makita variable speed reversible

1. ( 7 of 7 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jan 28 2005

   If you are going to hang more than 20 sheets of drywall get one of these. It makes the job easier, faster and easier to mud later. This gun is light and fits well in your hand.

2. ( 7 of 7 found this review helpful ) Posted: Aug 19 2004

   I have an older version of this tool (6801) with less power, no reverse, and a fixed speed rather than a variable. Even with these limitations, this was a very useful tool. I only work with drywall as a DIYer, but the time and efficiency savings from having a specialized tool were worth it for me. This category of tool was one of the things which really differentiated Makita when they started importing to the US, and they continue to do a good job with it in my opinion. If you have a large project involving drywall, this is probably a good investment. Spend some time practicing on scrap - it will probably save you some frustration.

3. ( 6 of 6 found this review helpful ) Posted: Sep 24 2003

   Anyone who is contemplating a drywall gun because they are still using a drill to hang drywall should give this tool some serious consideration. It is a very affordable tool for those of us that do not do enough drywall to justify the cost of the higher end units, yet still offers the adjustable depth controls, variable speed andlightweight that make one of these tools worth having.

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1. Posted: Mar 27 2008

   I bought this drill about 6 years ago while in the middle of a flooring project. The cheap Craftsman 19.6V cordless I had was not driving the screws into the subfloor. At the time I could not afford a large Makita cordless (which I now have) and I figured getting a corded drill would allow me to not have to worry about running out of power. This little guy did the trick. It was comfortable and unlike other users I did not have any issue with stripping gears. For the most part I use my 18V cordless Makita now, but when I need two drills for a project I bring this guy out and I am never disappointed.

2. Posted: Jul 31 2007

   Thought i was getting a steal on this when I saw it at sears for 20 bucks. Now though, I'm sorry i bought it. When they listed this as a drill, as apposed to a drill/driver, they weren't kidding; This drills low end torque is terrible: any attempt to drive an piloted screw will, at best, result in the drill stalling, and, when you increase the power, instantly stripping the screw. Unless you plan on using a second tool for driving, do your self a favor and look elsewhere.

3. ( 2 of 3 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jul 7 2004

   The gears on mine stripped when a spade bit jammed...sounded like nylon teeth skipping. This is not a rugged tool. The "keyless" chuck should also be called a "gripless" chuck.

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1. Posted: Nov 1 2007

   Powerhouse drill!
   This is a great drill. Very powerful for the frame size and price. The trigger is very smooth operating. Excellent value!
   

2. Posted: Nov 1 2007

   Makita drill
   These last forever! We have been using Makita drills for years and years and they keep going and going.
   

3. Posted: Oct 31 2007

   electric drill
   The drill offers unlimited torque all the time since it is AC powered. It has a side grip which keeps the tool from breaking your wrist. It also has a comfortable grip and is easy to operate. I would highly recommend this for your Makita collection.
   

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1. Posted: Jan 25 2007

   I was so tired of buying junky home tools from Home Depot for about the same cost I decided to take a chance on this refurbished model, and I'm glad I did. For what I could have bought a 1/4" consumer product from a big box retailer I got this heavy duty 1/2" workhorse. It's powerful, has a great "turbine"-like whir to it, and I expect it will last a very long time.

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1. Posted: Mar 16 2008

   This is one great drill. I was looking for a good basic drill for work in the shop,for general drilling and driving screws[witout constantly changing batteries] and this Makita more than fits the bill.Not too big,not too small. I already have a 1/2" Porter-Cable, a Porter-Cable hammer drill, a Milwaukee hole shooter, as well as a Makita cordless.However the one I reach for most is the 6402. It's just the right size, not too heavy and has good balance,and plenty of power. Say what you want about keyless chucks, they are a great convience, but give me a keyed chuck anyday. It only takes a few seconds more and a little effort.But they are the only ones that really lock the bit tight. Nothing more frustrating than to have constantly tighten up the chuck. Ive used it to drill and drive screws, and have put hole saws on it as well,and used a 1" forstner bit, and it has worked effortlessly,and it does not slip either. The reverse switch is in a good spot on the bottom,does not get in the way. No woodworker/handyman's tool box is complete without a Makita 6402. Its not the biggest,the baddest or the most powerful drill out there. But if you are looking for a great all around drill, the Makita 6402 is for you.[And the battery never seems to die just when you need it most] I almost bought a Milwaukee 3/8" drill. Its a super drill, but the size and weight are just like a 1/2" : kind of like a 1/2" drill disguised to look like a 3/8". A great drill, but I already have a 1/2", I dont need 2. Give this a workbench test drive, I doubt you will be disappointed. Ohh, did I forget to mention, its made in U.S.A.!! How many tools can you say that about today?

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1. Posted: Jan 4 2007

   Excellent drill. I bought this to use on an as-needed basis and ended up using it a whole lot. It is really well built and worth the little bit more that you might spend versus a competitor. Just get it... and hang shelves, adjust everything, install an A/C, build something from random Home Depot parts.. whatever. Very handy tool.

2. ( 1 of 1 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jul 10 2006

   After breaking the keyless chuck (don't ask). I too was stumped as to how to remove it. I finally decided I had nothing to lose by taking the drill apart. After clamping the broken end of the chuck in a vise, I was able to apply enough force to the gear to unscrew the shaft from the chuck. A new replacement chuck screws back on the same way. This is a great drill and I'm very pleased with it's performance.

3. ( 8 of 8 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jun 21 2005

   This drill packs alot of power for only 4.9 amps. The tool is very well balanced and very quiet. I would have given it 5 stars if not for the "unremoveable" chuck. The owners manual does not give any instructions on how to remove nor is there any discernable fiting inside the chuck. All in all a good drill with ample power. Remember Makita makes their own motors.

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