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Makita cordless impact driver

ImoutYOUWERENEVERIN | Posted in Tools for Home Building on August 24, 2007 11:37am

Hey all,

I’m in the market for a cordless impact driver. Been thinking about buying the Makita with the new 18v lith/ion batts.  What do ya have to say?

Thanks

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Replies

  1. rondon | Aug 24, 2007 11:45pm | #1

    I have that one and had the 14 volt one before that,  I love it.  It makes installing cabinets a lot easier.  Don't have to worry about putting so much presure on the screw.  They just walk right in.  When I first got it I thought what a sales gimmick it was to put the little light on the end.  Didn't take me long to rethink that one.  It comes in real handy when working in the back of something.

    1. ImoutYOUWERENEVERIN | Aug 24, 2007 11:48pm | #2

      You say it has a light huh? Didn't see that, have to check it out again.

  2. ironchef84 | Aug 25, 2007 03:04am | #3

    Makita Lithium ion,the best money I've spent in years on a tool. well designed, nice balance and power, cool little features like the LED light. I purchased the 5 piece tool combo 18 mos. ago and my only complaint is that the charger cooling fan broke. Makita sent a new one no problem, but the fan in the replacement is now making odd noises. I just maybe unlucky with chargers but I'd still buy Makita

  3. DAUNTLESSHUGH | Aug 25, 2007 11:12am | #4

    I've been using Makita since they started coming out. wind up giving the old ones to a partner of mine .They have never failed me. Right now Makita makes a18 volt with a battery
    that's half the size of it's former incarnation. Makes it lighter and easier to use. They also
    make a drill that takes the same battery. It seems the guts of the machine are the same. I
    do mostly finish but it will drive a 3 inch screw easily.

  4. Piffin | Aug 25, 2007 02:19pm | #5

    This is one thing that Makita does VERY well.

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

  5. User avater
    jagwah | Aug 25, 2007 04:04pm | #6

    http://www.tools-plus.com/makita-lxt202.html?utm_medium=shopeng&utm_source=shopzillabizrate&utm_term=MAKLXT202

    Just got this great deal ordered. Two for the price of one!

    Partner has the impact only and I like it a lot.

     

    1. ANDYSZ2 | Aug 25, 2007 06:03pm | #7

      The one thing that really stands out about the makita impact is that it is at least a 1/2" more compact than even the bosch 10 volt impact.

      ANDYSZ2

       WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?

      REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST

       

      1. JulianTracy | Aug 25, 2007 06:25pm | #8

        If anyone needs one, I have a spare Makita 12 volt impact kit that's like new (I already own the 14 volt version) that I'll sell for $100 plus shipping.It comes with the impact, 2 NIMH batteries, charger and case. No light on the unit though.Julian

        1. jesse | Aug 27, 2007 12:55am | #17

          Julian, I think I'll take it. Call me at 406-531-9610 or email me atjesse @@@@@@@@@@@@ greatermontanare ............ comI recently lost mine and still have the charger, case, and one battery, so maybe shipping would be less without the case?Thanks.

          1. JulianTracy | Aug 27, 2007 02:15am | #18

            I'll let you know... Had another Breaktimer express interest in it earlier - as soon as I hear from him, I'll give you a call.Julian

      2. User avater
        jagwah | Aug 26, 2007 12:42am | #10

        That's what I like plus Makita is an excellent product. My old 9.6 is still going strong. 

  6. Jer | Aug 25, 2007 09:59pm | #9

    Absolutely get the Makita. I have the 12v and want to get the 18v. they're great tools.

  7. CAGIV | Aug 26, 2007 12:45am | #11

    Don't own it myself, one of the guy's at work has one.

    I'd highly recommend it.  Feels more comfortable in my hands then the Makita 12V I have, has more power and torque.

    I'd suggest saving a bit more and buying the kit, last I looked the Impact alone was round 250, a kit can be had for around 400 if you're willing to wait for a deal

    http://www.cpomakita.com/combo_kits/18_volt_combo_kits/lxt400-r.html

    http://www.tylertool.com/makita101.html

    Team Logo



    Edited 8/25/2007 8:05 pm ET by CAGIV

  8. Billy | Aug 26, 2007 12:58am | #12

    I have a 12V Makita that is powerful, light, and works well.  It's probably the same model Julian is selling.

    Billy

  9. tashler | Aug 26, 2007 02:58am | #13

    I've also had the whole kit for about 20 months. Love it.

    The drill has a hammer option that comes in way handy. The circular saw and reciprocating saw are nice. Work great and no need for a cord.

    And, of course, the impact driver. Love it. Two guys I worked for touch it and give it back, say that they don't like it, don't have a feel for it. Give it 5 minutes. You'll be feelin' it.

    I screwed down 360 sq ft of Timbertech 5/4 decking with it. Most of it not pre-drilled.

    Buy extra batteries if you get the kit. The 2 saws draw a lot. Quick.

    Still quite worth it.

    Glenn

  10. User avater
    user-246028 | Aug 26, 2007 05:53am | #14

    I have one. It's awsome! Light, compact, quick to use (no luggin out extension cords etc.) The little guy has some wicked torque to it. It's saved me a load of labour.

    Dave

    1. User avater
      AaronRosenthal | Aug 26, 2007 07:35am | #15

      I have an 18V Milwaukee kit, a 14.4 Milwaukee 1/2" chuck impactor with a home-made adapter for 1/4" screws and I just got the 18V Makita drill and impact driver (2 units). I use both of them.
      You will not regret getting the 18V Makita.Quality repairs for your home.

      AaronR ConstructionVancouver, Canada

       

  11. LittleItaly | Aug 26, 2007 10:04pm | #16

    I am also the proud owner of the 18volt lithium-ion makita kit.  It is a joy to use and I have increased my procuctivity/efficiency on so many of the smaller projects.

    Not intending to rain on the Makita parade, but...  I just dropped off my hammer drill (from the kit) at  my tool supplier.  I had been having problems with the chuck teeth not gripping bits equally.  turns out the driveshaft (or whatever they call it) is tweeked/bent.  The repair guy says he has 15 on order for replacement, all on warranty.  Anyone else run into this problem?

    All in all, the kit is marvelous and the grips feel like they are personally molded for your hands.

  12. EricGunnerson | Aug 27, 2007 02:23am | #19

    Have you had one in the past?

    I've rarely run into a job that my 12V didn't have ample capacity for, and it's a lot lighter than the 18V ones.

    Now, if you're running lots of lag bolts, I'd consider the bigger one.

    1. User avater
      mebike | Sep 05, 2007 10:00pm | #21

      My 18 volt lithium driver came with the kit.  Liked the driver so much picked up 2 more.  We use them tons on ICF installs and general building work.  "Real men" usually laugh at the size until they try one.  Best bang for your buck.  CAUTION - you'll end up using screws more often $$$

      Kurt

  13. ImoutYOUWERENEVERIN | Aug 28, 2007 03:19am | #20

    Thanks to all of you for your comments. I picked up the 18V 1.5A Makita on Friday and used it to run in Tapcons. One of the best tools I've bought! It's the nuts!  The LED light is gonna come in handy too installing cabinets.

  14. bobbys | Sep 06, 2007 12:59am | #22

    I was saving for the makita but went to HD and bought the ridged for 140 with drill, Its better then my old makita but i wished i would have held out for the new makita, Just looked the ridged sez made in China, I thought it was a USA tool

  15. bubbajames | Sep 07, 2007 05:12am | #23

    I have the Makita 14.4 NIMH impact- I never use a drill to drive screws anymore!

    1. ImoutYOUWERENEVERIN | Sep 07, 2007 02:52pm | #24

      Same here.  I have the 18v lit/ion makita and it's awesome for driving 3" screws and Tapcons.

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