Makita Impact Driver

Makita's impact drivers are considered by many pros to be the best general value in power tools today.  Makita® is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools and offers a wide range of industrial accessories and the Makita impact driver  is considered the quality and value standard in the cordless power tool segment. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to engineer power tools that are more compact and energy efficient, yet deliver industrial strength power and results. Makita's range of cordless impact drivers are priced below most other makes but still deliver superior performance and build quality. 

Of the newer models, most reviewers consider the Makita BTD141Z as one of the best all-round impact drivers available and it is representative of the Makita value.  It is compact and very comfortable to use and its dual speeds give it mult-function capability as both a drill and a driver.  The lithium ion batteries keep their charge well and there is no drop off in output and power as it depletes.  The LED light is handy and stays on for a few seconds after the trigger is released.  For more heavy-duty jobs outside of the household, professionals prefer the more powerful Makita 6952 2.3 Amp corded impact driver.  Makita's proprietary hammer and anvil impact action is made of the highest quality steel and heat hardened to last longer. Both drivers are described below in greater detail.

Makita TD020DSEW 7.2-Volt Impact Driver   Top Pick 
This is the best selling Makita impact driver on the market and it is also a showcase for the company's cutting edge proprietary technology. No other small tool deliver as much power or versatility as this little powerhouse. Read the full review here or check it out at Amazon.

Makita BTD141Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver Kit. Bare tool - Check Price
Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver delivers more torque with less weight to the jobsite. The versatile BTD141Z packs plenty of torque for a wide range of fastening and drilling tasks, yet it weighs just 3.4 pounds (with battery, sold separately) with an ergonomic design and a "one-touch" chuck for comfort and ease-of-use, all day long. The Makita-built 4-pole variable speed motor delivers 1,330 in.lbs. of Max Torque, with 2,300 RPM and 3,200 IPM

• Compact, ergonomic design at only 5-3/4 inches long; weighs just 3.4 lbs.
• Features such as a one-touch 1/4-inch hex chuck for easy bit insertion, a built-in L.E.D. light illuminates the work area, and a rugged tool belt clip
• Makita LXT Lithium-Ion battery and Energy Star rated 30-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger produces 430% total lifetime work with 2.5X more cycles

"...I've owned this Makita impact gun for over three years and still love it. I'm a professional carpenter/handyman and this tool by far is the one I use most. It's the most comfortable cordless drill I've ever handled (and I've owned at least seven). It will drive 3 inch screws into hardwood over and over. Squeeze the trigger and the light comes on.. a joy, especially during winter work days when it gets dark early. The small size gets you into tight places like narrow cabinets or under sinks..."

"...A friend of mine had this driver drill on a window installation job. After using it I went right out and bought my own. I do lots of handyman work and this is now my go-to drill that I reach for first. It's smaller and lighter than the full size Makita drill, but drives and drills as well or better than its big brother and takes the same battery packs..."

Makita BL1830 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Battery. Check price.
18V, 3.0AH, Lithium-ion Battery, Built In Memory Chip Memorizes The Usage History & Communicates With The Charger, Less Weight Lithium-ion Battery Weighs 40% Less Than Ni-MH Or Nickel Cadmium, Anytime Charge Lithium-ion Batteries Have No Memory Effect & Can Be Charged At Any Time, Charging Technology Controls Current, Voltage & Temperature To Maximize Battery Life.

Makita 6952 2.3 Amp Impact Driver.
Compact, versatile tool boasts the power to drive screws, fasten and drill. Variable speed trigger for total control of power. All-metal gears will last for many years. Cordless: No, Max. Torque (ft.-lbs.): 88, Impacts Per Minute (IPM): 3,100, Drive (in.): 1/4, Speed - No Load (RPM): 3,200, Reversible: Yes, Amps: 2.9, Case Included: Yes

• Powerful efficient impacting 88.5 ft.lbs. (1,062 in.lbs.)
• True variable speed (0-3,200 RPM) for controlled fastening.
• Compact design and weighs only 2.9 lbs.
• Externally accessible brushes for easy serviceability and dual ball bearings for longer tool life.
• Rubberized pistol grip for more comfort, control and reduced operator fatigue.

"...Its a great piece of equipment to have. The impact option allow's you to screws so much more ifficiently, without slipping or stripping the heads of screws. I have my own business as a finish carpenter, and I will tell you, thiss drill is the best drill that I own. Its not like a cordless, that dies all of the time, and only last a couple of years before it needs replacing. And if your wondering about putting regular drill bits, without the hex bottoms to it, you can purchase a 3/8 quick chuck to put on to the drill from makita..."

"...Pros:
- Ergonomics is very good - holding it in my palm is great.
- Weight distribution is great too - see the handle position in the middle of top part (it looks like a letter T with a handleslightly slanted). Handle in my Hitachi drill is almost at the end of top part. This causes drill part with chuck to go down when holding drill horizontally. This puts strain on my palms. No strains when using Makita. A pleasure to work with.
- Corded means I never have to worry about charging batteries and buying batteries (money saver)
- Made in Japan which means that it should last forever
- Lightweight - I believe it weighs less than a cordless impact driver
- Long cord - I believe it is 8 feet long
- Drives screws consistently thanks to 120V supply
- Well designed plastic case has plenty of space for cord and other accessories

Cons:
- Lack of LED light
- Cord can be sometimes in a way
- Expensive due to the fact that it was made in Japan (no regrets though)
- It has longer body compared to cordless impact driver - it might be difficult to fit between joists especially when driving long screws

Overall I am pleased with this Makita impact driver that drives 4" Philips decking screws quite nicely (I used 9/64" drill bit to drill pilot holes). I am pretty sure it will drive shorter screws much easier..."

For many handymen and tradespeople, the Makita Impact Driver is the first choice in power tools.

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