Replies

1. 
   JMartinsky | Jan 21, 2009 03:26am | #1

   Dear Dan,
   As a contractor I can say that the Makita that you are considering is the first tool that I have seen in a LONG time that CONSTANTLY disappears due to someone borrowing it. It got to the point that I bought my two leads guns of their own. You won't regret it. Two years, using it just about everyday and it has been flawless. That's a good price as well.

   Best,

   John

1. 
   BingoBoy | Jan 21, 2009 07:39pm | #4

   If you buy one, be sure to get the more powerful model, the BHP452. I bought the silver & black model # BDF452HW, but returned it after only using it a short time. I then bought a more powerful green & black Makita combo set with several tools, which is much more versatile and a better value overall. The set I got was the #LXT407 ( http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?ID=24062 ), which includes:

   18V 1/2" LXT Hammer Driver-Drill BHP452

   18V 1/4" LXT Impact Driver BTD141

   18V LXT Recipro Saw BJR182

   18V LXT Flourescent Flashlight BML185

   This is a nice set, but the impact driver is not what would be considered heavy duty. If you need to drill through a brick foundation as I did, you'll want a more powerful model, maybe even a corded hammer drill.

   Note that the advantage of the green & black models over the silver & black models is that they use a more powerful 3.0 amp-hour battery, the # BL1830 (http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Accessories/AccessoryDetails.aspx?ID=34104). Significantly, this same battery will also work with the silver & black models, but the battery that comes with the silver & black models is less powerful, and can't be used with the green & black ones. That's why I returned the first drill and bought the combo set. I noticed a significant improvement in the battery life between charges with the green & black model.

   I also have the Makita # BHP451. (http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?ID=886). It is a little more powerful than the BHP452 and has a removable side grip and a removable depth rod. It is a little bigger and a little heavier than the BHP452, however.

   Last but not least, consider getting a reconditioned model. Usually these tools have nothing wrong with them, but are just items people have returned (like the model # BDF452HW I returned) for one reason or another. I've used CPO Outlets without a problem (http://www.cpooutlets.com/shop.html).

1. 
   JMartinsky | Jan 22, 2009 01:09am | #5

   Dear Bingo,
   We use the 18v Black & White "compact" guns. We have found these guns to be more than powerful enough and I appreciate the light weight. Under heavy use, say driving lags it is possible to run the batteries out fairly quickly, but the batteries are a true 15 minute charge.... more like twelve so I have never found myself wanting. Some trades like the combo kits, although I have seen a trend back to corded units for heavy tasks such as demo saws and rotary hammer. I am not sold on the impact drivers. I use square drive screws and really don't have any problem driving a 4" screw in one zip. That fact, coupled with the noise renders them useless in my humble opinion. I know that some folks use them, and that's fine for them, but I don't see the need. Best,John

2. 
   sleepydad | Jan 21, 2009 05:36pm | #2

   I second that

    

   I have had one for 2+ years now and it’s been a good drill.  I have had some problems with the clutch.  If it’s set and I’m driving screws it slips to a different setting sometimes.  A little annoying but it’s only happened a couple of times and it could have been user error.

    

   I would buy another without hesitation.

3. 
   Quickstep | Jan 21, 2009 06:16pm | #3

   I have one too. Couldn't be happier.

4. 
   wood1000 | Jan 22, 2009 06:33am | #6

   I have had my compact set for a year now. I would buy another set in a heart beat.

5. 
   forestgirl | Jan 22, 2009 08:27am | #7

   We built our deck with one -- and it's impact-driver cousin, bought in a set, refurbished, from CPO Makita.  Love it!

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
6. 
   Moksha | Jan 22, 2009 06:52pm | #8

   Danmart,

   For thirty years I have used Makita drills along with a lot of other brands.
   The first one I bought is still working in my shop; while most of the others have quit long ago. In the past month I have switched to the new 18V Makita lithium ion drill and impact driver and have been most impressed with them. My son installs specialty equipment in a commercial setting where they put in thousands of screws and bolts every week. The Makita tools hold up far far longer than any other brand in that environment.

   You will not be sorry you bought it.
   Moksha

7. 
   ekgolf | Feb 11, 2009 10:56am | #9

   I bought a Makita impact driver, the XLT with 3a.h. batteries and charger. I loved so much, i gave up my old DeWalt and PC and bought the tool you're looking at getting. However i bought just the bare tool for $80 and added one new BL1830 3a.h. battery for another $90.

   It's the best drill i've had and it's also a hammer drill with tons of power.

   Go for it. It is worth the cost.

8. 
   Samm90 | Feb 14, 2009 10:04am | #10

   I have 2 makita drills. They worked good. No complaints.  But I'll be looking at Bosch.

   Q

9. 
   popawheelie | Feb 15, 2009 05:17am | #11

   I have the 18V LI-ion circular saw and the recipricating (sawzall) saw. Great machines. Don't need anything else yet but will add to them as needed.

   The 18V Li-Ion makita line is hard to beat.