Amazon.com

Here comes power and efficiency in a great compact size. Before you even press the trigger, you'll love how this tool fits in your hand, how well-balanced it is. The rubberized grip gives you a sure, comfortable hold, even at odd angles. Performance is top-notch, thanks to dual ball bearings, precision balancing and a refined high-grade field magnet. We're really impressed by Makita's exclusive Shift Lock Drive. With a single touch, you shift quickly and easily "drill" to "driver" mode, locking out the clutch for superior drilling. And we love it when manufacturers include two batteries with their tools, because that means no down time. The charger handles multi-volt batteries, too, so it's good for a wide range. Maintenance is simple because the brushes are accessible. A great, hardworking drill/driver.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Includes side handle, bits, 2-batteries, charger and case
• Powerful 18-Volt Ni-MH batteries for longer run time
• Industrial metal gear housing and "high performance" Makita motor for long lasting durability
• 404 in.lbs. torque with16 torque settings
• Industrial 1/2" keyless chuck and externally accessible brushes for easy replacement

Reviews (7)

shock and awe, in a blue package...
Disregard all unfavorable reviews...this drill is yet another work of art from Makita! Perfect ergonomics and balance, even with a hefty 18V battery you still get incredible control and precision, instead of sweating and straining to keep the darn thing perpendicular to the drilling surface as with cheaper drills. This is my second Makita drill, the first one was a smaller 14.4v which I'll pass on to my wife because it's lighter.

I love America, born and bred, but gotta hand it to the Japanese: when it comes to anything electric (or gasoline-powered, for that matter) they kick our butts left and right! Sony TVs, Toshiba laptops, Lexus autos, Honda motorcycles...anything that doesn't blow up things and kill people, the Japanese simply have perfected.

Have used DeWalt drills before, they were just a little bit better than Black and Decker (the mother company) which doesn't justify the big price jump. Porter Cable has good power but tends to weigh a ton and their chucks are spotty.

Viva Makita!

solid drill with a few caveats
This is my third makita drill so I consider myself biased. I don't use it all day but I need a quality drill for household repairs. The electric makita drill I've had now for fifteen years and it still runs fine. My second, I bought one of those 9 volt drills when the first cordless drills came out. I good drill but it's for light work. The batteries on this I've used all day without a recharge, alot longer than the models a few years ago. I've had problems with the chuck though. On many occasions the drill bit will come loose with smaller bits. The cap has come loose. Still it's put up with all the abuse I've given it.

smoked and croaked
After using the makita for 6 months it smoked and croaked. I was unscrewing deck boards and after a hour and 1/2 I noticed it getting warm then suddenly began to smoke. My work partner was using a Miluakee 18 volt and it kept at it all day.

ALL THE POWER YOU NEED!
The Shift Lock Drive System is the easiest clutch lockout I've ever used. Two 2.6 amp-hour batteries and the quick charger can keep you going with out delays. Balance and the light weight make this easy to use, the 18-volt power makes it a pleasure.

Dissapointed
Transmission broke after three months of use. Had to buy a Porter Cable while I wait three business days for mine to be repaired. Being a diehard Makita guy I should have learned by now that while their saws and such are great, the drills still need alot of work. Too expensive for homeowner use, and kinda weak to rely on for the professional. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Impressively compact, lightweight, and comfortable to use, Panasonic's 15.6-volt drill/driver fits into tight spaces where other bulkier drills won't. The 3-1/2 amp NiMH batteries deliver remarkable run time per charge, which is a big plus, especially if you need a tool for continuous use. What about power? This Panasonic packs up to 390 inch-pounds of torque--as much (if not more) than anyone needs in a cordless tool. The motor's speed control allows full torque at any speed, so you can apply full torque while still maintaining control. The tool features dual speed ranges of 65 to 450 and 200 to 1,450 rpm. The 1/2-inch chuck takes bigger bits. The first thing you notice about this tool, however, is how compact it is (the chassis measures only 8-1/2 inches) and how comfortable it feels in your hand. The soft-pad grip provides extra cushion and the tool's balance is superb, two important features if you wield a cordless day in and day out. The tool lacks an onboard bit holder, but that's about all it lacks. The 3-1/2 amp batteries are ventilated, so they last longer, delivering up to 1,200 charges and recharges. This drill is a smart buy for plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and even woodworkers--in short, anyone who wants a small, compact drill that packs a lot of torque and is built to last. The package includes a 55-minute universal charger and hard-plastic carrying case. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• Compact and lightweight for all-day use
• Two 3.5 amp Ni-MH battery packs for longer run time
• Delivers 390 in./lbs. of torque
• 1/2-inch keyless chuck offers big-bit capacity
• 55-minute charge saves time

Reviews (27)

The Best Kept Secret in Cordless Drills
I've owned or used a lot of cordless drills, from Black and Decker (ugh), Porter Cable, DeWalt, Milwaulkee, Makita and others, but I'd never heard of the Panasonic until a friend who does a lot of decks introduced me to it. He was using the earlier 12 volt model, but everything I discovered in using that drill applies to this one as well.

Panasonic isn't thought of as a power tool company, but their cordless drills are the best I've ever used, bar none. They've got the fastest recharge rate- 15 minutes- and that translates to more time drilling and less time recharging. It also translates to longer battery life; the less time spent charging, the less the heat buildup, and that's what kills these batteries. I know my friend has been using his on a daily basis for over five years with the original battery. The Panasonic drills also seem to get more useful drilling out of a single charge, something that recent tests by one magazine confirm.

My current 1/2" Makita is still going strong, but if it should happen to give up the ghost, I'm replacing it with a Panasonic.

Best Drill - but battery life question
I purchased the original 3.0 amp-hour 15.6 drill in winter 1999. The drill has always perfomed flawlessly and easliy had the best run time in comparison to 12 volt Makita's and 14.4 volt Dewalts I had used previously. I built two small boats out of white oak with this drill (all drilling and screwing) as my only drill. This included numerous 2 1/2" hole sawing through 3/4" particle board temporary framing. The drill is awesome.

My "but" comes with the battery life. Both of my batteries were shot by early 2002, with a total life of just over 2-1/2 years. There is no way I put 1,200 charge cycles into these batteries, more like 2 charges per battery per week. The run time usually last for almost a full day of boat work. That equates to approximately 260 charges. I dont know why Panasonic is advertising 1,200 charges I know my previous 14.4 Dewalt was slightly better for battery life, but the old Makita was much better. Is it the Ni-Mh battery that does not hold up over time, or maybe the batteries should always be inside, not in the varing temperatures of the garage.

With that said, I will be purchasing the new 3.5 amp-hour version. I just get irked that 2 replacement batteries cost as much as the whole new kit. Panasonic should make new batteries more affordable, because now I have two great drills and chargers, but only 2 batteries. Yup, bend over for the "lord of the landfill".

Highly Recommended
One of the top tools I have ever purchased. Runs like a sewing machine. Plently of power, it has never stalled out, and I have been using it for over one year. The chuck is excellent. The drill is light weight and easy to hold over long periods of time.

A terrific tool
Amzingly powerful, I've never been able to stall it. I have yet to run a battery dead, even after heavy use, I just recharge 'em anyway, and they don't lose charge when idle.

I misplaced it in New Jersey, and was without it when I needed to drive some screws. All I had at hand was my good 'ol Milwaukee half inch, corded. I sure missed the light weight and power of the Panasonic and the instant electric brake. The huge motor of the "big Red one" seemed to coast forever after releasing the trigger.

Got my EY6432 back a few days later, and sold the Red one I'd had for 10 years on eBay! (for $90)

The Panasonic has so much power, I'll not need a cord drill ever again.

A great deal
Powerful and precise, no slipping, and gets into every nook, cranny and corner. This PANASONIC CORDLESS is indestructible. I can't tell you how many times I've dropped or knocked this thing over. I've used it on my car, on just about every part of my house. And for the price that Amazon is asking, every professional or handiman should have one on their workbenches. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Delta calls its 22-580 a finishing planer, but it's really two planers in one. A dimensioning speed of 60 cpi allows you to shave rough wood to its desired thickness quickly and accurately, with virtually no snipe. Then, with a single pass at the quicker finishing speed of 90 cpi, your wood comes out ultrasmooth and ready to go. The razor-sharp, double-sided M2 steel knives are powered by a 15 amp, 120-volt, single-phase motor. Bells and whistles like a blade zero indicator (which lets you set the cutterhead to the exact thickness of your wood), patented cutterhead lock (which eliminates snipe), and easy blade-change system add to the value, as do the oversize infeed and outfeed tables, which make it easier to glide your wood through the machine. Overall, this is one solid piece of machinery. --Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Fastest and safest blade change system on the market
• 2-Speed feed rate system for rough and finishing stock removal
• Patented cutterhead lock virtually eliminates snipe
• Full range depth stop for any thickness from 1/8" to 6-12"
• Blade zero indicator to set the cutterhead the exact thickness of material

Reviews (63)

Two thumbs up....way up!
After being in the market for a planer for several months, I had read dozens of reviews. I couldn't justify spending $1200.00+ on a 15" planer, but was also a bit reluctant to buy a "portable" looking planer. I finally decided on the Delta 22-580K and I am very happy with this machine. Delta has gotten everything right on this planer. Dont let the benchtop look fool you, this planer has plenty of power. The 13" capacity is ample for most applications and the ZERO Blade Set and the Cutterhead lock are great features. The finish is smooth as glass and no sanding is required (even on the dimensioning speed its very good). The cutterhead lock really does eliminate snipe. I have found the depth gauge to be quite accurate. It took only about 10 minutes to have the unit up and running. All you have to do is mount the 2 cranks. It takes longer to watch the video that comes with the unit. I havent changed blades yet, but other reviewers say it is pretty easy. I would advise anyone looking at a 15" planer to give this unit serious consideration. I would recommend it without reservation.

Buying rough wood is great!
This planer does a great job in every type of wood I've run through it. Plenty of power, easy to adjust, and I've probably already retrieved the cost of the planer by buying rough wood. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that when received, the cutter head was about 3/16" out of square with the table, and it took forever to figure out how to correct it, as the owner's manual makes no mention of it. Also, I'm a little suspect of the durability of the knives, although other reviewers seem to have had good luck... I've already had to turn the originals over due to fine nicks. Don't buy this unless you've got a plan for dust collection (have to buy the attachment separately, which makes no sense). Two 12 foot 4/4 boards will fill a 30 gallon trash can when planing to 3/4". Other than the few issues, this is typical of the kind of quality I've always gotten with Delta.

Good, solid and reliable
I bought this planer after passing on the new DeWalt because of reliability issues.

This is a solid machine with a lot of features to make planing a simple chore for the home woodworker. I do recommend getting the dust collector chute and hooking it up to a dust collector. This thing creates a LOT of shavings.

The wood comes out nice and smooth. I do like the zero depth stop feature. The thickness gauge is accurate once you've set it properly. I really like the instructional video that comes with the machine as it clears up any confusion with the manual's descriptions of different operations.

I use this planer in conjunction with a Ridgid jointer, so for a relatively low outlay of $$ I can start with rough timber. This is the quickest return on investment you can get as prepared timber is so much more expensive to buy.

Faithful & True
Being a user of Delta & Porter Cable products and builder of cabinets and fine furniture, once again, Delta's reputation of quality machinery stands true. I found the pre adjustments made at the factory were on target with no adjustments needed on my part. I broke the machine in starting with maple, walnut and oak milling down from 34" to 1/2" with no trouble and no sniping worth talking about. The finish was smooth as glass. However, I do recommend that you should purchase the vac attachment for the planer as you will build a mountain of chips that would put a beaver to shame. I have the planer hooked up to a shop vac which does the job with little effort and the area is clean after planing. If you are looking for quality work with simplicity in operating, you can't go wrong with the Delta 13" planer.

Very good first planer
This is my first planer. I am a hobby woodworker. I have been using this planer for about 3 months now and it has become a central peice of equipment in my shop. I have run several hundred board feet of lumber through this thing and I have never sniped a board unless it was my fault (like pulling up on the board in the end of the out feed). It leaves a glassy finish on most every wood. There is some tearout in curly maple which is to be expected. It is powerful, quiet, and most importantly accurate. I have never used a pro model planer but im not sure the difference. This planer planes to the desired thickness and leaves a surface that needs no sanding. What more can you ask for. ... Read more

Features

• Includes NST2018, NHT518, NS118, 3-18 volt batteries, a 3-port charger, the storage station and all wall mounting hardware
• Easily mountable storage station that makes all three products easily stored
• All products use the same 18-volt batteries
• Battery charger can charge all 3 included batteries at the same time
• Part of the Black and Decker 18-volt products' system

Reviews (5)

Black & Decker CCC3000 does what it says it'll do
I have an acre lawn with lots of landscaping, and this is perfect for my needs. It does take more than one battery pack to trim my whole yard, but with 3 interchangable packs, it is no challenge for it. And with 18 volts, the power provided is more than adequate for the yard. The blower is powerful and makes my yard look much neater, and the hedge trimmer is great. Along with an edge hog electric edger I purchased this year, I have all the tools to make a manicured lawn. You can't beat the price of this set of tools either. All 3 items can be purchased seperatly, but you'd pay quite a bit more for them doing that.

Does Just What I Want
Tried all three units. The guard on the trimmer serves as a trim guide. The trimmer cuts through the suckers that sprout at the base of harvested trees. The blower is just fine for clearing debris from the porch and deck. Can't get much easier. Don't worry much about dead batteries. With the three supplied, normal use is not a problem. If I REALLY want heavy duty (for the few times I need it) gas is the way to go. But who wants the stink and bother?? For the price I paid, my son was amazed the wacker had an auto line feed.

Great tools, great convenience
The tools themselves worked great. I was pleasantly surprised at how powerful the blower was. The line trimmer did an acceptable trimming job, and actually did great at the edging work. The hedge trimmer make quick work of my low hanging tree branches.

I loved the convenience of the two hanging units, one for the tools themselves, and one for the charging unit. Helps to keep an organized garage.

Highly recommend this set for the typical homeowner.

very happy and pleased
Have used this set for the first time the other day and am very happy to say all three tools work great. the ease of use of cordless is just fantastic! The trimmer worked great on ivy and though I feel a little like I sold out with the blower (can't stand the pollution; noise and exhaust) it is quiet and if used responsibly is great to have for those hard to reach/sweep areas. I would highly recommend.

great "bang for the buck" for the AVERAGE home-owner
for the owner of a "modest" yard,..this is an INCREDIBLE bang for the buck. the weed trimmer and the hedge trimmer did their jobs excellently and the sweeper exceeded my expectations to the Nth degree. ALL THREE tools were up-to-the-task of trimming, hedging, edging and sweeping. i was MOST concerned about battery life. i manicured my entire yard with ALL THREE tools with nary a gasp from the battery (15-20 minutes use from each,..NOT counting pauses between "uses"). the package comes with a 3-station battery charger AND a "hanging station" for all three tools (PLUS,..you can pick up an extra 18 volt battery or two at your local megastore IF you need it [for large yards]). i could not be happier.....weeds and grass got whacked, my various hedges got trimmed AND my carport and driveway were cleared of debris in a matter of moments. AND....THE NOISE....DID I MENTION THE NOISE??? THAT'S BECAUSE THESE ARE VERY QUIET, NEIGHBORHOOD-FRIENDLY POWER TOOLS. i am quite satisfied and would HIGHLY recommend the CCC3000 kit to ANYONE with "fairly" modest lawn care needs. ... 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. If you're often working in tight spaces, you'll appreciate the design of the right-angle drill, which spans just 4-1/2 inches. Still, it's got two speed ranges (0-500 and 0-1,500 rpm) and reverse, and it packs 310 inch-pounds of torque. We like the multi-grip trigger, especially for cramped quarters. The grinder's hardworking with a nice three-position side handle. Kudos to DeWalt for the metal gear case and the longer life it'll give this grinder. 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

• Ultra-light, 4-1/2-inch long right angle drill delivers 310 in.-lbs. of torque for ample power in very tight quarters
• Kit also features a cut-off tool for cutting and grinding, a flexible neck flashlight and more
• 1/2-inch drill/driver/hammer-drill with 500 in.-lbs. of maximum torque for heavy-duty applications
• 6-1/2-inch circular saw cuts 2- x 4-inch stock at 45 degrees in a single pass for speedy framing, decking and more
• Reciprocating saw with keyless blade clamp for quick blade changes

Amazon.com

This is easily one of the most powerful hammerdrills on the market, packing 500 inch-pounds of torque and tackling the largest holes and heaviest screws. Whether you're going into studs or concrete, you'll appreciate the patented three-speed transmission that delivers an amazing 2,000 rpm at its max. In hammerdrill mode, get ready to be impressed with the speed you drill into concrete and other masonry at 34,000 blows per minute. Every inch of this tool is quality, from the 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck and its carbide jaws to the super-comfortable grip and beefy extended-life XRP 18-volt battery. Balance in hand is awesome, and the 360-degree auxiliary handle adjusts easily to just the right position.

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 is easy to adjust and the scale's clear. The jig saw's got some great features, the best of which is a keyless shoe that slides back and forth for cutting flush in tight spaces. The grip is super comfortable, and we like that you can choose between two orbital settings for quick, accurate cuts in soft stock and a straight setting for metal and other hard material. You'll love the built-in dust blower that keeps your sightline clear. The floodlight's handy, too, especially with its flexible neck for illumination in just about any direction. It's a great package deal.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• DW933 variable speed jig saw accepts both universal and T-shank blades
• DW919 18-volt flexible floodlight for hands-free use
• DC988 18-volt XRP 1/2" hammerdrill/drill/driver with 500 in-lbs of maximum torque and patented 3-speed all-metal transmission
• DC390 18-volt circular saw with 6 1/2", 16-tooth carbide blade and rip fence can cut 2x4's at a 45 degree angle in a single pass
• DC385 18-volt cordless reciprocating saw with keyless blade clamp allows for quick blade change without touching blade or reciprocating shaft

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 grinder's hardworking with a nice three-position side handle. Kudos to DeWalt for the metal gear case and the longer life it'll give this grinder. We're not as impressed with the impact gun, despite its 0 to 3,000 impacts per minute and how smoothly it runs without any kickback—-it's just that we'd like to see it take more than ¼-inch hex shanks. 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

• Lightweight, 6-1/2-inch long impact driver delivers 1,170 in.-lbs. of torque for optimal power in tight quarters
• Kit also features a cut-off tool for cutting and grinding, a flexible neck flashlight and more
• 1/2-inch drill/driver/hammer-drill has 500 in.-lbs. of maximum torque for heavy-duty applications
• 6-1/2-inch circular saw cuts 2- x 4-inch stock at 45 degrees in a single pass for speedy framing, decking and more
• Reciprocating saw with keyless blade clamp for quick blade changes

Features

• Equipped with a Fluorescent Light for greater visibility
• Powerful 15 amp motor that handles every job easily.
• Electronic Speed Control monitors and maintains rpm under load.
• Soft Start feature for smoother and safer start-ups.
• Large turn base ensures a more stable work area.

Features

• DC410-6,500 RPM, 5/8"-11 spindle, ball bearing construction
• Type 1 (cut-off) and Type 27 (offset center) guards included
• DC988-DEWALT built motor for 500 in-lbs of maximun torque
• XRP Extended run-time batteries for long run-time and life
• DC988 - Patented 3-speed transmission: 0-450/0-1,450/0-2,000

Reviews (1)

Good Combo Hammer Drill and Cutoff Tool
I bought this kit mainly for the cutoff grinder tool.I have been using the cutoff tool as a grinder and it works great.This is for a field application were I needed cordless and this has lived up to my expectations.The battery life is good, the wieght and feel of the tool is great, and it is easy to use. Power for a cordless 4 1/2" grinder is excellent, you can lean pretty hard on it before it stalls, but remember it is cordless.The drill works well however I havn't used it enough to comment.Dewalt cordless tools are not cheap, however a good value. The reason for 4 not 5 stars is I want to see how long it lasts. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sometimes, half an inch makes all the difference. But that's not the only reason to step up to the 735. Its powerful 10,000 rpm motor will handle anything you feed it--oak, walnut, exotics--with absolute ease. The three-knife cutterhead will make 96 or 179 cuts per inch, depending on which speed setting you choose. Mess is minimized with the fan-assisted chip ejection, which literally vacuums chips off the cutter-head and blows them out the exhaust. The 735's automatic carriage lock will save you from snipe by reducing the movement that causes it--what a great idea. We also love the redesigned thickness scale--it's big and super-visible, even in poor lighting. Those who do repetitive cuts will appreciate the turret depth-stop; set your most-used cuts to it once and you're always assured of accuracy. The home woodworker will be thrilled, and the professional's expectations will be more than met. This is a winner.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Solid 19-3/4-inch cast aluminum base provides for rigidity
• Three knife cutter-head for superior surface finish
• Fan-assisted chip ejection system aids in the removal of debris
• Two-speed gear box, 96 or 179 cuts per inch for the finest finish
• Automatic carriage lock minimizes the movement that causes snipe

Reviews (32)

A very good planner.
I had been shopping for a new planner for a few months and had settled on the Delta 22-580 when the DeWalt DW735 was announced. After a little research, I was sold. I have only had this planer for a few days, but so far I am satisfied in every way. I purchased this tool to replace an older Delta 12 inch planer. The difference is like night and day. Though the Delta did a good enough job, there was always a bit of snipe. Knife changes were a hassle and the dust hood was a cheap, flimsy device that never sealed well, and got in the way of the board as it came out the outfeed side. The De Walt has NO snipe, and the integral dust chute with fan assist works well and is trouble free. I don't know how it will be changing knives, but it should be much easier. The three knife cutter head gives excellent results. So far I have planned pine, birch and cherry. Even on the 96 cuts per inch setting, the planned surface is smooth and free of tear out. All controls are easy to read and use. The depth control is especially nice as it is a large easy to manipulate wheel. The unit is large and heavy for a portable, but as I will be using it on a mobile stand this will not be a problem. The noise level is high , as are most planners so hearing protection is a must. While the price is higher than some planners, I feel its worth it.

5 Stars for the 20 Minutes it Worked
I too had one of the sprockets sheer apart after a single day of use; and not even heavy use! I called DeWalt and they informed me that "some of the units had undersized bearings that caused the feed roller sprocket to break." They suggested I return it to the distributor and exchange it for a new unit since the newer production run corrected this problem with larger bearings. This isn't really a serious setback for me (except for the delay in playing with my toy) since I didn't buy it online, the dealer stood behind the product and it was less than 30 days old (DeWalt unconditional 30 day warranty). That said, however, I can imagine how much of a pain in the neck it is(not to mention costly) to ship the 90 pound defect back to Amazon! I'm disappointed that DeWalt (particularly on their highest end planer)didn't post some sort of recall if they knew the problem was systemic and offer to pay for the shipping back if you bought it online. In addition, DeWalt wouldn't tell me how to ascertain that the exchanged for planer had the larger bearing and was free from the defect. Perhaps the Serial Number would tell me? I asked. DeWalt wouldn't help. In addition, the dealer didn't know about the defect or which ones were "old" or "new", so he couldn't head off possible problems. I've decide to wait until the dealer receives a new shipment to exchange mine...which he says will be in another week. Anyway, the machine was terrific while it worked with virtually no snipe and a glass finish. We'll see if the "new" one I get holds up.

Update:

Well, I got a replacement...the dealer couldn't have been more accommodating. The new machine works perfectly and the cut quality is excellent. I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because: 1. I had to go through the hassle of exchanging the defective product 2. It is so LOUD that it requires wearing Stihl ear muffs made for a chain saw when operating and 3. the placement of the dust collection port directly above the stock outfeed requires you to support the dust collection hose or risk having it interfere with the stock as it exits the planer.

By the way, I did not purchase the optional tables and don't feel they're necessary, a little practice feeding the stock straight in and there's no problem with snipe. Lastly, I bought the mobile stand...excellent, very well made, and a great value.

Defective Design - Awful Customer service
After about 200 board feet, the sprocket and chain drive broke on this tool. Brought to service center for warrantly work and they told me they have seen 5 or 6 like this recently. Obviously a design problem.

Been waiting a week for new parts - have lost 2 weekends of work (the service centers have banker hours and no weekends). When I call to find out when it will be done, just get jerked around and they act like I'm annoying them.

Save your money and buy a Delta Stationary Tool. Last DeWalt tool I will ever buy. (Which is too bad as this planer leaves a great surface finish)

Disappointing Results, Returned the Planer.
I am a professional woodworker, and I decided that I needed a portable planer in addition to my Powermatic 160. I bought this one over the others for two reasons: it supposedly did not need a headlock and the blower/chip ejector meant it was it's own dust collector (this feature worked well). The problem? The knives are GARBAGE! They last about 30 minutes before they are dull. At that point, two things start happening. The feed rollers start to need help pulling the wood through AND the supposedly self-locking head creeps upward as the wood is pulled through. These problems render this machine nearly useless. I understand that planer knives get dull, but these dull much faster than any other knives I've used, and because of the quick-change system (which is nice, I have to admit) they are your only choice. I was extremely disappointed with this machine. I own other Dewalt tools and am very happy with them. I returned the planer to where it was purchased.

And The Rough Places Made Smooth
I wouldn't be writing this if my new/old Delta single speed planer had managed to do what I needed. It wasn't very expensive, but faced with 100 board feed of maple it simply gave up trying. In desperation I bought this DeWalt 13" portable planer, and the day was saved.

For a portable, the DeWalt is quite solid. It really does weigh 100 pounds, and if you have the extensions on it the machine is a bit awkward for one person to move. The grips are good, but if possible, use two folks to move it.

The planer uses four very solid screw posts to position the head. The cutter and rollers are not going to be moved by any piece of lumber that a rational woodworker would feed into it. If you are careful feeding in the lumber (and buy the extensions) you will find that snipe can often be completely avoided.

By putting three knives on the cutter and allowing for two roller speeds the planer achieves 96 or 179 cuts per inch, more than enough for a fine surface. The type of cutter used is 'disposable,' and with portable planers, it's something for which you should prepare yourself. Careful planing using thin cuts is much better for the knives, but you won't get more than 50 board feed through before some wear begins to show up. Since the knives can be reversed, expect to replace a blade set every 100 feet - if you are a perfectionist. If you will be sanding anyway or are willing to lightly hone the knives you can get a bit more.

The cutter has two additional useful features. A small gauge tells you how much of a cut you are making and what the recommended cut should be. This allows for great precision and helps keep you from impatient over-cutting. You can also set a depth stop it you are doing a lot of planing to a specific thickness. You will probably also want the extension tables, which are surprisingly solid, and either the chip collector or a dust removal system - the fan blower in the DW735 will throw chips straight across the room without one.

In summary, this is the solidest portable planer I've used. It's also the most ergonomic. Maintenance and knife changing are equally easy. As with any planer with disposable blades, don't expect to plane a house full of wood without the knives wearing. And don't forget to buy some hearing protection. The DW735 packs a lot of power, and lets you know it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

You need power, but you don’t want to hoist a ton. Here’s the answer. DeWalt’s revamped 18-volt compact drill/driver delivers on both counts, with a 1/2-inch chuck that grips beefy bits, an 18-position adjustable clutch, and a high-performance motor for the torque you need, packaged in a truly lightweight, comfortable drill. The variable speed has a high and low range for any application, and the reverse switch is right above the curved trigger for easy access. The included charger juices up a spent battery in an hour. We especially like the light weight, even more so because it doesn’t cost in the power department. Lots of pluses: on-board bit storage, two batteries, hard case. We think contractors will be pleased with this drill, especially after a long day.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 1/2" single sleeve keyless ratcheting chuck for tighter bit grip
• Compact size: fits into the tightest conditions
• Lightweight design (5.2 lbs.) minimizes user fatigue
• High performance motor delivers 450 in.-lbs. of maximum torque
• Dual speed range: 0-450 / 0-1,500 rpm delivers optimal performance

Reviews (8)

Four Years' Tough
I have two of these drills. Have used one or the other of them daily for three years this month. About time for a review. They are tough. I do not understand the comments about weak chucks or, in other places, about battery problems. My drills, their batteries and chargers have performed, as I say, on a daily basis for three years under all kinds of conditions and some very hard use without so much as a glitch. They have tremendous torque and staying power under continuous use. If you are going to shoot large screws or drive a big bit rapidly into very hard or though wood, brace the drill-driver's grip, battery end against your knee or thigh before you squeeze the trigger. You will have fewer wrist problems if you do--it has that kind of torque. Regarding one complaint, I would not use this driver with tiny drill bits; it just is not intended for that. It defies logic to do so. What it will do is take the heaviest work and drive large bits and sink big screws all day and just keep on going. An example: In the intense, 100 degree plus heat of one summer, two carpenter friends and I laid a 1700 sq foot subfloor of 2X6 T&G over 16" OC joists with two 3-1/2 inch screws to the joist, working as fast as we could all day for what seems now like several days. The wood was very tough, dense struc select Doug fir. When my two friends' drivers, one a Makita and one a Hitachi, got hot as pistols or their batteries needed recharging, whichever of the DeWalts I happened to be using could keep right on going. I would lend the other DeWalt to either guy while his driver recovered. I smoked those batteries, but by following the right charging procedures never had a failure. They both still take deep cycle charges and hold them well, after three years of hard use. One took a fourteen foot fall off a roof while mounted to another DeWalt tool, the battery taking the full impact on tamped crushed rock, and it still works as well as the others. Just read the instructions and you will not have trouble with the batteries. Quick charge when you have to, but balance that with long charges from a low state over the weekends. Never use the batteries while they are still warm or hot out of the charger, do not run them out completely--just nearly so, and do not repeatedly shallow charge them. Nicads will not last long with that kind of treatment. They take a "set" and will not charge deeply afterward. As for weak chucks, well, one incident does not make them all that way. When my drywall zipgun stripped its chuck, I picked up one of my DeWalt 18V drill-drivers and kept on going--for over 300 sheets of 1/2 and 5/8 inch drywall. The clutch and speed mechanisms work well enough that I had good control and could hang drywall almost as fast as with the zipgun. One caution regarding the clutches on these brutes: they require breaking in; don't be upset if they are hard to use at first. You can see from this what DeWalt 18V drill-drivers have done and can do, and still I have not had the slightest problem, though they look pretty beat up now. I do not think a single work day has passed in which I have not used one of the two. Now I have a whole lot of DeWalt HD 18V tools, because these two drill-drivers performed so well I was not afraid to buy into a lot of tools in the same line. I have had no trouble with any of them. You never lose them, either; that DeWalt yellow shouts at you from across the room, across the lot or from under a pile of tools and offcuts. When these go, I will buy more.

Great drill/driver
I have had this drill for about six months and am very happy with it. I am a homeowner so I can't speak as to how this drill would function during all day use. For projects around my house it has plenty of power although, like every other cordless tool I have used, it needs a little more time drilling/driving through hard wood. If I want to drill through something thick and tough, I used a beefier corded drill. So far, I have not noticed any of the battery life problems discussed by other reviewers.

I picked up a set of the Dewalt hex shank bits and have not noticed any slippage. The only time I have had a complaint with the drill was while using a hole saw to install locksets in two doors. Of the four holes, the bit slipped out of the chuck two times. Once I reinserted the hole saw it went right on through the door. I don't know if I didn't get the chuck tight enough or if the chuck just prefers the hex shank bits.

All in all a great drill. I can't imagine ever installing curtain rods, assembling bookcases, etc. with a corded drill and/or screwdriver again!

Yet another over-priced, under-achiever from big yellow
This drill is, in short, a dud. I bought it somewhat hesitantly on the recommendation of a friend. I had been looking at this and the Milwaukee and Bosch equivalents but went ahead and took the plunge. What a mistake. It seems to have sufficient torque but the chuck started to wobble almost immediately after only a few weeks of light use. It makes a grinding noise in the low speed setting that I can't seem to find and one of the batteries ... died after only 2-3 months use. Since then the charger .... has also given up making it cheaper to buy a whole new kit (probably what dewalt has in mind anyway). I have since bought the Milwaukee 0624-20 (kit 0624-24)and have been abusing that workhorse for over a year now with phenomenal results while this piece of crap collects dust on the shelf. Not only are the batteries ..... and charger .... cheaper to replace by some $40 but they also last a _lot_ longer. I wish now I had gone with my gut instinct in the first place. Save yourself a lot of grief and money and go for the Milwaukee. You will not be sorry.

quaility control
i have owned three of these drills over the last seven years,i was very impressed the first time i used the 18 volt drill about five years ago and immeadiatly bought one. since that time i have noticed a serious decline in craftsmanship and customer service on DeWalt's part. the chucks spin on expensive drill bits damaging the bit,the battery packs seem to have unreliable longievity issues. the final straw was a blown charger after approx. 40 hrs. plug in time,right in the middle of a elaborate garage remodel. i am going to start phaseing out my DeWalt cordless tools in my personal tool chest as well as the ones owned by the Parks and Recreation Dept. I am in charge of.

Good drill for the money
I purchased this drill as part of a drill/saw combo at Home Depot for $199 so go there for a better deal. I bought this drill to compliment the 18V Dewalt pistol handle drill I already have.

I know what your thinking, why do I need two drills? Have you every tried to drill/drive in between stud cavities with a pistol grip?? Pain in the bottom to do, so when I have that type of work to do I just grab this one, now onto my review.

Plenty of power for anything you may want to do, drives screws like a champ, drills through 4x4 PT with 1 1/2" spade bit with no problems. A great drill at a great price. Since I own their more expensive model I will point out the differences. No hammer action, only 2 speed(don't need the third speed), 2 piece chuck versus the 1 piece, and the handle doesn't have those nice rubber inserts.

Doesn't handle small bits that well due to the chuck design, and the trigger sticks a little when trying to slowly advance it.
One piece of advice, before you even use the drill for the first time grab some athletic tape(Walmart sells black athletic tape so it doesn't look retarded) and wrap it a couple of time around the handle. That improves the grip 100%, trust me.

Even though I did bash some things this is still a awesome drill. ... Read more

Features

• Accuracy of 1/8-inch at 30 feet
• Requires three AA batteries
• Fast, accurate, and portable
• Self leveling

Reviews (6)

Outstanding Product
This hardware is awesome. You put 3 AA batteries in it and you're all set. It gives you a level line, a plumb line, or a combination of both within a second, with a push of a button. You can mount this product on a camera tripod, or use the provided magnetic mount and you don't need any assistance for your plumb and level lines. It is just sad that I bought mine for $299.00 from a hardware store before I saw this on amazon site. Yet I am so glad that I was able to do my bathroom tiles by myself with the help of this excellent piece of innovation.

Straight Walls
This self-leveling laser is perfect for the serious home re-modeler. I have just started building walls in my basement 10 to 60 feet in length. I am building the walls in place and obviously require alignment of the top plate with the bottom plate to ensure the walls are straight and plumb. By positing the laser 3-4 feet off the floor at one end of wall you can shoot bright lines along the floor, back wall, and ceiling simultaneously. I have also used the laser to ensure studs are straight and vertical. This is a must have tool...

Replaces many tools
After getting buying this tool for my bathroom remodelling project, I've found it to be absolutely indispensable. It replaces numerous tools: plumb line, chalk line, levels, etc, costing well over the cost of this tool. The accurate self-levelling feature makes the work much quicker, as you do not have to wait for the plumb to settle, or make pencil marks. Also, the accuracy is far greater than with traditional tools.

Now, all the pictures hanging on the wall are perfectly level, too. Now, I have to raise one side of the house by 1/4" to make everything square...

Works great!
I am a weekend handyman and wanted to buy a laser level to speed up my solo work on the house--shelving; installing speakers in the wall and ceiling; installing trim and moldings, etc.

I looked at some of the more "consumer" oriented levels (robotoolz, stanley, etc.) and was concerned by what I read in the reviews. After doing a bit more unscientific research, I concluded that if you want a laser level that works, you need to spend more than the $100 that I was originally looking to spend.

I have used this a bit and it has worked great so far. My favorite thing about it is that you don't actually have to put it on a tripod or pin it in the wall--you can hold it against a wall or door and project it against the surface where you are trying to establish level/vertical lines. It's very quick and easy to use and seems to work well.

The lines are a little hard to see in bright daylight, but it's manageable.

I'll have to see whether it stands up to the test of time, but I am very pleased so far.

Bottom Line: I spent more than I wanted to but I have learned that you get what you pay for.

Worth its weight in gold.
Hello to all, I just purchased the PLS2 and have used it already to level multiple shelving units, install shelving, plumb up studs for nailing, mark for installing pipe in stud walls, install electrical boxes and switches, and figure pitch for a sewer line. The sewer line pitch was done in the fixed position. I figured the amount of pitch for the run, put the PLS2 on its mount and put the magnets on a piece of metal, lined up the two pitch marks and started to dig. As long as the measurement was the same, all was well. No more fiddeling with the level. No more trying to hold the level in one hand, hold the piece of lumber, get the screw or nail gun, all the time trying to maintain plumb or level, and finally fasten. Now I have an extra hand. Just set up the PLS2 and you can instantly see if you are on or not. You have both hands to fasten. In very bright sunshine the line is difficult to see, but, not impossable. The unit is very sturdy and stable. The unit comes with a leather holster, from Occidental Leather, and the magnetic "L" bracket for holding the unit on any metal piece. There are two small holes for mounting the bracket to wood or other non-metallic surface. The holster is set up for wearing on your belt, if you desire, and there is a large snap to keep everything in its place. On the holsters lid there are two metal buttons that hold the "L" bracket neatly. I believe the screw size on the unit is 1/4 x 20. I would highly recommend the PLS2 to anyone that uses a level or straight line with any kind of regularity. Further I would say that the usfullness of the actual line is more than the advertised 30'. With the right lighting conditions I could see usefullness in the 50 - 60ft. range or more. I will let you know. I also have the PLS5 and use it on occasion, but, the new PLS2 will be taking the 5's place for many applications including the many new applications that I will use it for. More to come.-ED ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Instead of throwing away old, dull bits, give them a checkup with the Drill Doctor and extend their life. Although drill-bit sharpening systems often fail to live up to our expectations, we're here to bear witness for the truth of the Drill Doctor's claims: it really does sharpen old bits in just a couple of minutes. The 750SP (also known as the Professional) works on conventional, split-point, and masonry bits from 3/32 to 3/4 inches in size. If you don't plan on sharpening anything larger than 1/2-inch bits, we recommend getting the 500SP instead; it's basically the same machine, minus the cost of the 3/4-inch chuck that comes with this model. Both models--the 500SP and the Professional 750SP--allow you to choose between a 118- and 135-degree sharpening angle. Operation is fairly simple, but to make sure no one has trouble figuring it out, the Drill Doctor comes with a how-to video. Anyone who frequently wears down drill bits is going to appreciate the savings this handy machine can offer. Using sharp bits instead of dull ones also increases the life of your drill, because sharper bits require less work to make the same hole. We only wish we'd found the Drill Doctor sooner. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Sharpens conventional point, split point, and masonry drill bit at 118- or 135-degree angles
• Two chucks accept 3/32- to 1/2-inch and 1/2- to 3/4-inch bit shafts
• Long-lasting Diamond wheel sharpens carbide, high-speed steel, standard, cobalt, and more
• Comes with how-to video

Reviews (33)

Drill Doctor DD750PK Precision Drill Bit Sharpene
There are many good things about this product. When I called tech support with a problem (chuck sticking), I got a human being with a knowledgable answer (loosen a few overtorqued screws) in a matter of minutes. On standard drill bits, it works very well.

However, I got it mostly to sharpen hex-base drill bits, as I use these drill bits with a quick-change chuck all the time. And I basically destroyed several bits (well, they were dull anyway) finding out that the chuck supplied with this unit simply can't get a proper grip on hex-base drill bits. They will be out of alignment, which means it won't work, at all. You just grind off random bits of your drill bit at random angles, resulting in a useless bit. Well, I _was_ able to sharpen a few of the bigger hex bits, but the 1/16", 1/8", and 3/16" bits were trashed.

So for my main use--sharpening hex-base bits--this fails pretty badly. If I'd known this, I wouldn't have gotten it. (Of course none of the marketing information or tech support information mentions this--if they did, they might lose some sales.) So I'll keep it, but quite disappointed. And no, tech support didn't have any suggestions for how to fix the problem.

So, if you want to sharpen small hex bits, give this a pass. If you don't use hex bits, it is a good deal. And the video they supply is excellent for teaching you how to use it.

Your mileage may vary.

The BEST Drill Sharpening System
Over the years I have collected hundreds of drill bits that served me well when new. But with each project I found myself looking for a sharp bit to complete the task. I needed a repeatable way to sharpen my drill bits. After extensive research and product reviews I purchased the Drill Doctor 750. It did EVERYTHING it promised. It sharpened both small and large bits, it removed all nicks and restored the cuting edge perfectly. The actual process is simple and quick. The video gives good instructions, but practice makes perfect, and I actually enjoyed sharpening all my old bits. I highly recommend the Drill Doctor. It delivers on its promise every time.

Pays for itself quickly
Glad I FINALLY bought one!
With the price of drill bits rising every day this baby will pay for itself quickly. Sharpens bit as good as or better than new. If you think you doing a good job sharpening bits on a bench grinder, you'll be suprised. Don't know how the hail I ever got along without one of these. Will never have to use a dull bit again. An absolute NECESSITY for anyone working with steel. I would suggest getting an extra wheel upon purchase because once you sharpen about 250 of your dead/dull bits after it arrives, you'll most likely need a new wheel.

The Good, the bad, and the great
I just received my Drill Doctor 750SPK and was surprised to find that it came with a carrying case which was listed by Amazon.com as an accessory. The first time I used the Drill Doctor it performed perfectly and I was inclined to sharpen even drills that I had previously considered sharp. For normal drill sharpening, I would rate it as 5-star. The only problem I had was with split tips. The drill holder does not slide smoothly in and out of the guide. It requires unnecessay force as far as I am concerned, however with extra effort I can sharpen split tips adequately. I will keep the unit since most of my sharpening is for standard tips. When and if I want to do many split tips, I will bore the guide out a little and and install a "pop-out" spring to move the tip back off the grinding wheel.

Incidently, one reviewer said that he received screwdriver tips instead of drills with his unit. I did not find that to be the case. I received the drills.

NO MORE DULL Excuses!!
This is product is everything good all have said about it. Order fulfill by Amazon - excellent! Unit well packed, handy carry case is superb.
Set up and use - I watched the video 1 & 1 1/2 times. Getting the drill set up properly is the whole equation - and is easy. I have sharpened both angle configurations, and split a few points just to see how easy it is to do. SNAP!
I didn't realize how bad a shape I was in until I cleaned up every bit I owned. I mostly work wood and don't demand a lot of twist drills here, but a few metal things came up and I realized I had a sour batch of drills. Problems solved. Everyone needs one of these....or maybe I keep it a secret and make a few $$ fixing up my neighbors tools. It would almost be like stealing. Maybe I'll do demo's and sell units. ... Read more

Product Description

Stabila's new "best of the best" professional level in a promotional pack. For the price of the 59" level you recieve both the 59" and the 24" level. As the industry leader, Stabila has improved on the "world's best level" with the new type 196 series. The accuracy is certified, top and bottom readings and sports a new rubber hand grip design. Rubber pad end caps and wall grips that are functional yet removable for flush measuring. Times have changed, rooms are getting bigger, walls are getting taller, closets are getting wider, and the professional contractor needs to keep up with state of the art tools, including levels. This promotional set is becoming the prefered lengths for levels for the homebuilders of the future. ... Read more

Features

• Accuracy guaranteed for life
• Accuracy certified, top and bottom readings
• Strong, wide frame design
• Removable rubber end caps for flush measuring
• Oversized rubber hand holds for comfort

Features

• Features 3-Mode operation; "Rotation Only", "Hammer Only" or "Hammering with Rotation"
• Powerful 7.0 AMP motor yet weighs only 6.0lbs
• Impact Energy (2.0ft. Lbs.); Power-to-Weight Ratio (.32)
• Positive Lock ensures that the bit is securely fastened
• 0-1,100 RPM and 0-4,500 BPM (2.7 joules of impact energy) for demanding applications

Features

• One-year guarantee
• Patented technology
• Quick and accurate
• Compact and lightweight
• Battery-powered

Reviews (3)

Should 'a bought it last year
Being in the custom home remodeling business I'm always demonstrating to clients how out of square or plumb their existing structure is. When it comes time to re-working the project I had to wrestle with a plumb bob or spend time squaring up. I've looked at the three other shooting type laser tools and found that the PLS5 is the best value for the money. Even the accessories are well thought out 'cause they help me layout square using their pendulum target and the wall bracket lets me position the laser anywhere on the job. It saves me a ton of time and I do more with my PLS5 than my little rotary laser. I need the accuracy and I like the fact that the beams settle down very fast. Squaring is easy because you shoot 90 degree angles as soon as you turn it on. I tried the RoboVector but could not use it much past 30 feet. Beams got too big and I never knew when it was in self leveling range. Sent it back. PLS5 is more money but I learned a long time ago that you usually get what you pay for. Side by side comparisons rates a thumbs up from me for PLS

Almost a great unit if it only....
It is almost a great unit if only:
1) it had brighter beams for daylight use, such as setting square on a house foundation etc. Inside there is plenty of light.

2) the five beams were not offset. When squaring for a foundation layout one must allow for the 1" offset. If I set the laser's plumb-bob beam over a corner mark and point the front beam to my next point, the 90 degree point is going to be 1" off. I don't like this because this is one more thing I have to adjust for. When paying this kind of money I should not have to make adjustments for this.

The PLS5 could learn from a competitive product, the RoboVector, that doesn't have the 1" offset in its square. You get a true square, not just a 90 degree. I can set the plumb on a corner point, point to my next corner and see another corner that is in square with the first corner point. The RoboVector's beams are not as bright which hurts its use outside. The RoboVector is considerably less expensive.The PLS5 is more accurate and that meant a lot to me. See specs.

The PLS5 is a good unit, more accurate, expensive, and with some limitations. A new version (PLS5X) is supposedly better for outdoors. Check it out too. Probably worth the extra.

Leveler Saves Time, While Increasing Accuracy
We build homes and small offices, and we bought a PLS-3. It gave us quicker readings on leveling foundations, and squaring up corners, than conventional leveling tools, strings, triangles, etc. It saved us time, money, readjustments, and it was accurate out to 100 feet.

We have now added a PLS-5, and are doing even more, squaring up walls, making measurements on ceilings without going up a ladder. We recently laid out an entire cathedral ceiling, doing all the measurements and angles while standing on the floor. Both units have paid for themselves in less than a month of use. ... Read more

Features

• Part of the DeWalt 18-volt system of tools
• 310 in./lbs. of torque for increased applications
• 0-500/0-1,500 rpm for increased user flexibility
• Variable speed and reversing for greater accuracy, control, and convenience
• Multi-grip trigger can be used in the least amount of space

Reviews (6)

Color yellow- lemon
This tool worked great for about three months, then while driving a#10 sheet metal screw the trigger froze in the on position, smoke started coming out of the battery pack, the only way to stop it was to disconnect the battery. I'm a cabinetmaker and this is one of the better right angle drills I've owned, it's a bit heavy and the forward and reverse switch is hard to use. The batteries last a long time, I can be on the job all day without charging them,nice.The keyless chuck is one of the best I've used, I hope this is just one of those lemons you get every now and again because I was really begining to like this tool.

Even better with a 1/2 chuck
Out of necessity and because it has ample power, I had been planning to convert this drill to a 1/2" chuck for some time, but just recently got around to it.
Since the DW960 comes with a 3/8" capacity chuck, I assumed that it would be mounted on a 3/8" X 24 TPI spindle as most 3/8" drills are.
Before buying a 1/2" chuck with a reduced 3/8" X 24 TPI mount, I decided to remove the original chuck and check the spindle to be sure.
With the chuck removed, I found that the DW960 has a 1/2" X 20 TPI spindle, which is the standard spindle size for mounting a 1/2" chuck.
I wouldn't bother changing out the chuck on my older model DW966 14.4V right angle drill because it doesn't really have enough power to make it worth the expense, but I decided to check the spindle size on it anyway. It too has the 1/2" X 20 TPI spindle.
Dewalt most likely does this to give the short spindles more strength, not to allow for an upgrade to a 1/2" chuck. Nevertheless, I really need this drill to be a 1/2", so I purchased a Jacobs made Dewalt OEM style keyless chuck from McMaster and installed it on the drill. It fit perfectly, actually better than the original did, and for my work needs, the extra chuck capacity makes all the difference.
I would never attempt to use this right angle drill as hard as my straight 1/2" cordless drill, but when working in a tight space, it's great to finally be able to use the DW960 with my Greenlee hole saws larger than 7/8", which have 7/16" shanks. This was the main reason for wanting to ditch the standard 3/8" chuck.
I've used it with hole saws up to 3-1/2" in 1X and 2-1/2" in 2X material. This seems to be completely within the drills ability without producing any unusual motor strain or heating. Understandably, I'm sure Dewalt would not approve of this modification and if the motor or gear train does eventually end up as toast, I'm okay with the fact that it will be my fault, not Dewalt's.
With that being said, it now appears that I can finally stop waiting for Dewalt to produce an 18V cordless 1/2" right angle drill.

DW960K-2 18V Right Angle Drill:
First the issues...

I bought this drill kit about two month's ago and so far it has performed very well on the job.
I was somewhat concerned to find that even with the fairly high price tag the drill and batteries are both being made completely in Mexico. From my experience, this usually results in a noticeable drop in quality. I suppose this is just a sign of the times and I should be getting used to it by now.
Also, after years of waiting for Dewalt to produce an 18V RAD unit, I still feel somewhat let down by the fact that it only has a 3/8" chuck capacity, especially since almost all of the trades really need a good 1/2" cordless RAD. The 18V RAD that Milwaukee makes is virtually useless and this Dewalt drill could probably spin a 1/2" chuck under most realistic workload conditions.
The two NAFTA batteries included are marked only as XR, not XR-Plus as all recent Dewalt 18V batteries manufactured in Japan are. I'm not sure if this means anything, but it did catch my attention.

And now the praise...

I have owned the almost identical DW966 14.4V version of this drill for several years and it has been worked hard but was always underpowered for heavier drilling tasks such as boring holes in 2X studs and joists or drilling into wall cavities from a basement or crawlspace below or an attic above, even when using spade/paddle type bits. Although the owners manual lists the maximum hole drilling capacities as the same for both the 14.4V and 18V, the new 18V DW960K has 100 inch-pounds more torque and several hundred more RPM's in high speed than the 14.4V model and is much more at ease with the type of heavier work described above. This drill will never replace your corded RAD for continuous heavy use on larger jobs but is great for smaller jobs where you need to drill several holes and don't want to waste time dragging out an extension cord and hunting for a distant electrical outlet. The added cordless advantages of mobility and safety are especially important when working in a damp crawl space or cramped attic area. The DW960 is only slightly larger and just a little heavier than the older 14.4V drill so it can still easily get into the tight places for drilling or driving screws but has lots more of what tradespersons need most, that being, torque and speed with the ability to interchange batteries with all your other DeWalt 18V tools. Overall it seems to be a well made tool and all is fine for now, but I can only wait and see if the NAFTA product durability will be equal to or better than my older Dewalt drill.

Customer Service
A previous review complained about DeWalt customer service phone number not answering.
I just called them at that number and they answered immediately. I got my support specialist and my problem is solved.
Try again.

lack of quality control
I recieved my new DW960k heavy duty cordless drill driver 20 Nov. 03. The next day, FRI. 21 Nov. I took it to work to try it.I put a newer fully charged battery in the tool, there was an imediate bright spark within the drill and it began smoking heavily. Once the fire went out I put a battery back in the drill and now it runs full blast without squezzing the trigger.
I have tryed to contact 1-800-4-dewalt but they aren't answering the phone. It appears that it is better to purchase your tools where they can be tested. I now own every 18 volt cordless tool that dewalt makes, several of some, and I wonder what I am going to have to go through to get this drill replaced, not repaired. I did not purchase a reconditioned tool. ... 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

Arguably the best portable model on the market. To best minimize snipe, Makita came up with an innovative four-column design and fortified it with diagonal cross supports to stabilize the cutterhead while the patented Interna-Lok cutterhead depth adjustment secures the head while cutting. We particularly like how easy it is to adjust the depth scale and gauge. The depth stop makes sure you never overplane multiple pieces. The infeed and outfeed tables are supersized - another little perk we liked. Often, changing planer knives is an ordeal, but Makita's quick-change system and externally accessible brushes minimize your maintenance time and get you back to what you really love doing. The unit is relatively lightweight as these machines go, and at 83 decibels, is among the quietest of its kind. Still, please use ear protection when you're using this little beauty. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Supersize infeed and outfeed tables maximize work support
• Compact and lightweight for easy transporting to the job-site
• 15 amp motor delivers no load speed of 8,500 rpm
• Table size of 13 by 30-3/8 inches
• Patented Interna-Lok automated head clamp minimizes snipe

Reviews (25)

Worth the Money
Much like other reviewers, I have a small shop and make personal furniture and cabinetry. I too agonized over the purchase of a planer. The obvious dilemma is between a floor model 15" and a portable 12". The Makita is more costly than most of the portables, but less than half of the stationary 15" models.

After reading of the trouble others have had with the Delta (and my own negative experiences with Delta) I decided to spring the extra bucks for the Makita quality.

Great decision. This planer performs flawlessly. As long as you keep each pass shallow, snipe is of no concern, and I also agree that you have to cut the ends off the stock anyway. Snipe won't mean a thing if you have a board end check on you after you have completed a project.

I too reserve the other 5th star for longevity, as I have only had the planer for several months. As for the dust hood-I plan to save myself the money and just make my own. Any true woodworker can handle the fabrication necessary for a rectangular plenum with a round outlet-it's held on by a couple of thumb screws.

I say you can't beat this planer.

Well worth the price !!!
I recently read an article in one of the Popular woodworking comparing many of the 12" bench top planers. I had my heart set on a Delta, since my experience so far had been good. Boy did that article change my mind in a hurry. They has only good things to say about this planer. The only downside was the price. They said that they loved the planer, just couldn't justify the price. Well, I could. I'm sick of getting exacty what you pay for. I'm willing to spend a little more and get top quality. If you are too, this is the planer for you. Got it (from the tool-crib BTW) on Sat and spent the next day planing some 4/4 red oak. Beautiful finish !! A fine sanding is all that's required. Also, the stop remembers what your last, final, thick- ness was, which came in handy as I needed another 3/4 board and had already put the planer away. Snipe was a minimum, maybe 2-3 inches on the feed end and, as long as you're careful, none on the back end. Take some advice, get yourself a nice pair or dial calipers. I got a 6" Starrett from the tool crib here and it, in conjunction with the planer will give you the _exact_ thickness that you need. I'm sick of going to the lumber yard and ordering 1/2", and some are a little strong of 1/2" and some a little shy and none of your dados are fit like the test cut did. Another cool feature is the thickness dial on the crank. Using the calipers, you find that you need another 1/32" off the side. Set the 1/32" mark on the thickness dial, turn the crank until the '0' matches up with the mark and it takes off the required amount, no more, no less.

Makita 2012NB 12" Portable Planer
A joy to use. Simple, straight forward and without all the marketing hype of some of the other machines. Stock feeding is a very easy task. Transport is positive without the bother of a lock each time you make a pass. Crank adjustment is very easy to adjust for the smallest of stock removal. The depth stop is easy to use. The unit worked perfectly right out of the box. Read the instructions, plug it in, turn it on and your good to go. Fit and finish is top drawer and it's hard to imagine how it could be better. Unit produced just the smallest amount of snipe at about 1 1/2 inch from the ends. No big deal, a few passes of 220 grit sandpaper and it's gone or , I perfer to just cut it off. I only mention the snipe because it's there, not because it's a problem. Again, not worth taking a star away. This has fast become my favorite power machine, and I have them all. Go buy it. Simple , straight forward and rugged. It's a winner.

Great planer!!!
I am glad that I had bought this planer. I have planned some 10ft long 8/4 mahogany boards with it and the finish was excellent. Sniping was minimal and in most cases nonexistent if I support the board correctly while feeding it in and as it comes out. I did buy it new from Amazon and used it without any need for adjustment. I think the quality is very good and the planer is very quiet comparing to an old portable Delta planner that I had.

A Fine Planer
I bought this planer based on several factors. In no particular order they were: Makita's reputation, the reviews I read at this site, and its claim as being one of the quieter planers. I have never used another planer so I can't give a first-hand comparison. I can say, however, that I have been very happy with this tool. I used it quite heavily for building a workbench from hard maple. It is quiet, as advertised. I found it very easy on the ears. I had no problems with snipe, though I agree with other comments on this site that problems with snipe are overblown. Just trim your boards to finished length after planing. But as I said, I never had any problems. The blades were easy to change, and in general I found the tool accurate and easy to use.

For the most part, the finish was ready for sanding. However, when planing some of the heavily figured maple there was some tear out. I have since found out that this is to be expected and one should not expect a final finish from a planer on figured wood. In fact there is whole time-honored regimen for surfacing figured wood involving high-angled planes and scrapers. Just thought I'd pass that along.

If you've never had a planer before you will probably be surprised at how much of a mess they make. You will most likely want to add dust collection at some point in the future, so if you don't buy the dusthood now plan on buying it at some point down the road. ... Read more

Features

• Includes (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 (2)

Excellent drill!
I was recently forced into the market for a new drill when my old 14 volt Dewalt drill/driver finally ended its long career. I needed a drill that could be used for work every day and also came with batteries that would not run out of juice multiple times in one project. I have always believed in Dewalt, but with all the reviews in magazines (and friends) being negative on the new line of drills, I decided to do my research. I ended up choosing between Makita and the new Ridgid brands of drills. I bought a Ridgid drill from my local home center due to the fact that they did not carry the 18v Makita. After one day of use, I noticed a spark coming out the side of the drill due to the brushes in the engine. The drill performed very well even with the sparks but still had two additional flaws: battery life and weight. I went on Amazon as soon as I returned home to look into Makita drills. All of my saws and screw guns are Makita and I have never once had a problem. To my delight, Amazon not only had the drill on sale but it also came with a quality tool belt, work gloves, Amazon discount and a Makita rebate!
The bottom line is simply that this Makita is better made than the other drills. It has externally removable brushes that no other drill, at least that I know of offers. The drill is much lighter than others and the batteries can't be matched by anyone but Panasonic. This drill is just an amazing value, especially on Amazon. I would recommend this drill to anyone who is indecisive on what brand to buy for professional use.

Excellent Drill for the professional or DIY guy
This is one of the Best Drills I have ever used...HEAVY DUTY...WELL BALANCED...STONG MOTOR....AWSOME BATTERIES...and to top it off...AMAZON HAD THE BEST DEAL in town on this model.
For $174.99...I got the 18V Mforce Drill,Case,Charger,2 batteries, a $75.00 Tool Belt, $40.00 Work Gloves, a $20.00 coupon on my next Makita purchase.

WHAT A DEAL....I highly recommend this drill to any Professional or DIY GUY. ... Read more