It's easy to see why this drill was rated a 2006 "best buy" by a leading consumer magazine. 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
Panasonic Drill?? You Bet!
This is a GREAT drill. Who would of thought Panasonic could/would make such a great tool. This is the second one I have owned, and the only reason I bought this one is because the first one's batteries finally started not holding a charge long enough. Why buy a whole new drill you ask? Well because Panasonic wanted $119.00 for ONE Battery and after logging 6 HARD years on the original batteries and drill it made better sense to spend $199.00 for the whole new setup which includes 2 new batteries, charger, drill and case. You will never be sorry you bought this drill!!
1/21/2008
Very Good Drill
Purchased my 15.6v Panasonic drill about 6 months ago for a little more than what it's selling for today, and I must say that I am still a very happy camper. This is a very well made tool, all seams are tight, and no sloppy play in any of it's moving parts (no play in the buttons, battery, chuck). This 15.6v drill blows my old NiCad 18v drill out of the water. It's not only about a pound lighter, but it has more torque and a better brake. I really like the ratcheting chuck preventing the chuck from loosening on it's own (some people don't like it, but I think it's a better design). Grip is smaller than others. I have a medium sized hand, and it's very comfortable. Was working on an addition to my deck, sunk over 200 screws, and still had power to burn on one battery!
Pros: light weight, comfortable, powerful, well made, amazing battery life. Fantastic overall drill for DIY's
Cons: Accessories for Panasonic are expensive. If you're looking to get a 15.5v Panasonic impact drill, saw, etc.. your going to be sinking a pretty penny. Their line of add-on tools is not as extensive as other major players, and with the way Lithium ion is going, this may be an obsolete drill in a year (unless Panasonic makes a line of Lion bats that will cross over to their Nimh line.)
Summary: If you're just looking for a drill and not a lot of accessories, this is a good one and well worth the money. If you're looking to possibly expand your cordless tool arsenal, the selection Panasonic offers is rather limited and would recommend going with Makita's LXT line.
1/21/2008
Very Good Drill
Purchased my 15.6v Panasonic drill about 6 months ago for a little more than what it's selling for today, and I must say that I am still a very happy camper. This is a very well made tool, all seams are tight, and no sloppy play in any of it's moving parts (no play in the buttons, battery, chuck). This 15.6v drill blows my old NiCad 18v drill out of the water. It's not only about a pound lighter, but it has more torque and a better brake. I really like the ratcheting chuck preventing the chuck from loosening on it's own (some people don't like it, but I think it's a better design). Grip is smaller than others. I have a medium sized hand, and it's very comfortable. Was working on an addition to my deck, sunk over 200 screws, and still had power to burn on one battery!
Pros: light weight, comfortable, powerful, well made, amazing battery life. Fantastic overall drill for DIY's
Cons: Accessories for Panasonic are expensive. If you're looking to get a 15.6v Panasonic impact drill, saw, etc.. your going to be sinking a pretty penny. Their line of add-on tools is not as extensive as other major players, and with the way Lithium ion is going, this may be an obsolete drill in a year (unless Panasonic makes a line of Lion bats that will cross over to their Nimh line.)
Summary: If you're just looking for a drill and not a lot of accessories, this is a good one and well worth the money. If you're looking to possibly expand your cordless tool arsenal, the selection Panasonic offers is rather limited and would recommend going with Makita's LXT line.
1/21/2008
smooth running
This drill fits the bill. I've used every brand of hand powered drills and this one is tops.
1/9/2008
Panasonic EY6432GQKW
Recently purchased my second EY6432GQKW Drill, when I noticed it on sale at Amazon. I've been using this drill on an almost daily basis. My original drill is several years old, and only recently has the charge begun to weaken. It's fairly light and compact, and it doesn't hurt that it has been highly rated in Consumer Reports magazine.
Overall, a very well designed product.
1/7/2008
Great drill. A little pricey.
Great drill. Batteries seem to last forever and huge amount of torque. Lots of competitors now with LithiumIon batteries so I don't know if it is still the best drill value but it has been a really good product.
12/27/2007
Very pleased!
I read a ton of reviews before purchasing, and I have not been disappointed. I originally owned a Ryobi, but the charger died and I could not find a replacement ... then a Skil, but the charger went bad and took the batteries with it ... so I bought another Skil because it had the same batteries and was cheaper than buying the batteries and charger separately, but those batteries eventually just wore out ... after receiving the Panasonic I topped off both batteries, but I have yet to need the second one, despite re-screwing down the entire floor area of my kitchen, laundry, and a half bath with deck screws prior to installing new flooring ... I don't know how long it's going to last, but I am very happy right now! Cheers to all ...
2/14/2008
Great drill!
This is a great all-around drill. Top rated by CR, adn I understand why. Great torque and long battery life. It has very good ergonomics... except for one very small quibble. The forward-reverse switch can easily be depressed accidentally.
Otherwise absolutely no complaints. It's a well-ballanced and powerful tool.
2/8/2008
Multiple problems
I was very excited when i received my new drill. It had excellent power, was lightweight, and seemed well put together. However, after using it for 4 months, the chuck was damaged (some internal parts broke inside) and i had to have it replaced under warranty. I was happy with the warranty repair.
After getting it back, I used it a few more months and the new chuck started acting up as well, and i believe it is only a matter of time before this one needs to be replaced as well. At about the same time, I noticed that the motor started to smell of smoke and would get very hot when I used it heavy. Now the speed control doesn't work at low speeds and the motor skips and jumps, and i believe the motor is damaged.
On top of all this, the gears seem to slip sometimes.
I am a heavy user of all my tools, but I have had a 9.6 volt Makita for almost a decade and eventually had to have the batteries replaced. The case has broken open and is now held together with electrical tape, the motor has been stalled repeatedly, and it has been left out in the rain, but it continues to work.
The Panasonic has really left me cold.
2/20/2008
Cordless Drill/Driver kit
Cordless Drill/Driver kit is as described, an excellent tool that meet the best expectations for my purposes which included installation of Kitchen Floor. Very satisfied.
3/2/2008
Great Durability & Battery Life - Awkward Chuck
excellent drill - good vendor: prompt delivery, etc. a little more fumbly that expected for ordinary bit insertion.
4/5/2008
Good Quality Product
Drill is durable and battery packs last a long time. I can't believe how perfect the size is compared to other models! Lacks some modern features, such as level and LED light, however is well worth the trade-off for what you get. Other models that I looked at offered these features, however the battery packs didn't last as long and they didn't appear to be near the quality. I took a chance and ordered sight-unseen and am very glad I did! Bought for around-the-house repairs and light remodeling. Drill is probably more powerful than I needed, but I wouldn't change a thing.
3/29/2008