Makita cordless impact driver

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
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.
You say it has a light huh? Didn't see that, have to check it out again.
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
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.
This is one thing that Makita does VERY well.
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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.
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
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
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.
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
That's what I like plus Makita is an excellent product. My old 9.6 is still going strong.
Absolutely get the Makita. I have the 12v and want to get the 18v. they're great tools.
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
Edited 8/25/2007 8:05 pm ET by CAGIV
I have a 12V Makita that is powerful, light, and works well. It's probably the same model Julian is selling.
Billy
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
I have the Makita 14.4 NIMH impact- I never use a drill to drive screws anymore!
Same here. I have the 18v lit/ion makita and it's awesome for driving 3" screws and Tapcons.