ACDelco is a hit with mechanics. We have some units out in the field that we check in on once in a while and they are still running strong. One of them you can’t even recognize anymore but it still works perfectly. ACDelco sent us out the 12V ARD1296 to check out. The 4 pole motor of the ARD1296 puts out 300 in-lbs of torque. It has 2 speeds 0-345 and 0-1240 on speed 2. The variable speed trigger with electric brake provides total control for the mechanic. 20 torque settings plus a drill mode ensure that you won’t be stripping any of your work. The 2.7 lb ARD1296 may not be the smallest 12V drill on the market but it does pack a lot of power for a brushed 12v drill.
The brushes are user replaceable to ensure a long service life. The entire tool has a nice rubber over molded grip that makes the drill comfortable to hold and easy to hold onto in high torque applications. Overall the ACDelco ARD1296 is a great addition to the 12V line up from ACDelco. It is designed to take a beating and last in the harsh automotive repair environment. The drill comes with two 1.5 Ah batteries, a charger and a blow molded case. The fast charger can charge in about 15-20 minutes which is blazing fast. Check out ARD1296 via ACDelco. Congrats to Justin P who won this tool.
Hey, guys–You two are the Siskel and Ebert of tool reviewers. I enjoy the back-and-forth between you as much as the actual testing of the products. Incidentally, you mention at the end that Jason P won this latest tool (the AC Delco ARD1296), and I wondered if there was another contest going on besides the Ultimate Tool Bag 2 Giveaway. I don’t remember reading about it here on TIA; I don’t tweet, Facebook or use other social media, so that statement caught me off-guard. If there are additional giveaways in progress, how can I enter them?
Thanks, and keep up the great reviews.
Hi Steve, Thanks! We give away things unannounced all the time to thank our readers for supporting us. Whenever you comment anywhere on the site or youtube, twitter, forum, twitter, pintrest u are entered for all our contests and giveaways. We randomly give something away and it could be you. The more comment and engage the more we see you which gives you more chances.
Great writeup guys! I never think of AC Delco for tools but as you said they are popular for mechanics…
I’m new to tools in review but look forward to checking in regularly.
oops, tools in action (not tools in review).
I had not really paid much attention to AC Delco for cordless tools but it looks like their 12v line is pretty decent
Who makes these tools for AC Delco (I assume it is a private label Bosch or Milwaukee, etc)?
Hi todd, Actually no it is made by a company called Durofix. The License the ACDelco name.