Customer Reviews

Factory-Reconditioned Makita R6233DWBLE 14.4-Volt 3/8-inch Driver-Drill Kit with Flashlight

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Although I have only been using this drill for a couple of weeks, I highly recommend it. My previous drill was a Bosch 9.6v which I used for about nine years and really liked for the most part.

Although reconditioned, the Makita 6233 took a hard examination to tell that it had been used at all. One battery had a few light scratches on the btottom, but otherwise it all looked new. With an as-new warranty, it doesn't matter anyway.

The Makita is far more powerful, feels better in my hand, and has lots of features that make it a joy to use. The trigger is easily accessed as is the reversing switch which also has an intermediate position which locks the trigger. I particularly like the electronic brake which stops the drill almost instantly. This works by feeding a bit of "reversed power" to the motor when the trigger is released. This will wear the brushes a bit faster, but Makita has designed the brushes to be easily removed from the drill for examination and replacement.

After years of dealing with chuck keys on all my drills, the keyless chuck is a joy. Counter-rotate the rings on the chuck by hand and it tenaciously locks onto the bit. I drilled some 3/8" holes throuhg 2x4s and the bit never slipped.

It is really nice to get away from the Nicad batteries. NiMH cells generally aren't damaged by sitting in a discharged state like nicads, so they should last longer.

The flashlight is no toy, supplying a bright light that can make working a lot easier. It stands up on its own and the pivoting head makes it eeasy to aim. It even comes with a shoulder strap, and we have been taking it on night hikes.

Unless you are a demanding professional who needs the most power available from the 18 and 24 volt drills out there, this drill should meet all your needs. At this price (for the reconditioned model) nothing comes close.

The condition of the drill, batteries, charger, and flashlight are like new. There is only a small "R" (about 1/8" high) etched into the side of the drill that distinguishes it from new. This drill has a solid feel and excellent design. For example, the drill body is angled relative to the base - this moves the center of gravity to the back over the battery, which makes the drill rest more steadily and feel more balanced. Another reviewer mentioned the slow speed as being too slow. I think the slow speed works well, actually the same spec as the Dewalt slow speed - ideal for driving screws. The charger has four different LED indications for charging. The only criticism I have is that the drill is a little heavy for general household use. However, it is a 14.4 and for that category, it is comparable with competitors. If you need the power and the weight is not a big issue, this drill is a great choice.

I was thrilled to get this 14.4V combo pack last month at such a great price. The drill/driver performed wonderfully with a smooth, sturdy feel as I ran 2 1/2 inch construction screws into 2X4s while building partions. I bought this package because Makita is a brand I trust, and this 3/8 inch drill/driver has the power, without the size and weight, for jobs I had been doing with my 1/2 inch PorterCable 19.2V driver. The good price was added incentive, and the flashlight is a great bonus. This combo goes well with my 14.4V Makita circular saw. But, yesterday evening, while running screws, the clutch went out on the Makita driver. It had looked and acted like a new one, but now I wonder if it was such a good deal or not. I expected more from a Makita model. I will let you know after I ship the driver to a Makita factory service center and have it repaired. The jury is still out!

Drill has tons of torque and casing is very well built. Drill speed is some slow, but not really an issue for most jobs. Highly reccomended.

I bought this from Amazon.com in Dec. 2001 as my old Dewalt gave up the ghost after only three years. It never felt strong enough from the beginning, so I went with the Makita 14.4. Again, with Makita, what a difference. Mine was a new drill with an "R", probably returned for no reason. After a battery charge I Ran 3" deck screws in 30-#1 CCA 2x6x20 decking. After a year and 3 months It will still countersink, or snap the heads of 3 1/2" screws without pre-drilling. Plenty of torqueI haven't used the light till about 3 months ago, and the switch doesn't work. I don't care I did not buy it for the light. I figure it was a promotional thing. There is no comparison to nicad batteries. This is a serious tool. I have not been dissapointed in anything Makita has made in the last 7 yrs.

I purchased this drill to replace my old Porter Cable 12v (The old black style model) that was about 5 years old. The Makita runs strong and has a lot more power. The increased rpm speed is great and the electronic brake is a nice feature as well. So far the batteries seem to go a long time between charges. It gets a thumbs up from me.

I purchased my reconditioned drill in October and have been extremely pleased with the drill. I just completed a project which required a large amount of 2-1/2" screws, and the drill performed without a hitch. My drill arrived looking like new. One other thing--the flashlight is great! I have used it several times in places where a hanging light just wouldn't fit. This reconditioned deal is too good to pass up.

I could not believe the condition of the drill when I finally recieved it after several delays. It looked like it was dragged to my house by the delivery truck. My old drill was in better condition. After 3 uses the variable torque on my "recondition to like new drill" let go...I can't even drive a sheetrock screw into a 2 x 4. This is my second 14.4 makita drill and my last. I will never buy another makita or buy a tool online again. I've learned my lesson, it's worth the few dollars more to buy locally and know I'm getting what I want. At least I'll be able to use the batteries in my old drill. I should have bought a DEWALT or PORTER CABLE!!

If not for the "factory reconditioned" labeling, I could not distinguish this from a new item. It works just fine.
Here are some observations to help you make your purchase decision:
-- The same unit sells new at Menards in the Twin Cities area for [money], making the reconditioned unit a very good value, especially if you live somewhere that this can be shipped without sales tax. The free shipping that Amazon[.com] offered at the time I bought it was another advantage.
-- I had assumed that the flashlight that comes with the drill was just a sales gimmick, but I find that it is really useful. It stands upright and the beam can be tilted, allowing me to have more than an hour of work light in dark corners and after sunset.
-- I think that the 14.4v size is the best compromise between power and weight. My Black&Decker died part-way through the construction of my new deck, so I borrowed an 18v DeWalt from a neighbor and a 12v Makita from another neighbor while I was shopping for a new one. I found that the 18v was too heavy, but the 12v didn't have enough oomph and needed more frequent recharges. I got to finish the deck project with my reconditioned 14.4v and found to be JUST RIGHT.
-- One thing I liked about the DeWalt I borrowed that my Makita does NOT have is the all-metal ratcheted chuck available on the DeWalt XRP series. This allows you to tighten and loosen the chuck with one hand. But for average home-owner usage, the Makita chuck is just fine.

Great drill - nice combination of power and weight. Not as heavy as an 18v drill ....... noticeable if your working off a ladder all day.