Customer Reviews

Makita 6226DWE 9.6 Volt 3/8-Inch Driver/Drill Kit

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

 

 

I have been using this as my only cordless tool for about 3 years. It has always been reliable and the batteries are still very good. I always run them to empty before recharging.

I am a woodworker, and I have finally decided to buy a bigger one, because on some projects with a lot of long screws to drive, this thing runs out batteries too fast. But I'm talking about driving a LOT of difficult long screws. It does all basic jobs well, but when you're driving screws or bolts where you have to lean your full weight into it in order to turn the screw, this drill will wear out batteries fast. For many screws of that difficulty, you would want a bigger drill.

But for anything short of that, this 9.6 Makita is great. I got it on a crazy sale at a home center for $69.99. I consider it to be the best investment of any kind that I have ever made. Its that good. I have done a lot of projects with it, with no problems at all.

We've seen a lot of what you might call "voltage inflation since Makita introduced what were probably the first quality cordless drills way back when. First there were 7 volt drills, then 9.6, 12, 14.4, 18 and even 24 volt. These days no self-respecting contractor would show up on site with anything less than an 18v monster, and most homeowners think anything less than 12v or 14.4v is just, well, a sissy tool ;-)

Problem is that most of the inexpensive higher-voltage drills are junk, with less toque and battery life than this modest Makita. And those 18v monsters, while great if you're installing a deck, are just too big and heavy to hang for most uses- especially if you're not used to carrying 4x4s and sheets of plywood around all day.

This little drill has tons of torque, great battery life, and will outlast any cheap drill by far. It'll handle just about any common home task- hanging cabinets, installing hardware, whatever- and it's small and light enough that it's a breeze to use. If you've been looking at those similarly priced 12 and 14 volt Ryobis, or the cheap imports with names like "Central Tool", spend do yourself a favor- spend few more bucks and get this drill instead.

As far as drills go, I own and use everything from a 13 amp hole dawg to a full 18 volt cordless system, but this is the one that I like to use the most. It's lightweight, and the battery seems to last forever, which is something I wish I could say about my 18 volt. The drill has excellent balance and the grip feels nice and smooth - no weird contours or diamond textures. The Makita batteries also have the smoothest button release. You really don't have to pinch hard to get the batteries to slide out. The trigger response is good for variable speed. It also has two basic settings for torque or speed and a good reverse/forward/safety switch. I wouldn't use it for heavier tasks like driving long screws, or boring large diameter holes in wood or metal, but then that's why there's higher voltages (i.e. 12, 14, 18, & 24) - isn't life GREAT. A word of caution for first time buyers: always buy quality. There has been a lot of marketing that hypes higher voltage cordless drills. Why get a 9.6 when you can get a 18 volt for the same price? You'll be tempted to go for the "home owner special," but always be aware. I've once used a friend's low-quality "14 volt" drill and I would wager that this little Makita could beat it in every way. And for the first reviewer who was disappointed with this drill, all I can say is sorry Clare, but I think somebody has dropped the drill hard. I should know. I've dropped mine several times, including a couple of times while standing on a 6ft latter. And guess what?? It can be fixed. All I did was open the little guy up and set the motor back into the gear housing. I've done this every time - after a hard drop - and it's easy for the mechanically inclined. Despite the abuse, the drill is still reliable today. My only gripe is that I think Makita should integrate a spare bit holder and give the plastic chuck more grip for hand tightening.

This is a great little drill. I already own 18v and 14.4v Dewalt drills and the Makita is great for the little jobs like locksets and cabinet pulls where the 18v can be too heavy or bulky.

I'm a professional mechanic at a new car dealer. I use my Makita for every thing from screws, to bolts and nuts. The cars I work on are famous for phillips head screws every where on the car. I don't twist a regular screwdriver by hand. The higher voltage ones maybe more powerful, but this one fits every where in, around, under or over the car. My drill has outlasted all of the other ones I've had put together. I have 4 batteries so at least one is always cooled off and fully charged. I can slip it in my flash light, impact driver or the drill.

I have owned this drill for 5 years and have never had a problem with it. It does lack power on tough screws, but for general work it's hard to beat. It is very light weight and easy to use. My wifes loves it too!

Needless to say, I am very disappointed with this product. I waited a long time to be able to afford one, when my old Black&Decker 7volt that I had for years and years finally died after I dropped it. This Makita was used very little, maybe twice a day/a few screws, and that's it. Never dropped or abused, and all of a sudden it just slips, kinda like the clutch is gone or something. I replaced it with a DeWalt. Hope that has a little longer life.