Buying guide for Best Makita drills
Makita, a company that is globally recognized for its innovation and quality tools, started in 1915 on a slightly different path. Mosaburo Makita founded the company with the idea of repairing and selling motors, transformers, and lighting equipment. It wasn't until 1958 that the company began marketing electric planers. By the following year, Makita was officially making electric power tools, and in 1969 premiered its first rechargeable drill.
Over the past half century, Makita has managed to amass an expansive line of drills, drivers, and combo packages for professionals and DIYers alike. With such an overwhelming number of options, how do you know which Makita drill or combo set is right for you?
BestReviews is here to help you make an informed decision with a comprehensive shopping guide to Makita drills.
Makita drill innovations
Makita focuses on creating tools that are both user-friendly and environmentally friendly. The company has continually been an innovator, incorporating new technology at times decades before the competition. Following are some of the innovations you'll find on Makita drills and drivers, as well as how they impact you.
18V LXT lithium-ion cordless system
Created in 2005, this advanced cordless technology exceeds the performance of corded tools. The result is an extensive line of more efficient, higher-powered cordless tools.
12V Max CXT lithium-ion cordless system
Makita's more compact cordless solution. The result is a longer run time, increased power and speed, and longer life for the tools you use most.
Expert tip
When you use a Makita 18V LXT® battery with the STAR symbol or a yellow terminal, you are benefitting from STAR Protection Computer Controls™. This helps prevent burnout of the battery. This battery will shut itself down if it is overloaded.
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Active 3 controls
A technology that enables chargers and batteries to exchange current, voltage, and temperature information during the charging process. The result is a battery that spends more time working and less time charging.
Automatic speed change
Detects load and automatically adjusts the tool's speed and torque. The result is a consistently higher-performing drill.
AVT and Advanced AVT
Anti-vibration technology (AVT) is based on seismic engineering. This technology significantly reduces vibration in hand tools with a three-component system. The result is less fatigue for the user and more power to the bit.
ImpactX and Impact GOLD
Technologies designed to help keep bits from breaking under the increased performance demands of contractor-quality tools. Results in bits that last up to ten times longer.
Oil impulse
Utilizing an oil bath in the hammer-anvil mechanism, Makita has found a way to reduce the noise of impact drivers. The result is a tool that can be used in low-noise environments.
Push drive
This technology reserves power for times when the tool is engaged in working. The result is increased efficiency, longer run time, and lower noise.
Quick shift mode
A technology that is used in impact drivers to assist with precision fastening. The result is less screw stripping and breaking, as well as less damage to your work.
XPT (Extreme Protection Technology)
A system of integrated seals designed to keep dust and water out of your tools. The result is tools with increased durability and longer life.
Types of Makita drills
Makita has five tool lines available when it comes to drills and drivers – drills bore through material, drivers set screws.
Driver-drills
This versatile tool is designed to drill holes and drive screws.
Price: These tools range from $100 for just the tool to $235 for the tool, batteries, charger, and bag.
Expert tip
For longer-lasting batteries, let a battery cool down before putting it on a charger. If you charge a hot battery, you can burn out the chip and fuel cells.
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Drywall screwdrivers
These tools are specially designed to drive drywall screws.
Price: The average price ranges from $140 for just the tool to $300 for the tool, batteries, charger, and bag.
Hammer driver-drills
A hammer drill combines rotation and rapid blows to drill into masonry or rock. Some feature a setting that also allows for driving screws.
Price: The average price ranges from $100 for just the tool to $350 for the tool, batteries, charger, and bag.
Impact drivers
An impact driver uses rotation and concussive blows to drives screws into dense wood.
Price: The average price ranges from $115 for just the tool to $235 for the tool, batteries, charger, and bag.
Screwdrivers
These tools are specifically designed to drive screws.
Price: The average price ranges from $150 for just the tool, $190 for the tool with auto-feed, to $340 for the tool, batteries, charger, and bag.
Combo kit
Sometimes you need more than one tool to get the job done. For instance, if you're working on drywall, you might need a cut-out tool along with a drywall screwdriver to finish up. Makita has packaged related tools together, along with the accessories, so you can purchase everything in one combo kit.
Price: Since what is included in a combo kit can vary, the price can range from $140 to over $800, depending on your needs.
Expert Tip
Pair your drill with
Makita bit sets. Made from high-quality steel, they are designed to have less striping and wear. The right accessories matter.
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Makita drill warranties
The best way to figure out how long a product is designed to last is to take a peek at the warranty. If it's covered, odds are that it won't be breaking down in that time frame. But how long a tool will last after the warranty period depends on use and care. The better you treat your Makita drill, the longer it will work. Some construction professionals have stated that up to 15 years is a good run. Here's the warranty structure for Makita.
30 days
Every Makita product, except for accessories and/or wearable items, comes with a 30-day return/replacement guarantee.
One year
Every Makita product is warranted to be free of defects from workmanship and materials for one year.
Three years
Every Makita lithium-Ion tool, battery, and charger is warranted to be free of defects from workmanship and materials for three years.
Tips
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When using a Makita drywall screwdriver, use a lower revolutions per minute (rpm) setting. The lower rpm delivers higher torque, which will help you fasten the screws into the wood studs.
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As soon as you start to notice an appreciable performance loss in your cordless Makita tool, it’s time to stop using that tool and charge the battery. If you discharge the battery to the point where it can no longer power the tool, you may cause permanent damage to the battery. This will result in decreased run times.
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Makita makes it easy for you to dispose of batteries. You can take them to any of the company's factory service centers for recycling. Alternately, any rechargeable batteries you have may be taken to a Call2Recycle drop site. For more information or to find a location near you, call 800-822-8837.
FAQ
Q. What do I do if I need more specific information on a particular Makita power tool?
A. The upper right-hand corner of the company website has a search box where you can enter the model number. This will take you to a page detailing the specifics of the model you entered.
Q. Is it possible to overcharge a Makita lithium-ion battery?
A. No. Makita has designed its chargers to communicate with the batteries. Once the charger detects that a battery is fully charged, it switches to maintenance mode.
Q. How long does it take to fully charge a Makita battery?
A. The average charge times per ampere-hour are as follows: 1.5Ah take 15 minutes; 2.0Ah take 20 minutes; 3.0Ah take 30 minutes, 4.0Ah take 40 minutes; 5.0Ah take 45 minutes; 6.0Ah take 60 minutes.
