Too much torque for itself.,
July 20, 2009
"I originally loved this drill when I bought it. A year later however, it broke on me when I was tightening down a lag bolt. It didn't just stop working or anything, it actually snapped the shaft that goes from the chuck into the drill itself. Not sure if a new chuck would come with that part. Like I said I really liked it, but I guess it has to much power for the cheap shaft they put in it. Could've been a very rare occurence."
What is your level of technical expertise? Professional
Product Quality from Makita,
April 22, 2008
"Though a bit more than I paid for my last Makita (it lasted more than a decade) even taking inflation into account, this is a tool well worth the money. It has great power and much lighter weight than comparable NiCAD tools. The weight is on par with 14v NiCAD for comparison purposes, so you get the extra power without the extra weight of standard 18v systems. The drill also contains LED lights to help see where light is minimal. At first I didn't think they would be of much use, but was I surprised. They are actually quite useful. I know I will want them again if I have a choice. If you are looking for a quality tool at a great price, Makita has what you are looking for. A highly recommended tool for anyone."
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
This Unit Sets the Standard,
April 21, 2008
By sylas from The High Desert at the Foot of the Rockies
"I have not purchased a new cordless drill in fifteen years as my 3/8" 7.2v Makitas (stick ni-cads) have never let me down as a professional who used them constantly. I bought one of the first square battery Makitas and promptly sold it as I found the design to large for my needs at the time.
I have since moved on from my former profession and my two older drills had been damaged by rodents while improperly stored. Now I own a small ranch and do most of the building myself. I heard about this drill from a relative who is a General Contractor and decided if I'm going to replace such a crucial piece of equipment I wanted the best. This drill does not disappoint!
The hammer feature is such that it makes stripping screw heads a thing of the past. The batteries last an incredible amount of time under a hard load. The charger is sophisticated and it's nice to have the battery conditioning built in. No more dischargers or memory issues.
You cannot and will not go wrong with this unit. Yes, it costs more, but what you get for the additional cost is worth twice the difference.
Highly recommended!"
What is your level of technical expertise? Professional