Although the 18V Makita 6347DWDE is in the upper end of the price scale for drill/drivers what you are paying for is quality, durability and reliability. This drill is a popular choice for tradesmen looking for reliability, and I often see it used at job sites – so of course it will handle any task the home user cares to throw at it.
One of the standout features of the 6347DWDE is its ergonomic design. Makita really had the user in mind when they designed this drill, which boasts a comfortable rubber grip and careful attention given to the balance and ‘feel’ of the drill in your hand. One other feature which is unique to Makita is the shift lock drive, which lets you change from drill to driver with the flick of a switch. This means that you can drive screws with fine control, the clutch slowing the drill when your screw is tight to avoid stripping the head, and then swap back to drill mode to get full power for drilling holes. Some other drill/drivers don’t let you turn off the clutch this way, and the feature is a big plus in my book.
The gear transmission is all metal giving a significant boost to the endurance and reliability of the motor and with the speed range a choice of 0-100rpm or 0-1,300rpm you can be sure of having precise control for a range of applications.
As well as a two headed bit, plastic case and battery cover, included with the drill/driver are 2 batteries and a multi-volt charger. The charger itself is a bonus as its versatility as a multi- volt means it can be used to charge a variety of batteries. The extra battery is also a thoughtful addition by Makita as some other brands don’t include it with the kit. It’s a nice feeling knowing there’s a back up battery in the event of the one being used runs flat.
Although the 6347DWDE comes with a two headed bit to get started with, the perfect additions to this drill/driver are the Makita 784874-A 15 piece set and the Makita 784869-A Shorty 3- 1/8 Inch Bit Tip Holder and 12 Bit Assortment kit. The drill set is an extra $35 or so on Amazon while the bit set is around $10. Both are definitely worth considering as they are especially designed for Makita drills and will give you tools for a wide range of tasks. If you’re interested in finding out more about this great drill, click here to read more on Amazon.
