DeWalt backs this one with a 3-year limited warranty, a year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. For a shop workhorse that will see frequent short bursts rather than endless heavy drilling, that support is appropriate.

Tips for best results

• Center punch steel and use cutting fluid with twist bits; speed is your friend, but lubrication keeps edges sharp.
• Use step-bits for larger holes in sheet metal; they pair perfectly with the drill’s high rpm.
• Clamp workpieces and avoid locking on unless the setup is secured.
• Keep the chuck key on the supplied holder and snug all three holes of the chuck when tightening small bits.
• Let the bit do the cutting—don’t lean on it. You’ll get cleaner holes and longer bit life.

Final take and recommendation

The DeWalt 1/4-inch VSR drill is a specialist that knows exactly what it’s good at: high-speed, precise drilling with small bits in light-gauge materials, plus general shop tasks where control matters more than brute force. It’s light, smooth, and confidence-inspiring, with a chuck that actually holds tiny bits and gearing that runs quietly and true.

I recommend it for electricians, HVAC techs, metal fabricators, cabinet installers, and any shop that does a lot of pilot holes, step-bit work, and hardware installs. If you’re shopping for one do-it-all drill to cover large hole saws, masonry, and heavy timber boring, this isn’t it. But as a dedicated small-hole, high-RPM driver, it’s excellent—and it’s the one I reach for first when precision and speed are the brief.