WORX Nitro WX130L 20V Brushless Drill Driver: features and specs

The WORX Nitro WX130L is a compact cordless drill driver with a brushless motor and a 1/2-inch chuck. It is aimed at people who need solid drilling and driving power in tight spots, such as between wall studs, inside cabinets or in the narrow spaces plumbers and electricians work in.

Small body, serious torque

WORX gives the drill a body length of about 6 inches and a weight of around 3 lb (about 1.4 kg). It rates the drill at up to 500 in-lbs of torque (roughly 56 N·m) and 0-2,100 RPM. The brand says it is 17% smaller and 25% more powerful than the previous model.

Torque is the twisting force, and it decides how well the drill copes with large bits, thick lumber and long screws. RPM is speed, which matters more for clean holes in thinner material.

What a brushless motor changes

A brushed motor uses carbon contacts that wear and create friction. A brushless motor replaces them with electronic control. In general, that means less wasted energy, less heat and fewer parts that wear out. WORX says its motor runs 50% longer per charge, is 25% more powerful and lasts 10 times longer than standard brushed motors. Those are the brand's comparisons, and results depend on the work being done.

Controls: speed range and clutch

The drill has a two-speed gearbox and a variable-speed trigger. The low range suits driving screws and heavy drilling, and the high range suits faster drilling in lighter work.

The clutch has 18+1 positions. The numbered settings limit the torque so the drill slips before a screw is driven too deep or a head is stripped. The "+1" is the drill setting, where the clutch is bypassed for full power.

The chuck

The 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck is all metal. A larger chuck accepts bigger shank sizes than the 3/8-inch chucks on many compact drills, and WORX says it grips without bit slippage in dense materials.

Light and grip

A built-in LED lights the work area when you pull the trigger and stays on for 20 seconds after release. The handle is the brand's GripZone design, meant to stay comfortable during longer jobs.

Power Share batteries

The drill runs on the WORX Power Share battery platform. WORX says one battery fits more than 140 tools across its 20V, 40V and 80V lines, including garden tools. That is useful if you already own, or plan to own, other tools from the same system. The kit includes two 2.0Ah batteries and a quick charger.

Who it suits

It suits homeowners and tradespeople who want a compact drill for general drilling and driving, particularly in confined spaces, and anyone building up a collection of tools on one battery platform.

What to check before you buy

• Battery platform: if you already use another brand's batteries, note that these won't interchange.
• Battery size: 2.0Ah batteries are light, but heavy or continuous work may call for larger packs.
• Chuck size: confirm the 1/2-inch capacity covers the bits you use.
• What's in the box: the listing states one drill, two 2.0Ah batteries and one charger. No case is mentioned.
• Safety: wear eye protection and follow the manual, especially on clutch settings and battery charging.

The short version

• A compact 20V brushless drill driver, about 6 inches long and 3 lb.
• Up to 500 in-lbs of torque and 0-2,100 RPM, with two speed ranges.
• 18+1 clutch settings and a 1/2-inch all-metal ratcheting chuck.
• LED work light that stays on for 20 seconds after release.
• Uses Power Share batteries; two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger are included.

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