Replies

1. 
   Jim_Lovatt | Feb 14, 2001 06:36pm | #1

   *
   Gary, I don't think I've ever heard or read a bad opinion on the Panasonic. I wouldn't get the PC.

   I used to recommend Makita but now I'm not so sure as my 18V quit and started smoking yesterday - 3 months after I had the gearbox replaced. Get the Panasonic.

   jiml

1. 
   bobl_ | Feb 14, 2001 07:32pm | #2

   *Curious, the chuck isn't replaceable, too expensive, or?

1. 
   Bill_in_MI | Feb 14, 2001 08:13pm | #3

   *I have both the panosonic and the makita. The makita 12volt has a bit in the chuck all the time and the panosonic 15.6 is what I use to drive scews and work requiring more torque. They both weigh about the same - at least that is how they feel to me. If the makita ever goes south i will buy another panosonic.

1. 
   Gary_Reynolds | Feb 14, 2001 10:14pm | #4

   *bobl,The batteries are starting to lose their ability to hold a charge. Replacement cost is $120.. Not worth trying to fix chuck and replace batteries.

1. 
   Tim_Kulin | Feb 15, 2001 12:06am | #5

   *Gary,In my job before this one, I spent 8 years designing and testing batteries for aircraft and spacecraft. I worked primarily Ni-Cd's, but also did some work with NiMH. The energy and power densities of these batteries are great, but this is not a robust technology. I have not used any in a consumer type application, but I personally would be concerned about their ability to survive the kind of abuse most of us give to tools. I suspect that it would only take forgetting it in the sun for a couple of hours to permanently cook the pack. Just my $.02. As I say, I don't have personal experience with that particular cell, so your results may be much better.Rgds,Tim

2. 
   bobl_ | Feb 15, 2001 02:51am | #6

   *understand. my battery charger went, and I replaced the whole shanbang cause the batteries weren't what they were. Battery charger + batteries about cost of whole new drill.

3. 
   Bill_Brennen | Feb 17, 2001 06:20am | #7

   *No contest there. The Panasonic is just so superior it is a battle for second place. I have left my 15.6 with the NiMH pack in the sun with no ill effects, and I work that drill hard.Bill

4. 
   Gary_L._Reynolds | Feb 17, 2001 02:58pm | #8

   *Bill,Have you noticed any ill effects from storing and using the Panasonicin freezing temperatures. Although I heat my shop during the day, winter nightime temperatures often fall well below freezing. I have heard that the NiMH batteries don't perform well in the cold.Gary

5. 
   Bill_Brennen | Feb 18, 2001 07:17pm | #9

   *Gary,I have not noticed a problem in the cold, but, truth be told, I got my NiMH drill after I moved away from the cold climate I had worked in for so many years. My buddy back there has older Panasonics with nicads, so no comparison there, either.Bill

6. 
   Wes_S. | Feb 19, 2001 02:11am | #10

   *Gary, FWIW, Even though my 15.6 is only 3 mths. old, I have not noticed a lack of power from being left overnite in van. (I'm talking down to 20 below)Nor have I noticed a shortened run time (though I'll keep a closer watch now)

7. 
   Rick_Seigmund | Feb 19, 2001 08:35am | #11

   *Panasonic definately the premo choice here. Makita a second, as both tools just feel better than anyone else out there to use.

8. 
   Tim_Kulin | Feb 19, 2001 09:04pm | #12

   *Just to clarify, most battery chemistries show reduced performance when cold, but recover completely when warmed back up. It is usually heat that does permanent damage. If the panasonics seem to be holding up in the heat, then there are probably no environmental issues to worry about.Tim

9. 
   Russell_Holdredge | Mar 02, 2001 06:43am | #13

   *I bought a 14.4 Milwaukee in October. It's made in Germany, has an excellent all metal chuck. Right now you can get the drill and 2 batteries, plus a free Milwaukee bag (Duluth Trading style bag) from Grainier for 199.00. Also Milwaukee has something at their web site about buying a tool after 1/1/01 and getting a free battery for it. Almost wish I had waited 3 months.I have friends who love their Panasonics, but when it comes to service, I love my Milwaukee dealer. I still haven't seen a Panasonic service center.

2. 
   Gary_Reynolds | Mar 02, 2001 06:58am | #14

   *
   For the past four years I have owned and used daily a Bosch 14.4 volt cordless drill. It has been an excellent tool. It has slowly developed a small amount of play in the chuck and the bit now wobbles slightly. I assume it is from wear in bearings or something similar. Since I use it for furnituremaking I need an accurate and round hole. So I am looking to replace with another Bosch, a PC 14.4 or a Panasonic 15.?. The Panasonic is the most expensive, the other two about the same price. The Pana has metal hydride batteries and a supposedly longer run time, and is apparently lighter.

   What are others opinions of these drills?