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3.4
Reviews
"Thought was upgrading from Ryobi. Was wrong." Submitted on November 15th, 2008
4
4
1
2
Pros: Lightweight
Cons: drive broke under light load
Comments:
had this tool <2yrs.
overall have liked the tool.
until the drive on the chuck broke under light load (dirving 2.5" coated deck screw into pine 2x4) very disappointed with this tool.
need to use the old ryobi that I've kept as backup (the Ryobi has about 8 yrs of hard use).
Average Rating: 2.8
Features
4
Performance
4
Reliability
1
Value
2
Pros: Lightweight
Cons: drive broke under light load
Comments:
had this tool <2yrs.
overall have liked the tool.
until the drive on the chuck broke under light load (dirving 2.5" coated deck screw into pine 2x4) very disappointed with this tool.
need to use the old ryobi that I've kept as backup (the Ryobi has about 8 yrs of hard use).
"Battery Issues" Submitted on September 26th, 2008
3
4
2
2
Pros: Lightweight, nice torque
Cons: Batteries don't last
Comments:
I've gone thru 4 batteries for my one drill in less than 2 years...and at $75 - $80 bucks apiece...it sounding a bit like planned obsolescence to me.
It was an expensive drill ($200) and then with all the batteries I've purchased, it's been a grossly expensive and stupid decision on my part.
Average Rating: 2.8
Features
3
Performance
4
Reliability
2
Value
2
Pros: Lightweight, nice torque
Cons: Batteries don't last
Comments:
I've gone thru 4 batteries for my one drill in less than 2 years...and at $75 - $80 bucks apiece...it sounding a bit like planned obsolescence to me.
It was an expensive drill ($200) and then with all the batteries I've purchased, it's been a grossly expensive and stupid decision on my part.
"Good Drill/Bad Batteries" Submitted on August 30th, 2008
5
5
1
3
Pros: Great workhorse, Does all needed work
Cons: BATTERY SUCKS!
Comments:
I've had the drill for a little over a year and don't use it everyday, just around the house on home projects. I've exchanged both batteries twice and just lost my sixth. I visited Makita personally at the manufactoring plant in Duluth, GA. They just couldn't answer why the battery wasn't lasting, tested charger etc. and said "Bugs with new battery" this is not a bug but a castastrophic enginneering failure on their part. Six (at approx. 60-75 dollars a piece) batteries in 13 months. I do not recommend buying this drill due to battery life. The drill has no problem just batteries and never had any problems with any other Makita tools I own except this one.
Average Rating: 3.5
Features
5
Performance
5
Reliability
1
Value
3
Pros: Great workhorse, Does all needed work
Cons: BATTERY SUCKS!
Comments:
I've had the drill for a little over a year and don't use it everyday, just around the house on home projects. I've exchanged both batteries twice and just lost my sixth. I visited Makita personally at the manufactoring plant in Duluth, GA. They just couldn't answer why the battery wasn't lasting, tested charger etc. and said "Bugs with new battery" this is not a bug but a castastrophic enginneering failure on their part. Six (at approx. 60-75 dollars a piece) batteries in 13 months. I do not recommend buying this drill due to battery life. The drill has no problem just batteries and never had any problems with any other Makita tools I own except this one.
"Batteries SUCK" Submitted on July 2nd, 2008
4
5
2
2
Pros: Lightweight, powerful, quick charge
Cons: Battery failure
Comments:
I bought three of these drills at one time. Out of six batteries, I have two that stil take a charge. Great drill except for the battery failures. Which makes it a $200 paper weight with no batteries. Started looking on internet and found many people with same problem
Average Rating: 3.3
Features
4
Performance
5
Reliability
2
Value
2
Pros: Lightweight, powerful, quick charge
Cons: Battery failure
Comments:
I bought three of these drills at one time. Out of six batteries, I have two that stil take a charge. Great drill except for the battery failures. Which makes it a $200 paper weight with no batteries. Started looking on internet and found many people with same problem
"Excellent product" Submitted on April 27th, 2008
5
4
5
5
Pros: this is very light and very powerfull
Cons: batteries should work little bit longer
Comments:
I love this Makita because is very light and very powerful. During drilling 1/2" hole in wood it almost broke my hand, unfortunately batteries were gone after 10-15 minutes. When I worked normally batteries were live all day. I give also big plus for short feature and small light which is built-in. I recommend this product.
Average Rating: 4.8
Features
5
Performance
4
Reliability
5
Value
5
Pros: this is very light and very powerfull
Cons: batteries should work little bit longer
Comments:
I love this Makita because is very light and very powerful. During drilling 1/2" hole in wood it almost broke my hand, unfortunately batteries were gone after 10-15 minutes. When I worked normally batteries were live all day. I give also big plus for short feature and small light which is built-in. I recommend this product.
"Nice Feel" Submitted on December 2nd, 2007
5
3
3
2
Pros: Lightweight, torque
Cons: Battery failure, lack of bit holder
Comments:
Great driver for cabinet building, quite lightweight and can drive most anything. My Dewalt is now a dedicated pilot hole drill.
As with other reviews, the batteries or the charger (I am not sure which) has a defect. I have returned two batteries in the first 6 months with minimal use and of the two I received, one is already gone. Fortunately, their is a Makita service center locally here in San Diego.
I also agree that leaving off a bit holder (for even one bit) was a mistake at the design level.
Comment to review by ToolBarn.com Staff: We spoke to our Makita Sales Representative recently on the issue of the battery life problems on their compact lithium-ion tools and according to him the issue is as follows. There is an issue with the connection on certain chargers not meshing properly with the batteries. Makita is not 100% certain if the issue is in the battery or charger, but recommends going to an authorized service center and having them replace both the battery and charger under warranty if you are experiencing this issue. The life of the battery should be at least a couple of years if treated properly.
ToolBarn.com would add that we do not recommend leaving the battery in the charger when not in use, as that could shorten the lifespan of the batteries as well.
Average Rating: 3.3
Features
5
Performance
3
Reliability
3
Value
2
Pros: Lightweight, torque
Cons: Battery failure, lack of bit holder
Comments:
Great driver for cabinet building, quite lightweight and can drive most anything. My Dewalt is now a dedicated pilot hole drill.
As with other reviews, the batteries or the charger (I am not sure which) has a defect. I have returned two batteries in the first 6 months with minimal use and of the two I received, one is already gone. Fortunately, their is a Makita service center locally here in San Diego.
I also agree that leaving off a bit holder (for even one bit) was a mistake at the design level.
Comment to review by ToolBarn.com Staff: We spoke to our Makita Sales Representative recently on the issue of the battery life problems on their compact lithium-ion tools and according to him the issue is as follows. There is an issue with the connection on certain chargers not meshing properly with the batteries. Makita is not 100% certain if the issue is in the battery or charger, but recommends going to an authorized service center and having them replace both the battery and charger under warranty if you are experiencing this issue. The life of the battery should be at least a couple of years if treated properly.
ToolBarn.com would add that we do not recommend leaving the battery in the charger when not in use, as that could shorten the lifespan of the batteries as well.
"Defective Batteries" Submitted on November 30th, 2007
4
4
1
3
Pros: Light, well balanced, plenty of power
Cons: Batteries failed after 2 months
Comments:
After two months of use one battery failed to take charge, a couple weeks later the second battery failed to take charge. I like the size and "feel" of the gun, but it's hard to say if it will stand up under use if the batteries fail. Makita clearly has issues with its new batteries. Hopefully they will stand behind their product and make replacement easy.
Average Rating: 3
Features
4
Performance
4
Reliability
1
Value
3
Pros: Light, well balanced, plenty of power
Cons: Batteries failed after 2 months
Comments:
After two months of use one battery failed to take charge, a couple weeks later the second battery failed to take charge. I like the size and "feel" of the gun, but it's hard to say if it will stand up under use if the batteries fail. Makita clearly has issues with its new batteries. Hopefully they will stand behind their product and make replacement easy.
"Battery problems" Submitted on November 25th, 2007
5
5
1
3
Pros: Great, light weight drill
Cons: Batteries won't take a charge after 9 months of light use.
Comments:
I purchased this drill in January 2007 and have used it occasionally around the house. In July, one battery refused to take a charge. Now the second battery will not charge. I found the receipt and will try to return... (not from Tool barn). Not recommended.
Average Rating: 3.5
Features
5
Performance
5
Reliability
1
Value
3
Pros: Great, light weight drill
Cons: Batteries won't take a charge after 9 months of light use.
Comments:
I purchased this drill in January 2007 and have used it occasionally around the house. In July, one battery refused to take a charge. Now the second battery will not charge. I found the receipt and will try to return... (not from Tool barn). Not recommended.
"Is Makita Junk or What!?" Submitted on November 16th, 2007
3
4
1
2
Pros: Nice LED light, light weight.
Cons: Batteries Fail at an ALARMING RATE!
Comments:
Less than 6 months old and both batteries have failed! A co-worker also bought one after my purchase and HIS first battery failed a month before my second failure. I have owned Makita products for over 18 years and this NEW battery SUCKS!! I still have Ni-Cad batteries in great shape from years ago!!
Comment to review by ToolBarn.com Staff: As a reminder, any Makita authorized service center should be able to swap out a defective battery under warranty. We have not experienced the failure rate mentioned in this review, but we encourage others to share their experiences.
Average Rating: 2.5
Features
3
Performance
4
Reliability
1
Value
2
Pros: Nice LED light, light weight.
Cons: Batteries Fail at an ALARMING RATE!
Comments:
Less than 6 months old and both batteries have failed! A co-worker also bought one after my purchase and HIS first battery failed a month before my second failure. I have owned Makita products for over 18 years and this NEW battery SUCKS!! I still have Ni-Cad batteries in great shape from years ago!!
Comment to review by ToolBarn.com Staff: As a reminder, any Makita authorized service center should be able to swap out a defective battery under warranty. We have not experienced the failure rate mentioned in this review, but we encourage others to share their experiences.
"Very Happy with my purchase" Submitted on August 6th, 2007
4
5
4
5
Pros: Very light weight and yet still powerful!
Cons: BL1815 thin battery dosn't work on other LXT model tools without modification to the tool!
Comments:
I have owned this tool for three months and I couldn't be happier, it can handle every household job and even some major building projects! I recently installed a 5' by 10' front porch deck and didn't even have to change the battery to finish the job! It is a little annoying trying to find a place to put your bits in between drilling and driving but for the price it can't be beat!
Average Rating: 4.5
Features
4
Performance
5
Reliability
4
Value
5
Pros: Very light weight and yet still powerful!
Cons: BL1815 thin battery dosn't work on other LXT model tools without modification to the tool!
Comments:
I have owned this tool for three months and I couldn't be happier, it can handle every household job and even some major building projects! I recently installed a 5' by 10' front porch deck and didn't even have to change the battery to finish the job! It is a little annoying trying to find a place to put your bits in between drilling and driving but for the price it can't be beat!
"What a piece of #@%&" Submitted on September 7th, 2007
1
4
1
1
Pros: fast recharge time
Cons: Features and Reliability
Comments:
One of the two batteries failed within 3 months and Makita was too cheap or stupid to include a holder for the driver bit when you're using it as a drill. They say it is an "accessory" in the manual, but you can't get it anywhere. Give me a break, this makes the tool nearly useless for me.
I've had Makita tools since they were the first to come out with professional quality cordless tools. This one will be my last Makita.
Comment to Review by ToolBarn.com Staff: Just a quick note to the author of this review... Makita does have a one year warranty, and any decent Makita shop should be more than happy to swap out the battery for you as a warranty replacement once they have checked the date code. On the bit holder, now that we know it is bothering so many people, we'll be adding it to the site soon. Thanks for the review.
Average Rating: 1.8
Features
1
Performance
4
Reliability
1
Value
1
Pros: fast recharge time
Cons: Features and Reliability
Comments:
One of the two batteries failed within 3 months and Makita was too cheap or stupid to include a holder for the driver bit when you're using it as a drill. They say it is an "accessory" in the manual, but you can't get it anywhere. Give me a break, this makes the tool nearly useless for me.
I've had Makita tools since they were the first to come out with professional quality cordless tools. This one will be my last Makita.
Comment to Review by ToolBarn.com Staff: Just a quick note to the author of this review... Makita does have a one year warranty, and any decent Makita shop should be more than happy to swap out the battery for you as a warranty replacement once they have checked the date code. On the bit holder, now that we know it is bothering so many people, we'll be adding it to the site soon. Thanks for the review.
"Best Darned Cordless Driver/Drill I've Owned" Submitted on July 27th, 2007
5
5
5
5
Pros: Plenty of power for any job
Cons: Case could be better organized to leave room for accessories
Comments:
Batteries hold charge for months. Driver has more than enough torque for driving heavy duty screws, broke a few screw heads off at the threads before dialing back the torque setting. Variable speed control is sensitive enough to enable using small drills or driving small screws or bolts.
Average Rating: 5
Features
5
Performance
5
Reliability
5
Value
5
Pros: Plenty of power for any job
Cons: Case could be better organized to leave room for accessories
Comments:
Batteries hold charge for months. Driver has more than enough torque for driving heavy duty screws, broke a few screw heads off at the threads before dialing back the torque setting. Variable speed control is sensitive enough to enable using small drills or driving small screws or bolts.
"Really nice tool" Submitted on July 24th, 2007
5
4
4
Pros: Light weight, LED worklight, super quick recharge, well balanced
Cons:
Comments:
I've had this drill for 3 months now and it is great for everyday household/garage/shop type jobs. The batteries hold up for a long time. The chuck is much better at locking tight on a bit than my previous Makita.
I thought the LED light was just another "nice" feature that I wouldn't really use but it's come in handy many times.
Only disappointed that Makita can't include a 25cent piece of plastic to hold the bit(s) when you're using it as a drill, rather than a driver.
Average Rating: 4.3
Features
5
Performance
4
Value
4
Pros: Light weight, LED worklight, super quick recharge, well balanced
Cons:
Comments:
I've had this drill for 3 months now and it is great for everyday household/garage/shop type jobs. The batteries hold up for a long time. The chuck is much better at locking tight on a bit than my previous Makita.
I thought the LED light was just another "nice" feature that I wouldn't really use but it's come in handy many times.
Only disappointed that Makita can't include a 25cent piece of plastic to hold the bit(s) when you're using it as a drill, rather than a driver.
