The creatively-named Rockwell 3RILL is a 3-in-1 impact driver. It features a unique design that allows you to quickly switch from impact driver to variable speed drill to screwdriver modes. So it’s not just an impact driver, it’s also a dual-speed VSR drill and cordless screwdriver with 22 adjustable clutch settings.
Rockwell’s 3RILL (model RK2515K2), is powered by their 12V LithiumTech battery system, which has a smart chip battery that charges up to 75% capacity in just 15 minutes and 100% in 30-minutes (which is about average).
Like other impact drivers, the 3RILL has a 1/4″ hex chuck. When in impact driver mode, use impact-rated screwdriver bits; when in variable-speed drill mode, use 1/4″ hex-shank or impact-ready drill bits (like the Dewalt impact drill bits we reviewed some time ago); and when in screwdriver mode use any 1/4″ hex-shank bits.
The 3RILL weighs in at 2.7 lbs, the impact rate is 0-3000 IPM, and max torque is 800 in-lbs when in impact mode. In VSR rotary-mode, the 3RILL has no-load speeds of 0-600 and 0-2200 RPM for high-torque and high-speed modes respectively.
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The Rockwell 3RILL is priced at about $170. It’s neat that you can switch between drill/driver modes, and it looks like this is the only 12V tool of this type on the market. There are a few similarly featured 18V models already on the market, such as this Bosch 3-mode impact driver.
One thing that I don’t like is how the drill mode requires the use of 1/4″ shank drill bits, which I have found to wobble more than regular drill bits do when in any standard 3-jaw drill chuck. I was hoping that Rockwell would have designed the 3RILL with an interchangeable chuck system as they did with their H3 12V rotary hammer drill.
In any case, it seems like Rockwell is on a roll with these new tools. We’re also thinking that whomever called the drill/driver 3RILL also named Rockwell’s new Trans4mer saw.
I understand the “wobble factor” involved with hex shanked drill bits, but when I envision a practical use for a tool like this, I think of construction assembly where the drill would be used to make pilot holes, or pass through holes for screws, lags, carriage bolts, etc.,where the tolerances usually are a bit more relaxed than in say, cabinet work , where precision is called for. At least that is what I would end up using it for if I had one, and I do like the idea of only having to lug one tool for the different tasks.
You’ve got a point there. But the 3rill is not being marketed towards the construction industry, at least not primarily, and even if so, I have not seen much widespread use of hex-shanked drill bits aside from perhaps spade/paddle bits.
I’m not blown out of the water by this, and personally, it seems a bit gimmicky; however, I do like the direction they are going. All I see this as is an impact driver that lets you turn off the impact mode. I think that should become a standard feature for impact drivers (I know some 18v drivers are coming out with that feature, as well as an adjustable impact strength). Now this is nice in certain situations, but it’s a deal-breaker as far as drilling goes to not have a regular keyless chuck.
If I had to have just one tool for all my drilling and driving needs, it would simply be any one of the dozens of the standard 2-gear drills out there. Drills can also drive better than impact drivers can also drill (I realize how confusing that sounds).
Although I haven’t experienced a lot of their cordless tools, I’ve used a few. Overall I consider Rockwell to be primarily a corded tool manufacturer. I think that their cordless tools receive credit based on the reputation of their corded tools.
I have a friend with one of their cordless drills that I wouldn’t give you a nickel for. He’s a woodworker, and purchased the drill based on experience with his traditional Rockwell products. The drill has extremely unimpressive torque, a poor excuse for batteries, etc. Let’s just say that when my friend purchased another cordless drill, it was a Dewalt.
This item may be an exception. I’d be more inclined however, to purchase a better established cordless tool. I wouldn’t want to take an arbitrary chance on this. Even if it performs well out of the box, I’d question it’s longevity as well as the life of the batteries.
Robert
comparison to the Milwauke 2401-22 to the rockwell 3drill. which one is better Quality.
Apples and oranges. I only spent a few minutes with a 3rill demo in-store, but from what I saw, I would much prefer a Bosch or Dewalt driver over it. Cannot really say about Milwaukee since I haven’t used theirs yet.