Panasonic EY6432GQKW 15.6-Volt NiMH 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

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(Reviewed by 194 customers)
Panasonic EY6432GQKW 15.6-Volt NiMH 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
 

Panasonic EY6432GQKW description

It's easy to see why this drill was rated a 2006 "best buy" by a leading consumer magazine. Impressively compact, lightweight, and comfortable to use, Panasonic's 15.6-volt drill/driver fits into tight spaces where other bulkier drills won't. The 3-1/2 amp NiMH batteries deliver remarkable run time per charge, which is a big plus, especially if you need a tool for continuous use. What about power? This Panasonic packs up to 390 inch-pounds of torque--as much (if not more) than anyone needs in a cordless tool. The motor's speed control allows full torque at any speed, so you can apply full torque while still maintaining control.

The tool features dual speed ranges of 65 to 450 and 200 to 1,450 rpm. The 1/2-inch chuck takes bigger bits. The first thing you notice about this tool, however, is how compact it is (the chassis measures only 8-1/2 inches) and how comfortable it feels in your hand. The soft-pad grip provides extra cushion and the tool's balance is superb, two important features if you wield a cordless day in and day out. The tool lacks an onboard bit holder, but that's about all it lacks. The 3-1/2 amp batteries are ventilated, so they last longer, delivering up to 1,200 charges and recharges.

This drill is a smart buy for plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and even woodworkers--in short, anyone who wants a small, compact drill that packs a lot of torque and is built to last. The package includes a 55-minute universal charger and hard-plastic carrying case. --Jon Groebner  

Panasonic EY6432GQKW specifications

ASIN
B00009KDGX
Brand
Panasonic
Model
EY6432GQKW
Features
15.6-volt Ni-MH 1/2-inch cordless drill/driver kit with keyless chuck
Compact and lightweight yet powerful; dual speed ranges (0-400/0-1,300 rpm), 390 inch-pounds of torq
Durable plastic exterior and soft-pad grip for cushion
Includes drill/driver, 2 batteries, 1-hour charger, and hard-plastic carrying case
9-inches long; 4.4 pounds; 1-year warranty
Manufacturer
Panasonic
Weight
1 pounds
Package Height
4 inches
Package Width
14.3 inches
Package Length
16.2 inches
Package Weight
12.55 pounds

Panasonic EY6432GQKW reviews

Panasonic Drill?? You Bet!
This is a GREAT drill. Who would of thought Panasonic could/would make such a great tool. This is the second one I have owned, and the only reason I bought this one is because the first one's batteries finally started not holding a charge long enough. Why buy a whole new drill you ask? Well because Panasonic wanted $119.00 for ONE Battery and after logging 6 HARD years on the original batteries and drill it made better sense to spend $199.00 for the whole new setup which includes 2 new batteries, charger, drill and case. You will never be sorry you bought this drill!!
1/21/2008
Very Good Drill
Purchased my 15.6v Panasonic drill about 6 months ago for a little more than what it's selling for today, and I must say that I am still a very happy camper. This is a very well made tool, all seams are tight, and no sloppy play in any of it's moving parts (no play in the buttons, battery, chuck). This 15.6v drill blows my old NiCad 18v drill out of the water. It's not only about a pound lighter, but it has more torque and a better brake. I really like the ratcheting chuck preventing the chuck from loosening on it's own (some people don't like it, but I think it's a better design). Grip is smaller than others. I have a medium sized hand, and it's very comfortable. Was working on an addition to my deck, sunk over 200 screws, and still had power to burn on one battery!

Pros: light weight, comfortable, powerful, well made, amazing battery life. Fantastic overall drill for DIY's

Cons: Accessories for Panasonic are expensive. If you're looking to get a 15.5v Panasonic impact drill, saw, etc.. your going to be sinking a pretty penny. Their line of add-on tools is not as extensive as other major players, and with the way Lithium ion is going, this may be an obsolete drill in a year (unless Panasonic makes a line of Lion bats that will cross over to their Nimh line.)

Summary: If you're just looking for a drill and not a lot of accessories, this is a good one and well worth the money. If you're looking to possibly expand your cordless tool arsenal, the selection Panasonic offers is rather limited and would recommend going with Makita's LXT line.
1/21/2008
Very Good Drill
Purchased my 15.6v Panasonic drill about 6 months ago for a little more than what it's selling for today, and I must say that I am still a very happy camper. This is a very well made tool, all seams are tight, and no sloppy play in any of it's moving parts (no play in the buttons, battery, chuck). This 15.6v drill blows my old NiCad 18v drill out of the water. It's not only about a pound lighter, but it has more torque and a better brake. I really like the ratcheting chuck preventing the chuck from loosening on it's own (some people don't like it, but I think it's a better design). Grip is smaller than others. I have a medium sized hand, and it's very comfortable. Was working on an addition to my deck, sunk over 200 screws, and still had power to burn on one battery!

Pros: light weight, comfortable, powerful, well made, amazing battery life. Fantastic overall drill for DIY's

Cons: Accessories for Panasonic are expensive. If you're looking to get a 15.6v Panasonic impact drill, saw, etc.. your going to be sinking a pretty penny. Their line of add-on tools is not as extensive as other major players, and with the way Lithium ion is going, this may be an obsolete drill in a year (unless Panasonic makes a line of Lion bats that will cross over to their Nimh line.)

Summary: If you're just looking for a drill and not a lot of accessories, this is a good one and well worth the money. If you're looking to possibly expand your cordless tool arsenal, the selection Panasonic offers is rather limited and would recommend going with Makita's LXT line.
1/21/2008
smooth running
This drill fits the bill. I've used every brand of hand powered drills and this one is tops.
1/9/2008
Panasonic EY6432GQKW
Recently purchased my second EY6432GQKW Drill, when I noticed it on sale at Amazon. I've been using this drill on an almost daily basis. My original drill is several years old, and only recently has the charge begun to weaken. It's fairly light and compact, and it doesn't hurt that it has been highly rated in Consumer Reports magazine.
Overall, a very well designed product.
1/7/2008
Great drill. A little pricey.
Great drill. Batteries seem to last forever and huge amount of torque. Lots of competitors now with LithiumIon batteries so I don't know if it is still the best drill value but it has been a really good product.
12/27/2007
Very pleased!
I read a ton of reviews before purchasing, and I have not been disappointed. I originally owned a Ryobi, but the charger died and I could not find a replacement ... then a Skil, but the charger went bad and took the batteries with it ... so I bought another Skil because it had the same batteries and was cheaper than buying the batteries and charger separately, but those batteries eventually just wore out ... after receiving the Panasonic I topped off both batteries, but I have yet to need the second one, despite re-screwing down the entire floor area of my kitchen, laundry, and a half bath with deck screws prior to installing new flooring ... I don't know how long it's going to last, but I am very happy right now! Cheers to all ...
2/14/2008
Great drill!
This is a great all-around drill. Top rated by CR, adn I understand why. Great torque and long battery life. It has very good ergonomics... except for one very small quibble. The forward-reverse switch can easily be depressed accidentally.

Otherwise absolutely no complaints. It's a well-ballanced and powerful tool.
2/8/2008
Multiple problems
I was very excited when i received my new drill. It had excellent power, was lightweight, and seemed well put together. However, after using it for 4 months, the chuck was damaged (some internal parts broke inside) and i had to have it replaced under warranty. I was happy with the warranty repair.

After getting it back, I used it a few more months and the new chuck started acting up as well, and i believe it is only a matter of time before this one needs to be replaced as well. At about the same time, I noticed that the motor started to smell of smoke and would get very hot when I used it heavy. Now the speed control doesn't work at low speeds and the motor skips and jumps, and i believe the motor is damaged.

On top of all this, the gears seem to slip sometimes.

I am a heavy user of all my tools, but I have had a 9.6 volt Makita for almost a decade and eventually had to have the batteries replaced. The case has broken open and is now held together with electrical tape, the motor has been stalled repeatedly, and it has been left out in the rain, but it continues to work.

The Panasonic has really left me cold.
2/20/2008
Cordless Drill/Driver kit
Cordless Drill/Driver kit is as described, an excellent tool that meet the best expectations for my purposes which included installation of Kitchen Floor. Very satisfied.
3/2/2008
Great Durability & Battery Life - Awkward Chuck
excellent drill - good vendor: prompt delivery, etc. a little more fumbly that expected for ordinary bit insertion.
4/5/2008
Good Quality Product
Drill is durable and battery packs last a long time. I can't believe how perfect the size is compared to other models! Lacks some modern features, such as level and LED light, however is well worth the trade-off for what you get. Other models that I looked at offered these features, however the battery packs didn't last as long and they didn't appear to be near the quality. I took a chance and ordered sight-unseen and am very glad I did! Bought for around-the-house repairs and light remodeling. Drill is probably more powerful than I needed, but I wouldn't change a thing.
3/29/2008
powerfull but fragile
I am a Builder, and have hree of these. Each has a problem..One has a broken Chuck as I tightened a bit in it that was off center and broke one of the three tines, I have another that smells burned out and over heats probably from over use, and a third that I dropped Damaging the internals,, I also have several Batteries that wont charge. Problem is that I use the Panosonic skill saw ever day, I also love the drill but it is not well balanced and can easily fall from a tool apron...The Batteries are so exspensive.. It is actually cheaper to buy the drill kit than it is to buy the two batteries...
8/8/2009
powerfull but fragile
I am a Builder, and have three of these. Each has a problem..One has a broken Chuck as I tightened a bit in it that was off center and broke one of the three tines, I have another that smells burned out and over heats probably from over use, and a third that I dropped Damaging the internals,, I also have several Batteries that wont charge. Problem is that I use the Panasonic skill saw every day, I also use the drill but it is not well balanced and can easily fall from a tool apron...The Batteries are so expensive.. It is actually cheaper to buy the drill kit than it is to buy the two batteries...
8/8/2009
Panasonic Cordless
My husband had owned a Panasonic for years and when it finally died he wanted this one to replace it. He has not been disappointed. The same great quality still exists.
7/7/2009
Hands Down the best Daily Drill
I am a professional handyman, and have been in the business for 16 years. I just purchased and received My 4th panasonic 15.6v drill. The 1st one I bought in 99, because it had a 1/2" chuck. I used it alongside some makita drills, but it quickly made its way to being my #1 choice. I use this drill daily, and it has never failed. I have never known another contractor to carry one since it is not sold a Lowes or Home Depot, but everyone who has tried or borrowed my drill has been thoroughly impressed. For those whom do not use a cordless daily, this drill might be abit overbearing as it has alot of power, and drives screws very quickly on high speed. This drill will happily shear the heads off of deck screws and 1/4" bolts if care is not taken. I have heard that the long term battery life is short when the drill is not used often, or stored fully charged. My last drill and others (replaced when the batteries no longer hold a charge) have lasted some 3 years each, two of which I still use as backups, they'll hold a charge for 30 min or so, long enough when I need two drills, or I just use the other new battery that came with the new drill. The new batteries tend to last a long time when charge. With the newest edition came some nice changes to the drill, a more tapered chuck to get it into even tighter spaces, as well as the elimination of the ratcheting chuck, this one is much quieter when inserting and tightening a bit. It also seems to be a little more powerful then the older version, but that may be because it is brand spanking new. If you are looking for a great dailing drill, look no further, it is definately a steal for $200.
7/2/2009
Takes a lot of abuse
I do home remodeling. This is the second one I purchased. The first was great--until I had it stolen. My second now is about 10 months old. I have used it on virtually ever job I'm at. I have used it with a large mud paddle to mix thinset and joint compounds (probably not recommended) and the motor gets very warm under this type of load. It has kept on running through all of my demands. The batteries last a long time, and I have never had a situation where the second battery died before the other one was fully charged and ready to keep the tool going. Every once and a while the chuck starts having "catches" in it when adjusting it for the next bit or tool. I suspect it is from plaster or drywall dust entering it while doing overhead work. When this happens, I spray a lot of WD-40 into the chuck and invert it to drain. Problem gone. Some have written about difficulty to center a bit. I think that this is a minor thing, and merely taking a little effort to hold the bit centered as you spin down the chuck is all it requires. I am very pleased with the quality. The case has held up well, too.
6/30/2009
Best Drill.
I've used this drill for a few years now and I can't say enough about it. Very powerful and great torque. The battery life is great. Holds a charge for a couple of weeks with normal use.
6/28/2009
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