Customer Reviews

Panasonic EY6105YQW 12 Volt Drill/Driver

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

 

 

I use cordless drills everyday and have since their introduction. I have used just about all of them. I am an expert on this subject. This little drill is amazingly capable. The torque is awesome--way beyond what the average user will need. Many people buy drills that are way to heavy and awkward for what they will actually be using them. The Panasonic's small size and light weight are a blessing. Nevertheless, this drill looks solid enough to stand up to commercial use on a limited basis. It can get into tight places that a standard size drill cannot and its light weight won't fatigue you with extended use. Just use some common sense of course--this is not the best choice for driving 1/2" x 12" lagscrews.
Now for the downside: (Panasonic PLEASE listen up here) This drill (like all Panasonic drills) has a major ergonomic flaw. The reversing button protrudes excessively and has a sharp-edged face that presses painfully into your trigger finger. I and my associates have complained at trade shows for years to the Panasonic reps, but one might as well talk to a wall. Fortunately, this problem is easily dealt with. Just grind, file, or sand the button down so that it is flush with the drill case when depressed. With the button fixed, this is a fantastic drill, and at 50 bucks it is an AMAZING value.

I bought this drill really not expecting much. It was on sale for 50 bucks and I couldn't resist the price. I own several 18 volt drills - 2 Bosch, 2 Dewalts, Ridgid,Craftsman, etc. I had heard so much about the Panasonics that I just had to pick it up and give it a try. This drill is terrific! I use it for assembling cabinets and face frames with pocket hole screws and because of its compact size, light weight and power, I found it to be a tremendous asset. I assumed when purchasing it that I would use it a couple of times and then leave it to gather dust. Now I use it daily. Battery life is reasonable for a 12 volt drill and the torque is more than adequate for my needs. My only complaint is that the neutral position of the trigger does not lock the trigger properly. If you give it a good squeeze, the drill will start up.

Excellent compact, lightweight drill for everyday projects when you don't need the 18V hammer drill. Great power and battery life despite its small size.

This is the lightest drill I have owned. It is also powerful and has become my favorite drill to use. Much nicer to use than my 18V Black and DEcker Firestorm.

i have had this drill for about a year. i have used drills now for over 50 years, so am familiar with the good and bad. the drill i got really lacks power; lacks the power to insert 4" deckscrews in redwood, 2" screws in hardwood is a no-can-do, forget drilling steel and applying pressure, the drill stalls out...the clutch regardless of the highest setting lets the drill stall. i have owned far cheaper drills which had enough torque to twist your wrist, no danger with this one. ..i bght it due to the 50 buck sale price...but would have been better off with another brand...about all i can saw good is it looks nice and is portable...even at 35bucks it would be iffy as a 'light-use' tool.

For my money Panasonic makes the finest 12 volt available at any price. This drill just flat out gets it done - It's the perfect everyday tool for DIYers and pros alike. The only time I go for my 6 pound 18 volt DeWalt anymore is when I'm going to be screwing down decking all day.

Note to Robert B. Worley: You need to set the clutch in the "Lock" position before attempting to drill using the high speed function. With the clutch locked it can't/won't slip. Sometimes it pays to read the instructions ;)

The drill was described in the add as a compact drill. When it arrived I was surprised as to how small it was and right away I assumed its performance to be light weight as well. The drill can do almost every task my 14.4 Milwaukee performs. Surprising power and it also holds a charge very well. Now I find myself reaching for the Panasonic drill because it is so light and compact. Really a great product - I should buy another.

The delivery, packaging and billing went very well. Unfortunately the keyless chuck was locked in the wide open position so that I couldn't close it to use a drill bit or screw driver.

I love this drill so much I'm buying another incase they stop making them, husband has many other brands which are good but he likes mine better,its perfect light-weight and powerful!

At the sale price of $50, this is 75% of what a single 12V replacement battery pack would cost. I bought this drill set to basically get the batteries for use in my 6100. As for this unit, the drill is made in Mexico while the batteries are from China.

My impressions at this time:

Pluses:
-Compact
-Light
-Reasonable torque
-Inexpensive

Cons:
-A bit nose heavy.
-Clutch collar is small.
-Chuck diameter is somewhat large.
-Neutral switch does not lock the trigger, if set to neutral and pressed, it will default to forward.

-I initially thought this was a one-handed chuck like on the EY6100. This requires two hands to tighten/loosen the jaws to make bit changes. Otherwise, the chuck will turn against the friction settings you have dialed in on the clutch.

This unit's compact size and weight are the best features. If you have smaller hands and want a drill that maneuvers well in tight spaces, this is well suited for you.