Amazon.com

Torque, speed and great ergonomics: DeWalt pulled it all together in this 14.4-volt XRP 1/2-inch drill/driver. Even at its peak 450 inch-pounds of torque, you feel no twist. We're impressed, too, with the patented three-speed transmission for whatever material you're drilling into. Its max speed of 1,800 rpm is 29 percent faster than high speed. We like the all-metal ratcheting chuck with carbide jaws because we've had a bit slip every now and then, and the jaws help keep a tight grip on the shank. It's well-balanced, comfortable to grip and a joy to use. ... Read more

Features

• 1/2" ratcheting chuck with carbide jaws prevents bits from slipping
• Superior ergonomics provides optimal balance, comfort, and control
• DeWalt built high torque motor provides 450 in.-lbs. of maximum torque
• Exclusive 3-speed transmission features a maximum 3rd speed at 1,800 rpm
• XRP extended run-time batteries provide long run-time and battery life

Amazon.com Review

Bosch's Brute Tough line of cordless drill/drivers are designed and built from the inside out to offer the most power and durability possible. At the heart of this drill is a Bosch-built unibody power train that contains the motor, gearbox, and clutch in one contiguous unit for durability and the best alignment possible. The two-speed gearbox has large all-metal gears for strength, and offers a whopping 500 inch-pounds of torque in high-torque mode and up to 1,300 rpm in high-speed mode. The 18-volt motor has built-in overload protection and externally replaceable brushes to help extend its life. The drill also has a steel-reinforced collar to protect it in the event that it's dropped on the chuck. While we don't recommend dropping your tools off one-story buildings, Bosch claims this one can stand the abuse and keep working. The final layer of protection for the drill is its flexible ABS/Nylon-blend Duracell housing that protects the insides without cracking or shattering on impact.The drill also features a a strong reliable grip and a 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck with carbide teeth for one-handed bit changes. This model comes with two batteries, a one-hour charger, a bit holder, a snap hook, and a carrying case. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Ratcheting 1/2? single-sleeve chuck with carbide teeth for one handed operation
• Unibody powertrain maintains alignment between clutch, gearbox, and motor for maximum durability
• Dura-shield housing protects tool from harsh job site conditions and impacts
• Two speed gearbox for high speed or high torque as needed
• Externally changeable brushes

Reviews (15)

One of the best 18V drills on the market--TOUGH!
Currently, I have in my arsenal of cordless drills two 14.4v Makita's, an 18V DeWalt, and this Bosch 'Brute' 18V. I also use (and heartily recommend) cordless impact drivers, but that's the subject of another review. Suffice to say, when one simply opts for one or two drills daily; I go for either the Makita 14.4v (if I've got a ton of things to drill and want the reduced weight) or for all around use, the Bosch. I don't think any manufacturer is offering what Bosch brings to the table on this drill. Notable items (from a professional contractor's perspective) are:

>Unbelievable run time from the batteries. Bosch really pegged it on these batteries. 2.4 amp hours, one of the largest in their class. Only Panasonic has longer amp hours, but have you tried to get parts/service on a Panasonic?

>Thoughtful, well-engineered ergonomics. Bosch is the ONLY manufacturer I know of that includes a clip (similar to a carabiner) on the back of the drill that allows you to clip into a belt hook. Other drills, notably drywall guns have these in their corded models, but only Bosch is including it in their general cordless line. Also, the drill has a very, VERY nice rubber grip set. Unlike DeWalt's, which is a harder rubber (or Makita that doesn't include it for some reason), Bosch's rubber is 'tacky' and gives a good impression that you won't lose your grip. Nice touch: They even apply this 'tacky' rubber to the trigger; that's sweet.

>Warranty. Bosch sure understands the pros needs here. 3 year on the drill; you can elect in those times to either send it in for service if it needs it, and they'll guarantee a 5 day turn-around, or you can swap it for another one. The battery guarantee is, I think, industry leading. For 12 months they'll swap it out, for the next 6 months they'll let you have a battery at 50% discount. Nice touches.

>Case. I guess I'm going to have to face that we're not going to get metal cases from anybody, anymore, but Bosch has one of the best plastic ones I've seen. Ample room for two batteries, the drill, the charger, etc. it also includes a smaller, separate storage case for loose items, and has an area of 'rows' that allow insertion of drivers and accessories (very similar to what Dremel offers in their small cases). Get this: real metal latches, too!

>Torque. Good golly, Miss Molly. This drill is on the cusp of offering impact driver spec's!!!! 500 inch pounds of torque; my old DeWalt 18V was 350; this thing is aptly named 'Brute'! Want a real seat-of-the-pants description of the torque? Put this drill in one hand and pull the trigger; you can feel it move sideways, due to the torque. Not badly, not scary, not unsafe by any stretch. All drills to it to some extent, but the big Bosch is NOTICEABLE in your hands. Very torquey, very strong.

>Impact resistance. I saved the best for last, especially if you're a pro. This Bosch offers UNBELIEVABLE protection from common falls. In fact, Bosch regularly demonstrates the tool falling from 40-45 feet at home stores; I caught one in Salisbury, NC and was blown away. You can even check out Bosch's website (www.boschtools.com) and see an actual movie of it being dropped. I have yet to see ANY other manufacturer have that type faith in their product. Drops happen, it's a fact of life. Nice to see a manufacturer designing tool integrity into the product and not keeping their fingers crossed that it might not happen. Overall, this single feature to me is worth the price of admission to professional-grade Bosch tools.

Cons: With all of that glowing prose, you might think I'm a Bosch rep. I'm not. The drill, in my opinion, DOES have two drawbacks, though they're slight. First of all, it isn't small nor lightweight. You will know you're carring around a big, powerful piece of equipment. Second: Bosch, for some engineering reason I'm sure, keeps the top speed of this drill to 1,300 rpms. That is, overall, a good, generic speed. But occasionally, I DO want an ability to spike up to around 1,700 (or faster). My five year old DeWalt 18V is just SO much faster. This is probably more of a personal opinion that job-site necessity, but I do try to uncover any of the nuances of a tool in my reviews, so I had to bring it to the forefront.

VERY, VERY Highly recommended. One of the best tools I use daily. Will withstand a tremendous amount of abuse and it's got a superlative warranty.

unbeatable drill
I am a licensed home improvement contractor in business for over 15 years. I buy a new cordless drill about every year. I have owned Makita, Porter-Cable, Milwaukee, and DeWalt from 12 volt to 19.2 volt. This Bosch drill far surpasses any in the same 18v category. This drill has 500 in lbs of torque, much more than any in this group. I have dropped this drill 8' to concrete and it still works fine. RPM's don't concern me as much as torque. I did not buy this drill from Amazon due to the fact it was not available about 6 mos. ago when I bought this. The price is about $60.00 less than the DeWalt 18v and I think the DeWalt is highly over rated in the drill category. Milwaukee is my second choice. Battery costs are not a concern to me because I can not justify buying two new batteries in a year. Just replace the drill and sell the old one.

Not brute tough, not even wife tough!!
I have owned this drill for less than a year in a home use setting. My wife was using it to hang pictures in a plaster wall when it "stripped out", i. e. the motor was turning but not the chuck. I purchased this drill because it sounded like the components were not likely to fail in a light duty application. Oh well...

Best cordless drill on the market...
The very first thing I did with my new 18v Bosch drill was to drop it 6' onto a concrete floor. Didn't seem to affect it. Review:

1. The chuck is an engineering marvel -- has the be THE best designed drill chuck on the planet. You can remove and insert a bit, and tighten it, in practically no time at all - with only one hand on the chuck. I.e., hold the tool with your left hand (or left foot!) and unscrew the chuck with your right hand (about ½ turn is all it takes). Insert the new bit and tighten the chuck. (You can actually perform this operation with just one hand; just laying the drill on a flat surface or holding it between your legs - in fact, this may be the only drill that could be used by a one-armed person.) Many keyless drills have dual-ring chucks, the ones that require two hands to work. When the bit slips, I find those chuck designs to be nearly impossible to get REALLY tight. Tight is no problem for this tool. I also own a DeWalt ½" electric drill that requires you to hold a button down to tighten/loosen the chuck. That works OK, but on this Bosch drill, the drive shaft locks when the motor is off, so that button isn't necessary. It really is ingenious.

2. Massive torque. If you're used to a 14.4v drill or even other 18v models, keep your eye on screws you're driving. This beast keeps driving until I release the trigger. I've also snapped a couple of screws due to the high torque this tool has, when the clutch setting was on maximum torque.

3. Speed. Low speed is fine, and high speed (1300 rpm) is OK most of the time - but, occasionally, I'd like it to be a tad faster. One of the ways Bosch gets all that torque is through lower RPMs. Besides, for the types of large hole cuts and other things owners would be doing with a tool this powerful, the 1300 rpm maximum does make sense. The trigger's control of speed is flawless.

4. Battery run-time. These batteries last an incredibly long time before needing a recharge.

5. Balance, comfort, and other ergonomics are perfect, at least for me (I have big hands). Very comfortable handle - no sharp places. It's not uncommon for me to dislike tools because of ill-conceived handles, triggers that pinch your finger, sharp corners, too small, etc. This tool feels just right in my hand. It also comes with a quick-detach hook for attaching a strap or hook - nice touch.

6. Weight. Other than price, the only downside to this tool is, it is heavier and slightly larger than 12v or 14.4v drills - i.e., it's a little too heavy for my wife to use comfortably. (Of course, it's much more powerful, holds ½" bits, battery run-time is better, and it has that ingenious chuck.) In any case, I usually keep two cordless drills handy on jobs: this one, and a lighter/smaller (12v or 14.4v) drill for more delicate/small-hole drilling, or when working overhead extensively. The other reason for having two tools, in spite of how incredibly easy it is to change bits on the Bosch, is, to avoid having to change bits/drills as often.

7. The gears are made of steel. That's important to me because my Porter Cable 14.4v drill stripped it's weak nylon gears after a couple of years, long before the batteries wore out. P/C doesn't sell just that $3 gear of course - you had to buy an enter "gear box", as they call it. $60. Heck with that. No more P/C plastic-geared drills for me.

8. Nice plastic case, with a mini-case for bits. Everything fits, and it even has decent metal clasps. Well done.

9. Has the best warranty I've seen for such tools (and the battery), but somehow I doubt if I'll ever need it.

In summary, if it's not too heavy for you to use comfortably, you'll not find a better cordless drill.

Brute Tough!
Been looking to get a cordless drill for a couple years, and was tired of the same ol' yellow brand everybody else has. Got the Bosch Brute after seeing an ad about it being dropped from 40' off scaffolding and then drilling a hole in concrete, etc. The Bosch Brute is an excellent choice. No other drills I've seen can change the brushes externally. For an 18 volt, it feels great to hold, and balances beautifully. I won't knock DeWalt, but if you want to try something else, and want a little more, get the Bosch Brute Tough 18volt! ... Read more

Features

• Includes Flashlight, (2) Ni-MH batteries, multi-voltage charger and case
• Two piece D-31 motor for easy serviceability
• All metal gear transmission for smooth, efficient power
• Shift lock drive instantly changes from drill to driver
• 2.6 Ah Ni-MH batteries for greater capacity and longer run time

Reviews (6)

Replacing my DeWalt
My 4 year old DeWalt 12 volt is dying a slow death, and it has only had homeowner use. One battery now holds a charge for 15 minutes of work time and the other is a little better. The clutch slips without much torque on it, even at the highest setting. The chuck won't hold smaller bits. And with hurricane season coming, I needed a drill that I could rely on. So Brown delivered this Makita yesterday. I haven't had much time to work with it yet but so far I'm impressed.

There are only two drills, that I am aware of, that have NiMH batteries (Panasonic and Makita). From my experience with notebook computers, the NiMH batteries cured many of the problems with NiCad batteries. There is no set, so you don't get only 20 percent of the battery's runtime after they have been charged a few times. And a charge lasts much longer. So why not go with the Panasonic with its incredible amp hours. Well I was put off by several reviews that talked about their motors burning up. OK, I know that this could have been planted to sway people like me, or it could have been a rare exception. But you pays your money and you takes your chances. I was looking for a reliable drill with a long service life.

So how does the Makita compare to my old DeWalt.

Both have dual speeds. But the Makita has another sliding switch that kicks the clutch in and out. When set to screw position the clutch is engaged and when set to drill position the clutch is locked out. This would have been a nice feature on the DeWalt, after its clutch started slipping.

The chuck on the DeWalt has one ring that you hold while tightening the bit. The Makita has the normal outer ring and a smaller inner ring. It doesn't seem to make much difference when chucking up a bit; you grab the big ring and run the motor. But when releasing a bit you must use both hands to turn the rings in opposite directions to break the bit loose then run the motor if you need to open up the chuck. This will take me some getting used to.

The DeWalt has a 2 position foward/reverse switch above the trigger. The Makita has a similar switch in the same place but it also has a middle trigger lock position. This will also take some getting used to.

Both drills weigh, balance and feel about the same in my hand.

The Makita has external replaceable brushes. It would have been nice if their documentation gave a generic part number for them that could be found at any electrical supply house. My Hitachi router does this. Hopefully, there will be a number on the brushes themselves.

The Makita comes with a smart charger with several LEDs giving charging information. The charger goes into trickel mode after achieving a full charge. The standard DeWalt charger is very basic. And I am not sure if the DeWalt smart charger, that I bought later, is any better.

The Makita has a metal gear transmission. Thats got to be a good feature. I don't know about the DeWalt.

The Makita came with a flashlight that should be useful. The documentation promises 220 minutes (over 3-1/2 hours) on one charge.

The toolbelt is nice but heavy (2 or 3 pounds). But the belt does not fit around my fat girth. Would have been nice if the belt was about two inches longer or I was about ten years younger.

I am looking forward to seeing how the 14.4 v does when driving 3" deck screws. The DeWalt 12 v just barely didn't have enough torque to run them all the way in.

Very nice upgrade from my old PC 12colt
My beloved, 9 year old 12volt Porter Cable finally died in the midst of hanging drywall. My choices at the big box store were the house brand, Makita or the DeWalt XRP. I bought the DeWalt, and returned it that day. The Makita, on the other hand has been great. Great speed range, awesome torque, very reliable controls, quick charge. And the kicker is the greate runtime!

Buy it, you'll like it.

May the M-Force be with you!
I considered the top 2 drills with Metal Hydride batteries & chose this one since having great results with Makita tools. The added options at this price were hard to pass up since my 12 volt DeWalt XRP drill batteries started going downhill in less than 4 years. No more cordless DeWalt tools for me; especially since I have read of alot of problems with the clutch not working in low gear & the 3 speed switch sticking.
The Makita has the instant drill selector switch, alot better balanced than the DeWalt, a new improved motor with a 2 speed all metal gear system; and the newer battery technology that includes a smart charger. It out performs all the other cordless drills I have had in the past! The flashlight uses the same 2.6 amp MH batteries. It runs smooth & does not make that clunking sound when you let off the trigger as the DeWalt always did.
If you happen to need to change the brushes in the motor, it is a do it yourself job instead of mailing it to a service center.

Thanks Makita for making great quality tools. I have an electric right angle Makita drill with the LED light, a 7 1/2" Makita circular saw, plus the M-Force gloves & toolbelt, and a $40.00 coupon toward another Makita tool. Too bad they never gave any free hats but you can't always have everything.

The Performer!
This package deal from Tool Crib was a deal I could not pass up. It comes with a smart charger and Metal Hydride batteries. I had my mind made up between the Panasonic or the Makita. It has a more precise trigger controll, alot better balanced, and newer technology. By the way, it really runs smooth & has the power to perform! The chuck on this drill grips alot better than any chuckless type I have used before.

Missouri dude not affiliated with company
Considered Milwaukee and Panasonic. But I thought this was a better value and I bought it a couple weeks ago.

Like other reviewers of similar Mikita packages have stated - the flashlight (uses the same rechargeable battery as drill) is unexpectedly great - love it. The gloves are great - but they are one size only - but still fit well. One reviewer said he did high sparking metal type stuff and the glove sort of melted. The directions with the glove, give the limitations for their use. So the reviewer might want to read the directions. The tool belt, which I didn't have, is just fine. Others have complained about the large carrying case, but not me. Just some more room to put stuff in.

(...) So the drill, in effect, cost about $58 bucks.

The other reason I chose the 14.4V is that it is a good weight to torque tradeoff. But the biggy is that I can use the 14.4V Makita batteries with the Makita 14.4V super-torque impact driver and it takes almost no pressure to use. Then I won't have to wrestle with screws and marring them with drill drivers such as this one - it would handle almost anything. Why get a super high torque drill driver when you can effortlessly use an impact driver with not strain. So, for me, 14.4V is high enough.

I used the drill continuosly for about 15 minutes at the highest RPM with a a circular wire brush attachment to remove rust - each battery lasted about 15 minutes. It takes about an hour for each battery to recharge. Two are included. The other thing is the battery will heat up and it will not charge until the recharger automatically senses it is cool enough. At about the third recharge of doing the battery swape, it had to cool for about ten minutes before being able to charge up. So, if you use the drill continuously you might have to wait 30-45 minutes before the other battery is ready to again be swaped.

Oh yeah, I like the drill and all the Makita stuff looks good too.

Overall: Very pleased, great value. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Torque, speed and great ergonomics: DeWalt pulled it all together in this 18-volt XRP 1/2-inch drill/driver. Even at its peak 500 inch-pounds of torque, you feel no twist. We're impressed, too, with the patented three-speed transmission (offering 0-450, 0-1,450 and 0-2,000) for whatever material you're drilling into. Its max speed of 2,000 rpm is 38 percent faster than high speed. We like the all-metal ratcheting chuck with carbide jaws because we've had a bit slip every now and then, and the jaws help keep a tight grip on the shank. It's well-balanced, comfortable to grip and a joy to use. ... Read more

Features

• 1/2" ratcheting chuck with carbide jaws prevents bits from slipping
• Superior ergonomics provides optimal balance, comfort, and control
• DeWalt built high torque motor provides 500 in./lbs. of maximum torque
• Exclusive 3-speed transmission features a maximum 3rd speed at 2,000 rpm
• XRP extended run-time batteries provide long run-time and battery life

Features

• One-year warranty
• Two-speed, variable speed, reversible
• Electric brake
• 200 in./lbs. of torque
• Includes 2 batteries, charger, and case

Reviews (7)

Powerful and durable. A real workhorse.
I've owned one of these Makita cordless drills for approximately six years. One hundred projects (and perhaps a thousand holes) later, it works as well as the day I bought it. I've used it to drill through wood, plastic, metal, stucco, and concrete. I've used it as a driver, a sander, a polisher, and a stirrer. I've even used it to run a small water pump. It has always performed without a hitch. The Makita delivers an impressive amount of torque. I have an assortment of drills (cordless, corded, and pneumatic), and the Makita is generally the one that performs the best, both in terms of torque and in terms of convenience.

The Makita battery packs recharge quickly (maybe 20 minutes), and last longer than any other rechargeable tool I own (such as Black & Decker VersaPack tools). The manufacturer also thought ahead, considering what would happen if you acquired an assortment of Makita tools with different types of battery packs. The charger that comes with this drill can accommodate a wide variety of Makita batteries, not just the type used by this product; it automatically senses the type of battery and charges it at the correct voltage. Now that's a good design. The variable speed trigger is also nice, as is the torque control on the chuck. The keyless chuck gets a very solid grip, unlike other keyless chucks that I've tried; the Makita has never once slipped on me.

Of course, every tool has its limits. I finally bumped up against the limit of my Makita when I tried drilling 3-inch diameter holes through 3/4-inch wood (using a "hole saw"). I actually succeeded in drilling several such holes with the Makita, but only by proceeding a little at a time. The drill would over-heat after several minutes of drilling, and shut itself off. But, this is actually an endorsement in disguise. First, the Makita could spin this rather large hole saw with enough torque to cut holes, which is quite a challenge for any drill. Second, it was smart enough to shut off rather than burn up. So, I cannot complain. It performed admirably even in this rather extreme test.

I cannot find a single thing to complain about. If my Makita were to burn out today, I'd say it had fulfilled its duty several times over, and I'd go right out and buy another one. Now that's a strong endorsement. It's a great product that's designed to perform and to last. Well done Makita!

Excellent quality drill
Makita makes a number of fine cordless drills, including this one, I also own a #6213 D drill that's worked flawlessly for four years of regular use. Makitas use plenty of large ball bearings and well-designed motors, and have a reputation for reliability among contractors, along with Hitachi and DeWalt. Like any mass producer, there are occasionally bad drills out there, but you will find far fewer of them than with the cheaper brands.

Now Rigid is the new glamor player in town, due mainly to its temporary warranty deal (though the tools are made in China - yuck!), but since no one has used them for any length of time (including contractors), you'll be a guinea pig to see if they are 'contractor quality', or not. Personally I'm not thrilled with the poor experience of myself and others trying previous Home Depot lines (Ryobi, etc) of cordless tools, and I'm not willing to give up the Makita's excellent battery life and overall durability.

Nice drill, but Makita has problems...IMPROVEMENT NEEDED!
I own both this drill and the earlier similar and slightly larger model, the 6213. I have three single speed Makita cordless drills and have owned them for 25 years. I will no longer buy another. The clutches failed on both the 6227 and the 6213 within weeks. The drill motors just keep spinning, and the chuck does not move. The three single speed drills continue to function flawlessly. Thank goodness I can use my 12 volt batteries in one of them and in my impact tool.

I have just purchased replacement drills from the new Ridgid line at Home Depot. These have a three year warranty and a Lifetime Warranty, if purchased before December 31, 2003.

Get a grip on this mighty mite
...The Makita 6227 12v cordless drill is a good combination of quality, size, power and ergonomics. Add to this a reputation for taking punishment and you have the right balance of features in a light weight mighty mite.

As a woodworker I find the need for higher power 14+ volt power monsters generally unnecessary in the shop. If I were a contractor or building a house this might be a different story. At 12 volts and 200 in/lbs of torque, this 3+ lb drill is perfect for everyday shop work of drilling, countersinking and driving all but the largest screws (although I have driven 2-1/2" screws into MDF with no pilot holes in a pinch. By the way don't use cordless drills for continued heavy work regardless of voltage, that's why they still make corded drills, which are also cheaper to replace). Most 12 volt drills weigh more than 4 pounds, this one is 3.3 lbs (Reference: Makita 2000-2001 general catalog, page 25) and never tires the wrist or hand. Believe me, if your using a cordless drill any significant amount of time, the difference is noticeable!. It's so light compared to my full size 12v and 14v (also Makitas) it's really a pleasure to handle.

The balance is impressive. I find that larger drills are usually top heavy. This little guy with the smaller (and shorter) head seems perfectly balanced and suited for the 12v, 1.3amp battery. I can twist and turn it in my hands and it feels like a natural extension of it. This feature really shines when I find myself drilling under unorthodox conditions (like securing molding or shelves from under and inside a desktop in which you have to crawl inside the carcass, not fun!). I can whip this drill around easily while the bigger drills get clunked around. With it's shorter head, I can get into spaces I wouldn't be able to with the other larger and longer head drills.

What about battery life you may ask? I find this thing almost impossible to drain in one day of continued work and if I do, hey I have a second one awaiting it's turn. It usually takes me a couple days work (providing I'm not driving 2-3" screws, but I have larger drills for this anyway) to need to change cells. I also have a Makita 6213D 12v drill (a full size) with 2.2 amp Nickel Metal Hydride batteries and they fit perfectly for even longer run times!

One last great feature is the clutch. There are 16 postions and if your like me and find yourself driving smaller screws for furniture and fine projects, you will greatly appreciate the much lower clutch settings. Most other 12v drills still generate a significant amount of torque at the #1 and #2 settings. This drill set at the lowest settings will let you drive #6-3/8" screws into 1/2" plywood (predrilled with pilot holes) without stripping! Just amazing! Try that with just about any other drill regardless of manufacturer. Most of those monsters will spin a screw of this size right out of it's hole before you can spit out some choice words of frustration. If you need that "feather touch" for fine projects this little guy is perfect.

Okay it's not really "perfect". As I have said in other tool reviews, I don't believe a perfect tool exists and this one does have in my opinion it's faults (or maybe quirks as you may disagree). The gear speeds are a little slower than I would prefer. The low setting is 0-350 RPM and high 0-1100 RPM. I prefer driving screws at 450 RPM or higher (and with it's sensitive clutch, a higher speed would be a good match). A top speed of 1300+ RPM would have been nice. A rubber grip would also have been nice, but to be fair, many drills do not offer this feature. The last issue could be isolated to my drill. My drill in high gear at full RPM makes a subtle but noticeable whining/scraping sound inside the transmission. After taking the drill apart I relubricated it with silicone oil which helped but it was still noticeable. Maybe this is normal?...

Pros:

**Light weight with terrific balance
**Sensitive clutch at lower settings for finer work
**Incredible battery life
**Electric brake

Cons:

**Slower gear speeds
**Lower power (but hey it's a compact)
**"What's that sound from the transmission?!"

Summary: Give a hand to a compact drill with the right balance and features.

Great Torque
Just put up a 10 x 8 foot wood storage shed last weekend and drove at least 1000 square head screws. The battery life is decent and it has great torque down to the last few turns of the drill head when the battery dies. The only issue is that 14.4V systems are going away in favor of 19.2V systems. So if you are looking at getting other Porter Cable products and want to have the same battery pack, this might be a consideration in your purchase. Still a great buy, great product. ... Read more

Features

• 4-piece combo kit includes: #6347 1/2" Driver-Drill, #5620 6-1/2" Circular Saw, #JR180 Recipro Saw and the #ML180 Flashlight
• Two piece D-31 motor for easy serviceability and an all-metal gear transmission for smooth and efficient power transfer
• Shift lock drive instantly changes from drill to driver
• 2.6 Ah Ni-MH batteries for greater capacity and longer run time
• Includes (2) Ni-MH batteries, multi-voltage charger and case

Reviews (1)

dependable quality
I am tired of replacing dewalt tools after breaking them. makita has served me well with quality and ease of use. great products. ... Read more

Features

• DW908 18V pivoting head flashlight which allows light to be projected in any direction
• DC759 18V 1/2" compact drill/driver with 450 in.-lbs. of maximum torque
• DW936 18V trim saw with 5-3/8" 16 tooth carbide blade and rip fence can cut 2 X 4's in a single pass
• DW938 18V cordless reciprocating saw with keyless blade clamp allows for quick blade change without touching blade or reciprocating shaft

Amazon.com

All right-angle drill drivers are not the same. Sure, they get the same job done--but it’s how easy the tool makes the job that sets the brands apart. This DeWalt model that comes with our highest recommendation. Powered by DeWalt’s system of nice, compact 14.4-volt batteries, the tool boasts a tight, thoughtful design. The best feature, we think, is what DeWalt calls its "multi-grip trigger." The trigger is as long as your little finger, and the lower section of handle is textured for a sturdy grip, allowing you to get the tool up into a tight workspace with an extended reach that the other brands don’t offer. Another advantage, if you have smaller hands: the easy-to-grip battery is slides on and off easily. Two speed ranges, 0 to 400 and 0-1,250 rpm, offer you lots of applications. The drill is tough enough for the pro and feature-friendly enough for the do-it-yourselfer--we can envision this making quick work of a ducting project at home or on the job.Installing drawer guides in a case piece? No problem with this DeWalt. It can even handle larger bits and fasteners with its 210 inch-pounds ofmaximum torque. Two batteries, a one-hour charger, and a hard-plastic carrying case round out a great package. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Two speed settings: 0-400 and 0-1,100 rpm
• Multi-grip rubber trigger for comfortable use in tight areas
• Variable-speed and reversible
• Right-angle transmission with sealed ball bearings for durability
• 210 in./lbs. of maximum torque for demanding applications

Reviews (3)

Exactly right
This drill is a great combination of size & power. I use it for all kinds of stuff. Hogging through studs for electrical, pocket drilling in tight spaces, driving screws, etc.

The more I use it the more I like it. I considered the 9.6v makita but was concerned that it wouldn't have the staying power to drill lots of holes through studs (this was the case for the non standard 9.6v makita). Also I wanted the slow speed this drill provides.

Eventhough this drill was a bit pricy I am glad I choose it. It is serving me quite well.

I only wish it had a clutch for driving screws. This keeps me from giving it 5 stars.

Why did we not buy this sooner!
We install a lot of kitchens, this pays for its self when putting in a 12" wide or less cabinet, trying to secure the face frames. If you can justify it the budget it is well worth it! Please its not t tool you use lots and lots, so you get two 14.4V batteries that interchange with your other Dewalt tools!

DeWalt DW966K-2 14.4-Volt 3/8
I really like this drill and use it all the time on the job. It really can get you out of a jam sometimes. The DW966K now comes with two batteries for the same price as the old kit with only one battery. They are the standard 14.4V battery packs, not the XR extended run-time packs, but this is a good thing because the whole idea behind this drill is to get into the tight places that other drills can't, and having the shorter standard battery sometimes makes the difference between being able to get the drill into the work area, or not. The cordless advantage is evident for working in cramped areas, such as when installing cabinet drawer slides or under cabinet lighting. The keyless chuck is not excessively shrouded so it is easy to get at and is a welcome feature on this type of drill. I have used it with all sizes of spade bits up to 1-3/8" and hole saws up to 1-3/4". The tool could easily handle a larger hole saw, but because it is only a 3/8" chuck, the larger 7/16" shanks won't fit.
The DW966 has a two-speed gearbox and elongated variable speed switch with reverse for screw driving/removal applications, making it far more functional than DeWalt's disgraceful DW160 corded version, which does not reverse. The DW966 does not have an adjustable clutch, but then that is common for all small 3/8" right angle drills, and it is doubtful that it would be of much advantage driving screws in tight work areas anyway.
Overall, I feel that the DeWalt DW966 is by far the best and most functional cordless 3/8" right angle drill available at this time. Makita's 9.6V and 12V cordless designs are now outdated by compare. The tiny Metabo 4.8V power grip is a straight drill, not a right angle drill, so it doesn't qualify. It also must have been designed as a concept tool for the electronics assembly industry or for use in outer space, because it's use in the construction and MRO industries on this planet seem limited.
My only wish is that the engineers at DeWalt would get off their butts and finally produce a 1/2" cordless 18V and 24V right angle drills. They should model them after the DeWalt DW120 and DW124 [formerly the Timberwolf] corded right angle drills, with at least a 2-9/16" auger bit and a 4-5/8" hole saw capacity.
There isn't an Electrical, HVAC or Plumbing contractor alive who wouldn't give anything for a cordless drill like that. ... Read more

Features

• All-metal ratcheting chuck with carbide jaws for the highest grip torque on bits
• Milwaukee-built motor provides up to 495 in./lbs. of torque
• Up to 50% more run-time than competitive products
• Milwaukee's exclusive reversible battery allows users to adjust balance and get into tight spaces
• Limited Warranty

Reviews (6)

NOT Made in USA
Received the Milwaukee 0622-24 Kit today. Haven't used it yet. It MAY be a fine tool, but it is NOT made in USA. The drill is made in the Czech Republic, the batteries in Japan and the charger in China. Be forewarned that you are paying a lot for the name and if it is important to you to buy American-made products, this is NOT one! I'm very disappointed and will not buy Milwaukee again.

Best Cordless drill I've ever owned
I thought I had a good cordless drill until I purchased this Milwaukee 0622-24 1/2" drill. This is without a doubt, the most powerful,easy to handle,high torque cordless drill I have ever owned.Period. Everything about this drill is heavy duty including the chuck which is easy to use one handed.If you're looking for a cordless drill that can do it all, look no further,no manufacturer out there can compare with this Milwaukee and best of all, Made in the good ol USA. Five year warranty on this tool.The battery life is long lasting and recharges in only one hour.

I highly recommend this Milwaukee, you won't be disappointed with this titan. No one else come close in quality and features.

YOUR SEARCH IS OVER!!!!
I have owned a Makita, De Walt, Porter Cable, Bosch, and Panasonic 18 volt cordless drills. The Bosch was hard to part with but, I realized I made the right decision after I bought the Milwaukee. It is simply the lightest, most durable 18V drill I have ever used. The batteries last longer, the torque is better, the chuck is indestructable, and the "MADE IN THE USA" stamp pretty much sold me. I have dropped it, left it out in the cold, left it in the heat, and have built 12 decks with it. Only twice did I even have to use the other battery. Bosch comes very close. In my opinion, the others don't even compare.

Home Owner in Fort Erie, ON. Canada
For the last 2 years, I have been busy! I mean, REALLY busy, renovating our house. From decks, to fences - inside jobs / outside jobs. Bottom line: I have "wasted" a couple of drills in the process and wanted the best. NO DISAPPOINTMENTS HERE. Got a couple of more projects going, and this "piece" has performed better than expected. Aside form the Milwaukee name, this thing gives you a feeling of confidence that simply states "There is nothing too tough to handle". A nice feeling when you don't want to be interupted by a failing tool. Nice work, Milwaukee! I'm on my way to buy the 11 amp orbital Sawzall based on my experience with this "work of excellence"!

Heady duty is right
I bought this drill to replace my craftsman 18 volt drill that has taken a beating from woodworking projects to home improvement projects. I must say milwaukee lived up to its name for Heavy Duty. You can tell the first time you fire it up it was built to withstand the harshest abuse. I would reccommend this drill for anyone who can appreciate quality craftsmanship and rock solid performance every time. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Power, power and more power! The 18-volt 1/2-inch hammer drill/driver's high-torque motor churns out an impressive 500 inch-pounds of torque—imagine the jobs it could tackle. We were surprised by how good it feels in hand, thanks, we think, to its neatly balanced design that places the handle toward the center of the tool. A nice touch is the ratcheting chuck with carbide jaws for a superb hold on your bit. And the all-metal, three-speed transmission is so innovative that DeWalt patented it. All we know is that this is one powerhouse of a hammer drill/driver, no matter what mode it's in. The DC385 recip saw's keyless blade clamp wins points in our book for fast blade changes. And talk about fast—with its one-inch stroke length, it runs at 2,900 strokes per minute. Like the drill, it's well balanced and feels good in hand. It's compact, lightweight and offers great cutline visibility through the pivoting shoe's open top. Plus, we like that the blade will reverse for flush and plunge cutting. The circular saw slices into 2x4s like butter, and you can always see your cut because the blade's on the left. Bevel cuts are no sweat; the saw's easy to adjust and the scale's clear. The 18-volt cordless jigsaw was the industry's first, combining a three-position orbital blade action, 0-2000 strokes per minute variable speed and a one-inch stroke length. Like the recip saw, blade changes are keyless, fast and easy, whether you're loading universal or T-shank blades. We like how the keyless shoe slides backwards and forwards for maximum blade clearance on flush cuts in tight spaces. Hats off to DeWalt for the integrated sawdust blower, too. Finally, the flashlight's neck is super flexible, shedding light in just about any direction for up to three hours. This is a great collection of tools, essential for the contractor and perfect for the skilled do-it-yourselfer.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Floodlight has a flexible neck for pointing the beam in any direction
• Powerful circular saw for cutting over 100 two-by-fours on a single charge
• Cordless Hammer-drill features 500 in.-lbs. of torque for drilling bigger holes and driving larger screws
• Cordless Reciprocating saw has a keyless blade clamp and cuts 80 two-by-fours on one charge for optimal productivity
• Cordless Jig saw cuts at 0 to 2,000 strokes per minute and has a four-position orbital action for increased speed

Features

• High performance drilling speed
• 18-volt 3.5Ah Ni-MH battery for high speed drilling
• High torque drilling capability
• Lightweight ergonomic design

Reviews (1)

the seceret weapon
As a union journey man plumber I am always looking for the best product to increase my productivity. THis is the best Drill I have ever owned. Lightweight, Long Lasting and the Quality of being manufactured in Japan, not China like alot of its competitors. The battery technology and warranty are what really sold me. Having batteries go bad from overcharging or heat, the SoCal summers, is a big problem down here. THey have a warranty on the batteries for like 2000 charges. That is like 3 years, incredible. Also a problem is theft of tools and with the Panasonic I am the only person on the job with the tools so there is no confusion or misplacing of my tools. The only drawback is that Panasonic doesnt offer a full line of battery compatible cordless saws and lights yet. AS for this deal specifically where else can you get a top of the line Drill with 50$ in rebates. I paid the same for an 18v what most are paying for a 14.4v and mine is full of high technology. I completely reccomend this drill the the serious professional. ... Read more

Features

• Limited Warranty
• All-metal ratcheting chuck with carbide jaws for the highest grip torque on bits
• Milwaukee-built motor provides up to 460 in./lbs. of torque
• Up to 50% more run-time than competitive products
• Milwaukee's exclusive reversible battery allows users to adjust balance and get into tight spaces

Reviews (9)

Works Hard, Feels Great
I have had the last iteration of this drill for the past 3 years. It's a great tool. I've used a lot of the others, but this one feels the best (though I haven't tried the Panasonic). It has plenty of torque and the metal Lok-Tor chuck is really solid. You can feel and hear the jaws locking, and they grip better than most of the others. Also, the metal chuck ring doesn't get all cut up when you have to run it into metal boxes, beams, etc.

When I read that the battery could be installed from either side I thought it was just marketing hype. But this ended up being a really nice feature. Not only can you move the battery out of the way if it hits something, but changing the mounting position changes the tool balance. Unless the battery gets in the way, I always keep it in the "backward" position because it feels so much better (a personal preference choice you don't get with the other guys).

When and if this thing ever dies, I'm getting another Milwaukee.

I have 2
I think that this is the best balance of power and weight. I use them all the time. Never hear of the problems that the one person had. I also have other Mil. tools and they are top notch.They are very solid tools.

Best Balance of Weight and Power
Fortunately, I have a job of advising people in drill purchases.

What makes this drill so special is the 465 ft/lbs of torque in a 14.4 volt battery. A bit of weight is saved with minimal power loss.

In comparing this drill to other drills, it is more powerful than the competing 18 volt yellows. The metal ratcheting chuck is a nice sign of the quality of it. Notice the replaceable brushes, which Yellow lacks. Notice the quality of the fit and finish.

The only downside is that the 14.4 batteries are only useful in the drill and the job site radio, as Milwaukee's 14.4 line is not as extensive as their 18 volt line.

As for the warranty, it can't be touched. Yellow has been downright stingy on their warranty lately, with some shoddy construction on a couple of recent drills I have seen.

The bottom line, better than a DeWalt 18, in a 14.4 version. This is a bit of overkill for a home user, but perfectly good for a contractor.

Not a "professional tool"
I took a chance and bought this drill. Boy was it a mistake! Anyone who uses this drill professionally or on a daily basis will not find it adequate. The housing of the drill is cheap, the seam where the two halves of the drill come together splits apart slightly under high torque driving and actually pinches your skin. A slight fall off the top of a two foot stepladder split the case apart and missaligned everything. Recently while drilling a 7/8" hole with a spade bit the drill just quit working. I returned it to the big box to hear I wasn't the only one wanting my money back. I will be returning to the P-C which gave three years of tough service before it gave out.

A good drill, but there are other options...
I bought this drill but ultimately decided to return it and go with the hammer-drill version. Even though I don't use the hammer function much, I went with the hammer drill because the hammer function increased the length of the drill's nose. The longer nose decreased the angle between the handle and the chuck so that the drill can be pointed in a tight area without the handle and/or battery hitting an obstacle. Of course, you can get extension pieces for driving screws and some bits, so the longer nose is probably a minor point. But without such attachments, the longer nose and reversible battery (which is a feature of both hammer and non-hammer drill models) allow the hammer-drill version to access tight areas where the handle/battery would interfere a little better. On the downside, the longer nose increases drill's overall length, making it more difficult to insert into tight areas where the drill's motor & chuck length is the limiting factor.

I compared this drill to the 14.4 volt Bosch Brute Tough drill, and I preferred the higher rpms that Milwaukee offered. Bosch has a better warranty on its battery (1.5 years compared to Milwaukee's 1 year), but Milwaukee's lifetime warranty on the drill beat Bosch's 3 year warranty. Although I was impressed by Bosch's durability claims, I found many similar testimonials on the Milwaukee website that attest to their drill's toughness (stories of people dropping them from heights or driving over them with construction equipment). The Bosch drill's case had a compartment to hold Bosch drill bit cases-you just snap them into the space provided. Although the Bosch kit included a screwdriver bit holder and small metal ring attached to the back of the drill, I found the removable side handle included in the Milwaukee kit a more useful option. If you want to tether the Milwaukee drill like the Bosch, there is a small ring built into the lower back of the Milwaukee drill's handle that can accommodate a tether. Just buy some thin cord at a rock climbing shop and tie a loop to the ring.

If you're mainly interested in driving screws, then an impact driver/wrench such as the cordless Milwaukee 9083-22 might be what you're after. In hindsight, I wish I would have bought one of these. The 9083-22 has much more torque, is more compact, and is better at driving screws. With the proper chuck, it can also be used to drill. For an interesting demonstration of impact drivers, check out the video on cordless impact drivers on the Fine Homebuilding magazine website.

Interestingly, if you quickly release the trigger on Milwaukee cordless drills, the braking mechanism will shoot sparks out of the rear vents. At least this is what happens when the drill is brand new.

This is a great 14.4 volt drill, but it's not the most powerful thing out there. It offers a good balance of size, weight, endurance, and cost. It's a really good choice for medium duty drilling and driving tasks, but it didn't compare to the power of an 18 volt or corded drill when drilling 1.5 inch holes through 1 inch compressed particle board with a somewhat dull hole saw bit. For heavier duty tasks, I'd skip the larger cordless drills and go with a corded one. They're cheaper and much more powerful. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Impressively compact, lightweight, and comfortable to use, Panasonic's 12-volt drill/driver fits into tight spaces where other bulkier drills won't. What about power? This Panasonic packs up to 293 inch-pounds of torque, while the motor's speed control allows full torque delivery at any speed, with dual speed ranges of 0 to 400 and 1 to 1,300 rpm. The 2 amp ni-cad batteries provide solid run time and charge in just 30 minutes. But the first thing you notice about this tool is how compact it is (the chassis measures only 8 inches) and how comfortable it feels in your hand. The soft-pad grip provides extra cushion and the 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. 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 two 2 amp ni-cad batteries, a universal charger, and a hard-plastic carrying case. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• Compact and lightweight: weighs just over 4 pounds, measure only 8 inches long
• Two 2.0 amp ni-cad batteries charge in just 30 minutes
• Delivers 293 in./lbs. of torque
• Features 3/8-inch keyless chuck, 18-stage clutch, and an electronic brake
• Electronic speed control offers full torque at any rpm

Reviews (1)

THE ABSOLUTE BEST IN A COMPETATIVE MARKET
I've had the older model of this drill with the NiMH batteries for several years. It was my second Panasonic. Previous one was the 14.4 volt, and I used it so much the batteries wore out, but not the drill. I've had Bosch (chuck wobbles), Porter-Cable (poor quality), and Milwaukee (great, but trigger pinches your fingers), etc. Panasonic is the best by far.

Pros: chuck holds even the smallest bit, excellent balance, really durable, light but powerful enough that if you need more get a drill with a cord or an impact driver. If I had to do it again, I'd go with this Ni-Cad model because it holds a charge longer than the NiMH and is cheaper, although the run time is less.

Cons: None ... Read more

Amazon.com

What a super compact size—it looks like a toy and drills like a beast. At just about 3-1/2 pounds, it's like a feather to hoist overhead, but there is absolutely no sacrifice in torque, delivering 350 inch-pounds. We like the speed range choices, from 0 to 400 rpm in low gear and 0 to 1,400 rpm on high. The keyless chuck operates smoothly, and you get a flawlessly secure bit grip every time with the ratcheting mechanism. The grip is comfortable, and the whole tool feels supremely balanced for all-day comfort. It would be perfect for cabinet installers and HVAC ductwork because of its compact size, but we also think it's a great choice for the homeowner, especially those with smaller hands. DeWalt construction is rugged and durable, so you'll have this little worker around for years and years.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 3/8" single sleeve keyless ratcheting chuck for tighter bit grip
• Compact size: fits into the tightest conditions
• Lightweight design (3.9 lbs.) minimizes user fatigue
• High performance motor delivers 350 in.-lbs. of maximum torque
• Dual speed range: 0-400 / 0-1,400 rpm delivers optimal performance

Amazon.com

Quite possibly, this is the world's best 14.4-volt drill. When you first pick it up, you don't expect much: It's light and amazingly compact. But just wrap your hand around the cushioned, soft-grip, non-slip handle and squeeze the comfortable, rubberized trigger, and you're packing so much torque--390 inch-pounds—-that we defy you not to shout "Oh yeah!" First, we love the size. It's so smartly designed and built that you'll be able to work in the tight spots other drills can only dream about. We have no beef with the tough plastic housing, because it definitely contributes to the light weight. The battery design is a stroke of genius because it enables you to insert the battery with the overlap to the front OR the back, so you can tailor the shape of your drill to your workspace. Another nice feature is the ease with which the battery goes on and off—-we've struggled more than we care to admit with batteries on other drills. In the power department, you can't beat this tough guy. It maxes at an impressive 1,400 rpm, and none of the vibration ends up in your bones. Add to all of that the nifty Clip-Lock storage hanger, and you cannot help but love this drill. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Limited warranty
• High speed (1,400 rpm) for faster drilling and fastening
• 390 in.-lbs. torque for driving larger screws and drilling bigger holes
• Compact size for tight quarters
• Clip-Lok system for convenient storage and quick access

Reviews (1)

The Best 14V Cordless
After getting the Milwaukee the other day I shopped all the other 14V cordless drills at a couple stores (something I actually should have done before just buying one over the internet sight unseen, but everything turned out great). I wasn't too worried about getting a bad product since Milwaukee is a very quality brand when it comes to power tools. I also wanted a 14V drill for its portability over the 18V (less weight).

I used to always consider DeWalt first since I have a fairly good selection of corded DeWalt products, but after reading some negative feedback on their 14V drill I opted to give the Milwaukee a shot.

One thing I noticed upon first inspection is the battery can be attached running in either direction, a feature that is not available on any other major brand drill that I could find. Also included in this kit is a belt clip that is just plain genious, the quick release mechinism should be copied by a few cel phone manufacturers it is so good. Every feature on the drill gives me the impression that Milwaukee listened to the feedback from a lot of consumers that knew what they were talking about: 20 position variable clutch on the keyless chuck with an additional low and high torque setting, 2 quick storage bit slots on the back, quick release belt clip, reversable battery.

After owning lots of the "Yellow" tools, I think I've been converted to Milwaukee. Plus red is much easier to keep clean than yellow! This drill kit is superb and comes with everything you need (minus bits) to get started: Drill, 2 batteries, charger, belt clip, philips bit. ... Read more

Features

• Built-in shock proof, high output L.E.D. light for increased visibility.
• Compact and lightweight design for both vertical and horizontal applications.
• Rubberized pistol grip for more comfort, control and reduced operator fatigue.
• Dual ball bearing construction for longer tool life.
• Fast controlled driving, fastening and drilling without kickback.

Reviews (2)

My all-around workhorse: impact wrench, screwdriver, drill
Makita impact wrenches have an excellent reputation for durability. I have seen Makita impacts used daily by mechanics and tradesmen with few issues. My Makita impact is one of my favorite all-around tools. It works as an impact wrench, screwdriver, and drill with appropriate accessories.

I use my Makita primarily for mechanic work. With a torque rating of 1110 in*lb (92 ft*lb) this wrench will break loose most bolts on a car or motorcycle. It's more convenient to use than the air impacts I also own (no air hoses to deal with and no air compressor noise). I use a 1/4" hex to 3/8" square adapter and a 1/4" hex to 1/2" square adapter to run my impact sockets. The LED light is a nice feature, but doesn't give off a serious amount of light. You will still need good task lighting.

I have also used the impact wrench to assemble a deck and fence. The Makita drives decking screws like butter. For decking work I recommend a magnetic drive guide to hold screws while driving and to make it easier to drive screws straight. Battery life was no problem on my decking project; when one battery was discharged, the one in the charger was always fully recharged.

I like to use my Makita as a cordless drill as well. This is especially handy when working on a ladder, since I don't have to carry two tools. I bought a Makita model 192891-4 1/2" keyless drill chuck and a Makita model 784635-2 1/4" hex shank to get a 1/2" drill attachment, but Makita also sells the model 192077-0 3/8" keyless chuck attachment if you only need a 3/8" chuck.

I have also used the 6914DWBE, and recommend this model over that one. The 6932FDWDE has 28% more torque than the 6914DWBE, and is worth the extra $40.

Love this Tool
This is an amazing tool for driving screws. There is absolutely no wrist strain. I tried driving 3 1/2" drywall screws into 2x4's and the tool just takes off after the impacting starts. Also there is no damage to the screw head, something that will be handy with those brass screws. You need to develop a technique to use it though.
1. Need to apply just enough pressure to keep the screw moving. Too much pressure and you might slide the driver off the screw head after it just takes off.
2. I now use a transparent screw holder so that the driver dosen't slip off the screw when the screw literally takes off, and I can still see the screw.

If you are used to pre-drilling for bigger screws (and splitting the wood is not an issue), this tool is the answer.

You do have to get used to the technique, which is quite different from using a drill to drive screws. I remember sliding all over my wood floor trying to drive those long screws and the pressure it needed. Especially if your'e on a ladder. This is the answer. I chose the 14.4V versus the smaller 12,9.6V just for commonality of batteries with my drill. The extra 200+ in-lbs of torque is just a bonus. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Bosch's Compact Tough cordless drills are designed to provide professional power in a compact profile and perform tough jobs in tight spaces and close quarters without compromising durability. Employing a flexible ABS nylon blend, this tool can stand up to the roughest job site conditions. This 14.4-volt model has a two-speed gearbox that delivers up to 300 inch-pounds of torque in high-torque mode and up to 1,200 rpm in high-speed mode. There's also a large two-sided fan for cool operation and motor durability and a 16-position clutch for matching the torque to your task. We like the ratcheting chuck that allows for quick, reliable one-handed bit changes and the soft rubber grip Bosch includes on all its cordless tools. For people who want the most power they can get in a small drill, this 14.4-volt model may be the best bet. It has the most torque of all Bosch's Compact Tough drills and weighs only 4.4 pounds. This model includes the drill, two 2 amp hr batteries, a one-hour charger, a bit holder, and a carrying case. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Ergonomic soft-grip handle design
• Compact Tough design for increased maneuverability in tight spaces and less user fatigue
• Two speed gearbox for high speed or high torque as needed
• Ratcheting, single-sleeve 3/8" Chuck for one-handed operation
• Includes 2 batteries

Reviews (3)

snapped a 5/16 lag bolt, " BRUTE" is appropriate
This is the best cordless tool I've ever owned. I've always liked the Bosch line of tools. Between the 18 volt and the 14.4 volt I ended up buying the 14.4 volt brute, and I've certainly put it to work. It has plenty of power to drive any kind of screw you want. My brother was driving in a 5/16" X 2 1/2 lag bolt while working on my deck, we both heard a snap. My brother said, "sorry , but I think I just broke your drill. Come to find out the drill was fine and he had snapped the lag bolt cleanly off, talk about power. The battery pack lasts plenty long enough to allow your second battery to fully charge, so you have no down time. The drill is very ergonomic, and a real pleasure to use. I dont generally leave reviews, but i must make an exception in this case

Great little drill
I traded in my Makita 14V because I was unhappy with it and still needed a second drill. This one outperforms my Craftsman 19.2. The feel is great. The heft is right. The power is unbelievable. I am extremely happy. Even the case is first rate. everything fits in its molded space. And it even has holders for the battery covers. They just went the extra step all the way around. Very happy.

Hands Down--the Best Drill Driver
What can I say? Bosch is the BEST!! You will love this tool, I promise. It's the most power you will every get from a small drill. ... Read more

Features

• Limited Warranty
• All-metal ratcheting chuck with carbide jaws for the highest grip torque on bits
• Milwaukee-built motor provides up to 495 in./lbs. of torque
• Up to 50% more run-time than competitive products
• Milwaukee's exclusive reversible battery allows users to adjust balance and get into tight spaces

Reviews (15)

You'll never look at a yellow tool again
I bought this drill after reading several reviews in woodworking magazines and this forum. There just aren't enough adjectives to describe what a work of art and workhorse this drill is. Enough power to satisfy even Tim Allen and yet it doesn't have a bulky, over-weight feel. From the lowest torque settings all the way to the hammer function, the gear action is as smooth as glass and it _never_ feels like it's running out of gas even drilling into hard metal. You can't go wrong with this tool. Once you use it, you'll be a Milwaukee convert for life.

This is what five stars are all about!
What a pleasure to use a very well made tool. Milwaukee's reputation for heavy-duty quality is again backed up by this top-of-the-line cordless. I've been driving screws with it building a shed, and the battery life is really impressive. Grip feel, balance, torque and overall sense of quality are great.

A quick rant about tool cost (and it's not like Milwaukee is particularly expensive in the first place): I'm constantly amazed at people who will pay $25 for a meal, a cab ride or a few drinks without thinking twice, but will balk at paying a bit more for a tool that will last a lifetime! Think long-term: Reward excellence; treat yourself and buy quality -- whatever the brand.

Performance, performance, performance...
If you are looking for a cordless that can, look no further. I bought it primarily on it's performance specifications, and have not been disappointed. A big factor for me was speed. My old model topped out at 1300, and most of the competitors are in the 1400 to 1550 range (other than a yellow 3-speed model). I appreciate a unit that can twist at 1700 rpm but still have plenty of torque when you need it at the low end.

Another important spec for me was the battery life. Haven't had it long enough to judge yet, but I presume the 2.4 ah should need less charging.

In addition to motor & battery performance, I was highly interested in chuck performance. (This is probably the main reason I wanted to relegate my old unit to backup). The Milwaukee chuck has performed wonderfully, gripping shanks of all sizes like a mad pit bull. I also appreciate the reversable battery mount, which amazingly eases the hand strain when you are drilling overhead( By lowering the center of gravity to below your grip).

My only possible reservation about this model is durability. It just doesn't look as rugged as the Bosch model I looked at. I don't plan on dropping it, but you never know when your going to set it down in the wrong place at the wrong time. Another reviewer said he dropped it from a step ladder with no ill effect, however, so maybe it's tougher than it looks.

Simply the best
One of the finest tools i've ever used. reliable with Power to spare. A bit on the expensive side but well worth it. 2 batteries included.

My Hammer Drill can beat up your Hammer Drill...
I bought this beast about a year ago to replace a DeWobble DW959K-2 (please see my review of that, uhh, *worthy* offering). This should have been my first choice but I let a _friend_ talk me into the yellow. This is quite simply the best 18V HD on the market. It's got more torque (495 in/lbs, a little over 40 ft/lbs!!) than many corded drills and as one reviewer already noted, will probably sprain your wrist before it gives up driving. It is a _bit_ on the heavy side but no more than any comparable Bosch or yellow equivalent and the batteries are cheaper to replace and longer lasting than either of those. So far I've used it to build a deck, rennovate two bathrooms, too many woodworking projects to list and I'm still using the original two batteries. I've dropped it numerous times, more than once onto concrete and one time for sure it landed right on the chuck, and it still works/sounds like brand new.

One of the features I really like is the reversible battery pack. They make getting into tighter places (like in between joists) easier. The squeeze buttons on the battery packs do require a bit of finger/thumb strength but they aren't much problem for me and have gotten easier with time. The five year warranty is also nice, I think only Hitachi offers a similar warranty.

If you're a contractor or someone who makes their living with their tools, this should be the only drill you look at. You'll never even look at anything yellow again. If you're a weekend warrior, it may be a bit on the expensive side but look at it this way: you'll only ever have to buy one. ... Read more

Features

• Externally accessible carbon brush for quick and easy brush changes
• 2-piece rare-earth magnet motor for greater durability and increased performance
• Class leading 550in/lbs of torque to power through the toughest jobs
• High capacity 3.0 Ah batteries allow for longer run time and fewer battery charges
• 22-stage ratcheting slip-clutch for high torque and/or precision driving

Amazon.com Review

This cordless driver/drill from Porter-Cable has a 1/2-inch keyless chuck that is easy to adjust and reacts quickly to the trigger. It offers 360 inch-pounds of maximum torque, a 20-position clutch, and a two-speed gearbox with a maximum speed of 1,450 rotations per minute. There's plenty of power for almost any home-based project, as well as many professional applications. The battery has an extremely tough slide-on attachment design that is almost impervious to wear, and the grip is comfortable and well balanced. We especially like the rubber portions of the grip, which add friction and make it feel more secure in your hand than tools with all plastic grips. It also comes with its own plastic case, a double-ended bit tip, and a diagnostic charger with an LED warning system. Overall, it's relatively lightweight and, in our opinion, as solid as any drill/driver we've used. --Jonathon Tudor ... Read more

Features

• One year warranty/30 day performance certification
• Includes two,14.4 volt/2 amp hour batteries
• 1/2" keyless chuck for easy bit changes
• 360 in./lbs.torque, 20 position clutch
• Two speed gear box

Reviews (22)

Rock solid performance!
About 5 years ago I started looking at cordless drills. I wanted something powerful, yet easy to hold. I am not a contractor, but I do lots of home improvement and build furniture / cabinets on the weekends as a side business. I used to be a DeWalt fan, but after reading the literature I decided on the PorterCable. I can say with confidence that this is one of the best drills around. The batteries hold a long charge and refill quickly. The drill has plenty of power for its size (3/8" lag screws max it out, but lets be reasonable about the weight to power ratio). Durability, unsurpassable. I have dropped the drill onto concrete from 8 or 10 feet more than once and I have seen my girlfriend run it over when it gets left on the floor and it still works just like new. Value, I figure it has cost me less than a penny per screw or hole drilled and I see no reason why it will not last at least another five years.

Bottom line I have become a PorterCable man. I now have the palm sander, 12" compound miter saw, Biscuit cutter, router with table, and tiger saw. Everything else will be replaced with PC when they die or just because I want something better.

Solid Design - Good Mid weight/Mid Power Tool
I bought this tool reconditioned and have used it for 3 months 4-5 times a week. It has performed well in many diverse jobs from delicate cabinetry drill/driving to plunging 3/8 holes in thick galvanized steel tubing. I have had no problems with it what so ever. -The charger works great: No wait more than an hour. -Battery lock design seems very solid. -Standard weight for a 14.4 -Most power for a 14.4 -Not the lightest 14.4 but not the heaviest either.

Suggestions: -Case is too big and bulky

Overall: Great tool for a better price than others in its range. Good balance and lots of power. Couldn't see needing more power unless I was drilling very large holes consistently. The mid weight of this drill makes it the perfect all around tool for many jobs. I would buy Porter Cable again.

the best cordless drill period!
I am a carpenter who uses his drill everyday and in my opinion this drill is better than Dewalt, Milwaukee, or Bosch.
The drill is light and well balanced. The torque output is greater than Dewalt's 18v. This drill is not a hammerdrill but they do offer it (Model# 9877).I reccomend the 9878 to homeowners because they don't need the hammerdrill for around the house. Contractors will love the 9877 for light to medium concrete drilling (ie:Tapcons,thunderbolts and hammerdrives.)
The run time on this drill is excellent, more than adequate to complete any project without waiting for the batteries to recharge.
I have found only two problems. First, the head of the drill is too long to fit into small cabinets when mounting them.
Second, The battery charger will not charge the batteries when the battery or the charger are colder than 40 F or warmer than 90 f. The temperature problem was intentionally designed that way to maximize the life of the batteries because most cordless drills' batteries die before the drill and to replace them would cost almost as much as a complete new drill. Here's a tip, keep the batteries in the house when not in use. Extreme temperatures will diminish the life and capacity of the batteries.
I have owned my drill for 3 years w/out any problems and will buy another when this one eventually dies.

Good at first, but didn't hold up
I bought this drill as part of the kit with the 6" circular saw in advance of purchasing a house that needed some major renovations. For about the first year, I used this drill frequently on weekends for everything from drywall screw driving to drilling 1" holes in studs, hole saws, metal drilling, you name it. I was pretty satisfied overall, and I gave it a fair amount of abuse from a homeowner standpoint, but not as much as it would see on a jobsite. Right about as the one year warranty expired, I was working on a furniture project, and noticed that with longer drill bits, there was an unacceptable amount of wobble at the end of the bit. Made it difficult to start holes and the drill would shake a lot once the bit was deep enough into the hole. So I sent it to the factory service center for a diagnosis, thinking they might replace the chuck or something. The service center was absolutely unsatisfactory. They agreed something was wrong, but said there was nothing they could do about it. "These things just happen, there are a lot of plastic parts in there, and it's normal wear and tear." They said that I should just deal with the obvious wobble in the bits, and sent it back to me. I am disappointed that I only got 1 year of useful service out of the drill. I will relegate this tool to beater status and buy a Bosch or Makita. By the way, the cordless saw is useless for anything except where it is impractical to bring the corded saw. Update: Since writing the original review, (above) the drill performance has deteriorated. The wobble is worse, and now the motor makes a weird smell when in use. Doubt it will last too much longer - hope it makes it 'till Xmas!! ;-)

CADILLAC? NO! MERCEDES BENZ!!
I love this drill. It has 10 times the torque my old Makita 9-Volt had. It starts up slow and smooth, no dead spots. It is a little bit hefty, but is very well balanced. The bit holder clips are easy to use and handily placed. Battery life is impressive even under heavy stress. Go ahead buy it. You won't be sorry. ... Read more