I love my DW 9.6V drill but it barely drives two screws before
requiring a charge. Never felt I needed more power so I have no
interest in a 18V gun. I have heard lots of good things about
Panasonic batteries but what about their drills?

This one is on sale for $95 and free shipping
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-EY64...5094335&sr=1-1

Only slightly more than I would pay for two batteries for my DW.
Anyone have one of the Panasonic drills?

One big drawback is according to the description I can't snap my R2
and P1 bits in the side of the drill like I can with my DW...

RayV wrote:
I love my DW 9.6V drill but it barely drives two screws before
requiring a charge. Never felt I needed more power so I have no
interest in a 18V gun. I have heard lots of good things about
Panasonic batteries but what about their drills?

I can't comment on the Panasonic, but your statement about not needing
the power of an 18V drill caught my eye. Have you ever spent any time
using one? I felt the same as you till I got one as a gift several years
ago. I wouldn't mind having a lightweight drill for certain
applications, but I would never give up the power and convenience of the
18V. I can do an awful lot of screwing on one charge now. :-)

On Mar 28, 11:33 am, "Charlie M. 1958"
wrote:
RayV wrote:
I love my DW 9.6V drill but it barely drives two screws before
requiring a charge. Never felt I needed more power so I have no
interest in a 18V gun. I have heard lots of good things about
Panasonic batteries but what about their drills?

I can't comment on the Panasonic, but your statement about not needing
the power of an 18V drill caught my eye. Have you ever spent any time
using one?

No but I have picked one up and don't think I would like it. My DW
9.6 is in my tool bag, or on the bench or hanging from the monster
hook (great gadget) on my belt. When the DW was fairly new I could go
a long time before charging so I don't think I need an 18V. My tool
bag is already too heavy.

Checking a little bit more on drills shows different types of
batteries for the same voltage/manufacturer ; NiCad, NiMh, etc.
Now what?

http://www.worktools.com/monster_hook.htm

interest in a 18V gun. I have heard lots of good things about
Panasonic batteries but what about their drills?

Excellent!

Anyone have one of the Panasonic drills?

Aamof, yes - I just bought the very one you mentioned. I've had it a
month or so now, and I've been extremely pleased. It seems to have
just as much power, and probably a longer runtime, than the 16.8V
Craftsman it replaced. I like the compact feel and light weight, and
I haven't yet had a job for which the Panasonic 12 was underpowered.
Highly recommended.

One big drawback is according to the description I can't snap my R2
and P1 bits in the side of the drill like I can with my DW...

That is the one drawback I found also. I glued a couple of 1/4" dia
rare earth magnets to the front of the battery compartment, and that
does and OK job of holding a driver bit. My better solution, though,
was to get a double-sided bit, with a phillips on one end and a R2
square-drive on the other. Available from Rockler and others, and I
think I saw a 3-pack of Dewalt bits like this on Amazon - maybe you
can add that to your order.
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW2215-...5101668&sr=8-1
(or search DW2215 if the link doesn't work)
Since I use the cordless primarily for driving in the shop, I can
usually leave this single bit in and just reverse it as needed.
Also, if you're willing to spend a few bucks more, I think McFeeley's
might have a little driver-bit clip that you can attach to your
drill.

Good luck, and let me know if you have any more questions about this
drill,
Andy
(No affiliations with anyone mentioned above...)

I have a Panasonic 12-volt that I love--a great performer, long
battery life, plenty of power. They may be a little smaller than some
other 12-volt drills; that isn't a problem for my hand, but if you
have very large hands it's something to consider before buying.

RayV wrote:
I love my DW 9.6V drill but it barely drives two screws before
requiring a charge. Never felt I needed more power so I have no
interest in a 18V gun. I have heard lots of good things about
Panasonic batteries but what about their drills?

This one is on sale for $95 and free shipping
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-EY64...5094335&sr=1-1

Only slightly more than I would pay for two batteries for my DW.
Anyone have one of the Panasonic drills?

One big drawback is according to the description I can't snap my R2
and P1 bits in the side of the drill like I can with my DW...

I would send your battery pack in for a rebuild. I have used
"BATTERYREBUILDERS.COM" on a few occasions and they have been great to
deal with. He will rebuild your battery to be better than new .. he
used highter capacity cells, and if your charger is capable, he will, as
an option, rebuild with nimh batteries.

On Mar 28, 1:14 pm, " wrote:
I have a Panasonic 12-volt that I love--a great performer, long
battery life, plenty of power. They may be a little smaller than some
other 12-volt drills; that isn't a problem for my hand, but if you
have very large hands it's something to consider before buying.

What is it they say about guys with small hands...













Oh yeah, small gloves.

"RayV" wrote in message
oups.com...
I love my DW 9.6V drill but it barely drives two screws before
requiring a charge. Never felt I needed more power so I have no
interest in a 18V gun. I have heard lots of good things about
Panasonic batteries but what about their drills?

Well needless to say, your DeWalt is not at fault, the battery is pooped
out. Even Panasonic has that problem.
That said, my first 9.6 drill was a Panasonic that I bought in the early
90's. Then batteries go too expensice to replace I bought a DeWalt. It is
a good drill but I still believe the Panason was superior. The electronics
in the drill itself make my 2 DeWalt's and 3 Makita's look and feel cheap.



This one is on sale for $95 and free shipping
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-EY64...5094335&sr=1-1

Panasonic does have some low end stuff and this drill may be riding in on
the coat tails like the Cadillac Cimeron did.


Only slightly more than I would pay for two batteries for my DW.
Anyone have one of the Panasonic drills?

I'd go the better Panasonic.

One big drawback is according to the description I can't snap my R2
and P1 bits in the side of the drill like I can with my DW...

Once you have used a Panasonic you will probably forget all about that bit
holder. BTY my old Panasonic had a bit holder inside the handle. You
removed the battery to get to the bit.

"RayV" wrote in message
oups.com...

No but I have picked one up and don't think I would like it. My DW
9.6 is in my tool bag, or on the bench or hanging from the monster
hook (great gadget) on my belt. When the DW was fairly new I could go
a long time before charging so I don't think I need an 18V. My tool
bag is already too heavy.

Checking a little bit more on drills shows different types of
batteries for the same voltage/manufacturer ; NiCad, NiMh, etc.
Now what?

http://www.worktools.com/monster_hook.htm


You might want to consider a 9.6 or 12 volt Impact driver and drill/driver
vs. a heavy 18 volt. The 12 volt impact driver will run circles around a 18
volt drill.

On 28 Mar 2007 08:12:25 -0700, "RayV" wrote:

I love my DW 9.6V drill but it barely drives two screws before
requiring a charge. Never felt I needed more power so I have no
interest in a 18V gun. I have heard lots of good things about
Panasonic batteries but what about their drills?

This one is on sale for $95 and free shipping
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-EY64...5094335&sr=1-1

Only slightly more than I would pay for two batteries for my DW.
Anyone have one of the Panasonic drills?

One big drawback is according to the description I can't snap my R2
and P1 bits in the side of the drill like I can with my DW...

Many power tools have marginal chargers that will eventually cause the
batteries to lose capacity.

Why does your 15.6v Craftsman say 3-6 hours to charge? Because the
charger has no sensing circuitry and just pumps in charge until you
remove the battery from the charger - 3 hours if half charged, 6 hours
if fully discharged. Not sure how much charge is left? Sears really
doesn't care - a new battery pack may be more than the price of the
original tool with two battery packs. Did you forget and leave it
overnight? Sorry, but the battery got hot and lost some capacity
(there are several LONG treatises on proper battery care online,
mostly from the manufacturers). Forget and leave it all weekend? The
battery got even hotter and lost even more capacity.

Out of 6 battery packs purchased for my drill (over several years)
only one (about a year old) still has full capacity when charged.
That one has only been charged with a high quality, current limited,
voltage regulated charger that won't overcharge the battery, even if
left for days. I just drove seventy five 1 5/8" screws into 2x4
framing - although it's slowing down, there's still life in the
battery.

This problem should be somewhat reduced in tools with lithium-based
batteries - the chargers have to better to prevent the battery from
catching fire or exploding (lithium is a VERY active element and must
be handled with more care than the other battery chemistries).

Check with the battery rebuilders online - A 12v rebuild is probably
around $25 plus shipping - which makes 2 batteries appreciably less
than the new tool.

John

"RayV" wrote:

I love my DW 9.6V drill but it barely drives two screws before
requiring a charge. Never felt I needed more power so I have no
interest in a 18V gun. I have heard lots of good things about
Panasonic batteries but what about their drills?

This one is on sale for $95 and free shipping
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-EY64...-Cordless/dp/B
00006IIO9/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-0469725-0538203?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=11750943
35&sr=1-1

Only slightly more than I would pay for two batteries for my DW.
Anyone have one of the Panasonic drills?

One big drawback is according to the description I can't snap my R2
and P1 bits in the side of the drill like I can with my DW...


I've had that drill for about two years now and I'm very happy with it.
It's light weight, a charge lasts a decent amount of time, the battery
charger is quick, and I can't complain about the performance. I would buy
it again.

I do think that Amazon's 'list price' is a Crock, I've never seen it for
more than $95.

"Leon" wrote:

Panasonic does have some low end stuff and this drill may be riding in
on the coat tails like the Cadillac Cimeron did.

This drill is not a Cimaron. I haven't seen any low end Panasonic.



Only slightly more than I would pay for two batteries for my DW.
Anyone have one of the Panasonic drills?

I'd go the better Panasonic.

One big drawback is according to the description I can't snap my R2
and P1 bits in the side of the drill like I can with my DW...

Once you have used a Panasonic you will probably forget all about that
bit holder. BTY my old Panasonic had a bit holder inside the handle.
You removed the battery to get to the bit.

Same thing on this drill. Stores 2 bits inside the handle. Not very
convenient, but there. I once saw a bit holder that strapped on your
wrist like a watch, now when I really want one, I can't find it. IIRC, it
held 4-6 bits.

"Lobby Dosser" wrote in message
news:QgBOh.5655$Qi2.4635@trndny07...
"Leon" wrote:

Panasonic does have some low end stuff and this drill may be riding in
on the coat tails like the Cadillac Cimeron did.

This drill is not a Cimaron. I haven't seen any low end Panasonic.

OK, this is deninately the low end Panasonic drill. I looked it up.

Panasonic drills are commonly being offered with at least 3.0 Ah Ni-MH
batteries and many are being offered with 3.5 Ah. and Li-ion technology.
The battery that comes with this particular Panasonic drill is quickly
becoming obsolite technoligy as far as power tool are concerned. My 17 year
old Panasonic had this battery technology and amp hour rating. The battery
technology on this particular drill is 2 gnerations old. The technoliogy
that replaced this battery is now being replaced by Li-ion.

This drill has a 2.0 Ah Ni-Cd battery.

It will be a good drill but you can get equal power and longetivity by a
modern and cheaper Ryobi.




Same thing on this drill. Stores 2 bits inside the handle. Not very
convenient, but there. I once saw a bit holder that strapped on your
wrist like a watch, now when I really want one, I can't find it. IIRC, it
held 4-6 bits.


I just saw the wrist bit holder in the McFeeley's catalog. IIRC it can also
be attached around the back end of the drill.
http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/FSC-...old-Wrist-Band

"Leon" wrote:


I just saw the wrist bit holder in the McFeeley's catalog. IIRC it
can also be attached around the back end of the drill.
http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/FSC-...old-Wrist-Band



Great, Thanks!!

"Lobby Dosser" wrote in message
news:1NCOh.14239$l96.2066@trndny06...
"Leon" wrote:


I just saw the wrist bit holder in the McFeeley's catalog. IIRC it
can also be attached around the back end of the drill.
http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/FSC-...old-Wrist-Band



Great, Thanks!!

My pleasure.

It will be a good drill but you can get equal power and longetivity by a
modern and cheaper Ryobi.

Umm... No. At least, certainly not in my experience. My 12V NiCad
Panasonic has at LEAST comparable power and greater longevity than my
dad's 18V Ryobi. And my brother-in-law's 18V Skil? Not even close.
That's not even comparing the chuck, the clutch, or the overall "feel"
of the tool - there is definitely a difference between the tools'
power.
I understand that in theory they all have the same TYPE of batteries,
but the technology or the application of the technology is certainly
not the same in reality.
That doesn't mean that nobody should every buy a Ryobi - if the tool's
not going to be put to frequent, hard use, or if the buyer doesn't
have a very significant tool budget, inexpensive tools can fill the
needs of many (if not most) DIYers. Since my priorities and budget
and wife agree that a $95 Panasonic drill is a worthwhile purchase,
that's what I got.
All that to say, Ryobi might be a viable option, but it's not
equivalent to a Panasonic.
Andy

Subject

IMHO, cost, not performance, drives this discussion.

Lew

On Mar 28, 7:35 pm, "Andy" wrote:
Umm... No. At least, certainly not in my experience. My 12V NiCad
Panasonic has at LEAST comparable power and greater longevity than my
dad's 18V Ryobi. And my brother-in-law's 18V Skil? Not even close.
That's not even comparing the chuck, the clutch, or the overall "feel"
of the tool - there is definitely a difference between the tools'
power.
I understand that in theory they all have the same TYPE of batteries,
but the technology or the application of the technology is certainly
not the same in reality.

Yeah you're right. This DW has 1.3 AH and a 1 hour charge time
http://www.amazon.com/DeWalt-DW926K-...5127501&sr=1-1

Compared to the 1.0 AH and 3-6 hour charge time of this B&D
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-C...5127501&sr=1-9

Theoretically the batteries should be identical since they are made by
the same company and even plug into and drive the other drill. What
is really the difference I have no idea. To further confuse the issue
Home Depot has an 18V Ryobi drill for $89
Adding a light and a circular saw makes it $99
Makes no sense to me, no way they make and package the saw for $10.
Must be expecting to make it up on replacement batteries and blades...

On Mar 28, 11:12 am, "RayV" wrote:
I love my DW 9.6V drill but it barely drives two screws before
requiring a charge.

Same here, had the 9.6 DW for maybe 6-7 years, battery rebuild once,
finally gave up the ghost. Got a Panasonic 12v as a gift and am very
much liking it. Seems less weight than the DW ... but have two gripes.
It's harder to change drill bits due to it's higher power, and no bit
holder. Will definitely get the magnets to solve the last problem.

On 28 Mar 2007 17:28:09 -0700, "RayV" wrote:

On Mar 28, 7:35 pm, "Andy" wrote:
Umm... No. At least, certainly not in my experience. My 12V NiCad
Panasonic has at LEAST comparable power and greater longevity than my
dad's 18V Ryobi. And my brother-in-law's 18V Skil? Not even close.
That's not even comparing the chuck, the clutch, or the overall "feel"
of the tool - there is definitely a difference between the tools'
power.
I understand that in theory they all have the same TYPE of batteries,
but the technology or the application of the technology is certainly
not the same in reality.

Yeah you're right. This DW has 1.3 AH and a 1 hour charge time
http://www.amazon.com/DeWalt-DW926K-...5127501&sr=1-1

Compared to the 1.0 AH and 3-6 hour charge time of this B&D
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-C...5127501&sr=1-9

Theoretically the batteries should be identical since they are made by
the same company and even plug into and drive the other drill. What
is really the difference I have no idea. To further confuse the issue
Home Depot has an 18V Ryobi drill for $89
Adding a light and a circular saw makes it $99
Makes no sense to me, no way they make and package the saw for $10.
Must be expecting to make it up on replacement batteries and blades...



The DW has two speed ranges, twice the advertised torque, about 1/3
more rated battery capacity, and weighs about a pound more than the
B&D.

That pound is probably determined by a sturdier housing and the
internal differences (motor, electronics, battery) - which make all
the difference between a powerful tool and a not-quite-so-powerful
one.

If you're hanging a couple of curtain rods, you may not notice much
difference between the $30 drill and the $100 drill. If you have 50
screws to drive into 2x framing, you'll probably notice ;-)

I was given a 2.4v screwdriver some years ago. It was fine for taking
the back off a TV, but I certainly couldn't do framing with it...

John

In article , removespamlcb11211
@swbell.net says...

It will be a good drill but you can get equal power and longetivity by a
modern and cheaper Ryobi.


That I want to see. I had my 9.6 Panasonic for 10 years or so and it's going as
well as on day 1 (with repacked batteries). Someone gave me a Ryobi 12V (1/3 of
the price of the Panasonic, with a torch extention thrown in and a 2nd
battery). By the time I had put some 2" screws into the decking of our house (2
sides verandah, the old nails were coming loose after 60 years or so) the
Ryobi's case was warping and the gearbox was starting to miss.

Hammerhand helped put up a steel barn on my place 3 years later, he had the
same Ryobi drill. By the time the barn was 3/4 done, the Ryobi had broken a
shaft somewhere inside.

Go Ryobi! Not with my money, thanks all the same. :-)

B.t.w. I now have a 12V Panasonic as well. 1 of the NiMH batteries has died so
far, and the second one is on its way out, after 5 years or so ... the drill's
as good as new. The intelligent express charger that came with it is awesome.

-P.

--
=========================================
firstname dot lastname at gmail fullstop com

"RayV" writes:

I love my DW 9.6V drill but it barely drives two screws before
requiring a charge. Never felt I needed more power so I have no
interest in a 18V gun. I have heard lots of good things about
Panasonic batteries but what about their drills?

If you are only driving screws, I would recommend the Makita 18 volt
impact driver. It doesn't weigh any more than my Ridgid 12V cordless
drill.

It has lithium-ion batteries. If you really want to slim down weight, I
noticed that Home Depot has a new version of the Makita impact driver with
a smaller LI battery. I have the one with the larger battery.

The price is higher, but I think it is worth it.

Brian Elfert

On 28 Mar 2007 08:12:25 -0700, "RayV" wrote:

I love my DW 9.6V drill but it barely drives two screws before
requiring a charge. Never felt I needed more power so I have no
interest in a 18V gun. I have heard lots of good things about
Panasonic batteries but what about their drills?

While 18V is usually overkill for most woodworking, I'd never go so
low as a 9.6V driver, that's just too little power. What I usually
use is my 14V Hitachi and it works like a charm, I've got 3 batteries,
one on the drill, one in the charger and one charged and ready to go
and I'm never out of power.

"RayV" wrote:

I love my DW 9.6V drill but it barely drives two screws before
requiring a charge. Never felt I needed more power so I have no
interest in a 18V gun. I have heard lots of good things about
Panasonic batteries but what about their drills?

This one is on sale for $95 and free shipping
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-EY64...5094335&sr=1-1

Only slightly more than I would pay for two batteries for my DW.
Anyone have one of the Panasonic drills?

One big drawback is according to the description I can't snap my R2
and P1 bits in the side of the drill like I can with my DW...

I bought its predecessor, the EY6105 a couple of years ago. Works
well, and battery charging is very fast. Min has lower battery
capacity (1.2Ah), but it has been adequate for me, particularly given
how quickly the charger brings them back. Only gripe for me is how
quickly the batteries drain down when not in use, either in the drill
or not.
--
Alex -- Replace "nospam" with "mail" to reply by email. Checked infrequently.

On Mar 28, 11:12 am, "RayV" wrote:
I love my DW 9.6V drill but it barely drives two screws before
requiring a charge. Never felt I needed more power so I have no
interest in a 18V gun. I have heard lots of good things about
Panasonic batteries but what about their drills?

I have the 15.6V (3.5ah) Panasonic and love it. It is lighter than my
18V that died and battary charge lasts muuuch longer. It was rated
best in the WW magazines a year or so ago so I gave it a try. I would
buy again in a heartbeat.

Daryl