With Black and Decker’s new Swivel 5 drill/driver, Model XD1200K, you get a new angle on drilling – or, more precisely, five new angles. As the name implies, the drill head swivels, or rotates, 180 degrees — locking into five different positions along the way. The positions include that of a standard drill, a 45° angle, straight up, a backwards 45° angle, and a right angle.
It’s designed for getting into tight spots, like inside cabinets or drawers. The right angle position also lets you get the drill/driver closer to the workpiece, since the NiCad battery isn’t in the way. In fact, the spring loaded battery pops in and out with a push on one of Black and Decker’s bright orange buttons.
A rubber overmold on the handle makes for an easy grip, while the three-finger trigger switch is also easy to reach and hold. As for power, the Swivel has a torque of 105 inch-pounds and a speed of 0 -700 rpm.
For bit changes, the Swivel features a QuickConnect” system with a pull and release collar that secures hex shank drilling and screwdriving tips. A detachable 1/4″ keyless chuck that accepts round and hex shank bits also comes with the drill. Besides the chuck, the Swivel also comes packaged with six drill bits, four screwdriving bits and five nutdrivers in a storage case.