Makita 8443DWDE 18-Volt Ni-MH Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver

I bought one of these drills as an upgrade from the 18v non-hammer drill version.Then I returned it and found that the replacement, from a totally different source, still had the same problem. The problem is that the screw clutch would sink and STRIP a 3 inch drywall screw into a 4 by 4. And this was on the lightest setting of #1!! Talk about a misadjusted clutch! I called the repair facility and they said nothing could be done about it. I brought it to a dealer to check it out. He verified the problem with his own 4x4 and his own screw. He said "all the new Makita 18-volt cordless hammer-drills are like this and this is because it's a powerful drill"!! Gee, according to the specifications, it has 400 in/lbs of torque versus the 404 in/lbs of torque of the non-hammer drill version. Yet with the the non-hammer drill version and in every other cordless drill I own, including DeWalt, the clutches in those work just fine. With any other drill, I can sink a drywall screw into...Read more

The 8443D combines an excellent set of features. The main negative aspect of this well engineered drill is its 6.03 lbs (without side handle and drill guide). However, the rugged design, aluminum gear housing, and the 12 screws holding the housing halves together requires a bit more weight than most of the competition. I gave up on my DeWALT 18V hammerdrill after I cracked its case in 4 places after making just one hole in cement. Prior to this, I cracked a DeWALT 14.4V in 12 places before getting a refund. This drill is decent at concrete work, no frigging cracks, yet. I don't think it is so suitable for drilling lots of 1/2" holes in concrete like I need to do. Around 3/8" is about all one should expect to do with this in concrete, 1/2" is OK in cinderblock and brick. A few 5/8" holes in concrete is OK, but this is pushing it. The all carbide tip of the Hilti bits is nice, by the way, but no bits come with this drill. Top quality cement bits may help this tool do good...Read more

I have the 14.4volt/8433DWDE. A very nice hammer drill but I managed to find a reason (or maybe excuse?) for the 18volt/8443DWDE(correct #). Only through experience did I realize the 8433's shortcomings. I found battery life to be unsatisfying. It's 14.4v/2.6ah NiMH batteries provided 20-30 minutes run time while hammer-drilling cinder block with a 1/8" carbide bit. This is actual "on time" not including breaks or total time of project as it took around 2 hours to completion. My first project was hanging BX wiring (armored cable) in my garage off cinder block walls for placement of extra outlets.

I remember reading somewhere that higher voltage battery packs with same amp/hour ratings could last longer under similar conditions. Really? I appreciate Makita's quality commitment. So I decided on their 24volt (found on Ebay). After talking with contractors and salesmen at local shops they advised skip the 24v and stick with 18. Ok...Why? They stated 18volt was enough power...Read more