Every tradesperson knows the feeling. A large bit catches in the hole, the drill stops dead and the body of the drill whips round instead, twisting your wrist or forearm. With today's powerful brushless cordless drills, that kickback can cause real injuries. DEWALT's Anti-Rotation System, built into the DCD1007 and DCD805 18V XR hammer drills, is designed to stop it before it happens.

What is the DEWALT Anti-Rotation System?

The Anti-Rotation System is an electronic safety feature that monitors how the drill itself moves while you work. If a bit binds and the tool body starts to rotate sharply and excessively, the system detects it and shuts the drill down almost instantly. Instead of the full force of the motor twisting your arm, the drill simply stops.

The system works alongside the clutch, not instead of it. The clutch limits torque when you're driving screws; Anti-Rotation responds to the drill body itself spinning out of control, which is the movement that causes injuries.

When Anti-Rotation makes the difference

Bind-ups happen most often when you are:

• drilling large holes in timber with spade bits, auger bits or hole saws, especially through knots or hidden nails
• breaking through the back of steel, where the bit can grab as it exits
• hammer drilling into concrete and hitting reinforcing steel
• working overhead, on a ladder or in an awkward position, where you can't brace properly against the drill

In each case, Anti-Rotation can cut power before the drill twists out of your grip.

The DEWALT drills with Anti-Rotation

DEWALT DCD1007 18V XR brushless hammer drill. The DCD1007 is DEWALT's flagship 3-speed hammer drill, with an all-metal transmission and a ratcheting metal chuck, built for large-diameter holes in timber, steel and masonry. It's the kind of high-torque drill where kickback protection matters most. A red LED lights up when the Anti-Rotation System engages, so you know exactly why the drill stopped.

DEWALT DCD805 18V XR brushless hammer drill driver. The DCD805 brings Anti-Rotation to a compact, everyday drill. It delivers up to 90 Nm of torque in a 177 mm body, with 2 speeds and a 13 mm chuck, making it ideal for tight spaces and all-round drilling and fastening. Compact drills are often used one-handed and at awkward angles, which is exactly when a bind-up catches you out.

Anti-Rotation is a backup, not a replacement for good technique

Anti-Rotation adds an important layer of protection, but safe drilling still starts with you. Use the side handle on large bits and in masonry, hold the drill with both hands, brace your body against the direction of rotation, and choose a lower speed for large-diameter holes. If the system trips, release the trigger, reset your grip and stance, and free the bit before starting again.

Frequently asked questions

Which DEWALT drills have the Anti-Rotation System?

In the 18V XR range covered here, the DCD1007 3-speed hammer drill and the DCD805 compact hammer drill driver both include the Anti-Rotation System.

Is Anti-Rotation the same as a clutch?

No. The clutch limits torque when driving screws. Anti-Rotation detects the drill body itself rotating excessively during a bind-up and shuts the tool down.

Does Anti-Rotation work with all 18V XR batteries?

Yes. It's built into the drill, so it works with any DEWALT 18V XR battery, including POWERSTACK.

Where to buy the DCD1007 and DCD805 in South Africa

CIB Partners is the South African distributor of DEWALT. The DCD1007 and DCD805 are available through our network of trade dealers. Visit our CIB showrooms in Johannesburg, Durban (Umhlanga) and Cape Town, use our dealer locator to find your nearest trade stockist, or speak to your CIB sales rep.

For trade enquiries, call +27 11 434 1170 or email info@cibpartners.co.za.