Makita cordless drills

UPDATED 5th DECEMBER 2008

This information page is dedicated to the range of cordless drills from Makita of Japan.

Having tested and used these drills and many others over the last 10 years I am confident in recommending Makita cordless drill to people who want a tool that will perform well and last a long time. Some of the drills in the range have been in production for over 10 years and remain unchanged, with all parts available.

A cordless drill is only as good as its batteries and Makita often lead the filed in battery technology and were one of the first to introduce Lithium Ion batteries and chargers with cooling fans.

A  Makita 12v drill with a 3.amph,  Nimh Makita battery will produce more power than many 18v tools of other brands,  and it can be used in  at least 10 other tools that will be in production for many years.

 

Range of Makita Cordless drills

 

 

Old style drill with "stick" batteries in handle

Still available with 7.2 v or 9.6v batteries -

These drills are light and comfortable to use but are now dated due to battery technology moving on

 

New style drill driver

Available with more powerful Nimh batteries, now up to 3 amph

9.6v, 12v, 14.4 v, 18v,and 24v versions

 

 

 

Combi drills - with hammer (percussion) action

For example the Classic Marathon Drill - Winner of the 2001 Golden Shed Award

Now replaced by the 3 speed MTX range - shown

 click for price and more details

Available in 12v, 14.4v , 18v and 24v versions

 

24v SDS Hammer drill, has the unbeatable Makstar 24v Nimh batteries that are cooled before charging.

A cordless tool is only as good as its batteries and charger.

 

Cordless Drill Test

Maktia 14.4v cordless hammer verses DeWalt 18v cordless hammer.

I gave 3 professional builders or tradesmen these tools to test and compare. All 3 agreed that the smaller 14.4v Makita drill had more power and was easier to use due to its lighter weight.

The moral of this story is that voltage is no measure of performance. Torque is more relevant and this is a function of voltage and battery amps plus the efficiency of the motor/gearbox. According to my calculations the smaller Makita drill has more torque.

I believe that DeWalt make some very good tools and are very innovative, they are also masters of marketing so check all performance stats carefully if you really want the best powertool. (this is not easy as each company seems to use different stats)

 

 

 best deal on Makita 18v drill with Lithium Ion batteries

 

 

 

SECOND-HAND MAKITA BARGAIN

 Used Makita 12 Combi drill and Impact driver for sale

If you already use 12v Makita kit I am selling some tools naked (no batteriers) to keep the shed clear for new products.

I have a Makita 8413D 12v Combi hammer drill with the top of the range marathon motor and metal gears

A 6980PD  Impact driver with that takes normal screwdriver bits

Both are in good condition and come with cases

£100 inc UK delivery

mail me at fred@fredshed.com

 

 

Other tools that you can use with your Makita drill batteries

Angle drill driver

Impact Driver

 

.

Jigsaw

Circular saw

 

 

Torch

Vacuum cleaner

   

Chainsaw

Power planer

   

Autofeed screwdriver

Glass and Ceramic tile cutter

 

 

Parts for obsolete Makita tools

Makita cordless system with lead acid battery

The Makita Portable lead Battery tool system was years ahead of its time and too expensive for the UK market. The system was very good and included 4 tools,

UM103DST Battery powered grass shear

UM140DST battery powered Grass trimmer

UH 303DST battery powered hedge trimmer

601 DST battery powered drill driver

If you have any of these tools and would like spares or more tools please e-mail me,  I may be able to help.

 

If you already have the battery and charger and want to buy this used cordless hedge trimmer please mail me

   

 

For free expert advice - on buying tools, (on and off-line) mail me at
fred@fredshed.com 
(please include your location)

click on the shed to return to the homepage

 

© Fred Walden 2008

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