Makita’s own figures state that a 1.5Ah battery takes 15 minutes, whereas the 6.0Ah version takes 60 minutes. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Every Makita product is warranted to be free of defects from workmanship and materials for one year. This drill easily drove the large lag screw to the full depth, making it about half of the way in high gear, then easily finished it off in the lower gear.
The Makita Cordless Drill features a compact and lightweight design with comfortable, rubberized ergonomic handles for an easy grip that encourages control and accuracy when in use. The brushless motor delivers 530 pounds of torque power, which is greater than average drills and possesses a variable two-speed transmission of 700 RPM for a wider range of drilling. This powerful drill delivers a high amount of blows per minute and can handle most, if not all, jobs around the house. Switching out drill bits is easy, and the battery life is comparable to other drills in this price range. The Makita XFD12Z is compact for an 18V drill driver, at just 6¾ inches long. It weighs only 3.4 pounds and takes a 2.0Ah battery (not included).
SDS chucks are a fixed size with a push fit, rather than tightening like a three-jaw model. Torque is also an important factor in driving screws and other fixings, so impact drivers typically have higher torque than standard drill drivers. These are figures that can not only be compared between Makita models, but also against rivals. In April 1969, they introduced the 6500D battery-powered drill (the first rechargeable power tool). In December 1978, they launched the 6010D rechargeable drill (the first nickel cadmium battery tool). In August 1997, the 6213D rechargeable driver-drill was exhibited at the Chicago Hardware Show (the first nickel hydride battery tool).
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. The tool itself weighs just a little under 3 pounds, making it easy to hang from a belt if needed.
So whereas Makita’s 18V drill drivers have a top speed of 2,000 rpm for rapid drilling, their SDS drills max out at 1,200 rpm. Overall, we think the Makita XFD14Z is a great cordless drill. Our main complaint was the battery dying during our 5-inch hole saw test, but we found very little to take issue with besides that.
Our next round of tests rated and ranked how each cordless drill was driving in fasteners. For this metric, we used 5-inch long, ½-inch lag screws and standard wood screws, scoring makita angle grinder each tool on the ease and speed at which it drove the different screws in. The Makita XFD14Z did exceptionally well, earning one of the best scores of the entire group.
Regardless of size, all Makita drill drivers offer forward and reverse drive, and most have clutches that allow precise control of fastening force to prevent over-tightening or damage to surfaces. Several offer a choice of speeds, and we will look at the benefits of this in a moment. Having so many Makita drills available is great, but while any model is a solid choice, it can be challenging to decide which offers the optimum mix of power and features. This article looks at the range in detail and focuses on the best Makita drills for a variety of tasks. Makita focuses on creating tools that are both user-friendly and environmentally friendly.
A standard drill driver can quickly run out of energy, whereas the impact driver is specifically designed for heavy-duty driving. A chuck adapter can be added, but the tool is not recommended for regular drilling. The smallest Makita hammer drill is called a “sub-compact.” It is just 6½ inches long and weighs a fraction over 3 pounds. The standard model is larger and heavier but delivers increased torque. Torque is turning force, which is measured in inch pounds (usually written as in-lbs). The term actually describes the chuck, which is a push-fit mechanism rather than the three-jaw type seen on drill drivers and ordinary hammer drills.
The Makita cordless drill is best suited for homeowners, lightweight construction workers, and anyone in between. I would not recommend this kit for heavy-duty construction work or even home tasks that are too ambitious, such as drilling large holes into the ground. This drill is designed for work on woods and other similar surfaces and should not be used for thick concrete or masonry-related tasks, as this will require a greater force than 18v of power. It’s one of their more versatile tools but best used as a regular drill than a heavy-duty construction tool.
The compact head is only 3½ inches across, and the slim 12⅜ -inch body offers plenty of reach. The Makita SDS Max demolition hammer also incorporates some very user-friendly features. The brush motor is common to tools of this type, but Makita’s has a service light to warn that the brushes need changing 8 hours in advance. makita cordless drill There is an indicator for switch faults (which can be a problem in very dusty environments) or cord damage. A chisel bit can be set in 12 different positions so the operator doesn’t need to hold the tool at awkward angles. It also has a soft start, so this powerful tool doesn’t jump suddenly in the user’s hands.