Panasonic 3.6V 1.5Ah Screw Driver

Great Screwdriver Over the Long Term – This is not a new powered screwdriver - I bought this exact model 12 years ago when they first came out. But it has proven its worth over that time & has never failed. It came with 2 lithium-ion batteries & one of them has only now stopped working - after 12 years of fairly active service! (The key seems to be to NEVER allow the batteries to drain fully - always keep them at a reasonable charge.) Its 2 speed planetary gearbox offers practical speed for drilling small holes using hex drill bits (400rpm), and slower speed (200rpm) for driving screws with good torque for such a small tool. And its drive shaft automatically locks, so it can be used to manually tighten screws that last bit if needed, or to break the initial grip when unscrewing old screws. The 21-stage clutch is electronic & it works with precision. Since there's almost no mass in the 1/4" hex chuck, it stops immediately the set torque is reached. Brilliant, and it works well. I've used this tool for mostly driving small to medium screws (up to about 12 gauge) into a large number of mostly timber projects I've made over that time (home-made furniture, etc.). It's also had a workout in metal over the 12 years, and it excels at tightening/undoing machine screws (up to about 1/4" or so). It can be configured as pistol grip or straight for convenience, and it can get into some tight & awkward positions when making cabinets, etc. (The body is only 40mm diameter, so it can drill holes 20mm from an inside edge). It uses a rocker switch for forward/off/reverse action (which can be locked off for transport). The switch is located in the best position for your thumb to activate it, and you can immediately change driving direction (very handy). So, provided you don't expect it to drive big screws, and are patient, this lightweight screwdriver works really well. Everything about this tool indicates that it was brilliantly designed and engineered - it seems to have been way ahead of its time (as usual). (I've had 8 Panasonic drills since the early 1980s & they all still work).

Great tool! – It works really well, I use it every day to disassemble and assemble air conditioning systems. It is very light and has more than enough power to undo and tighten screws

Panasonic EY7410LA2S Cordless Screwdriver 3.6V – I purchased the Panasonic Screwdriver as a lighter alternative to my Panasonic Impact Driver. Unfortunately after 2 weeks of purchasing, it fell out of my pocket, while I was climbing a ladder. It hit my ladder and then onto the carpet and snapped at the hinge. I attempted to glue it with Loctite Glue but no go. I have owned Panasonic tools since the 1990s and currently own 10 different Panasonic IP Series Cordless Tools and have never had an issue with any. I would say the Panasonic Screwdriver is not suitable for trade use.

For light duty use only – I purchased the driver after some considerable research as I needed a good quality driver for my job. Ironically tool repairs. I decided to purchase the driver and began using it the same day. The first thing I noticed was it felt like the battery was flat, so I put it on charge and tried again. Still was very weak. The automatic clutch cut in only when it wanted to, no consistency.

The feel of the tool is ok and the plastic used for the body feels strong, the motor/gearbox lets this tool down badly. Another thing is the work light. This is a yellow micro LED right at the bottom of the handle and does not even come on when the trigger is depressed. Only comes on if you physically turn it on, although it is of no use. I am actually in the process of trying to return it for a more appropriate tool. I really hope this helps someone make the right decision.