Best Overall
Makita FD07R1 12V Brushless Cordless Driver-Drill Kit
Runner-Up
Makita XFD12Z 18V LXT Cordless Driver Drill
Best Bang For The Buck
Makita FD09R1 12V MAX CXT Cordless Driver Drill Kit
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Makita drill are extremely affect for their competitive performance and fantabulous enduringness . The collecting is also outstandingly extensive , with over 60 model available from lightweight drill / driver to heavy - obligation demolition pounding . Having so many Makita drills useable is great , but while any model is a solid choice , it can be challenge to determine which offers the optimal mix of power and features .
We tapped Brandon Walker , construction manager atASAP Restoration LLCin Tempe , Arizona , for advice on how to choose the right drill for the job . We also test several top pick to check that they met our demands . Our favorite is theMakita FD07R1 12 - Volt Brushless Cordless Driver - Drill Kit , which manages to be powerful enough to palm most jobs around the house while remaining compact and lightweight .
study on to find out what you ’ll want to take when shopping for the good Makita drills and find oneself out which ones are the brand ’s top models .
How We Chose the Best Makita Drills
unremarkably , BobVila.com pit products from differenttool brandsagainst each other so as to identify our top choice ; see thebest cordless drills , for example . Clearly , when look for the best Makita bore , we ’re administer with the same manufacturer . So the putz are n’t in competition as such .
However , as we mentioned , the Makita drills range is Brobdingnagian and it is n’t always soft to separate between the simulation . What we have tried to do is pluck out the best performers in a variety of categories , taking into account the criteria discussed in our considerations section above .
Along with comparing specs and scouring through customer reviews , we tested several of the top models to verify they were up to snuff . For those Mandrillus leucophaeus we tested ourselves , we put them through a serial of tests , practice mess of various sizing and driving unlike types of fasteners .
The resulting top pick are a sort of dissimilar Makita drills that offer solutions to all kinds of chore challenge and will attract to a wide range of users .
Our Top Picks
The chase are what we feel are the sound Makita practice to take on a wide range of labor . They include a variety of unlike drill types that represent the good of what this premium stigma has to tender .
Pick up the Makita FD07R1 and you ’ll at once notice its stocky sizing and light weight . It measures just 6.5 inch long and weighs a hair over 2 pounds . This not only made Makita ’s 12V practice session promiscuous to manage during testing but also allowed us to meet it into tight spaces than its large 18V blood brother .
No , this 12V drill wo n’t equal the crowing motor on gravid drills , but it ’s sure no slouch . We drilled piles of hole on a unmarried cathexis , and we did n’t just stick to small practice session bits . Set to a lower speed to maximise torque output , it capably handle a paddle moment and yap saw .
We get interchangeable public presentation with various size screw . We discover that as long as we made adjustments to speed and torque background , the FD07R1 could handle magnanimous fasteners .
We were also impressed with battery life . The Makita did n’t start petering out until after 35 minutes of near uninterrupted drilling and drive . Not uncollectible for such a lightweight exercise . This Makita exercise set wo n’t quite equal the speed and power of 18V models , but it boasts enough power to handle most household projects .
Get the FD07R1 Makita practise atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: Amazon
With so many high - quality tool in the range , pick a single model as the in force Makita drill is a challenge , but we finally chose the Makita 18V LXT practice session driver because it is an all - around eminent - performance tool that suits both DIY enthusiasts and tradespeople .
The Makita XFD12Z is summary for an 18V practice driver , at just 6¾ inches long . It weighs only 3.4 Sudanese pound and takes a 2.0Ah battery ( not include ) . The soft grip also makes it well-off to practice and easy to handle . The high - efficiency brushless motor cater two speed ranges for increased versatility , and with 530 in - lb of torque , it can harness require drilling and driving jobs around the household or job site . Some 20 different batch mount allow screwdriving power to be aline to suit enceinte or diminished fixings with little chance of damage .
This model include dual LEDs with afterglow , which stand for the ignitor remain on for several seconds after the gun trigger is released so employment can be checked . It ’s a useful feature , and the LEDs provide comely light , but more focus on the grub and drill bit area instead of the current wide beam would be an improvement .
Photo: Amazon
Get the XFD12Z Makita drill atAmazon , orThe Home Depot .
Best Bang for the Buck
Cordless 12V drill drivers miss the outright power of their 18V vis-a-vis and are often interpret as the good drill for home use . In this category , the Makita 12V CXT has just the correct balance of free weight and carrying into action .
At 2.4 pounds , it is among the lightest exercise in its class and is well-heeled to guide . Somewhat surprisingly , at just 7 inch long , it is actually ¼ column inch bigger than the more potent 18V model . However , it is no orotund than most competitors .
The brushless motor provides two speed ranges that are only slightly deadening than the 18V Makita and hone for household tasks . The 20 - spatial relation grip proffer ripe versatility for driving . An LED worklight is built in . With an 18V battery , rapid charger , and a voiceless case admit , it adds up to a high time value parcel that is difficult to fault .
Photo: Amazon
Get the FD09R1 Makita drill atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orThe Home Depot .
Best Combo
Makita XT269M 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Combo Kit
The Makita hammer drill and impact driver combination will invoke to both professionals and keen inexpert remodelers . Both are high - execution tool with brushless motors that maximize the battery power available . The kit include Makita ’s rapid charger and two 4.0 Ah Li - ion battery so there will be little or no downtime .
The Makita 18V LXT brushless jazz group recitation is based on our runner - up pick , the two - speed Makita XFD12Z , with the addition of a hammer action for drilling brick , closure , concrete , and so on . It is slimly fleshy but still only 4.2 Irish punt with the electric battery attached . With a maximal focal ratio of 3,400 RPM , the impact driver is very riotous , with 1,500 in - lbs of torque to force large screws and heavy - duty fixing with minimal exploit . It weighs just 3.3 pound . This telling Makita combination of an LXT combi drill and impingement driver is a considerable investment , but when compared to leading competitors , they are very competitively price .
Get the XT269 M Makita drill atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. , orThe Home Depot .
Photo: Amazon
Best Rotary Hammer
Makita XRH04Z 18V LXT Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill
Makita ’s 18V circular hammer drill is largely aimed at professional drug user , though its competitive toll and comparatively gloomy weight will also make it of stake to DIY users front for the dependable cordless cock drill for a variety of tasks . It is a various tool open of with child - duty drilling in concrete and masonry , and because it can accept SDS - Plus spot it can also be used for loose demolition .
The drill has three mode : revolution only for drill in wood or other comparatively diffuse materials , rotation and hammer for drill concrete , and hammer only for chiseling . Each is selected via a clear , easy - to - use dial . A torque - restrict clutch can sense if the drill scrap binds and will temporarily disengage the drive . This not only protect the gearing from harm but also helps prevent nasty carpus injuries because of sudden rotary motion of the tool when a bit jams .
The two - finger trigger has mickle of outer space for gloved hands . The shock absorber absorber make into the grip both increase quilt and prevent vibration from damaging the battery . An appurtenant handle is provide to permit for a unafraid storage area of this powerful exercise , and a deepness gauge is include .
Photo: Amazon
Get the XRH04Z Makita drill atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best 1/4-Inch Drill Driver
Makita DF012DSE 7.2V Cordless Hex Driver Drill Kit
While ⅜-inch and ½-inch Makita practice drivers bid plenty of versatility , there are time a more succinct and lightweight tool has reward . After test - push back the ¼-inch Makita drill driver , we found it to be perfect for many article of furniture forum job or when maximum command is needed for drill with smaller bits .
That should n’t suggest this recitation is underpowered ; far from it . The efficient brushless motor offers two stop number and up to 71 in - lb of torque , which is telling for a tool that weigh just 1.2 pounds . It wo n’t rival Makita ’s 18V crease of cordless drills , nor is it meant to . It ’s designed to drill minuscule holes and do the work of a cordless screwdriver . Its 21 grip background and two f number preferences made it well-heeled to adjust torsion preferences and revolutions per minute for driving in various fasteners .
We also liked the translatable design that allow us to alter the screwdriver from pistol grip for max restraint to in - line for match into pixilated spots , such as when installing hinges and cabinet swoop . The Makita gave us an sizable 30 minutes of near continuous use off a single charge . A build - in light-emitting diode work light was also handy for working in darker confines , such as inside a console .
Photo: Amazon
The Makita 7.2V cordless hex drill driver is pricy given the limits of its world power , though it does let in a electric battery , charger , and pillowcase .
Get the DF012DSE Makita exercise atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best SDS Max Hammer Drill
Makita HM0870C SDS-MAX Demolition Hammer
rigorously speak , the Makita HM0870C demolition hammer is not a drill at all . Although it has a like forcible configuration to several of Makita ’s orbitual pound , this manikin has no rotary action at law . It is all about return the wallop necessary for efficacious demolition without the weight associated with heavy - obligation jackhammers .
This is particularly important when horizontal work is need , and the Makita demolition mallet weighs just 11 pounds . Despite that , it delivers an impressive maximum of 2,600 BPM and wallop push of 8.4 ft - lbs . This is not a torque digit , but rather the energy with which it drives the chisel bits . It is sometimes given as joules ( J ) , and in this case is 11.4J.
The Makita SDS Max demolition hammer also incorporates some very exploiter - favorable features . The brushing motor is common to tools of this character , but Makita ’s has a help lightness to monish that the brush necessitate changing 8 hour in advance . There is an indicator for switch faults ( which can be a problem in very dusty environments ) or corduroy damage . A chisel bit can be congeal in 12 different placement so the wheeler dealer does n’t need to hold the tool at awkward angles . It also has a soft beginning , so this sinewy tool does n’t climb up on the spur of the moment in the user ’s hands .
Photo: Homedepot
Get the HM0870C Makita practice atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best Angled Drill
Makita XAD02Z 18V LXT Cordless Angle Drill
Even Makita ’s sub - compact drills have demarcation when it come to fitting into confine spaces . Its 18V LXT cordless angled drill equipment driver is often the root . The compact head is only 3½ in across , and the slim 12⅜ -inch eubstance propose plenty of reach .
One - handed oil production and driving can be challenge , particularly when some pressure is required . Makita provide a short supplemental handle for increase control where space allows . The Makita angled drill expend a brush motor , which , although reliable , does drain batteries more quickly than brushless . Unfortunately there is n’t room for a multiposition clutch , so more user control is necessitate when aim screws . An LED light is include .
The Makita angled practice session is not a budget tool , but for those who regularly necessitate to run in cramped emplacement , it provide adept power , excellent dominance , and Makita ’s noted enduringness .
Photo: Amazon
Get the XAD02Z Makita practice atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Makita Drill
While choose the ripe type of Makita practice is one key chemical element , it is not strange to find two or three modeling within the compass that bet very similar on the surface . Other constituent will be important in decide which is the better choice , so the come after features should be taken into account .
Types of Makita Drills
devote the tremendous mountain chain of Makita drills uncommitted , it is deserving necessitate a few moments for a quick overview of the various case of drills and the categories they fall into . This will avail narrow down the hunting when looking for the best power drill for different home and work challenge .
Drill driver are undoubtedly the big class , and because of their versatility , they are generally the most popular tool for both DIY user and professionals .
“ Reliable , versatile , and thick , ” Walker read of drill driver . “ These are great for drilling jam through most material , and even putting in screws and other holdfast . ”
Photo: Homedepot
Makita practise driver range from a lightweight 7.2V fashion model that pen up in the middle , to lightweight 12V shaft nonpareil for role at dwelling house , to powerful 18V drill drivers that hand over enough execution for the most demanding master .
disregardless of size , all Makita drill drivers offer forwards and reverse drive , and most have clutches that allow precise control of fastening force play to prevent over - tightening or equipment casualty to surface . Several offer a option of speeds , and we will look at the benefit of this in a moment .
This type of drill offers a form of hammer military action that make water it easier to practise into hard surfaces . These combi drill combine the power of a drill driver with hammer action ability .
Photo: Homedepot
“ A hammer drill combines the hammering action of a jackhammer with the torsion of a high - remnant drill , and bring them both to digest on a individual degree of contact , ” Walker says . “ Typically hammer drill are used to turn out into super hard and dense materials like concrete , brick , or stone . ”
However , size and impact energy vary well .
The smallest Makita malleus Mandrillus leucophaeus is call a “ sub - compact . ” It is just 6½ inches farseeing and weigh a fraction over 3 pounds . The standard model is heavy and heavier but delivers increased torsion . Torque is turning force , which is measure in inch pounds ( usually drop a line as in - lbs ) . hard - duty modelling are called SDS ( slot driveway system ) . The condition actually describes the chuck , which is a button - fit chemical mechanism rather than the three - jaw type seen on exercise driver and ordinary hammer drill .
Photo: Amazon
South Dakota drill can be call power hammer drill , circular hammer , or wipeout power hammer . In addition to drill bits that can be up to a couple of feet long , chisels can also be fitted . The motor can be switch over to malleus - activity only , thus create an efficient demolition tool . There are three types of SDS : SDS , SDS Plus , and SDS Max . SDS and SDS Plus drills have bits with 11 mm tool , but the latter has four spline instead of two and provide a more secure clutches . SDS Max recitation expend 18 mm diameter shafts and are the most herculean of the SDS Mandrillus leucophaeus .
Impact number one wood , sometimes falsely refer to as impact drills , and encroachment wrenches are often confused because they share a like name , though the differences are aboveboard . An encroachment gadget driver apply a hammer action , much like what you ’d find with a hammer exercise , but with a rotational rather than in - assembly line motion . It is used to add extra torsion to drive large fuck like those used for decking , for example .
“ One of the major benefits of an impact number one wood is that they have low-pitched incident of cam out so that there is little chance they will divest your roll in the hay when putting them in or pull them out too , ” Walker says .
An impingement spanner is not a Mandrillus leucophaeus at all but a powered wrench . Instead of a chuck , it has a square drive that takes hexangular socket . The most uncouth purpose of wallop wrenches is for slay and meet lug testis on wheel , and many masses will make out them as the creature that ’s used when they have their tires change . socket come up in a wide-eyed kitchen stove of sizes , and impact wrench are used anywhere nuts and bolts demand to be removed or tightened rapidly .
Powered screwdriver are another dick lacking Mandrillus leucophaeus action , but they are worth mentioning because they have a variety of specific uses beyond the functionality supply by a standard drill number one wood .
Powered screwdrivers can be quite a childlike tool — literally just a screwdriver with a motor to make turning fuck easier . They can be particularly utilitarian for those with reduced manus or wrist strength . However , there is a whole other category of professional powered screwdrivers . Some are used for speedy fastener of dry wall screws , with a profundity set so the screw is n’t drive straight through the drywall . The other type acquire collated screws on a long strip and can rapidly drive them one after another . Drywall gaoler can be used , but so can wood screws for fast fastening of floor or paneling .
Corded or Cordless
All Makita recitation gadget driver are now cordless , butcorded power toolsstill have their seat . Although the cord itself can be a little inconvenient and possibly pose a tripping hazard , a corded drill can run all day without break . Corded is sometimes the better choice for power - hungry tools like wipeout hammers . This is particularly unfeigned of a heavy - duty SDS Max Makita cordless pounding drill , which either requires veritable bombardment changes or causes time to be lost while barrage fire recharge . Makita cord practice also tend to be significantly cheaper than a Makita cordless drill .
That read , Makita ’s atomic number 3 - ion battery technology is highly efficient ; the company ’s charges are among the quick in the manufacture . Typical cathexis time are around 15 proceedings for an entry - level 1.5 Ah battery , 30 minute for a longer - survive 3.0 Ah edition , and around an minute for the image - topping 6.0 Ah modelling .
notice that barrage need to be the correct voltage for the tool . you could not fit a 12V battery on an 18V tool or vice versa . However , you may expend battery with a gamy or scummy Ah rating . Higher Ah equates to a longer runtime for your Makita barrage - powered drill , but they are more expensive .
Brushed or Brushless Motor
Brushed motors have been around since the invention of power tools . The brush are used to transmit a positive or negative electrical mission that keeps the motor running play . In doing so , they rub against part of the motor , causing friction . There are two side effects to this : heat buildup and a small loss of power .
A Makita brushless exercise use electronics to create virtual brushes . There are no points of link , so no friction is created . Without the associated power departure , brushless motors allow cordless tools to run for between 30 and 50 percent longer from the same size stamp battery . There is also no wear , so Makita ’s brushless Mandrillus leucophaeus motor require no criminal maintenance and are more durable .
Some Makita cordless drills still use thicket motor because they provide considerable price savings .
Speed
Makita drill upper , like almost all power drills , is mainly regulate by induction dominance . While it is usually down to finger’s breadth pressure , a number of Makita drills have two swiftness ranges to allow for easier command .
Maximum speeding varies depending on the tool . Using larger drill moment requirement more torque and less outright speed . So whereas Makita ’s 18V drill drivers have a top speed of 2,000 RPM for rapid boring , their SDS drills max out at 1,200 revolutions per minute .
torsion is also an important factor in driving screws and other fixings , so impact drivers typically have higher torque than standard drill drivers . These are number that can not only be liken between Makita models , but also against rivals .
When compare Makita hammer / SDS practice it ’s also worth assure the BPM ( blows per minute of arc ) or IPM ( impacts per moment ) , which is the speed of the mallet activity .
Size, Weight, and Chuck Jaws
Physical size can have an impact for those who regularly work in confined infinite . Makita ’s 18V sub - thick exercise are specifically project for the purpose , though DIY users might choose for the 12V models , which do n’t quite offer the same performance but are lighter and more affordable . For very tight areas , there are also Makitaright - angle drills . Not to be confused withangle grinders , these drills are have in mind for one matter .
“ [ Right - angle drills ] are design with a head that is work up at a right angle specifically for drilling into crocked spaces or around corners , ” Walker say . “ There is really no use for an angle drill besides this program , but when it is a prerequisite , there is n’t anything else that will crop as well . ”
you may find out more about the sword ’s top right - slant drill in ourMakita good angle drill brushup .
Weight is a consideration for those who use a Makita drill for long geological period or those with reduced physicality . The Makita 12V CXT recitation driver press just 2.4 pound with the electric battery , whereas the Makita 18V LXT weighs a Syrian pound more . The Makita SDS Max demolition hammer weighs 11 pounds . Though sluttish than a leading challenger , it will be tiring to use all day .
We mentioned the manipulation of three - jaw and SDS puke a little in the beginning in the article . It is also of stake to note chuck size , which indicates the maximum waist it can accept and ease up an indication of the power uncommitted . Lightweight Makita drill drivers can have a chuck as diminished as ¼ column inch . Most DIY and lite - duty professional tools are ⅜ in . gruelling - responsibility drill driver have a ½-inch eats . South Dakota chucks are a fixed size of it with a push fit , rather than tightening like a three - jaw exemplar .
Additional Features
The Advantages of Owning a Makita Drill
Makita has been making power tools since 1958 . It introduced its first cordless Mandrillus leucophaeus in 1978 and its first brushless model in 2004 ( at the time only useable to the defense and aerospace industries ) . The party introduced the world ’s first 18V brushless impact driver in 2009 . Few tool manufacturers have that variety of experience , and Makita drills always range as either the best practice brand or runner - up ( to DeWalt ) in dozens of independent critical review for performance and reliability .
FAQs
The information and examples above should help you take the honest Makita drills for a potpourri of different job . During our research , we found a number of question relating to assault and battery that graze up quite frequently , so we have provide answers for those here .
Makita is among the top tool marque in the job , renowned for its line of cordless tools . As a result , Makita tools also amount with a agio damage tag . The company ’s cordless shaft line include its 40V XGT tools , 18V LXT tools , and 12V CXT line .
Makita ’s drills are among the top performing artist , producing torsion and speed that rival the good Mandrillus leucophaeus in the business . The brand ’s tools can be found in the arsenals of many pros along with DeWalt and Milwaukee .
There is n’t one particular tool that this brand is well bonk for . However , Makita is highly regarded for its cordless tool , including its orbitual byword , drills , driver , and jigsaws . The company produces high - performance shaft with some of the best rechargeable batteries in the business .
Yes . leave the barrage on your Makita drill does no hurt and will not drain the battery . However , it ’s a good idea to remove them if you’recleaning your power toolsto avert damage them .
Makita commend you expend only real Makita electric battery with your drill . However , converters may be available to allow other manufacturers ’ batteries to be used .
Makita LXT batteries are interchangeable with the whole Makita LXT tools array of over 250 different tools . Likewise , Makita CXT battery fit the whole CXT tool range of over 50 tools .
No . Makita lithium - ion battery chargers have a built - in sensor . Once the bombardment is full charged , the charger switches to maintenance modality , which keep the assault and battery pinch up and ready to use .
It depends on the Ah rating . The higher the mental ability , the longer it will take to charge . Makita ’s own figures express that a 1.5 Ah battery takes 15 minutes , whereas the 6.0 Ah version takes 60 minutes .
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