Product Description

This model features the longest running 3.5 Amp Ni-Mh batteries in the industry, compared to other 18 Volt tools. The drill/driver weighs only 4.8 pounds but delivers 390 in./lbs. of torque. Max. Torque (in.-lbs.): 390, Volts: 15.6, Chuck Size (in.): 1/2, Keyless Chuck: Yes, Clutch Settings: 18, Reversible: Yes, Variable Speed: Yes, Side Handle: No, Battery Amp/Hour: 3.5Ah, Battery Included: Yes, (2) 3.5Ah Ni-MH batteries, Charger Included: Yes, 55-minute charger, Case Included: Yes, Tool Weight (lbs.): 4.8

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #619 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Panasonic
• Model: EY6432GQKW
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds

Features

• 15.6-volt Ni-MH 1/2-inch cordless drill/driver kit with keyless chuck
• Compact and lightweight yet powerful; dual speed ranges (0-400/0-1,300 rpm), 390 inch-pounds of torque, and electronic brake
• Durable plastic exterior and soft-pad grip for cushion
• Includes drill/driver, 2 batteries, 1-hour charger, and hard-plastic carrying case
• 9-inches long; 4.4 pounds; 1-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
The Panasonic EY6432GQKW 15.6-Volt NiMH 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit is a powerful, cordless tool with an ergonomic design that lets you work comfortably and effectively, whether you're a professional contractor or a serious do-it-yourselfer. This high-quality tool is an ideal choice for general construction, plumbing, electrical installation work, and finish carpentry.

Panasonic's EY6432GQKW 15.6-Volt NiMH Cordless Drill/Driver at a Glance: Max. torque: 390 inch-pounds Speed at No Load: Low 65-450 rpm; High 200-1,450 rpm Clutch torque: 9-61 inch-pounds (3.0 inch-pounds per stage, 18 stages) Charging Time: 55 minutes Weight (including battery): 4.8 pounds

The EY6432GQKW is ideal for general construction, plumbing, electrical installation work and finish carpentry. View larger.

Powerful, Two-Speed Design For Versatility
This powerful 15.6-volt drill driver delivers a maximum of 390 inch-pounds of full-time torque, so you can be confident that it will get tough jobs done while letting you maintain control. And with a two-speed gearbox, you can ensure that you're using this tool smartly and effectively.

The low-speed setting of 65 to 450 rpm is ideal for tough jobs requiring high torque, such as drilling with large bits and driving screws in a controlled manner, while a high-speed of 200 to 1450 rpm is great for more general drilling and fastening in metal.

18-Speed Clutch for Tackling Tough Jobs
The EY6432GQKW is also equipped with an 18-stage clutch. This clutch system helps ensure accuracy and control while you're working, and it further extends the life of your drill driver by making sure the correct amount of torque is available for a variety of applications. This helps prevent driving screws too far, snapping them off, and damaging materials as you work.

Thoughtful, Ergonomic Construction for Ease of Use
A well-balanced tool like this drill driver is easier to work with, and it allows you to work long hours more comfortably. The EY6432GQKW measures a compact 8-3/16 inches in length and weighs less than five pounds. Ideal for both right- and left-handed users, this tool's ergonomic design includes a comfortable, contoured rubber grip to reduce fatigue during extended use. And convenient placement of the variable speed control trigger and forward/reverse switch permits simple, one-handed operation.

A heavy-duty keyless chuck means that a lost chuck key will never bring your work to a standstill again. And it makes changing bits fast and easy, which is important if you switch tasks often or wear protective gloves on the job.

Reliable, Quick-Charge Battery Power
Effective battery power means no more tangled extension cords that can limit your movement or cause a safety hazard. That's why this Panasonic drill driver is powered by a 3.5Ah Ni-MH battery pack that can be fully charged in just 55 minutes. This high-tech battery is industry exclusive, with 75-percent more capacity than the 2.0Ah Ni-Cd batteries that come with many standard drills.

This means less time spent waiting and more time spent working. And even when there isn't time for a full charge, the inverter charger features an "Emergency Charge" function that charges the pack to 15-percent of its full capacity in just five minutes.

This kit comes with a convenient second battery pack, so you don't have to worry about buying one separately.

What's in the Box
Panasonic EY6432GQKW 15.6-Volt Drill Driver, two Ni-MH battery packs, universal charger, and molded case.

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

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

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

From the Manufacturer
Raw power and 75-percent more capacity to run. With two 3.5 amp NiMH batteries and 390- inch/pounds of torque, packed into a 8.5-inch chassis. Its power/weight ratio is an unequaled package of peak performance. A fan cooled motor, with laser welded fields is state of the art technology. The motor's full torque speed control allows max torque delivery at any rpm, and offers dual speed ranges of 65-450 / 200-1450 with electronic brake and precision clutch fastening capabilities. Rubberized grip reduces operator fatigue and improves driving comfort. NiMH batteries possess superior charging and discharging characteristics, and are vented for longer cell life. Universal charger charges all past and present Panasonic batteries. Comes with high impact carrying case.

Customer Reviews

Terrific combination of power, weight, size, & ergnomics...
Panasonic EY6432GQKW 15.6-Volt NiMH 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

Since this drill has been extensively reviewed, this write-up will compare it to another highly rated (by Amazon reviewers) tool, the Bosch 33618 18-Volt Brute Tough Drill/Driver. I own and use both.

Power. With 500 inch pounds of torque, the Brute out-powers the Panasonic's 390 inch pounds, and most other cordless drills, on sheer torque. (However, putting things in perspective, my DeWalt DW235G 1/2" Heavy Duty 7.8 Amp corded drill overwhelms the Brute in this category; so do not buy a cordless drill thinking you will have the "most powerful" tool.)

Chuck. Slight edge to the Brute. Both drills have terrific one-handed keyless chucks that will tightly hold any bit, from tiny 1/16 inch round bits to 1/2 inch bits. Both are very quick to change out bits, even with one hand. However, my Panasonic chuck wobbles a tad and sometimes the shaft turns 1/2 revolution or so when trying to tighten the chuck, before it locks in place. The Brute chuck does not wobble and the shaft always locks immediately. (One Panasonic reviewer said "It is difficult to center small bits in the chuck"; probably a result of the chuck being open too far -- simply close-up the chuck more before inserting the bit.) Both have a terrific electric brake. Release the trigger and the chuck stops instantly.

Weight. The Panasonic is the clear winner in this department as I can use it all day without arm fatigue. The same cannot be said for the much heavier Brute; it is especially uncomfortable to use overhead for any length of time, and I'm 6/4 260 lbs.

Size. The Panasonic is 1/3 smaller, and can be used in tight spots where the Brute will not even fit.

Run-time. The Panasonic seems to run longer. (Its NiMH batteries have a higher amp-hour rating.) Also, the Panasonic, when not in use, seems to maintain its charge longer than the Bosch. I keep the spare Panasonic battery in the charger so it will be ready when needed. On a construction job when the Panasonic is used frequently, a battery discharges about once a day. On rare days, I change out batteries twice. Neither the Panasonic or Bosch battery gets hot sitting in the charger for hours (or even days).

Clutch. Tie -- both offer a wide range of choices, from a few pounds of torque to run-up a small screw, to maximum to drill a large hole. Both have a "lock" position which bypasses the clutch to provide maximum tool torque. I've snapped many a screw and phillips bit with each of them.

Charge time. Tie -- both are fast. About 30-45 minutes. However, if the spare battery (for either brand) is kept fully charged, this isn't usually important, because run time is far longer than charge time.

Ergonomics. Tie. Both fit my [large] hand, have no sharp spots, nothing pinches my fingers and the grip is comfortable. The reverse switch is perfectly logical on both, in my opinion.

Speed control. Tie -- both are excellent, going smoothly from a dead stop to full speed. (One reviewer that had a problem with his Panasonic speed control must have had a defective switch.) Release the trigger and both tools stop instantly.

Gearbox. Do not know what the Panasonic gears are made out of, but the Brute gears are steel, and should last the life of the tool. (One Brute reviewer said his gears "stripped out, I. e. the motor was turning but not the chuck; my guess is he had the speed selector set between high and low.) Steel gears are important to me ever since my Porter Cable 14.4 v drill stripped its nylon gears.

Noise. The Panasonic whines a little, as though its gears are really tight. So what; it is not annoying.

Auxiliary handle. The Brute comes with an excellent side handle that can be tightened into place at any point in the 360 degrees. The Panasonic does not come with such a handle, probably because it is not sufficiently powerful to need one. Have not used the Bosch side handle often, but it is useful when working with large bits that can bind, and stop instantly. I.e., that handle could save your wrist from a nasty sprain if the drill continued turning before you could release the trigger.

Tool case. Tie. Both cases are molded plastic, have metal latches, and fit the tool just fine.

Question: Which is best?

Answer: The Panasonic does everything the Brute does, except for those few times when I need greater power. Without the Brute on a job site, I use a corded drill more often. But using the heavier Brute for hours on end tires my arms, and sometimes that Brute is just too big to fit where I'm drilling. Invariably, when I take one cordless to a job, it is the Panasonic.


February 2007 update:

After 26 months of frequent use (e.g., construction jobs), the Panasonic batteries have not noticeably deteriorated in power or run-time; and the drill works just as well as when new. After 39 months of less use, the Bosch batteries are fading and need frequent recharging. To my dismay, two new Bosch batteries cost about the same as a new Panasonic drill. So, I bought another [new] Panasonic drill, which of course includes two of those terrific NiMH batteries.

Awesome
Shear power. At 390in./lbs. of torque I have been having trouble trying not to shear the heads off of galvanized screws (pre-drilled w/countersink). I've tried both speeds, and all of the clutch settings. This has forced me to drive screws 7/8 of the way home and finish off the deal by hand.

I just finished using this Panasonic to drill 3/4" x 2 3/8" deep holes into a hardwood workbench for bench dogs. The Panasonic maintains constant speed under strain, and while getting hot, it did not overheat. The only reason I would need to stop was to let the fostner bit cool down.

The 3.5 amp NiMH batteries are A+++++. The kit comes with two, so you always have one in the ready. One charge lasts a full day under heavy use. The drill is well balanced and has good ergonomics. The electronic brake stops on a dime. This can't be good for the brushes, but no problems so far. I like the weight of this drill, it is substantial but not too heavy.

The best feature of all - SMALL DRILL BITS WILL NOT SPIN IN THE CHUCK. WOW

I will probably dedicate the 15.6 volt to drilling and buy the Panasonic 12 volt cordless for driving screws. The 15.6 easily overpowers cheaply made screws. Highly recommended!!

Best overall drill
I'd been waiting for years for the perfect overall drill to come into my workshop. I have a brother that sells power tools for a living and he told me about this Panasonic drill that he liked better than all the rest of the pack. The couple of selling points he had was the high torque at ANY SPEED... pull the trigger a bit to turn a screw in slowly even when the going gets tough... and the almost never-ending power supply of 3.5 Amp hours... that's enough power to run a halogen light for 75 minutes! I recently put in an entire subfloor on one charge, the battery just doesn't quit. Note of caution: the chuck has an anti-loosen mechanism that while loosening or tightening makes a pretty loud whine... or ratchteting click when hand turning.. but it pays off.. my bits never loosen while on my milwaukee it happens any time i bump the chuck while loosening screws.

I lucked out in the timing of my purchase.. they just came out with the 3.5AH battery.. it uses squared off battery cells to get more juice in almost the same space as the 3.0AH batteries that have cylindrical battery cells.

I've used the bosch 24V which has 25% more torque.. a monster.. but this drill will put 4" screws into hardwood w/o thinking about it so it has gobbs of torque yet is still a very nice small size.. it fits no problem between two studs to drill holes for wiring and i've used it to bore 2 1/2" holes in cabinets.

I bought the lantern and a spare battery and it's extremely convenient to have a constant portable light source that will last 5-6 hours straight with no dimming whatsoever (light just shuts off when battery is low).

Summary: impossible to beat this drill for overall use... get the new 12V impact if you want light and high power mostly for screw driving... get the 15.6 if you want the best general purpose drill made.

-awr