Craftsman 28126 6.5 amp Corded 3/8" Pro Rear Handle Drill

i;ve owned and used several corded drills over my career, but this is the best balanced drill I've seen.  There is plenty of power and speed to safely drill any type of material and more than enough torque.  I love the built in belt hook which frees up my hands for climbing up a ladder.

My disappointments:

1. The drill speed lock switch is WORTHLESS. It only locks on at full speed (yeah good luck at planting that drill bit on wood or metal at 2500 rpm, your bit will wander everywhere)! All the other Craftsman drills I have are 15-25 years old, made in the U.S.A., and have the turn knob in the trigger switch that allows the user to infinitely adjust the lock on speed to any rpm. Even my cheap $12 drill has this feature.

2. The so-called level is out of calibration. Not even close. You can check for square by puttin a builders level up to the chuck (bit holder) face at 90 degrees. The drill I received drills at an upwards angle when it says it's level.

3. It's made in CHINA. It's the first Craftsman drill I ever bought that was not made in the USA. Bummer! If I wanted a Chinese made drill, I would have gone to one of Craftsman's competitors. The 2 plastic body halves are of different red colors! What's up with that ?

4. 2500 rpm ? Who needs 2500 rpm ? 1500 rpm max is all you'll ever need. I'd rather have this 6.5 amp drill max out at 1500 rpm and deliver more usable torque. That's what every driller wants, is that twisting power when using their drill as a screwdriver. 2500 rpm Generates too much heat, especially in metals. Good drill for smoking and destroying your bits. My other 3/8's drills max out at 1200 rpm, while my 1/2 inch drills max out at 550 and 800 rpm. A good quality bit takes all the work off the drill. Use good quality bits and give the bit time to sink into the hole. It needs time to cut and drop into the hole. Cheap quality bits just burn out your drill quickly. By pushing and forcing the bit, you not only destroy the bit, but burn out the bearings and destroy the drill too. Always use low speeds and oil on metals! Have fun.

5. Forget the case. Keep it in a 5 gallon bucket with your bits and a 15-25 ft extension cord. You'll save time and use it more.

6. Power Indicator ? If you're so dumb or blind that you can't remember that you have it plugged in or can't see that it's plugged in, then you're not qualified to use a power tool and should not be drilling.

My Likes:

1. Red Color. I can find it quickly

2. 10 ft. Cuts down on the need of dragging out an extension cord.

3. Keyless chuck. If a 1/16 inch bit slips, wrap a little tape around it or something else. Or unlock the chuck and re-align the bit. But you may have a defective chuck.