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I used both when building a tree house for my kids. The only reason I don't give it a 5-star rating is because tools, while great performers, have a "light-weight" feel to them, like they might not hold up over time with heavy use, but that's just speculation. I've owned a variety of cordless tools, the latest being Grizzly 18V, and had learned to live with short battery life and less than impressive power. Since my tools will be largely relegated to my workshop, they will be pretty pampered, so not a major concern. The drill/driver is powerful, and the impact driver, though small is a dynamo. BTW: I tried the impact wrench on my car's lug nuts and it zipped them off and on. Meanwhile I was driving 4-inch lags, 2- inch deck screws, tightening carriage bolts.
This kit changes all my perceptions about cordless tools. Over the two weekends I worked, I never recharged the battery. I am very pleased with this kit so far. The impact driver is a bit loud, but is so fast, the noise was secondary to concentrating on the depth I was driving lags.
I now love to drive screws. The drill also is a quality tool. I have not owned another impact diver so cannot make comparisons to others, but I have only good comments for the makita 18 volt impact driver. This impact driver is my favorite power tool. I have been working this machine in the heat and grime, it looks beat. My only complaint is that the battery charger seems a bit slow, and there is no indication of remaining charge on batteries. but keeps driving strong.
They are very powerful and have a good battery life. After trying all other brand name cordless tools, I was tired of using all of that junk so I purchased these cordless tools and I am very satisfied. I work in many areas of construction and use the tools on a daily basis. These are the best tools that I have ever used in my entire life. They are very comfortable to use and my hand does not get tired.
Everything except the battery cells themselves are made in China. It is heavier than the impact driver, but surprisingly well balanced and ergonomic. Very convenient. The belt clips really come in handy, especially when you're on a ladder. The drill's lights and selector switch I can forgive, but the lack of the battery saving feature (for lack of a better term) and the fact that the whole thing is made in China are unforgivable for me.
I have not noticed excessive run-out in the chuck, however, I do not consider cordless drills precision tools. Makita does not include a "fail safe" system to automatically shut down the tool when the batteries become critically low (most consumer products using Li-Ion batteries have this). I am not a contractor, just a serious DIY type. That said, when I use the tools for a project, I don't have to recharge more than once. Driving screws before using this beast was a a chore at best. The drill was a bonus for me, since the kit was only a little more expensive than buying either tool separately. The switch for different modes (hammer-drill, drill, driver) can stick at times, so a quick pull of the trigger is necessary to free the action (minus one). Self discharge is so low that I can pick up the tool a month after last using it, and have more than enough power to drill a few holes and drive several screws.
The fan is there to keep the batteries cool, so I can live with a bit of annoying whine if my expensive battery will last longer. Make sure to read the owners manuals, two times. The hammer-drill function works well and is a lifesaver for small jobs. Loose bits are also not an issue with me, I crank the chuck down then ratchet it home tight. The lights can be confusing, so make sure to read the manual on how to decipher them. This gives me a complete kit to drill holes in wood/metal/masonry as well as drive screws all in one easy to carry package. For precise drilling I would use a drill press or an expensive corded drill. They deliver seemingly endless power.
It is powerful, and nice to be able to use full half inch shank bits with it. While it will drive long deck screws and lag screws without a pilot hole, I drill one anyway to avoid splitting. That notwithstanding, I am overall very satisfied with my purchase and I do not regret my it at all. I purchased this combo kit just over one year ago. Using an impact driver makes the task SO much easier.
It may not be the most powerful one out there, but I have broken heads off screws and small bolts, so for me, it is rather adequate. The charger is rather delicate looking, and can be a little noisy when in use. Compared to the boat anchors of NiCd technology, these things are a stark difference. Miscellaneous things to touch on include the case.
The batteries are amazing. The drill's lights are indeed blocked by the large chuck, as another person pointed out (minus three). DO NOT run these batteries into the ground. I utilize this extra space for those items plus a few masonry bits.
Really, Makita hit a home run with this particular tool. The lights on the tools are more useful than you'll think, especially on the driver. Hitachi tools apparently have this, unfortunately Makita does not (minus two). It is actually quite well designed, with room for an extra battery pack (which I bought separately). The cells are made in Japan, the rest of the tool kit is made and/or assembled in China (minus four). The impact driver is the main reason I bought this kit, and I was not disappointed.
I will do as another reviewer and break mine up into a few sections. The clutch positions are easy to manipulate and are handy for the most part. I waited to write a review so that I could address any problems that might come up with it. I give up precision for convenience with cordless. They are also very light. So with that long review, and my four main points of dissatisfaction, it is with a heavy heart that I give this combo kit four stars. Also, there is enough room for a small drill bit set and driver bits in the case.
It is very light, extremely comfortable in the hand, and superbly balanced. That is a huge plus for me, even though the project may only be a half a day (though the tools get used constantly). Doing so can drastically reduce the life of the battery pack. One VERY important note, however.
As a professional Finish carpenter, I need cordless tools that can work all day, and not tire ME out. I've never said I wish I hadn't spent the extra money for a good quality tool. The impact driver actually seems lighter than my old favorite 12volt.Don't get the white combo, spend a little more for the upgrade. I recently had to upgrade my drill/driver combo. Have used most brands, and still own a collection of older makita cordless. I've often said I wish I had spent a few dollars more for better tools, but not this time.worth every penny. I used some of my co-workers 18v li-ion and was instantly sold.
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