03 December 2009

Great Price Makita 6343DWAE for $272.95

Makita 6343DWAE 18 Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit Review



This is the best 18-volt cordless drill, period. As the Amazon review says, this is the cordless drill that contractors consider to be a performance powerhouse. It's built tough to last, and in my opinion, it's also got the best overall combination of weight, power and style. There's nothing this drill can't do as well or better than any other 18-volt cordless.

If you're agonizing over whether to get the 18-volt versus some smaller or lighter model, spend the extra bucks if you can and get this model. It won't disappoint. Better to have more power than less, and same goes with 1/2" versus 3/8". If you're concerned about the weight of 18-volt cordless drills, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the Makita 6343. Because it's perfectly balanced, the drill feels very comfortable in your hand. In my experience, the 6343's weight is simply not an issue.

The 6343 uses quick charge NiMH batteries, which is a very nice feature. NiMH batteries don't have a memory, so you can fully charge them without completely draining them first (though I did have to condition the batteries the first couple times of use). The Makita 6343 may not come with a built-in level like many of the cheaper 18-volt drills do, but that's just an unnecessary frill. The Makita 6343's power and overall quality more than make up for any lack of such frills.

One tidbit of advice: if you don't already have a Sears Craftsman Speed-Lok drill/driver bit set, get one. You can buy an 18-piece set for about on sale. The Speed-Lok system is a real time-saver that works great with the Makita 6343.



Makita 6343DWAE 18 Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit Feature


  • 18-volt battery
  • Two-speed gear selection
  • Metal gear housing
  • Externally accessible brushes
  • Includes an extra battery



Makita 6343DWAE 18 Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit Overview


The Exclusive Shift Lock Drive System on the drill in this kit quickly locks out the clutch when shifting from driver" to "drill" mode for superior drilling power. An all-metal gear transmission means smooth, efficient power transfer for the most demanding jobs. Maintenance is quick and easy thanks to this drills externally accessible brushes. Makitas maximum performance two-piece D-31 Motor delivers power, efficiency and serviceability in a more compact size. An ergonomically designed rubberized grip enhances comfort and increases operator control. With 2.6Ah Ni-MH battery nickel-metal hydride batteries, youll have greater capacity and longer run time than any Ni-Cd battery. A variable speed trigger means precise operator control. This tool also features a large spindle bearing to ensures positive, on-center drilling performance. Plus, it sports a locking ratcheting chuck for secure tightening of bits and unmatchable grip strength. This is a Makita Factory Reconditioned C grade drill. This drill is guaranteed to be in 100% working order and has been serviced by Makita. This drill has some cosmetic blemishes such as scratches. We are an authorized Makita dealer."


Makita 6343DWAE 18 Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit Specifications


Contractors find Makita's 18-volt, 1/2-inch cordless drill/driver, which exerts up to 404 inch-pounds of torque, a big-job powerhouse. Its two speed settings, 450/1,400 rpm, and 18 clutch positions allow plenty of options for tackling just about any job site challenge. Many folks think Makita's tip-up design is more ergonomically friendly than straight designs because it's easier to use overhead or at shoulder height. The legendary Makita motor is geared for extended use in tough job site conditions and is designed so the brushes can be replaced easily from the outside--a handy feature you won't find with every drill/driver on the market. As with most 18-volt tools, this 5-1/2-pound drill feels a bit weighty in the hand and we wouldn't recommend it as the best choice for working overhead for an extended period of time. However, if you're looking for serious power, this drill's got your number. --Justin Paul

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Customer Reviews


Best tool of the bunch - C. Gotro - Middle Tennessee
Dont usually write reviews but my Makita 6343D is worthy of one. I've owned this drill for almost six years now and must say it has never failed me, never. Gone through alot of tools since i've had this drill but this is the old stand by. Have even used it on the job drilling concrete when a hammer drill was not avaliable. Have completely remodled my home and this drill has done all the drilling jobs, from drywall to pressure treated decking, drilling studs for electrical and sheeting for plumbing. By the way I am STILL using the original batteries and charger. The batteries will only hold a 2 1/2 - 3 hour charge now but i aint complaining. You'll not find a better cordless drill than Makita.






Follow-on to previous rating - John McQuitty - San Angelo, Texas United States
I still like this drill. My previous rating emphasized too much that a bad repair place ruined one of my two Makita 18v drills. However, the drill itself is excellent. It is well made, and will take just about any drilling job thrown at it. After the disastrous repair (to install a new trigger switch), I took apart the drill and found metal gears and ball bearings, metal thrust bearings, and overall quality construction. I would highly recommend this drill as a quality product. It also has good ergonomics and lots of torque. I have experienced NO problems with the drill I bought new. The repair to the other drill was made necessary more due to an abusive first owner than to any problem of the drill itself. I just took it to the wrong shop for repairs. I do wish it had a single-sleeve chuck. The double-sleeve chuck works fine, but you can tighten a single-sleeve cuck with one hand - a bit more convenient.



Simply the Best - - San Diego, CA
I have had several cordless drills over the years and find the Makita 18 Volt 6343DWAE to be the best. It has plenty of torque for most everyday type fastener applications and works very well as a drill for drilling pilot holes, Etc., however, I would only use this tool in a pinch for drilling very large holes, i.e. holes in studs for running wire -- hey, I have a Hole-Hawg for that! I like this drill so much that I just purchased the same model but with the hammer drill feature - and - I bought the 18 Volt flashlight, too. I highly recommend this tool.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 03, 2009 17:30:12

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