Have decided to buy a Makita combo kit.<!—-><!—-> <!—->
They list a 18V 1/2″ LXT Hammer Driver-Drill and a 18V 1/2″ LXT Impact Driver.<!—-><!—->
Please — these are both drills, correct? What is the difference??<!—-><!—->
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Thanks very much— Rick<!—-><!—->
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Replies
One is a cordless drill motor, with a keyless chuck and hammer mode. It is made for light masonry drilling, running a drill or bit, and as a clutched screw gun.
The other takes 1/4" hex bits, and is almost exclusively used as a screw gun. The impact feature gives you more torque, and much less tenancy for stripping out screw heads. Impact tools are the tool of choice for "door guys".
to complicate it ...
they also have a drill/driver ... one with no hammer drill option.
that's the one I got.
that and the hammer drill option drill/driver are more closer animals than the impact driver.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I've had mine for a few months. Love it. Well balanced with good wieght. The radio is a waste of space and you can't charge your batteries in it. It will operate off of the Lithium batteries or the old regular batteries. It can be plugged in but the cord is much like something you might plug your cell phone into. Not really durable enough for a construction site. If you have the option, find a Makita kit without the radio.
The bag I gave to my Dad, and the impact driver (as good as it is) is limited in the jobs it can perform. It has wicked torque but doesn't have the variable speed and you can't turn off the impact. I have seen on the Makita Web sight that they are already coming out with an impact that will have all of those functions. Very Cool. It's 18V, light wieght, and compact. Great for tight spaces.
Batteries are REALLY expensive. If you keep an eye on Ebay you can probably find a good deal. I like the drill. It comes with a little light on the end of it. I never thought I needed a light on the end of a drill but it sure has come in handy.
Otherwise, I love the kit. Make sure you get your free Makita T-shirt.
DoctorDave
"The bag I gave to my Dad, and the impact driver (as good as it is) is limited in the jobs it can perform. It has wicked torque but doesn't have the variable speed and you can't turn off the impact. "
why would U wanna turn the "impact" off an impact driver?
I'm thinking U really don't have an idea what an impact driver is used for.
that's like complaining all a shovel does is dig ... and there's no speed adjustment on the handle ...
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Actually, the size of the impact driver is perfect for confined spaces. However it is slow and makes an awful racket. Have the option to turn off the impact would be just lovely. (just my opinion)
...firstly my shovel does do more than just dig! It's great for leanin' on too. I am a bit curious how you knew it only had one speed?
DoctorDave
That might be the first time I've heard anyone say that they don't use the impact driver very much. I probably use mine about twice as much as the drill that came with it. The drill is great, but I still go for a corded drill for quite a few jobs, and a roto hammer for any concrete work at all. zak
"When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin
"so it goes"
Doc Dave,
Thought the same thing about the "stupid" LED on cordless tools till I got them!!! Talk about handy....that dark corner of the cabinet...who's got my flashlight...very useful!!
I agree Makita dropped the ball on the radio with no charger...one more thing to bring out of the truck...but you need a trailer just to haul some of the other jobsite radios(ie. Bosch "disco cube") and the Makita radio was a gift with purchase...
TN
Rick
"they list"???....where Makita.com? which LXT combo # are you considering? There is a 1/2" impact WRENCH (1/2"drive socket type) but combined with 1/2" drill/driver ??Where???
One is a standard, clutched 1/2" drill and/or hammer drill with keyless chuck and then there's the 1/4" hex shank impact driver for your typical screwdriver bit as a combo.(drill stays in truck...impact is the bomb!!) This is probably what your after, correct??
TN
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Yes--- http://www.makita.com.
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They list 3 4 item kits----
LX400
LX401
LX402
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Please see the enclosed picture of a comparison of the 3 400 series combo kits---- They list a 18V 1/2" LXT Hammer Driver-Drill and a 18V 1/2" LXT Impact Driver.<!----><!---->
Please --- What is the difference??<!----><!---->
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Thanks very much--- Rick<!----><!---->
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The impact driver is definitely a 1/4" qr I got the LXT 202 kit, and the impact driver is soooooo much better than makitas earlier options (which I thought were better than pecan pie with ice cream)
They do make a racket, so I use the howard Leight QB ear bands (like airport guys use) from conney. The most important thing I could say is WEAR SAFETY GLASSES! I routinely destroy driver tips and occasionally screw heads and the rocket off at high velocity.
The best thing about impact drivers (in addition to the lightweight, short tool length and huge power) is that they dont ever suddenly torque your wrist
(think 1/2" milwaukee with a big self feed bit....)
I got mine from
http://www.heavydutytools.net/Scripts/default.asp
they are super nice ship way too fast, and have great prices.
jeff
Rick,
Your attached Makita tool comparison is incorrect. Line two, under model should read "1/4 Impact Driver"...not 1/2". The BTD140 is the 1/4 hex drive that you want.
TN
TN-----
This was straight from Makita’s www site—please see---
http://www.makita.com
Tools
Cordless
Compo Kits
Compare
Regards-- Rick
Edited 2/26/2007 1:10 pm by RickInAlaska
Rick,
I saw that...it's a typo from makita....LXT 402 & LKT 401 both list the BTD 140 which if you look at the impact driver list shows as a 18V 1/4" impact driver, not 1/2". I have the LXT 600. If you click on BTD140 it will link to specs
TN
I have the combo you are asking about and I love it.
The impact driver is light, well balanced and powerful. only flaw is that the forward/reverse button is not placed far enough forward for easy access when I'm gripping the handle; have to partially release my grip to get my finger back to it.
Hammer drill is more powerful and much lighter than my old Milwaukee 18v drill. I like the three speed settings too.
BruceT----
Which combo kit do you have?
Regards-- Rick
Edited 2/26/2007 1:08 pm by RickInAlaska
I bought a Makits 14.4V kit a couple of months ago. It is great. Tools are light and lots of power. I love the little LEDs. The impact driver is much superior to driving screws with a drill. But noisy, I wear hearing protection.