I've had this drill nearly two years and it has proved to be very powerful and reliable, plus the battery seems to last forever. I've drilled through 1/4" thick metal, through 25-year-old treated oak fence boards and driven 3" long screws into ancient barn supports (think petrified wood) as well as more normal things. I bought this drill after my electric one died (couldn't handle the really hard stuff and burned out). I had doubts about a cordless drill, but not anymore. I don't use it every day. I'm not a contractor, just an ordinary female person running a little farm, but it doesn't seem to mind neglect in between uses.

At first, I wondered if the weight would be a problem, but it hasn't been because the drill is so well balanced. When the battery finally wore down after many, many months of no use interspersed with very hard use, the other battery took over instantly, still holding a full charge after sitting unused for just as long (not in the charger--it's not supposed to be left in the charger) and the original one recharged in under an hour.

I like having a case as I can store all the bits and such along with the drill. The drill has multiple power settings, the ability to switch seamlessly between driving and extracting which comes in handy when extracting the bit from a metal hole, and can switch between screw/drill settings. And thank heaven it doesn't need a chuck key. It's very easy and satisfying to use. Oh, and I use it to plant bulbs, stir paint and drill 1" holes in railroad ties used to build raised gardens. It has definitely made my life easier. I would recommend it to anyone.

This is a powerful and useful drill. I have only used this for medium work thus far, but it worked for 6 hours driving several hundred screws on a deck project and the battery showed no signs of tiring. It has a switch that quickly changes between drill and screw mode that saves time. The charger charges in slightly less than an hour.

My only disappointment is that I have not figured how to get the charger into the kit carrying box.

This drill/driver is fantastic! It has torque and power to spare, long battery life, easy and quick recharging, and great balance/feel for an 18V. Haven't had it long enough to comment on battery life. It drives 3 1/2" deck screws into treated lumber with ease. Also, has a light touch to the trigger for working with smaller bolts. The perfect balance makes it seem much lighter than it is, and user fatigue isn't an issue. The case is quite large, but provides plenty of capacity for bits and drivers. A great value.

Amazon price and free shipping are the deal. Plus, many experiences and a couple of returns with Amazon - all easy transactions.

I replaced an older Porter Cable 12v NiCd drill with this Makita. Night and day difference. The torque on this unit is outrageous, it's light and it's made in the USA. Not a Home Depot trinket; this is a real tool.

Awesome replacement for my old cordless drill! Lots of torque and long battery life. Highly recommend it to others!