Makita 6337DWDE 14.4-Volt NI-MH 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

The difference is night and day.

The Makita is incredibly comfortable to hold. The NiMH batteries are long-lasting and, so far, have none of the problems the Craftsman's NiCds did. (The NiMH technology makes for longer lasting batteries generally, both in use per charge cycle and total number of useful charge cycles. NiCd is garbage.)

The clutch system works great, as does the two-speed transmission. The torque on this thing is monstrous for a cordless. I don't find the ability to "lock out" the clutch particularly useful, but it certainly doesn't hurt anything.

The chuck works really well. Nice keyless. In all, this is a great drill. I've used it on numerous projects and it always does what I ask of it. And it feels like it is going to last for a long, long time.

Nice job, Makita.


great drill...one fatal flaw   November 17, 2005
D. Marsiglio (Walton, NY)
15 out of 16 found this review helpful

I owned a Makita 12v for several years and used it constantly, often drilling holes in hardwood and concrete. I invested money in replacement batteries, motor brushes, and even a new gear box to keep it going. Then the hi/lo speed gears finally gave out so that i could only use low speed. Even that I dealt with for almost two years. Finally i bought this 14.4v model and could not be happier. No other manufacturer even comes close to the Makita's ergonomics and weight balance. However...

The hi/lo switch again, only this time after 1 month, not 5 years! Luckilly i bought it at Home Depot and promptly returned the item. That was in August and since then I've returned two more. I just can't give up on this awsome drill! So, now i'm babying my fourth one. Be very careful how you switch back and forth between hi and low speed. I use this drill all day, every day, so maybe you won't have this problem. Just be aware. Good luck!


Nice drill - bad chuck   November 12, 2004
R. Sprumont
10 out of 18 found this review helpful

I was in the market for a new cordless drill since my 12V Craftsman gave up the ghost. I built a lot of furniture and did a lot of DIY projects around the house. As a result, I was looking for a drill that had very good battery life, good ergonomics, and on-tool storage for screwdriver bits.

I bought this 14.4V drill and am pleased with the battery life, charger function, and charge time (1hr or less).

I am VERY dissatisfied with the chuck on this drill! The chuck does not hold drill bits well and allows them to slip. Now my drill bits look like I tried to cut screw threads on their shanks.

The second issue with the chuck is that the bits (screwdriver or drill) never self-center in the chuck jaws when going from a larger diameter to smaller diameter bit. The bit gets caught in between the chuck's jaws.

I would not recommend this drill, at this price, to anyone.



Great drill for many projects   March 13, 2005
cperlas (California)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

This is a quality product. Ergonomics, weight, and power make it useful for just about every job around the house or shop. The battery life is incredible. I've hung sheetrock, taken down ceiling fans, screwed down flashing & roofing paper, removed faceplates, and replaced rain gutters on a single charge with no problems.

Used it to build a kiosk in a mall that needs to be screwed together as well as about 15 holes drilled (1.5" spade bit) into formica/particle, and sometimes 2 walls thick. Worked perfect. I usually use a corded drill for the holes (and hole saw bits) but didn't have it at the time. Really came through in a pinch and the Metal Hydrides are great. Lots of torque and power (16 clutch settings).

The chuck has worked great for me. I like the all metal construction and bits seem to center up if I face the drill upright and jiggle it a little. I made the mistake of tightening down a bit with the clutch locked and burned my hand. I put on a glove if I want to wrench down tight on a drill or bit but I've never HAD to.

The forward/reverse button is easily switched one-handed (the "above-trigger" levers I find annoying), the drill is ambidextrous, and the rubber grip feels good. I have a medium hand size but it looks like it scales well. The switch isn't too stiff and variable speeds are easily achieved as you squeeze, even for delicate work like switchplates.

The drill is easily cleaned. After hanging sheetrock, it looks brand new after a quick wipe down.

I only have one very small gripe. I would like to carry common items in the case with the drill but since the walls do not go from top to bottom, everything drops to the bottom making a big mess.

I have no regrets about buying this drill. Quality is always my first concern. I still have an old 9v from back in the day - and the other mfg's drills just didn't seem to have the same feel. If I'm unsure about a tool, I always buy "up", hoping my skills/projects will improve to the point where the best is needed. With a Milwaukee corded, a hand drill, and this unit; I'm set for quite some time. Although, the 18v is also priced pretty well if you need that extra power and don't mind the weight. Either way - it's a great product.


Great drill / driver   July 15, 2004
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Will mix 50LB of thinset on a battery charge in low gear. Nice balance. Will drill 38 1 inch holes in a 2 x 4 in high gear on a charge using a spade bit. Tried a 12V dewalt, got 24 holes and had to use low gear, way too slow IMHO, the 12V also had trouble with large deck screws. The Makita drives 4" deck screws into pressure treated in high gear. Nice balance, plus came with a pretty good tool belt, Home depot package deal at $178. Western tool had them for $181 with the work light (xtra $35 landed cost on ebay typical for light), I should have bought it there but...too late. Noticably lighter than an 18V, I like the balance, but an 18V gets you more powerful tool options.