Identical Panasonic Cordless Drills?
I recently purchased a Panasonic 15.6V NiMH 1/2-inch cordless drill and have a few questions that someone may be able to answer.
At Amazon, I saw two nearly identical Panasonic 15.6V NiMH drills advertised as follows:
Model No………………….. Battery ………….. Weight …………Retail $ …………… Selling $
EY6432 N QKW …………. 3.0 Ah …………… ?? ………………. 340 …………………. 189
EY6432 G QKW …………. 3.5 Ah …………… 4.8 lbs ………… 360 …………………. 179
As can be seen, the only difference is that the G model has a longer lasting battery. Every other feature that I saw was identical for both drills except for the weight. I could not find the weight for the N model. Other features all seemed to be identical:
Speed Ranges: 65-450/200-1450 RPM
Torque: 390 in./lbs
Clutch Settings: 18
Reversible: yes
Batteries: two (2)
My questions are:
1. Why would Panasonic make two drills with seemingly identical features to begin with?
2. Why would the more expensive drill (with 3.5 Ah batteries) have a lower street value as opposed to the 3.0 Ah model being sold for $10 more?
These questions have me worried because I feel that I have overlooked something important. To be clear, charge times and weight differences of a few ounces are not important to me.
Here are the Amazon links for your perusal:
N model: http://tinyurl.com/2ufy7k
G model: http://tinyurl.com/2kzkxf
As usual, all comments are welcome.
Replies
I just took a quick look and see (45-minute charge saves time )http://tinyurl.com/2ufy7k.
So that's part of it.
(Includes drill/driver, 2 batteries, 1-hour charger, and hard-plastic carrying case )http://tinyurl.com/2kzkxf
Thanks for your comments.Like I noted earlier, the charge times were not an important criteria for me because I plan no high usage for this drill. This drill will be replacing my old Sears 3/8-inch corded drill whose brushes are about gone. If I can find replacements for these brushes I'll make that repair later on.In addition, I have been lusting for a cordless drill for a long time. Now I won't have too worry too much about having to step over all the cords as I work.I appreciate your time.
You won't do any better than that Panasonic. I have two that I have used and abused for several years. The torque to weight ratio is amazing.Greg
I'll give a big thumbs up also. i have one for ten years and the other seven years , just now one battery is a bit tired and the battery charger is done on the first. i have thrown everything at both these models at a daily rate. And i'm sold on these things. get the 3.5 models. i like the weight and ergonomics of them, busted one the tynes on the chuck and was easy to change(but for that matter all drills are pretty much straight forward). I will say the batteries are not cheap (very roughly $100) as is the charger. But for my money it's worth it.
Greg,You guys are making my day. To be honest here, I did my usual research before buying this drill and everyone had high praise for it. What drove me to the Panasonic was the high marks that I remember reading about a year ago for their corded model which, if I remember correctly, could be dropped from a roof top and kept on ticking. To me, that's says a lot about a tool, not that I'd subject it to that kind of punishment, but only that Panasonic built that drill for the long haul.So, because to that memory, I decided to check out their cordless models and ordered their G model.Thanks for your comments.
Phillip,
They are the same drill. The 3.5 Amp-hour batteries are newer than the 3.0's. My guess is that the 3.0 model is more money because it cost them more when they were purchased wholesale. Panasonic may offer a rebate to the retailer on the newer stuff, but not the older. Or the newer model may be on sale to attract customers.
I'd go for the 3.5 if it were me. Those drills are great tools, and that is a great price, too.
Bill
Bill,Thanks for stopping in. I appreciate your comments.I thought that Amazon was advertising the same drill twice by accident until I noticed the different Ah of each battery included. Then when I realized that the better drill was actually cheaper that the less powerful model, I began wondering if I was missing some important fact that I would later regret. What you said makes sense, but if folks don't read the fine print, they will regret it, if they later discover the differences in power and price, that is. I was just lucky in that I noticed two 15.6V models which at first glance, seemed identical until I noticed the different model numbers and then the battery differences. I'm really glad I did because I don't ever recall getting a better tool and saving money at the same time. Usually it's the other way around. This is a first for me.One last thing about the way Amazon has this set up on their site: The N model drill has the price hidden until you add it to your cart. In my experience, this is usually done to items that are really reduced in price. Not this time. The G model, the better deal, does not have it's price hidden. Crazy.I've been really wanting a cordless drill for a long time. Good to know I made the right choice. And saved $10, too. Should be here in a few days. Can't wait.Thanks for your time.
Phillip
FWIW
Amazon had the 3.5 on "sale" for $149 a month or so ago. Bought it even though my 15.6v and 12v are fine. Just a fluke that I saw the sale, posted it over at JLConline.
You got a great buy. I would have done likewise.