|
the best cordless ever used. batteries last long on a charge.Give as a gift have a friend forever. dropped it a 100 times still works didn't think I needed the light I was wrong.very strong and very light.
Great tool. I had to get a second because my wife kept "borrowing" the tool.
And Panasonic has their own battery technology (they achieve the same performance using only 14.4 volts) They have the selectable 3 speed and brushless motor but are substantially more expensive. So, for less money I don't feel that I have lost. Batteries, yes, many. Now for this tool. As far as the brushless motor with more fasteners per charge and extended motor life, yes it would be nice if cost were not a big factor but I have never worn out the tool or replaced brushes in the other Makita's. I have been using impact drivers professionally since they were introduced many years ago (they were 9.6 volt, nicad).
This is my 3rd Makita, from the 9.6 to the 12 and now the 18 volt and I have never worn one out completely. Nicads didn't last all that long in number of cycles, NiMH were much better and now L-Ion which are a vast improvement. The other tool on the market that I have experience with is the Panasonic, which is at least equal to the Makita. The 3 speeds of the other tool are unnecessary; I have absolute control of the tool thru the variable speed trigger. I rarely use them for drilling but for fastening, it is the tool of choice. Makita also makes this in a 3 speed model with brushless motor for considerably more money.
The Makita name has served me well. Since this is not the only tool I own I have to consider cost.
I purchased one from Home Depot for a lot more than I could have purchased here. I for years swore buy my Panosonic cordless 12V becase of the light weight. I have a window treatment installation business. I was helping a friend that has a contracting company and he gave me the impact driver to try out. I will be buying the next one from Amazon. What a difference this little gun made 18v and lighter then my current drill.
This tool takes the punishment of all day use in a tough environment of heat moisture and of course dust. This would be a death blow to a NiCads life span. I will stick with Makita. I work construction and the company I build houses for uses steel studs. Finally old Dewalt is making their impacts with Lithium Batteries but more expensive.
We use impact drivers like regular carpenters would use a hammer. I buy Makita because its light yet durable. The Dewalt impact is heavier and does seem to have more torque and power but not much. I like the Lithium batteries over the old NiCads because of the need to grab a half charged battery from the charger.
|
May be eligible for FREE Shipping offer
