DeWalt 60V MAX In-Line Stud and Joist Drill With E-CLUTCH System (Tool Only)

First impressions and setup

I reached for the DeWalt 60V stud and joist drill on a recent rough-in where I had to punch a run of large holes through SPF studs and laminated joists. The first thing that stood out was the in-line format: it puts your arms directly behind the bit, which helps you feed steadily without fighting awkward leverage. The second thing was the size and heft. At about 24 inches long and roughly 18 pounds bare, this is a serious two-handed tool that demands respect and rewards proper stance and bracing.

The keyed 1/2-inch chuck fits the use case. For big self-feed bits and large hole saws, a keyed chuck is the right call—secure, reliable, and less likely to slip. It’s not as quick as a keyless chuck for swaps, so do yourself a favor and keep the chuck key tethered to the handle.

Build and ergonomics

The magnesium gear case helps shave weight while keeping a robust feel. Nothing rattles, the gear selector has a positive detent, and the side handle clamps down solidly. This is a long tool, and while the in-line design is excellent for pushing through studs and joists, the length can be limiting in cramped mechanical rooms or when you’re boxed in by blocking. Plan your order of operations so you’re not trying to swing it where it simply doesn’t fit.

Weight is the trade-off for torque. On waist-height or ground-level work, the heft is manageable and even helpful because the mass keeps the bit tracking. Overhead, it will wear you down. For long periods above shoulder height, I pace myself, pre-mark, and drill in batches. Gloves with good grip and a stance that keeps the tool axis aligned to your forearms make a noticeable difference in fatigue.

Power and speed control

This drill runs on DeWalt’s 60V MAX system with a brushless motor. Real-world power is the headline. In low gear (0–500 RPM), it drives large self-feed bits through framing lumber with confidence. In high gear (0–1320 RPM), it’s appropriate for smaller augers and for faster hole saw work when the material allows. The quick-shift speed selector is handy: I often start larger holes in high to establish a clean rim, then shift to low for the bulk of the cut to maintain torque and control.

For reference, DeWalt rates it for:
- Self-feed bits up to 4-5/8 inches in wood
- Hole saws up to 6-1/4 inches in wood
- Dry core drilling up to 6 inches

Those numbers feel honest. With sharp cutters and proper feed pressure, it performs as advertised. Where you run into hiccups is at knots, nail stubs, or dense engineered material. Under those conditions, it will grab—any drill will. The difference here is how well the control features protect you when that happens.

E-CLUTCH safety in practice

The electronic E-CLUTCH is the standout feature. Mechanical clutches can be coarse and inconsistent under high loads; the electronic anti-rotation system senses a bind and reacts quickly, cutting power to prevent a violent spin. The LED indicator on the handle confirms a clutch event, which is useful feedback. On a few knotty studs, I felt the tool start to torque, then it stopped cleanly before it could wrench my wrist. A quick back-out to clear chips, feather the trigger, and I was back in the cut.

You still need to do your part. Use the side handle. Keep your stance so that if the drill stops suddenly, your body doesn’t keep pushing into it. Let the bit do the work—too much force increases the chance of a bind. The E-CLUTCH is a safety net, not a license to be careless, but it’s genuinely effective and confidence-inspiring.

Cutting performance on common tasks

• Stud and joist boring with self-feed bits: In low gear with a 2-9/16 to 3-5/8 inch self-feed, the drill feels planted and strong. Chip clearing matters—periodically back out to avoid bogging the bit. With a 4-5/8 inch cutter, I work deliberately and expect to re-sharpen or replace cutters more frequently; the drill has the torque, but the bit quality becomes the limiting factor.

• Large hole saws in subfloor and studs: With a 4-1/2 to 6-inch hole saw, I prefer to pilot first, start in high gear for a crisp entry, and then switch to low when the sidewalls bite. The tool’s mass helps prevent chatter, especially on thinner sheet goods.

• Dry core drilling: For block or soft brick with a dry core bit (no hammer action), the motor holds speed well as long as you respect the bit’s feed rate and cooling requirements. I keep speeds on the conservative side and take breaks to avoid overheating.

The variable-speed trigger is nicely linear. Power comes on predictably, which helps when you need to ease into a cut or feather through the last fraction of an inch to prevent blowout.

Cordless convenience and runtime

The cordless advantage becomes obvious across a workday. Eliminating cord management speeds setup, reduces trip hazards, and makes it easier to hop between locations. The platform benefits if you’re already invested in 60V MAX. For runtime, a 9Ah pack is the right match for this tool; smaller packs will work, but you’ll notice sag and shorter cycles under heavy loads. Expect runtime to vary widely based on bit size, material, and how often the E-CLUTCH intervenes. My approach is to keep two high-capacity packs rotating and a charger close by—one on the tool, one cooling, one charging. That keeps production moving without thinking about power.

In terms of raw punch, this cordless unit holds its own against traditional corded stud and joist drills for the sizes it’s designed to handle. Very extreme applications still favor a corded unit, but those are outliers for most residential and light commercial work.

Features worth noting

• Tool Connect Tag ready: There’s a recess to attach a tracking tag. It’s not built-in connectivity, but it integrates cleanly if you’re managing a fleet.
• Keyed 1/2-inch chuck: Strong grip for large shanks. The trade-off is slower changes; consider a lanyard for the key.
• Magnesium gear case: Durable and helps manage weight.
• Warranty: 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and 90 days satisfaction. That’s in line with pro expectations and adds peace of mind.

What could be better

• Weight: Power and safety features come with mass. I wouldn’t want to run this overhead all day. A lighter battery helps, but a high-capacity pack balances better and delivers the current this motor wants, so there’s no magic fix. Plan your workflow to manage fatigue.
• Length: The in-line format is great for feeding power straight into the bit, but the 24-inch length means it won’t fit every nook. If you work in very tight cavities, a right-angle drill might complement this.
• Connectivity: Tag-ready is useful, but integrated tracking would be even better for theft recovery and utilization data.
• Accessory management: A more secure onboard chuck key holder would be welcome. It’s a small quality-of-life improvement that saves time.

Tips for best results

• Pre-drill pilot holes for large hole saws to reduce wandering and binding.
• Start holes in high gear to score cleanly, then shift to low for torque.
• Back the bit out periodically to clear chips—especially with self-feeds.
• Brace the side handle against your forearm or hip when possible.
• Use sharp, quality cutters. The drill can out-muscle dull bits, but you’ll pay for it in heat, stalls, and battery drain.
• Rotate 9Ah batteries to keep the tool in its optimal power band.

Who it’s for

This drill makes the most sense for electricians, plumbers, and HVAC pros who routinely bore large, clean holes in framing. It’s also a solid choice for carpenters handling heavy boring for timber work or remodeling. If your work rarely exceeds 1-1/2 or 2 inches, a smaller and lighter drill will be faster and easier to live with. For dedicated big-hole tasks, though, the combination of torque, electronic safety, and cordless freedom is well executed.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 60V stud and joist drill for professionals who need high-torque boring capability with modern safety and the convenience of cordless. It delivers the power required for large self-feed bits and hole saws, the E-CLUTCH meaningfully reduces the risk of injury during a bind, and the in-line form lets you apply force efficiently. The trade-offs—weight, length, and the slower keyed chuck—are real, but they’re appropriate for the category. If you’re already on the 60V MAX platform or you’ve been considering a cordless replacement for a corded stud drill, this is a dependable, jobsite-ready option that prioritizes control and safety without giving up performance.