Customer Reviews

Panasonic EY6406FQKW 12 Volt 3/8-Inch Cordless Hyperformance Drill Kit with 2 Ni-CAD Batteries

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a great tool. The ergonomics are terrific, not top-heavy like the Dewalts. A nice compact handle (better than Makitas). The chuck design is very nice. you hold the tool by the grip with one hand and free the bit with the other by twisting the chuck base. You don't have to use both hands on the chuck and wring it like a dishrag to free the bit.

Overall construction of the tool is good. it is quite rugged and seems new after about 6 months of use. Power and speed control are very good---the tool gives a funny whine when at low speeds, almost like a stepper motor, but allows precise low speed with full torque. The clutch function is great--highly repeatable screw drive depths in hardwoods and drywall.

I have (or have worn out) drills made by Bosch, Milwaukee, Porter Cable, Sioux, Black and Decker :( and Craftsman :(. This Panasonic drill is in the top tier of high-quality cordless drills. The only drill I like better is my Sioux close-quarters drill (it has a cord).

My big beef: I have two nice Bosch cordless drills, a 7.2V and 9.6V. They are old but mechanically fine. Unbelievably, nobody sells batteries for them anymore. Bosch will not provide batteries for them at any price. This just frosts me. I wonder if Panasonic will sell replacement batteries 5 years from now.

I have had the older 12V Panasonic drill for five years now and can't live without it. It is light so that you can use it all day and yet powerful enough to snap #8 x 3" screw heads off if you don't pre drill the holes. The 45 minute charger is a real blessing too, because no mater how hard you work the drill, the recharger has a battery ready way before you need it.

I have had this drill (actually it's predecessor) for over 10 years. I bought it just as I started working on "Hook", the movie. It had one feature I found too compelling not to try: the speed controller gives FULL or MAXIMUM TORQUE at ALL speeds! That means you don't have to give it more gas to twist harder. That translates into control! Fine, precise control. Amazing. Now after all those years of super hard use, I must replace it. The batteries are ready for the recycler. I am going to get the 15.6V 1/2" model to replace it, and I am sure it will ROCK! Way to go Panasonic! As a Product Designer (too) I applaud your work!

(PS: The main shaft could be harder, as mine bent slightly after a drop...but it still makes Makita owners blanche!)

Leslie Ekker, SFX Modelmaker

We fight over this drill. The loser gets the DeWalt. The second loser gets the Black and Decker. (Battery drills) Great balance, smaller, fits in tighter places. Gets swiped when you go to the bathroom, DeWalt left in it's place.

The chuck alone is worth the extra cost. Size, weight, balance and power make it chosen over my other cordless drills by Milwaukee, DeWalt and Porter Cable. I use the other three when I have lots of room, mainly to save the batteries in the Panasonic or we need a hammer-drill. We try to save the panasonic for all the driving and tight spot drilling. The chuck locks up as tight as a keyed chuck with real precision. Full power at low speeds is nice. the electric brake is good and the motor is outlasting the other tools according to motor odors.

This is a great tool! No argument there. However.... once the batteries die out I think $60 is way too much for a battery. Of course now you're stuck with a great tool you can't use and that just breaks your heart. To replace both batteries will cost $120, almost as much as the original kit of $165. What a scam!

I recieved this drll as a gift for chrismas. My friend told my wife about it as he is a cabinetmaker by trade and they have 3 of them in the shop. Well I wasn't to be disappointed. I have small hands, but find that the erogonomics fit my hand perfectly. It is well balanced and the forward and reverse are right where you expect them to be. I especially like how you chuck up the bit. This drill has the power it takes to do the job with less effert. I had a Porter-cable and I would choose the Panasonic hands down.

It just leaves the other brands gasping for air. High torque in the low speeds and just a great feel to it. Drives screws in any surface with ease. Try a different brand then try tha panasonic and you'll be convinced.

1. the battery lasted thru about 25-35 cycles, maybe because i left them charge overnight??? so now they are wimpier than before, barely holding a cha$rge....and now finding a ni-cad replacement battery is proving to be iffy.

2. panasonic went to ni-mh batteries leaving the older users in the lurch, the ni-mh won't fit in the drill or charger; where oh where can the ni-cad's be (at a reasonable cost).

3. the chuck just does NOT grasp a bit, when under pressure the bit just spins in the jaws.

4. the torque, well where is it, the thing stalls out drilling in steel or thick oak.

other than that, such a buy...