DeWalt DW217 Manual page 2

COMPONENTS (Fig. 1–4)
WARNING: Never modify the power tool or any part of it. Damage or personal injury could result.
A. Trigger switch
B. Locking button
C. Reversing lever
D. Lock-out key
E. Spindle lock button
INTENDED USE
These heavy-duty drills are designed for professional drilling applications. DO NOT use under wet
conditions or in presence of flammable liquids or gases.
These heavy-duty drills are professional power tools. DO NOT let children come into contact with
the tool. Supervision is required when inexperienced operators use this tool.
Motor Brushes
D WALT uses an advanced brush system which automatically stops the drill when the brushes
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wear out. This prevents serious damage to the motor.
Switch (Fig. 1)
To start drill, depress trigger switch; to stop the drill, release trigger. To lock trigger in the on position
for continuous operation, depress trigger and push up locking button (B), then gently release the
trigger. To release the locking mechanism, depress the trigger fully, then release it. Before using the
tool each time, be sure that the locking button release mechanism is working freely.
Do not lock the switch on when drilling by hand so that you can instantly release the trigger switch
if the bit binds in the hole.
The locking button is for use only when the drill is mounted in a drill press stand or otherwise held
stationary.
Be sure to release the locking button before disconnecting the plug from the power supply. Failure
to do so will cause the tool to start immediately the next time it is plugged in. Damage or injury
could result.
VARIABLE SPEED TRIGGER SWITCH
This switch permits speed control: the farther the trigger is de pressed, the higher the speed of the
drill.
NOTE: Use lower speeds for starting holes without a center punch, drilling in metal or plastics,
driving screws or drilling ceramics. Higher speeds are better for drilling wood and composition
boards, and for using abrasive and polishing accessories.
REVERSING LEVER
The reversing lever changes the direction of rotation of the drill and is used when backing out
screws and jammed drill bits. To operate the tool in reverse, release the trigger switch and push
the lever to the left (when viewed from the chuck end) as shown in Figure 2. To operate the drill in
forward for drilling holes or driving screws (as well as when using other accessories) release the
trigger switch and push the lever to the right (when viewed from the chuck end).
Return the reversing lever to the forward position after all operations in reverse are completed.
SWITCH LOCK-ON
Your drill is equipped with a switch lock-on feature. If you wish to disable this feature, take your tool
to any authorized service center. The service center can provide a lock-out key (D) to prevent the
unit from being locked in the on position (Fig. 3).
OPERATION
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, turn unit off and disconnect it from power
source before installing and removing accessories, before adjusting or when making
repairs. An accidental start-up can cause injury.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, ALWAYS ensure workpiece is anchored
or clamped firmly. If drilling thin material, use a wood "back-up" block to prevent damage to the
material.
Side Handle
WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, ALWAYS operate the tool with the side handle
properly installed and tightened. Failure to do so may result in the side handle slipping during tool
operation and subsequent loss of control. Hold tool with both hands to maximize control.
A side handle may be supplied with your drill. Side handles are included with these drills: DW235G,
DW245, DW246. The side handle clamps to the front of the gear case and can be rotated 360
degrees to permit right- or left-hand use.
Drilling
1. Use sharp drill bits only. For WOOD, use the low speed setting and twist drill bits, spade bits,
power auger bits, or hole saws. For METAL, use the low speed setting and steel twist drill bits
or hole saws. For MASONRY, such as brick, cement, cinder block, etc., use carbide-tipped bits
rated for percussion drilling. Use low speed for bits greater than 3/8" (10 mm).
2. Always apply pressure in a straight line with the bit. Use enough pressure to keep drill biting,
but do not push hard enough to stall the motor or deflect the bit.
3. Hold tool firmly with both hands to control the twisting action of the drill.
WARNING: Drill may stall if overloaded causing a sudden twist. Always expect the stall. Grip the
drill firmly with both hands to control the twisting action and avoid injury.
4. IF DRILL STALLS, it is usually because it is being overloaded or improperly used. RELEASE
TRIGGER IMMEDIATELY, remove drill bit from work, and determine cause of stalling. DO
NOT CLICK TRIGGER ON AND OFF IN AN ATTEMPT TO START A STALLED DRILL —
THIS CAN DAMAGE THE DRILL.
5. To minimize stalling or breaking through the material, reduce pressure on drill and ease the bit
through the last fractional part of the hole.
6. Keep the motor running when pulling the bit back out of a drilled hole. This will help prevent
jamming.
7. With variable speed drills there is no need to center punch the point to be drilled. Use a slow
speed to start the hole and accelerate by squeezing the trigger harder when the hole is deep
enough to drill without the bit skipping out.
DRILLING IN METAL
Start drilling with slow speed and increase to full power while applying firm pressure on the tool.
A smooth even flow of metal chips indicates the proper drilling rate. Use a cutting lubricant when
drilling metals. The exceptions are cast iron and brass which should be drilled dry.
NOTE: Large [5/16" (8 mm) to 1/2" (13 mm)] holes in steel can be made easier if a pilot hole [5/32"
(4 mm) to 3/16" (5 mm)] is drilled first.
DRILLING IN WOOD
Start drilling with slow speed and increase to full power while applying firm pressure on the tool.
Holes in wood can be made with the same twist drills used for metal. These bits may overheat
unless pulled out frequently to clear chips from the flutes. Work that is apt to splinter should be
backed up with a block of wood.
DRILLING IN MASONRY
When drilling in masonry, use carbide-tipped bits rated for percussion drilling and be certain that
the bits are sharp. Use a constant and firm force on the tool to drill most effectively. A smooth, even
flow of dust indicates the proper drilling rate.
Keyed Chucks
Open chuck jaws by turning collar with fingers and insert shank of bit about 3/4" into chuck. Tighten
chuck collar by hand. Place chuck key in each of the three holes, and tighten in CLOCKWISE
direction. It's important to tighten chuck with all three holes to prevent slippage. To release bit, turn
chuck key COUNTERCLOCKWISE in just one hole, then loosen the chuck by hand. Any authorized
D WALT service center can install a keyless chuck in place of a keyed chuck.
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Keyless Chucks
Open chuck jaws by turning plastic collar with fingers and insert shank of bit about 3/4" into chuck.
Tighten plastic collar CLOCKWISE while depressing spindle lock button (E) on the right side of the
tool housing (Fig. 4). To release bit, turn plastic collar COUN TERCLOCKWISE while depressing the
spindle lock button (Fig. 4).
NOTE: DO NOT DEPRESS LOCK BUTTON WHILE OPERATING DRILL or while the chuck is
moving.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, turn unit off and disconnect it from power
source before installing and removing accessories, before adjusting or when making
repairs. An accidental start-up can cause injury.
FIG. 1
A
B
SWITCH ASSEMBLY
FIG. 3
D
Cleaning
WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of all air vents with clean, dry air at least once a week. To
minimize the risk of eye injury, always wear ANSI Z87.1 approved eye protection when performing
this.
WARNING: Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals for cleaning the non-metallic parts
of the tool. These chemicals may weaken the plastic materials used in these parts. Use a cloth
dampened only with water and mild soap. Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse
any part of the tool into a liquid.
Lubrication
Self-lubricating bearings are used in the tool and periodic relubrication is not required. In the unlikely
event that service is ever needed, take your tool to an authorized service location.
Accessories
WARNING: Since accessories, other than those offered by D
this product, use of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous. To reduce the risk of injury,
only D WALT recommended accessories should be used with this product.
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Recommended accessories for use with your tool are available at extra cost from your local dealer
or authorized service center.
Repairs
To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs, maintenance and adjustment (including
brush inspection and replacement) should be performed by a D
D WALT authorized service center or other qualified service personnel. Always use identical
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replacement parts.
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a safety notification is required under the Federal Consumer Safety Act.
FIG. 2
C
shown in forward position
FIG. 4
WALT, have not been tested with
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WALT factory service center, a
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Learn more about drills and drivers we have.
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