Replies

1. 
   FastEddie1 | May 09, 2005 12:54am | #1

   The bits need a hex shank, and the driver clatters badly (impacts) when the resistance gets high.  But it works, and I have drilled many holes with spade bits and my Makita.

    

   I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

2. 
   pm22 | May 09, 2005 02:30am | #2

   You could get the Panasonic 15v. Multi-Driver. You switch gears, remove the hex driver and replace it with the 1/2" [Jacobs} chuck. Also remove both and you have a 1/2" square socket driver.

   ~Peter

3. 
   JulianTracy | May 11, 2005 05:53am | #3

   Why limit yourself? I picked up a Makita 14.4 impact kit that had a free M-force drill (1/2" chuck) It also had 2.6 NMH batteries and a free t-shirt. All for $206 shipped from Tyler Tool.com.

   A great deal, and the drill is super heavy duty, much nicer than the Dewalt or Bosch "compact" drills, although not as much metal (= weight) as the Dewalt XRP or Bosch brute series.

   The impact is amazing. It'll sink 4" screws with not too much effort on your part. I had bought (1 month ago) the Panasonic 12 volt Impact based on my previous experience with Panasonic 15.6 drills and others rave reviews, but the thing started falling apart after 1 week. Plastic coming off, battery tabs busted.

   The Makita feels great and the batteries last forever. Do yourself a favor and get both. BTW, I think I happened upon a sale with the $206 price, but shop around, I'll bet you can find it somewhere for just over $200.

   I would've bought a Bosch, cause that's pretty much what I use, but couldn't pass up the superior deal.

   Regards,

   Julian

1. 
   Shoeman | May 24, 2005 04:18am | #8

   Very suprised to hear about your experience with the 12 volt Panasonic impact driver.

   I have been using 12 volt Panasonic drills for years - have 3 now.  Got their first impact driver about a year ago.  Got the second generation 12 volt impact a few months back.  Have also been using the 12v circular saw for about 5 years.

   Never had anything break on any of my Panasonic stuff.

   Would really like to try the 3rd generation 12 volt Panasonic Impact driver.

   First one I have seen with a clutch and a snug up feature.  Digital torque settings as well.  set it and let it cut out when desired tightness is reached.

   You are doing yourself a real dis-service to let that one bad experience turn you off from the Panasonic line. 

1. 
   JulianTracy | May 24, 2005 06:45am | #9

   I was the biggest panasonic booster I know, still have the 15.6 kit (the batteries still hold a bit of a charge (1998-99).But this thing fell apart! The rubber was peeling off by day two, and then it dropped 3 feet and both battery clips broke off. Then I noticed that the other battery which hadn't taken a fall had a clip broke off. To compound it - Panasonic offers no help other than to take it into a service center (can you say 3-5 week wait, I'll bet)Don't get me wrong - if I could pick up the 15.6 kit at Sears for $150 again, I'd do it just to have new batteries and charger for my old kit, but other than that, probably won't get into them again. They make the very best razors though...JT

4. 
   MisterT | May 11, 2005 01:05pm | #4

   there are only three brands of cordless worth considering:

   Panasonic, Panasonic, Panasonic,

    

    

    

   We always get it right!!!

   the third time....

   "Almost certain death, small chance of success.... What are we waiting for???"

    

5. 
   tatekata | May 12, 2005 03:25pm | #5

   Hi. Buy a Makita.  I'm in Japan and have been using a Makita for years now.  I decided to try the new Hitachi, and am really disappointed I bought it.  One thing to note about buying separate chucks to use regular drill bits in the impact driver- because of the hammering impact of the driver, sometimes the chuck wil get stuck and it will get next to impossible to release the bit.  I have the skinned knuckles to prove it!  If you want to use an impact as a drill, use the hexagonal bits.  Lastly, don't use cheap screws on important projects.  Impact drivers are harder on screw heads than regular drivers are, and cheap screw heads tend to break off easy.  It can really ruin a good project.

    

1. 
   JasonPharez | May 13, 2005 01:18pm | #6

   I've got the Makita 14.4v impact with free drill, and both work great. Just drove some 5 1/2" SS lags in 6x6 posts last week---it'll bend the washers without ever straining your wrist. Had a deck that was all screwed a while back--it worked great too. Listen to Shokunin...cheap screws with soft heads will strip easily. Also, try to get square drives whenever possible; much better for impact driving.

6. 
   jazzdogg | May 14, 2005 04:45am | #7

   I'll second the Panasonic 15.6v Multi-driver. Since I got mine, my other cordless drill/drivers haven't been used much.

   -Jazzdogg-

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.