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Makita 6347DWDE 18-Volt Cordless Driver-Drill Kit

Here comes power and efficiency in a great compact size. Before you even press the trigger, you'll love how this tool fits in your hand, how well-balanced it is. The rubberized grip gives you a sure, comfortable hold, even at odd angles. Performance is top-notch, thanks to dual ball bearings, precision balancing and a refined high-grade field magnet. We're really impressed by Makita's exclusive Shift Lock Drive. With a single touch, you shift quickly and easily "drill" to "driver" mode, locking out the clutch for superior drilling. And we love it when manufacturers include two batteries with their tools, because that means no down time. The charger handles multi-volt batteries, too, so it's good for a wide range. Maintenance is simple because the brushes are accessible. A great, hardworking drill/driver.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

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Futures

Powerful 18-Volt Ni-MH batteries for longer run time;

Includes 2-batteries, phillips/slotted bit, charger and case;

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Customer Review:

Confident Purchase

All women with little to no experience with tools will find this drill kit easy to understand and use. The only improvement I would suggest is providing an option to purchase additional bits.

not bad the second time around

I recieved the first of these drills as a comp at my local lumberyard. I was fairly pleased with it, but it seemed to have less torque than my old makita 12v, which drove 3-1/2" screws like crazy. After about two weeks, however, I set the drill down to grab something else and when I turned around the drill was on fire, with a big cloud of black smoke pouring out of it. When I showed it to the mak rep at the lumberyard (who I just happened to run into) he was only mildly surprised, and got me a new one within a week, at no cost, no questions asked. Overall not a bad drill, but not what I expected from makita, based on my great experience with my old 12v.

One of the best drills I have used

This is my 4th Makita cordless drill and as usual I am very impressed with it. I appreciate the feature that allows you to click from the clutch to drill mode with a flip of a switch versus having to turn the housing 360 degrees. i expected the power/strength of the drill to be strong since it is an 18 volt - no surprises here - very impressive. The only thing I would like to see is a little less weight. Every ounce counts when using a tool like this over the long term.

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Keywords: Makita; (Maketa); (Mikita);

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Accutire MS-4000B Deluxe Backlit Lithium Digital Tire Gauge

Accutire's new, deluxe digital tire gauge delivers precise tire pressure reading every time--and that's important. While manual tire gauges seem flimsy, sometimes stick, and can give inconsistent results, Accutire's digital gauge is a well-made, confidence-inspiring instrument. The Accutire also delivers impressive consistency: in our tests, we got within plus/minus 1/2 psi each time, something that's not likely to happen with a manual gauge. The Accutire's large back-lit LCD screen is easy to read, too, no matter if you're standing in pitch-black dark or in bright daylight. The gauge measures from 5 to 99 psi, in 1/2-pound increments, and automatically shuts itself off after you use it. Built with a rugged aluminum housing, a rubber nose, and tail guards, this gauge also comes with a handy steel side clip, in case you need to carry yours with you wherever you go. And when it's not in use, you can store the Accutire in its felt-lined, snap-shut case, so it won't get beat up rattling around in your glove box. Accutire's digital gauge costs more than a manual gauge, but with its lifetime lithium battery, it's going to last you a long, long time. --Jon Groebner

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Futures

5 year warranty;

Latest technology in digital air-pressure measurement delivers precision accuracy;

Large backlit LCD display lights up for nighttime viewing;

Accurately measures 5 to 99 psi in 1/2-pound increments;

Runs off a Lifetime Lithium battery and automatically shuts off;

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Customer Review:

Compared Two Gauges

I recently got tired of messing around with my old mechanical analog tire gauge and decided to go digital. After searching on Amazon, I found two digital gauges that looked good: the Accutire MS-4000B and the Campbell-Hauschild AU1102. They both sounded good, although I was a little troubled by some of the reviews of the Accutire. I decided, since we have two cars, to get one of each, so I could keep one in each car. I have now experienced a couple of weeks of use, during which I have had the opportunity to employ a tire gauge more than usual due to "operator learning curve" problems associated with setting up the on-board tire pressure sensor in a new Toyota. (How do those things work, anyway?) The bottom line is: get the Campbell-Hauschild.

The Accutire looks cool and comes in a nice case. It has a convenient pocket clip. But doesn't work all that great measuring the air pressure in your tires. I experienced the sealing problem reported by others. It's not that big a thing, but you do loose a little air every time you take a reading. I will try the rubber tape suggestion made by another reviewer, but the C-H seals perfectly right out of the box. The Accutire reads a pound lower than the C-H and my old analog gauge. Maybe the other two are the ones that are "off," but . . . On several occasions, the Accutire did not give a reading - just displayed "0.0" The C-H always sealed completely and gave a believable reading. The Accutire is easy to use, all you have to do is push it against the valve stem and it turns on and gives a reading. The C-H has to be turned on with a button before pressing against the valve stem. The C-H has a tread gauge that also serves to depress the valve; the Accutire doesn't have any kind of nipple or anything to let air out of the tire if it is over-inflated. With the experience gained using these, at this point I would buy the C-H rather than the Accutire.

a sturdy and easy-to-use tire gauge

I bought this item back in May of 2001 for the two cars in my house. The tire gauge still works very well, and shows its readings in 0.5 psi increments. As advertised, the large digits are easy to read even in direct sunlight (I just verified that last week!). It works fine even as I'm nearing the fifth year of owning this handy item. It even looks brand-new because the case keeps it safe from scratches, dents, and dings that you are bound to get while it is stowed in the glovebox.

One thing that should be noted: people complained that it's hard to get a good seal to get a consistent and accurate reading. I bet it's because the tire's air nozzle was up or off to the side; I find that it's best when the nozzle is around the 6 or 7 o'clock position so that I can firmly press the gauge straight down. This means you have to crane your head a bit to read the digial measurement, but the important thing is to be able to press down straight & hard onto the tire's nozzle.

I've been using this gauge to check the tires more frequently since the season is changing, and also because I am on the road for longer periods of time. If not for anything, checking the air pressure makes me take a good and up-close look at the tires, and make sure that everything seems okay. At every check-up, this tire gauge was easy to use. I'd definitely buy this again, perhaps as a gift to someone who drives a lot, or as a replacement for myself if needed.

Dead at just over a year old

In addition to the previously discussed problem of getting a good seal, I tried to use it the other day, and found it is totally dead. Replacing the button cells did not correct the problem. Seems the lithium battery failed prematurely. Considering the seal problem, I doubt I will bother to pay shipping & insurance to return it to the manufacturer for repair even if it is within the 5 year warranty.

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Keywords: Mechanics' Tools; (Tire Pressure Guages);

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PUR-Hose PUR-14X050 1/4" x 50' Polyurethane Air Hose

This is possibly the best air hose we've seen. Light polyurethane construction takes the bulk out of it, meaning easier transport, but it's super tough and will not kink or crush, no matter how you abuse it. Rubber hoses become difficult to maneuver when the temperature drops, but this one's light and flexible even in temperatures below zero. You can't see inside rubber hoses, but this one's translucent enough to let you see if you've got contaminants in the line. If you're running a pneumatic tool, you ought to be running your air through this.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

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Futures

Re-usable hose ends;

Lightweight;

Flexible to -40 degrees;

2.5-inch bend radius;

Low drag resistance;

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Customer Review:

Lightweight and easily repaired

I just purchased the second 1/4" PUR-Hose, and will probably order a 3/8" next. The 1/4" hose is great for most air nailers and is especially handy if you do any detail work. It does not coil any easier than an older rubber hose, but is well worth the purchase for its lightweight. Get a 3/8" if you use any high cfm tools (Sanders, spray equip, etc)

Great addition to my tool box

Very light and easy to work with. Does not stretch when pulling on it. Great product.

Wave of the Future

For a homebuilder, the polyurethane hoses are heaven-sent. They are super light, durable, tangle and kink resistant. A huge plus for us is the supreme flexibilty even in sub-zero weather, since we work year round. I highly recommend this product to all who use air driven tools, especially outdoors.
Ron Warnke
Ron Warnke Homes

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Keywords: Air Tools; Hoses;

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Black & Decker PD600 Pivot Plus 6-Volt High Performance Screwdriver

We can't think of anything we'd want to add to this little hummer. It's incredible what B&D has engineered into this system (we don't think it's fair to call it a "screwdriver"). The 5-foot tape measure fits on board, or you can remove it for separate use. Dual speed range lets you drill holes at high speed and drive screws at the slower speed. A 23-position clutch, just like what's on the big boys, will keep you from stripping your screws. But get this: Unlike conventional cordless screwdrivers and regular power drills, this tool's handle easily locks in three positions for tight areas and awkward spots. Genius! And just like the "real" drills, this one's got an accessible forward/reverse rocker switch for backing screws out, too. Here's something, though, that the big-boy drill makers should pick up: It's got on integrated light so you can always see your work surface clearly. For the money, we haven't seen anything like it. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

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Futures

On-board bit storage conveniently holds a 1/16" pilot bit and double-ended screwdriving bit;

6-volt drill and screwdriver, tape measure, light, and more in one convenient cordless tool;

2-speed gear box gives you a low speed for screwdriving and high speed for drilling;

3-position pivoting action for maximum flexibility and versatility in tight areas;

Integrated light with separate on/off switch illuminates dark work areas;

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Customer Review:

Dead On Arrival

It was DOA. The power switch knob was broken. It could not have happened during the shipment because the packet was sealed. Bottom line: inferior quality.

Ryanda
Chicago

great for the little jobs

For all normal intents and purposes, this is a wonderful power screw driver. Maybe not for heavy duty construction use, but I'm very happy using it for light duty work around the home. The power is decent, and the ease of use can't be beat.

Even works great in Costa Rica

My 'old' Black & Decker Accumatic Power Driver conked out after 6 years of good service - no chance to replace the battery.
Looking for something fancier I saw the PD600 at Amazon's, and bought it immediately.
Great performance, lots of 'oomph' (power), very good torque control, and I love the zwo speeds offered.

... and I see the envy in all the neighbor's eyes, asking me: "...and where did you get THAT?" "At Amazon.com, of course!"

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Keywords: Black & Decker; (Black and Decker); Cordless Tools; (Volt); (V); In-Line Screwdrivers;

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