Dewalt Drill Driver DC970K-2 (2011)

The DeWalt DC970K-2 (2011) is an 18-volt cordless drill/driver designed for general drilling and fastening. It uses a brushed motor, a two-speed gearbox, and an adjustable clutch to control torque when driving screws. “K-2” indicates the product was sold as a kit (drill + two batteries + charger + case/bag).

The drill includes a 1/2″ keyless chuck, so users can change bits without extra tools. It runs on DeWalt’s older 18V slide-style NiCd battery system, used across many DeWalt cordless tools before the company moved to newer lithium-ion battery platforms.

This model was marketed toward DIY homeowners and working trades (carpenters, installers, maintenance), as a mid-range drill rather than a premium model (for example, it does not use a brushless motor or lithium-ion batteries).

Although the DC970K-2 has been discontinued, many units are still in use. The most common issues relate to NiCd battery degradation (reduced charge over time), along with trigger switch wear, lower motor performance from brush wear, and chuck slippage after long-term use.

Sources: NorthernTool & TruckersLogic

• Model Number: DC970K-2
• Housing: Yellow-and-black DeWalt housing
• Handle: Slide-style 18V battery at the base of the handle
• Dimensions: 14.8L x 13.5W x 4.7H (inches)

General

• Device Type: Cordless drill/driver
• Voltage: 18 volts
• Motor Type: Brushed electric motor
• Power Output: 380 unit watts out (UWO), DeWalt’s standardized power measurement for cordless tools
• Chuck: 1/2″ (13 mm) keyless, ratcheting
• Clutch: Adjustable clutch, multiple torque settings plus drill mode
• Weight: <5.2 lbs with battery installed
• Battery Type: 18V NiCd (original batteries included in the kit)

Performance

• Transmission: Two-speed gearbox
• Low Speed: 0 - 450 RPM
• High Speed: 0 - 1500 RPM

Sources: Amazon / Lowes / ToolGuyd / Construct101 / eReplacementParts / Manuals.ca

• DeWalt DC970K-2 replacement parts
• DeWalt 18V NiCd battery discontinuation information
• DeWalt DC970K-2 review/“how to” video