Customer Reviews

Panasonic EY6225CQ 3-3/5-Volt Cordless Drill and Driver

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I use this tool for electronics assembly, mostly computers. What sets this model apart from 98% of the rest is the electronic clutch. Unlike the mechanical clutches on other tools, its action does not vary based on how hard you push on the screw. That means you can achieve more reliable torque settings and can work on more delicate assemblies. Further more it doesn't make that awful ratcheting sound when the clutch engages. The Makita 6705DW also has electronic clutch, but its form is too large and its handle does not articulate into a pistol grip.

Sadly, this is the best lightweight inline cordless screwdriver I could find. To be perfect this tool needs five things. First, a carry case. None is included or available. Second, a modern battery. This tool uses nickel cadmium batteries, which are large (relatively) and suffer from memory effects. Any high performance cordless device should have nickel metal hydride or lithium ion batteries, which could make this tool smaller, lighter, and give improved battery life. Third, I want a screwdriver that has continuously variable speed like that is common on many cordless drills (but not screwdrivers).This tool is just on or off, in high or low gear. Fourth, and minor, it comes with only 2 philips head bits. Strangely, no slotted bits (or any other bits at all) are included. Fifth, it should have a compartment that would accommodate 1 or 2 bits on board the tool like many cordless drills do.

This tool is the best available but it's not the tool I wanted to buy and was willing to pay for.

This is one of the best cordless screw drivers on the market. Especially for repairing or assembling electronic devices. (computers)
BUT.....
You better hope it never breaks. Panasonic repair center will not offer service to repair it, even though it is their product. They want you to send it to a authorized service center, but they don't want to be bothered with something like a cordless screwdriver. its more expensive than some cordless drills. You would think Panasonic would give it more consideration when it comes to service, especially because it is usually only bought by professionals that buy high end tools such as this.

I have owned 6 different "stick drills" over the past 10 years. This panasonic is far above all the others. The adjustable clutch allows for precision work and the rapid rechargeable battery really only takes 15 minutes. I wish they made a model with the power switch on the opposite side for us lefties!

This is a must for anyone who turns screws. Fast and light weight.
Don't expect to use this tool to screw together a deck, but it is great for electrical trim work.

The reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 is that this screwdriver is a bit pricey and also a bit large for a 3.6V model. But if you do a lot of electronic assembly or repair, this is the screwdriver for you. This model has a 2 speed transmission with a surprising amount of torque in low gear and fast (600 RPM) in high gear. The most important feature though is the electronic clutch. You will not strip even the most delicate screws with this screwdriver. If you are looking for an all purpose drill driver or you want something with lots of power, the DeWalt may be a better choice as it is cheaper and more powerful. But if you need a screwdriver for delicate work that is fast, fairly powerful and won't strip out small screws, this is the only choice. Normally, I say the more power the better but if you want a screwdriver with a precision clutch for delicate work, this is THE tool for you.

Toolman Joe

I purchased from a local distributor about 5 years ago when it was cutting edge. I liked the 15 min coffee break charge time. It did not come with a case or any extras other than a charger. I think I paid about $120 then. It replaced the disposable Skill unit that goes for $30. Over the past 6 months I began to notice the battery just was not giving me the performance it used to. It seemed like it would spend 15 min in charger & 15 min out...this gets old when you use it a lot. The clutch worked well for my application, dialing up or down it did not over torque at any time or break any delicate material. I recently went with the new Makita because buying a replacement [Ni cad] battery was going to be about $40 and is quite outdated with lithium ion technology. The Makita came with a useful case [soft side, zipper] second battery, charger and some bits...yes I said bits! At about $70 delivered I would have been goofy to do otherwise. *read my Makita screwdriver review to learn more. So what did I do with my old one? I gave it to my soon-to-be retired father in law to use around the house, knowing him he will get years out of it!

I have been in electronics service for over 30 years, and our shops have always used these stick type screwdrivers. Products like Black and Decker, Skil, and Craftsman are not even close to being the caliber of
this Panasonic driver.

This is my 4th driver, and each one has been a steady improvement in features and power. I have been using it daily for about 5 years now. Having started out with the single speed Milwaukee, then the Milwaukee and Panasonic two speed 2.4 volt drivers,(which are identical), and now the 3.6 volt Panasonic, these are all truly bullet proof and proven Professional products. Our shops have been outfitted with hundreds of them over the years, and not one of them fail until they have been completely worn out from many years of daily abuse.

This model has been manufactured for many years, which is why it is still using Ni-Cd technology. But the rest of the features, such as the chuck, and the electronic clutch, are very modern. They work perfectly, and have been a big improvement over prior models, as has been the increase to 3.6 volts, enabling the speed to go to 600 rpm. I'm sure Panasonic will be updating it soon, but the lack of Li-Ion batteries is not that big of a deal.

Contrary to a prior comment, you do not want variable speed with a driver of this type. You would find that it actually would be a nuisance. The low speed high torque setting is great for that occasional tough job, or if you need delicate control.

It should be noted that this is not a driver for driving long screws into 2x4's. It is a precision tool that has a surprising amount of power for its size. But it is used primarily for electronics and similar light duty tasks. Pick the correct tool for the job. The 9.6 volt Ridgid is a good driver if you need more power.

WE HAVE OVER 108 OF THESE UNITS IN SERVICE IN OUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT. 50 OF THEM WERE PURCHASED IN 2001 AND THEY ARE ALL STILL GOING STRONG.
THIS UNIT IS THE BEST AVAILABLE.

For what it is- simple and lightweight, it's the best we've found so far.

They last about 1-2 years of daily use in our production room. We needed a driver that was light to carry for driving small screws, with a good clutch to make sure the screws didn't break out. Any other driver is either way to heavy to carry all day, or way too crappy.

The clutch works, the batteries work for about a year. So we recommend it highly for light duty jobs.

I thought I was upgrading from the Milwaukee 2.5 volt power screwdriver. This one has the noisy clutch, but I have never had any trouble with this style.
The auto shut off of the Panasonic is a electric switch that turns the tool off. Mine lasted about 4 months, returned for service, lasted another 2 weeks. The clutch was stoping power to the motor.. I like the extra power, but will stick to the Milwaukee for reliability.