Drill Doctor DD750PK Precision Drill Bit Sharpener Reviews

Posted 9/19/2005 • Updated 3/23/2007

Drill Doctor DD750PK Precision Drill Bit Sharpener 
 

Home Projects, August 21, 2005
Reviewer: W. C. Lance “Damfixer” (Southern WV)
    
Although I have only had the Drill Doctor for a couple of weeks, it has helped with by projects already. The product does what is says. It makes working with drill dits much more like working with new drill bits or better.

Solid Tool, Economically Sensible!, June 2, 2005
Reviewer: Jeffrey A. Smith “jasncompany” (Athens, AL)
    
I wasn’t truly convinced I needed a drill bit sharpener until I saw Drill Doctor’s infomercial one night during a bout with insomnia. Anyway, I started thinking about the times when I have been in the middle of a job and had to resort to bearing down with all my might to force a “once-sharp-but-now-dull” drill bit to make a few final holes in order to complete a job. Anyway, bearing down like that is hard on your drill and hard on yourself, so I thought I’d try the DD750PK, and ordered mine from Amazon.

First up, I grabbed a handful of old bits that I had inexplicably saved, and sharpened a few. I was impressed with how easy and accurately the DD750PK sharpened these bits. I sharpened bits from 1/4″ on up, and all went well. The tool really is easy to use.

The lasting impression was made late one Sunday night in my home shop, however. I accidentally demolished the tip on an odd-sized bit. I’m going to skip the particulars about the stupid thing I did to demolish this bit, but the end of it had no taper left whatsoever. It was completely flat. I thought there’d be no way to restore a point to that bit, but I was wrong. With the home centers all closed, finding another bit was not an option, so out came the Drill Doctor. Within just a few minutes, I had that bit back in service — and even though it was 1/4″ shorter than it had been (because of the damage — not because the Drill Doctor takes that much off during sharpening), it actually cut better than when it was new. I was totally impressed at that point. It may not sound like much, but without that Drill Doctor, I would have had to postpone completion of my project until I replaced the bit.

This was exactly the situation I had imagined when I bought the Drill Doctor. I’m a believer in it now, for sure! Plus, if you sharpen enough bits, the thing pays for itself!

The ability to sharpen masonry bits should save me a lot of wear and tear on my drills as well!

My only complaint, and maybe it doesn’t merit knocking it from 5 stars to 4, is that I would like to be able to sharpen up to a 1″ bit. Those darned things are expensive, and naturally, the bigger the bit you can sharpen, the more money you can save.

I highly recommend this tool!

Drill Doctor DD750PK, February 1, 2005
Reviewer: Robert W. Brown “Bob” (Logansport, IN USA)
    
I ordered my Drill Doctor on Friday, 01-28-05 and received it on Monday, 01-31-05. What wonderful service from Amazon.com!
I watched the included video and read the manual and then decided to give it a whirl. My first bit, a 1/2 inch, was perfect! I even checked for accurate centering using my depth micrometer. It was right on. I proceeded to do 24 more dull bits down to a number 40. All came out perfectly. This took about an hour or so.
The only problem I experienced was with small shorter bits. They do not pass through the end of the chuck far enough to turn them with your fingers for proper alignment. I overcame this problem by leaving the chuck not seated on its flats and closeing the alignment paddle gently while slightly rotating the chuck until proper alignment was achieved and then carefully seating the chuck and then tightening it. That took a little practice but the number 40 bit only took three attempts to get it right. I would recommend using a magnifying glass to inspect bits under 1/8 to be sure that they are sharpened correctly. Perhaps the Drill Doctor folks will come out with an additional chuck to handle the smaller sizes better.
Overall, I would recommend this precision tool to anyone who drills many holes and always should have a sharp bit. Well, back to sharpening more bits! 

Read more

Troy-Bilt 24A-204B766 6.5HP Chipper Shredder Vac Self Propelled Model

Great value, but not really self propelled., September 2, 2005
Reviewer: John S. Bilik

I have a lakeside area with lots of acorns and walnuts in the north woods of Wisconsin, which after one pass, are completely removed and no longer a bother. The vaccuum is strong enough to lift small twigs and nuts from the ground in one pass, so it does it’s job. The self propelled feature is not so hardy. My vac pull to the right constantly, I believe only the left rear wheel is power driven. There appears to be a small differential casing, but it’s very dainty and may be broken after only several uses. For the money, this little machine really cleans up, and will make no work at all out of leaves and grass. It’s a good value for me, and is perfect for small areas (<1 acre) with lots of manicured trees. The flywheel is directly connected to the motor shaft, so it’s a bit of a challenge to get it started with a pull rope, especially when very cold.

Replaced similar YardMan model which I sold two years ago., July 19, 2005

Reviewer: Wayne J. Hughes “EZ” (Blue Ridge, NC)

After deciding to move to Fl., I no longer needed my yard man leaf vacuum which was indespensible in my wooded northern acre.
Well, we decided to move again, to woods in NC and I ordered the Troy-Bilt 6.5 Hp chipper shredder, made by MTD also, because of my experience with the YardMan version.

It arrived earlier than estimated (good) and in perfect condition. The minor assembly was easy and everything works fine. It has a bit more power than my older one but is very similar, Otherwise. It chips branches up to 3″ and worked very well on my accumulation of yard debris. Fast and efficient for a unit this size. I learned with the other that the vacuum hose is a better accessory than the vacuum nozzle that comes std. so I ordered that from MTD and used it in my wooded area to clear some leaf piles from last Fall. The extra power of this unit was evident and it did a great job, very seldom having to clear the hose of wet debris.

For its size and price, this is an excellent machine and I anticipate good service as with my prior version.

Read more

DEWALT DW723 Miter Saw Stand Reviews

List Price: $392.00
Price: $184.94 and this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. See details.
You Save: $207.06 (53%)

5 out of 5 stars Best thing since sliced bread, August 29, 2005

Reviewer: Tom Bond “Bondo” (Kansas City)

My wife bought me a DeWalt Miter saw and when reading about the saw on the internet, everyone recommended this stand for it. I will have to say that this is the best money you could ever spend for a miter saw stand. I don’t know if it will work for any saw, but for mine it was a simple assemble job and then off to work.

The DeWalt miter stand is sturdy, the extension arms slide easily, and it is the correct height. You fold it up and transport it in seconds.

Altogether, 5 stars. An absolutely must have.

5 out of 5 stars DW723 Miter Saw Stand, August 22, 2005

Reviewer: Brigid C. Irons

we are very pleased with the stand. We received the shipment in a timely manner.

5 out of 5 stars A stand worthy of standing up to…., August 15, 2005

Reviewer: Anthony W. Gatewood (DC metro area)

After 25 years in the home improvement trade, I discovered Dewalt had created a miter saw stand so versatile, simple, and complete. I bought one over a year ago and decided to equip my other saw with the same stand about a month ago. I’ve always created my own jobsite stand….but for $200 I have the exact stand necessary for the electric miter saw without hassling with setup and break down. It is the stand worthy of standing up to.
Read more

 



More information..

Panasonic EY6432GQKW 15.6-Volt, 1/2″ Cordless Hyperformance Drill with 2 NiMH Batteries

Rating:
List Price: $360.00
Sale Price: $199.99
You save: $160.01 (44%)
Market Place $197.60
 by Panasonic
Sales rank:   23
Catalog:   Home Improvement
Media: Tools & Hardware
ASIN:   B00009KDGX
UPC:   037988710010
Mpn:   EY6432GQKW
Store:   Amazon.com
Usually ships in 1 to 2 weeks


Note: Displayed Prices are subject to change without notice.
Please check the final price at merchants web site before making a purchase

  • Compact and lightweight for all-day use
  • Two 3.5 amp Ni-MH battery packs for longer run time
  • Delivers 390 in./lbs. of torque
  • 1/2-inch keyless chuck offers big-bit capacity
  • 55-minute charge saves time

Amazon’s Review:  Impressively compact, lightweight, and comfortable to use, Panasonic`s 15.6-volt drill/driver fits into tight spaces where other bulkier drills won`t. The 3-1/2 amp NiMH batteries deliver remarkable run time per charge, which is a big plus, especially if you need a tool for continuous use. What about power? This Panasonic packs up to 390 inch-pounds of torque–as much (if not more) than anyone needs in a cordless tool. The motor`s speed control allows full torque at any speed, so you can apply full torque while still maintaining control. The tool features dual speed ranges of 65 to 450 and 200 to 1,450 rpm. The 1/2-inch chuck takes bigger bits. The first thing you notice about this tool, however, is how compact it is (the chassis measures only 8-1/2 inches) and how comfortable it feels in your hand. The soft-pad grip provides extra cushion and the tool`s balance is superb, two important features if you wield a cordless day in and day out. The tool lacks an onboard bit holder, but that`s about all it lacks. The 3-1/2 amp batteries are ventilated, so they last longer, delivering up to 1,200 charges and recharges. This drill is a smart buy for plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and even woodworkers–in short, anyone who wants a small, compact drill that packs a lot of torque and is built to last. The package includes a 55-minute universal charger and hard-plastic carrying case. –Jon Groebner

Unbiased user reviews:

If only there were more tools to use with this battery system
I’ve used thesse drills, and I think they are better (in many ways) than most everything else on the market.

They are lighter, smoother, quieter, just as powerful and they just feel good. They are really amazing, and you’d have to use one to really understand how good they feel.

When I was buying my latest group of cordless tools, I needed a hammer drill, inline-recrprocating saw (Sawzall type), and a small circular saw (trim saw). I do a lot of work where there’s no power, or a just need a quick cut, and it’s a pain to drag out 100′ of extension cord.
Sadly, Panasonic doesn’t amke all the other tools I needed.

If you just need a drill, this one is wonderful. If you need all the other tools, you’ll have to look elsewhere (Dewalt, Bosch…)  

 great drill 
Light, and has a really good battery life. I like this drill much better than the Dewalt’s that my guys have. Strongly recommended.

 This is the drill to get 
I thought about a drill very seriously. After all, after a few hand tool a cordless drill gets the most use than any tool I have. So I started looking at Hilti and other higher end drills like Festool. I have read and heard great things about this drill so I gave it a good thougha and even if it dies on me for the price of the others I can pretty much buy two of these so I submized to reason.
I used it for about 4 months before it got stollen and I will buy another. I think that speaks loudly of its strengths.
The reason I gave it four stars is after going through 2 Makitas I really dislike how often I need to retighten bits b/c the chuck grabed it wrong. Never a problem for me in in the last six years my Makitas lasted me.

 Best drill I’ve ever used. 
Lighter than an 18v DeWalt, but just as powerful. Above all, fits so well in my hand that I can one-hand it anywehere. Good build-quality as well

 Terrific combination of power, weight, size, & ergnomics… 
Since this drill has been extensively reviewed, this write-up will compare it to another highly rated (by Amazon reviewers) tool, the Bosch 33618 18-Volt Brute Tough Drill/Driver. I own, and extensively use, both.

Power - with 500 inch pounds of torque, the Brute out-powers the Panasonic, and most other cordless drills, on sheer torque. (However, putting things in perspective, my DeWalt DW235G 1/2″ Heavy Duty 7.8 Amp corded drill overwhelms the Brute in this category; so don’t buy a cordless drill thinking it’s the “most powerful” tool.)

Chuck - slight edge to the Brute. Both drills have superb one-handed chucks that will tightly hold any bit, from tiny 1/16 inch round bits to ½ inch bits. Both are very quick to change out bits. However, my Panasonic chuck wobbles a little and sometimes the shaft turns ½ revolution or so when trying to tighten the chuck, before it locks in place. The Brute chuck doesn’t wobble and the shaft always locks immediately. (One Panasonic reviewer said “It is difficult to center small bits in the chuck” - probably a result of the chuck being open too far — simply close-up the chuck more before inserting the bit.)

Weight - the Panasonic is the clear winner in this department. The heavier Brute is uncomfortable to use overhead for any length of time.

Size - the Panasonic is about 1/3 smaller, and can be used in tight spots where the Brute won’t even fit.

Run-time - the reviews say the Panasonic lasts longer, and I’d have to agree - but it doesn’t win by much. Both are outstanding.

Clutch - tie - both are excellent, with a wide range of choices.

Charge time - tie — both are equally fast.

Ergonomics - tie - both fit my [large] hand, have no sharp spots, nothing pinches my fingers and the grip is comfortable. The reverse switch is fine on both, in my opinion.

Speed control - tie - both are excellent, going smoothly from a dead stop to full speed. (One reviewer that had a problem with his Panasonic speed control must have had a defective switch.)

Gearbox - don’t know what the Panasonic gears are made out of, but the Brute’s are steel, and should last the life of the tool. (One Brute reviewer said his gears “stripped out, i. e. the motor was turning but not the chuck” - my guess is he had the speed selector set between high and low.) Steel gears are important to me ever since my Porter Cable 14.4 v drill stripped its nylon gears.

Noise - the Panasonic “whines” a little, as though its gears were really tight. So what - it’s not annoying to me.

Auxiliary handle. The Brute comes with a excellent side handle that can be tightened into place at any point in the 360 degrees. The Panasonic doesn’t come with such a handle, probably because it isn’t sufficiently powerful to need one. Haven’t used this handle often, but it’s useful when working with large bits that can bind, and stop instantly. I.e., that handle could save your wrist from a nasty sprain if the drill continued turning before you could release the trigger.

Tool case. Tie. Both are fine.

Question: Which is “best”?

Answer: Depends. The Panasonic does everything the Brute does, except when you need the Brute’s greater power. Without the Brute, I’d have to use a corded drill more often. But, if I didn’t have the Panasonic, my arm would tire faster from the Brute’s weight, and sometimes that Brute is just too big to fit where I’m drilling.

I’ve found these drills to be a complementary pair of terrific tools.

 The Mercedes of Cordless Drills - Simply THE BEST 
I am a remodeling contractor/carpenter and have used every other “professional grade” drill out there. While many of them perform adequately and are very good drills, none are as sweet as the Panosonic. In tests, this 15.6 V has out performed every 18V drill on the market, not to mention it blows away any 14V drill as well. Don’t be fooled by drills that claim they have higher torque than the Panasonic. Torque ratings are really not a true measure of performance. Neither is voltage. You do not need one of those 19 or 24V Clubs. The 15.6V batteries on the Panosonic will hold their charge for an incredibly long time, longer than any 18V for sure.

As if its performance was not enough, its ergonomics are even better. It is perfectly balanced in your hand and I mean perfectly. It is a joy to hold and use all day, being much lighter and smaller than its 18V rivals. It will fit into many tight spaces that only a right angle drill could, and that no other 18V ever could.

The chuck system is also excellent. Some people don’t like the clicking noise it makes as you tighten it but that noise is exactly the reason this chuck will not slip once you have it tightened.

I have many friends with Milwaukees, Porter Cables, and Makita’s, and DeWalts. I have owned or used all of those myself. When they try the Panasonic they wish they would have bought one.

It does cost a bit more than some of the other drills in its class but the Panosonic 15.6V is really in a class all by itself and worth every penny.

Highly Recommended

 OK but not $200 worth of OK 
I’ve had this drill for about a year now. It has plenty of power but the batteries don’t seem to last a lot longer than my buddy’s 18V Craftsman. It is difficult to center small bits in the chuck, and worst of all, it will not turn slowly. It’s fast or nothing. This is particularly frustrating when trying to start a screw in a tough spot. It’s an OK drill, but for this much scratch you can get an 18V Milwaukee.

 Best I’ve Owned 
This is the nicest drill I have ever owned, with or without a cord. It’s a bit heavier than a corded drill, but not as bad as some cordless I’ve seen. It is a little picky about chucking up a very small bit (like 1/16″ to 3/32″) and you may have to try a couple of times to get it really centered, but that’s all. The best thing is, the NiMH batteries hold a charge and don’t develop memory. I’ve had two other cordless drills that were pretty much useless, because the NiCad batteries were never charged when I wanted to use the drills. I’m not a builder, but I’m a homeowner who does some minor building projects and home repair stuff. This means that the drill does not get daily use and the batteries do not sit in a charger overnight waiting for the next day on the job. I haven’t owned the drill that long - two months - but I am happy I bought this drill. The other reviews on Amazon convinced me to buy it. At $200, it ain’t cheap, but once you get over that, you will never be sorry you own the drill.

 disappointed 
I read a review of this gun in my Union Carpenters Magazine and bought it on their recommendation.But they must have only used that gun for a week. It was fine when new.
In just over a year of not much use, the batteries wore out,the trigger sticks and the transmission whines.I called Panasonic and they told me I was out of luck. My 5 year old DeWalt 12 volt cordless held up better. I will never by anything made by Panasonic again

 A welcome surprise 
This robust drill has it all.

It’s not too big, is very comfortable to hold and is very well balanced.

It’s powerful. The batteries are long lasting, there’s not much more one can ask for.

The batteries are Ni-MH, wich means that they are sensitive to cold. They must be allowed to reach room temp. before charging.

 no cordless in this class 
As I stare at my box full of old cordless drills and their depleted NiCad batteries, I can only wish that this drill was available much earlier. After retiring my DeWalts and Makita’s and realizing that there is no shame in using an extension cord, I vowed never to throw money away again at a cordless and their overpriced NiCad batteries.

Forced into a job site with no power, I purchased this drill from Amazon at a good price and put it through its paces with a variety of drill loads. Some specifics:
1) The first impression has to be its small size, weight, quality of feel, balance. Obvious quality of materials and manufacturing.

2)The chuck has to be the best that I have ever used. Easiest to change bits, extremely tight grip on both small (1/16″) and large bits. Outstanding engineering concept and achievement.

3) Speed control has two ranges and mesh perfectly from slow driver speed to fast drilling. Excellent trigger feel and response.

4) And now the power. Don’t even think of stalling this brute. The 3.5AH NiMH batteries have incredible reserve and recharge capablity. The charger is well designed and will quickly charge a depleted battery. These batteries seem to last all day.

If you are thinking of a (the) top quality cordless drill that will last for many years and handle any job, this is the obvious choice. Well worth the cost, which is price competitive with the other 15-18v drill selections.

You deserve this !!

 The BEST there is 
This is the best there is. I’ve owned most of them - Bosch, Makita, PC, Dewalt, Milwaukee. I finally got the Panasonic. The batteries seem to last “forever.” The drill has plenty of torque, and it is a pleasure to use - comfortable in the hand, and light weight. This drill is the only one in the shop now. Having said that, I do think the other drills are good, just that this one is better - lighter, strong, goes forever, good ergonomics, great one-handed clutch (and I’ve had not problems centering the bits), and it is tough and reliable. Did some fence work and it out-performed an 18v Dewalt with never a whimper. Yes, I’ll keep a couple of the others around - like in the truck box for a back-up or loaner, although that’s just my security blanket, I guess. I can’t imagine that this Panasonic would ever let me down based on the work it has put out, and the toughness it has shown during the last 6 months. This one puts out the work, and it is plenty tough, but it is also just to pretty to throw around. (”Take care of your tools and they’ll take care of you.”) No - It’s not a hammer drill, and it’s not a rotary hammer, nor is it a manually operated carpenter’s hammer. Yes, I have seen people use their drill/drivers for those things - and then cuss the drill. Overall, I think this Panasonic is the best DRILL/DRIVER on the market. I may try the 18v Panasonic someday, but I never feel undergunned in any way with this 15.6. I highly recommend it. It’s great!

 WORKHORSE! 
I have been using this cordless driver for about one year. I am in a woodworking school making cabinets and furniture. I use it for drilling various size holes, making jigs and driving screws in all types of wood, although I use mostly dense hardwoods. I really like the lightweight and great balance. The 3.5 amp batteries go on and on. And this model has plenty of torque! I previously used a 12 volt Porter-Cable which doesn’t hold a candle to this model. A very good value as well. The other reviews are right on the mark.

 warranty 
I recently bought the 18v Panasonic here at Amazon. I was tired of changing batteries on my Dewalt and Ryobi. I recieved it just before Hurricane Frances hit our area in Florida. I installed plywood window coverings on two houses and a condo using 2 3/4 ” Tapcons through concrete block and changed the battery once. This gun is very powerful, the chuck doesn’t slip and I could not be happier with the battery and charger. Unfortunately towards the end of my installation the clutch stripped out, which wasn’t to big of a deal, I just clicked over to drill and finished the job off, occasionally snapping a few Tapcons. I called Panasonic, which was a little disappointing. I had to wait on hold about 45 minutes to be politely informed that since I had not bought the gun from an official dealer they would offer no warranty. I shot an e-mail off to Amazon to see what recourse I might have. I recieved an E-mail back the next day with gracious appoligies and notification that a new Gun was being sent out 2-day air. I wouldn’t have expected that kind of service even from Panasonic. I am very happy with the purchase of this gun and I am thrilled with Amazon.

 great drill 
I place a lot of importance and quality, and this drill has it. It’s light, powerful, and runs forever. I was not a cordless fan until I got this drill. It just flat works.

 Noisy Chuck/Motor on a Nice Drill 
I’ve read the reviews and I agree that the performance is outstanding! The drill is powerful, feels nice in the hand, is well balanced, compact, feels durable and sits stable on its base. I also like the delicate/sensitive trigger (nice brake!) and the one-handed chuck.

But I find the drill lacks convenient bit storage (you have to take the battery off to get to it!!) and it’s noisy! At low speeds, the motor has a fairly loud & distinguished high-pitched hum. The hum isn’t noticeable at the higher end. The ratcheting chuck works very well, but sounds like a 20 pound salmon on an undersized fishing pole when changing bits. This is most noticeable when you hold the chuck with one hand and pull the trigger to quickly change from one sized bit to another. Maybe this is normal for ratcheting chucks, but I find it annoying.

Being someone that prefers a versatile drill for performing intricate detail & cabinet woodworking, and not so much deck building, I think there is probably a better drill out there that fits my persona.

 Highly Recommended
 One of the top tools I have ever purchased. Runs like a sewing machine. Plently of power, it has never stalled out, and I have been using it for over one year. The chuck is excellent. The drill is light weight and easy to hold over long periods of time.

 A great deal 
Powerful and precise, no slipping, and gets into every nook, cranny and corner. This PANASONIC CORDLESS is indestructible. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dropped or knocked this thing over. I’ve used it on my car, on just about every part of my house. And for the price that Amazon is asking, every professional or handiman should have one on their workbenches.

 best borer
The Panasonic 15.6 is the best tool for the job and the money when you consider the amount cash I’ve spent on the “yellow tools.” The size,torque,battery life, the 1/2″ chuck all are award winning designs by this finish carpenter’s account.
I have owned my Pansonic 15.6 for over 3 years and have installed nearly 100 kitchens with the original batteries.
And because 2 drills are better than one, I will be purchasing another.

 Best Cordless Drill I have EVER used 
This is the best cordless drill I have ever used. Yes, I have used the newest Bosch and Milwaukee cordless drills. They don’t compare. The Milwaukee, although a little more powerful, is too heavy and cumbersome to use. The Bosch is also heavier and the clutch action isn’t very good. Forget the DeWalts. They used to be good drills but now their drills are junk. They have nothing but clutch and chuck problems. We wasted so much money on DeWalts! So irritating.

I like that the Panasonic is both light and powerful. Small enough to use in tight locations. The charging system is also excellent. The clutch has good action and has a good range of torque settings. The chuck is strong and holds onto drill bits tight.

The battery is the best part of the drill. I don’t think I have used any cordless drill that can outlast this drill. I’ve seen many consumer magazines drool over how many more holes or screws this thing can drive. I was skeptical until I used it. Last twice as long as most. I don’t even know why it comes with a second battery. One battery usually last more than a few (hard) days.

 Great battery, but chuck is an issue 
I’ve had a number of cordless drills. After having a second DeWalt die before its time, I vowed to never buy a yellow tool again. I picked up every brand of drill I could find to check the feel and the Panasonic was very well balanced. And thankfully it doesn’t have that much yellow on it….

I’ve had this drill for almost a year and the battery life is impressive, to say the least. I built a 12 x 12 deck this summer for my brother using pressure treated yellow pine from the ground up. Every connection was done with the drill and it did it all on one battery charge - I drove over three pounds of screws into crappy wet Home Depot wood and the battery just would not give up.

The only thing I don’t like is the chuck. I got use to the screaming sound when loosing and tightening, but the chuck doesn’t seem to want to center a drill bit. It usually takes two or three tries to get the bit centered. Maybe I have a faulty chuck?

Otherwise the drill is great, and I would certainly buy another one.

 Best overall drill 
I’d been waiting for years for the perfect overall drill to come into my workshop. I have a brother that sells power tools for a living and he told me about this Panasonic drill that he liked better than all the rest of the pack. The couple of selling points he had was the high torque at ANY SPEED… pull the trigger a bit to turn a screw in slowly even when the going gets tough… and the almost never-ending power supply of 3.5 Amp hours… that’s enough power to run a halogen light for 75 minutes! I recently put in an entire subfloor on one charge, the battery just doesn’t quit. Note of caution: the chuck has an anti-loosen mechanism that while loosening or tightening makes a pretty loud whine… or ratchteting click when hand turning.. but it pays off.. my bits never loosen while on my milwaukee it happens any time i bump the chuck while loosening screws.

I lucked out in the timing of my purchase.. they just came out with the 3.5AH battery.. it uses squared off battery cells to get more juice in almost the same space as the 3.0AH batteries that have cylindrical battery cells.

I’ve used the bosch 24V which has 25% more torque.. a monster.. but this drill will put 4″ screws into hardwood w/o thinking about it so it has gobbs of torque yet is still a very nice small size.. it fits no problem between two studs to drill holes for wiring and i’ve used it to bore 2 1/2″ holes in cabinets.

I bought the lantern and a spare battery and it’s extremely convenient to have a constant portable light source that will last 5-6 hours straight with no dimming whatsoever (light just shuts off when battery is low).

Summary: impossible to beat this drill for overall use… get the new 12V impact if you want light and high power mostly for screw driving… get the 15.6 if you want the best general purpose drill made.

 Best Cordless Bar None 
I have used cordless drills in my trade for over 20 years. I started out with the early Mikitas, progressed to Skill “Top Guns” (late ’80s), Milwaukee, Dewalt, Bousch, Porter Cable, and finally the new Dewalt XRPs. I normally have 3 to 4 cordless drills on the truck at all times. Last spring, I bought this Panasonic, due to the reviews I read on this site. After an intensive season of hard use, I am convinced that this is the best cordless on the market. We drive 1/4″ lags and self drilling screws all day long. The Panasonic batteries outlast my XRPs by 4 to 1. This Panasonic is more powerful, better balanced, and weights a heck of a lot less. My remaining XRPs will be retired this spring, and replaced with Panasonics.

 much better than the Bosch 24v 
I bought this tool to replace a Bosch 24v cordless. The Bosch broke after just two months of use. The gears could not handle drilling 3/8 holes in concrete. The local Bosch service department was useless. The Panasonic is the best cordless drill I’ve ever owned. I am an HVAC contractor. I use this tool for everything. Drilling out steel shafts, driving sheet metal screws, drilling holes in masonary up to 1/2″, and driving Tapcon screws. What I like about this drill is that it’s light. This is important when drilling in akward spaces where I must extend my arm fully away from my body or over my head. This was a tiresome task with the old Bosch. The chuck is also the best keyless chuck I have ever seen. It simply clamps on to hardened masonary bits like a vice grip. It gives away virtually nothing in the way of power compared to the Bosch. If I need that much power, I use a 1/2″ corded drill! The only thing that needs improving is the case. I hate plastic cases. I solved this by using the metal case from my old Porter Cable cordless.

 Good drill, although expensive 
Panasonic makes great cordless drills/drivers. They are well designed and last a long time. Probably the best 2 things about them is the flawless chuck design (holds even the smallest of bits in place without coming loose), and the long 3.5Ah runtime batteries. That said, they are more expensive than other brands.

In comparing this driver to a Makita, I found that the Makita was not as well made. The Makita chuck often loosens on it’s own which is so annoying. The battery charger on the Makita is more compact, which is nice, but the case the Makita comes with is way too big, whereas the Panasonic case doesn’t have so much empty space. Also the Panasonic operates more smoothly.

This kit comes complete with the drill, a black plastic hard case, 2 batteries and charger-nice!

 Best Drill - but battery life question 
I purchased the original 3.0 amp-hour 15.6 drill in winter 1999. The drill has always perfomed flawlessly and easliy had the best run time in comparison to 12 volt Makita’s and 14.4 volt Dewalts I had used previously. I built two small boats out of white oak with this drill (all drilling and screwing) as my only drill. This included numerous 2 1/2″ hole sawing through 3/4″ particle board temporary framing. The drill is awesome.

My “but” comes with the battery life. Both of my batteries were shot by early 2002, with a total life of just over 2-1/2 years. There is no way I put 1,200 charge cycles into these batteries, more like 2 charges per battery per week. The run time usually last for almost a full day of boat work. That equates to approximately 260 charges. I dont know why Panasonic is advertising 1,200 charges I know my previous 14.4 Dewalt was slightly better for battery life, but the old Makita was much better. Is it the Ni-Mh battery that does not hold up over time, or maybe the batteries should always be inside, not in the varing temperatures of the garage.

With that said, I will be purchasing the new 3.5 amp-hour version. I just get irked that 2 replacement batteries cost as much as the whole new kit. Panasonic should make new batteries more affordable, because now I have two great drills and chargers, but only 2 batteries. Yup, bend over for the “lord of the landfill”.

 Light, Balanced & Powerful
 I have this drill for 2 years. I’ve built an 800 sq.ft. deck from IPE, very hard stuff. All the holes had to be pre-drilled and countersunk. Drove home boxes and boxes of 3.5″ screws in constructing the frame. Drove home about 2000 1.5″ screws in constructing the frame. Drove home about 2500 2.5″ finish deck screws in attaching the IPE. Have done several other smaller construction jobs. This thing takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin. I have the older 3.0 amp-hr batteries which are still better than most anything out there. The clutch works very well. The chuck is great even with small bits. And best of all this thing feels great in your hand!!!!

I highly reccomend it.

By the way, if you want to make 4 inch holes, wake up and get a corded drill…

 Takes a licking… 
I am a contractor and use my drills every day. I have had PC’s, Dewalts and a Makita but nothing prepared me for the Panasonics I now own. The other drills were lucky to last a year. I am on my 2nd Panasonic in five years and they both are going strong. I only wish all tool manufacturers would adhere to the same quality control standards and begin to understand how enervating it is to buy tools knowing their half-life is just around the corner. I realize that “portable” is synonymous with “a year or two if you are lucky” but this is the one tool out of many which outperforms the rest. One day Panasonic will make the radio with the charger and I will be happier.

 Lightweight Powerhouse 
After reading the favorable review in Fine Homebuilding Magazine, I decided to give this tool a try. I am very impressed by its great ergonomic balance, its power, and the long run time from the batteries. I now use this drill exclusively for everyday drilling/driving tasks. When things get a little bit tougher (like somewhere between normal use and what one would expect from a Hole Hawg), I reach for my Makita 18 Volt drill (I guess I still can’t shake my love of Makita). The only drawbacks are a ratcheting sound when loading the chuck and the “Made in Mexico” stamp (that is ONLY because I am a “Made in USA” snob!) For the average do-it-yourself-er or professional tradesman with medium to light heavy duty needs, this is a tool you may want to check out.

 Plesantly surprised… 
Having owned corless drills from Makita to Bosch to Metabo, this is clearly my favorite by far! I initially saw the tool at a contractor supply house, and the saleman raved how much contractor’s loved it. I was a little skeptical when I saw the Panasonic name, but once I picked it up I was sold. The ergonomics are truly what they say! It can also easy handle an array of jobs easily. I was plesantly surprised!

 Unhappy with adjustable clutch

My last drill was a Makita 14.4v, and I stepped up to the Panasonic because of the great reviews, the small size and decent power, and most of all, because it uses the same battery as the metal cutting rotary saw that my company supplies…a great tool. I wish I could say the same of the drill. I am a commercial electrician and use a cordless everyday for screwing and cutting holes with “hole shooter” bits in metal framing. The Panasonic definitely has less power than my old Makita, and my biggest gripe is that the clutch setting always pops out of “drill” mode to the variabe settings for screwing. What a pain to constantly reset the thing from the top of a ladder with hands full, especially when I have the drill squeezed into a tight spot. I think if I was a carpenter and used it mainly for screwing it would be fine, but for an electrician a lockable setting on the clutch control like Makita makes is a must. Like others have said, it is also difficult to quickly re-chuck a bit on center without fumbling around with closing the chuck to just larger than the bit size before inserting the bit. For a professional dong production work, this is not a good option.

I look forward to trying a Panasonic again when they make some refinements to its design. In the mean time I am going to return this one and get another Makita or maybe try a refurbished Hitachi.

the best thing that ever to the tradesmen

cut the cord and get a panasonic

now if I could only get my construction job back!

I will not wax eloquent on the many features of this fine, fine tool, for many others have done so better than I. But just holding this drill will send chills down your spine. You will feel the connection to your forbears who, with mallet and handsaw, built this mighty nation; From failing hands thay pass the torch to you, dear friend.

Do not let them down.

Paslode 900420X IM350-CT Impulse Cordless Framing Nailer with Contractor’s Performance Pack

  • Fast setup for less downtime and more productivity
  • Weighs only 6.9 lbs. for comfort and control
  • Voltage indicator light for monitoring power
  • Cycle rate: 2 to 3 nails per second for optimal productivity
  • Rechargeable battery for extended use

What you get is GREAT!, June 12, 2004
Amazon does not have a good description of this package deal, but I got it today and its a great deal. In addition to the cordless nailer, battery, charger and case, the Contractors’ Performance Pack comes with an extra battery, a car adapter for the charger, 2 fuel cells, lube oil, a can of degreaser cleaner, and safety goggles. I am very satisfied.

With the pro pack and the $50 off it’s a great value, June 8, 2004
I use this once a week for tight quarters framing and easy one handed nailing anytime. It’s light enough for no arm strain and dependable enough to use all the time. It’s not designed to shoot 5k-10k nails a week, I didn’t buy it for that. You have to clean these regularly to keep them up but so what, it’s easy. With the Pro kit which is an honest $79 value thrown in, and Amazon’s $50 off this can’t be beat. This is my third over a 14 year period. To be honest the first one was a POS and I took it back. I still have the second one and it still works, it’s just time for new.

Makita 6347DWDE 18-Volt Cordless Driver-Drill Kit (2-Speed, Variable Speed, Reversible)

  • Includes 2-batteries, phillips/slotted bit, charger and case
  • Powerful 18-Volt Ni-MH batteries for longer run time
  • Industrial metal gear housing and “high performance” Makita motor for long lasting durability
  • 404 in.lbs. torque with16 torque settings
  • Industrial 1/2″ keyless chuck and externally accessible brushes for easy replacement
  • At this price, get it while you can!, April 16, 2005

    When I first saw the 18-volt powerhouse Makita 6347DWDE drill at this price I thought it was too good to be true and quite possibly a misprint. I had to read the description and the fine print a few times before making my order.

    With a retail price of over $500, the eventual $125 I paid after the $50 manufacturer’s rebate and $25 off from Amazon made this one of the best value purchases I’ve ever made.

    The benefits of owning quality power tools go without saying. And take it from me, Makita is a name you can trust. This is not a toy … it is the real deal. Don’t settle for good when you can have the very best.

    My apologies for not going into a feature-by-feature commentary, but all that would do is delay the inevitable. Man, don’t hesitate a second longer — get this while you can and then call all your friends to make sure they get one of their own. You absolutely can’t go wrong here.

    Note: I also highly recommend the Makita 784874-A 15-Piece UltraLoc Set as a super enhancement to this drill.

    Great light weight and power, February 9, 2005
    I bought this drill after borrowing my friend’s for a fence project. It had more than enough power and charge for me to finish one line of fence without switching to a new battery. Loved the fact that the screws went in nice and easy. Even nicer was the size and weight - felt more like a 14.4 V drill than an 18V in my hand. I’ve had Makita tools before and most my friends swear by them so reliability and durability are a major bonus.

    Only concern is that many of the new Makitas are made in China and Mexico - don’t know how quality will be affected. But this drill’s made in Buford, Georgia so that’s a moot point. Get this drill

    Makita at their best well, almost, April 30, 2005
    I have the Makita Mforce 18 volt drill/driver and the 14.4 volt as well. Both are well balanced and comfortable during extended use.

    I like the clutch lock out feature for drilling, no longer having to set and reset the torque setting when switching from drilling to driving. This drill has the torque to get the job done.

    The weight of the 18 volt is just bearly noticable when compared to the 14.4 model.

    The negative for me is the speed switch. This switch requires some force to move it from high to low or vise-versa.

    Battery life is above average with the two batteries that are included, it should make it through any project.

    I have several other “top shelf” drills, each having plus or minus attributes, but I will have to give Makita the pick for my first choice. It has good balance and doesn’t wear you out using it.

    The price, the quality, the feel make this drill a winner.

    Almost perfect., October 25, 2004
    In truth, I would give this beautifully performing unit a 4.5 stars. But since the choice was between 4 or 5 stars, I figured 5 would be closer to the truth. I have used this unit daily for over a year with no problems whatsoever. It’s charge lasts a long time under a good deal of abuse (drilling through metal etc). It’s metal gears are very durable. The power is very good as well. I wish it did have 450lbs of torque, though. Our 14.4 volt Dewalt has a little more power. But it’s not as durable. So a tradeoff I guess. I would take my Makita over the Dewalt though.

    shock and awe, in a blue package…, February 27, 2004
    Disregard all unfavorable reviews…this drill is yet another work of art from Makita! Perfect ergonomics and balance, even with a hefty 18V battery you still get incredible control and precision, instead of sweating and straining to keep the darn thing perpendicular to the drilling surface as with cheaper drills. This is my second Makita drill, the first one was a smaller 14.4v which I’ll pass on to my wife because it’s lighter.

    I love America, born and bred, but gotta hand it to the Japanese: when it comes to anything electric (or gasoline-powered, for that matter) they kick our butts left and right! Sony TVs, Toshiba laptops, Lexus autos, Honda motorcycles…anything that doesn’t blow up things and kill people, the Japanese simply have perfected.

    Have used DeWalt drills before, they were just a little bit better than Black and Decker (the mother company) which doesn’t justify the big price jump. Porter Cable has good power but tends to weigh a ton and their chucks are spotty.

    Viva Makita!

    solid drill with a few caveats, November 11, 2003
    This is my third makita drill so I consider myself biased. I don’t use it all day but I need a quality drill for household repairs. The electric makita drill I’ve had now for fifteen years and it still runs fine. My second, I bought one of those 9 volt drills when the first cordless drills came out. I good drill but it’s for light work. The batteries on this I’ve used all day without a recharge, alot longer than the models a few years ago. I’ve had problems with the chuck though. On many occasions the drill bit will come loose with smaller bits. The cap has come loose. Still it’s put up with all the abuse I’ve given it.

    ALL THE POWER YOU NEED!, November 2, 2003
    The Shift Lock Drive System is the easiest clutch lockout I’ve ever used. Two 2.6 amp-hour batteries and the quick charger can keep you going with out delays. Balance and the light weight make this easy to use, the 18-volt power makes it a pleasure.

    Makita 18 Volt MForce Cordless Drill, September 7, 2003
    I have been using this excellent tool for various household repair and installation jobs for three months. In comparison to previous NiCad battery cordless drills I have used, the Ni-MH batteries supplied with the drill give considerably longer use time between charges. The drill is also much lighter than lower voltage NiCad battery drills I have owned such as Craftsman models. The torque is outstanding for a drill this size even when using three inch drywall screws in wood. I really like the feel and sounds of the drill, they just express quality like the muffled latch of a closing door on a Lexus sedan. The feeling that I am using a high quality tool has alone justified the higher price I paid for the drill. … I am extremely happy with this purchase and the performance.

    A small bundle of power, August 21, 2003
    I purchased this drill a couple of months ago and found it a pleasure to use. While I looks to be a similar size as other cordless drills, this drill is so well balanced that it does not feel big. The torque is great giving the power to drive long screws when needed, but sensitive enough to not strip out the heads. If I could, I would buy another to have a drill for both hands, but one is enough.

    The Porter-Cable CFFN250N Finish & Brad Nailer Combo Kit has an Amazon sales rank of 6, and has received an average of 5 stars out of 5 based on 30 customer reviews:

    Oh, the things we can build – now!!, August 24, 2004 Reviewer: Linda Roseland “French teacher” (Longview, TX)

    I bought this little compressor for my husband, never dreaming that we would learn to build so many helpful things just because of the ability to nail straight at last! In fact, we’ve had such fun with ours that we bought one for our son-in-law and now are buying another for our son. And it’s wonderfully portable for a little work-horse–so light weight that even I don’t have trouble lifting it and putting in the van. We take it everywhere.

    1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

    Excellent Value, August 17, 2004 Reviewer: DK You can’t beat the value of this package. The key here is that you get everything you need to shoot nails right out of the box, including the nails! This is great for the hobbyist or start up because there’s no guessing about fitting size, hose size, etc. - it’s all included: Guns (w/ cases), compressor, fittings, hose, tool oil, 1000 nails for each gun and to top it off, a role of joint tape (nice touch). Everything is in the box.

    Arrival - The gentle hands of “brown” didn’t do too bad a job on the box. I’ve seen the same box at my local home center in worse condition (for $50 more too). The box was sturdy and everything was well packed with no missing parts.

    Setup - Manual was very clear except for the fact that I’ve got a different regulator on mine than was pictured or explained. No biggie, and as mentioned above, everything is in the box. Just put it together and go. Well, don’t go right away - be sure to follow the instructions for breaking in the tank and motor - very important! Run it for 15 mins with everything wide open.

    Use - I shot three rooms worth of crown with the finish nailer using 2 different sized nails with only a single misfire (which was entirely my fault, I was at a bad angle and laid on the trigger too long). I used both the Porter-Cable nails as well as Paslode’s. The Paslodes work great and are slightly cheaper than the PC’s at my local home center. The finish nailer itself feels lightweight, but surprisingly rugged. I got more tired moving the hose around than I did hefting the gun over my head. Very comfortable to use. I must admit that the brad nailer hasn’t even left the case yet, but if it performs anything like the finish nailer I will be very pleased. The compressor is LOUD but I’ve never used a compressor that wasn’t… What I like though is that it comes up to pressure quickly and recovers pressure during use just as fast. This means that if you’re only running a single nailer from the compressor it will most likely be off more than running. It doesn’t struggle to keep up with you at all.

    Conclusion - With nothing really negative to say about the product, the value of the total package, and the fact that everything is included in the box, this one is a clear buy.

     

    1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

    It’s ONLY 299??, August 6, 2004 Reviewer: adb22791 “ab22791&Prime (Maryland, USA) Let me just say, right off the bat, I would pay 350 for this compressor. 1000 brad and finish nails, gun oil, hard plastic cases with actual ROOM for fasteners, the fact that the compressor has a handle… I could go on.

    Compressor: The 6 gallon tank is great. It lasts long, which is great, because the compressor is NOISY. Yes, this compressor is loud. I have not experienced any scooting across the floor, but I’m sure a rubber mat or something would correct this. I ran the compressor for the 15 minute break-in that Porter Cable insists in, and set to work, building the easiest thing I know how to: a box made out of scrap wood. The Brad and Finish gun were easy to use and worked great. Not one nail jammed.

    Guns: As I said before, the guns work great. The Brad gun is not as small as one from CH or Senco, but it defiantly works. The Brad gun comes with oil and 1000 brad nails of the largest size (pretty big). The Finish (Trim) gun is awesome as well, but a bit bigger and heavier. However, I used it to fix a drawer on my dresser with a lose front and the front of this drawer now works perfectly.

    Accessories: The hose is a piece of junk, so be prepared to shell out an extra 17 bucks for the Goodyear 50 foot Rubber hose (featured on Amazon). However, the fittings actually fit well (something that I have found to be a problem on others compressors) and everything locks together sturdy and solid. You have everything you need to get started.

    I highly recommend this kit. It’s only 299, which is an awesome price. If you’re looking for a good, sturdy compressor where noise is not an issue (and fast framing + roofing are also not issues) then buy this. This compressor can power a framing and roofing gun, just don’t expect “pow-pow-pow-pow” nailing.

     

    1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

    Best buy on Amazon, August 5, 2004 Reviewer: Rollman “Skunkworks” (San Francisco, CA) I’ve been a loyal customer of Amazon for years and I must say, this is the best buy I ever made. The compressor alone is worth it, let alone the two wonderful nailers. I already have a Bostitch framing nailer that I used that with this set to replace all our windows, as well as installed siding. You won’t be disappointed. This purchase will surely put you at a different DIY level.

     

    2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

    Happy woodworker, July 21, 2004 Reviewer: B. D Fischer

    Everything arrived in perfect condition three days earlier than expected. After initial break in period the compressor and nailers worked like a charm. I saw the same combo at Home Depot for $25 more but decided to buy it through Amazon. Great decision!

     

    2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

    Should have bought it long ago!!, July 10, 2004 Reviewer: John A Orr (Federal Way, Wa United States) WAY COOL! What else can I say. Should have bought it long ago, but thought I could get by with a hammer and a nail set. Change is tough. Buy it!!!

     

    4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

    Crown Molding the EZ way……, July 7, 2004 Reviewer: A home improvement enthusiast I purchased the P-C Combo Kit to install crown molding. This is the best deal available. The compressor is indeed quite noisy. Wear ear protection. Never had a nail gun jam. Wish I had purchased one earlier. I bought this with the “Crown Molding & Trim Instalation Kit by Quint Measuring Systems”. Buy the compressor kit with the Quint book & Angle finders & you won’t make a single mistake. I didn’t. Quint MS also offers an Excel program that is very nice. Just measure & plug in the value….. couldn’t be easier. For my first attempt at installing crown molding, you couldn’t tell my work from a pro’s.

     

    3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

    Why don’t YOU have one yet!?!?!?!, June 29, 2004 Reviewer: “sbnuggie” (Sacramento, CA United States) Hello, My father in-law bought this kit at Home Depot back in January. He told me about it and I saw it but just couldn’t plunk down the money. Then I helped him put all new baseboards in his house last weekend. I got home, got on Amazon.com and found that there was a sale coupon which brought the price down to about $275.00 for this kit. SOLD!! This is an awesome kit. Great nailers, Great Compressor at a GREAT price. Other people have reviewed the equipment so I won’t repeat what you know. Snatch one of these up ASAP before there gone. I know Home Depot in the Sacramento Area no longer sells them, all sold out. If your looking at it, you’d better buy it now, they ain’t gonna last much longer. I did the Free shipping and I got lucky. Ordered it on 6/28/04 @ 727 am PDT, and received it today, 6/29/04 @ 1227 pm PDT, OVERNIGHT for free, WOW. God bless Amazon, God Bless Porter Cable and most importantly God Bless the United States of America. Now, I’m gonna go build something, don’t know what, but I’m gonna build something.

    Take Care

     

    7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

    Words cannot do this combo justice, June 13, 2004 Reviewer: Tool Ogre (Knoxville) This is by FAR the best value nailer/compressor combo deal out there. I finally caved in and decided to buy a nailer kit and after I used it for 30 seconds I thought to myself “why didn’t I do this sooner????” Trust me…you will say the same thing. The compressor is great for nailing, and the two guns give you a lot of versatility if you know how to use them. The brad nailer is great for delicate projects, and the finish nailer makes it a treat to put up trim. The range of acceptable lengths for the finish nailer gives you a lot of flexibility.

    The compressor is easy to carry and going from room-to-room is a breeze. The compressor is loud, but so is a miter saw. This is the sacrifice of having an oil-free unit that is highly portable. And if you’re like me, garage space is at a premium and this unit tucks underneath my workbench nicely.

    And to top it all of….it’s a Porter Cable. The Amazon product description is right - I also checked the price twice and could not believe what I was seeing!! Competitors want $279 and up for a compressor and one finishing gun (no brad nailer!!)!! I cannot think of a better value in all of Amazon’s Tool Crib. You will not be disappointed.

     

    3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

    Great value!, June 11, 2004 Reviewer: “dalekaty” (Portland, Oregon United States) This kit is an amazing value. One Senco nailer costs more than this whole set. As some one said earlier, I got tired of borrowing compressors and guns from relatives. I used the brad nailer to make 11 porch rail columns out of MDO plywood. (That’s 44 pieces that needed to be glued and nailed.) This task would have taken me days with the conventional hammer and nails. I finished the project in an evening. The brad nailer is an extremely useful tool when building projects that require gluing. The thin gauge brads hold the project together while the glue is curing and the leave a hole that is practically invisible. This replaces the use of many clamps or clamps in awkward positions. The finish nailer is easier to load and as smooth as my father’s $300 Senco finish nailer. It is also about half the weight. The ability to drive 2-1/2&Prime nails is a big plus. The compressor is a little loud but extremely efficient. It actually powered a Senco framing nailer better than the Emglo compressor I am used to using. These tools are great for the hobbyist, home improvement guru, or home craftsmen and they will last for many years. However, the everyday use of a professional will probably wear out the finish nailer and compressor in a year or so. But if you work out of your home you can’t go wrong with this set up.

     

    Made with WordPress and the Semiologic CMS | Design by Denis de Bernardy