Makita has built a solid reputation in equipment making industry and boasts an impressive line up of drill kits. The Makita 18V LXT cordless drill is engineered for applications in both metal and wood. It comes with the innovative Makita lithium-ion batteries with fast charging capability and extended battery life. Its sleek design, variable speed, and torque make it a contender for the best 18v cordless drill in the market.
(See our top 3 best cordless drills review)
Key Cordless Drill Features
A built-in Makita four pole motor that churns out 480 in-lbs of torque
A Makita 18-volt lithium battery with star protection technology
A 3-year limited manufacturer warranty
Includes a ½ inch driver for drilling in compact spaces
Pros
• An ergonomic design makes it comfortable in hand and easy to use
• The Makita lithium-ion batteries have superb battery life and fast charging
• Its lightweight nature makes it very portable
Cons
• The item is quite pricey for its class
FAQs about the Makita 18v cordless drill
Q: What is included in the product’s toolkit?
A: In the box, you’ll find the cordless drill driver, a Makita lithium-ion battery and the charger.
Q: Is this cordless drill compatible with other Makita powered batteries such as the 4Ah battery?
A: Yes. Makita does an excellent job in enabling their drill kits to be compatible with other Makita lithium ion batteries. However, the more the amp per hour the heavier the tool will be.
Q: How much does this impact driver weigh?
A: The tool weighs about 3.4 lbs. with the battery
My view on this cordless drill
At 3 lbs. Its quite manageable and can be used for extended periods without getting fatigue. Its four pole motor delivers up to 480 inch-pound of torque making it a capable performer when drilling wood workpieces. With an inbuilt LED feature, you can now work in the dark with minimal hassles. The class-leading battery technology coupled with Makita’s star protection technology makes this tool the best 18v cordless drill regarding battery efficiency. DIYers and professionals will love this tool.
The basics of the Makita 18v lxt cordless drill driver
This driller has a variable 2-speed design that is suitable for a multitude of applications such as drilling, driving, and fastening. The impact drill is engineered using the extreme protection technology to provide added resistance to water and dust when working in harsh site conditions. Its 2/2Ah lithium-ion powered batteries boast the fastest charging times in the industry. At 7-3/4 inches long and weighing only 3.4 lbs this driller has a compact and ergonomic design that is great when working in tight spaces.
Features explained in detail
• Variable 2- speed design: This driller features two-speed transmission configuration (0-600 RPM and 0-1900 RPM) for high-speed performance.
• Torque: for professionals and DIYers who want to do some heavy drilling, the Makita 18v driller with its 4 pole motor delivers up to 480 in-lb. of torque.
• Star protection technology: the star protection technology facilitates real-time exchange of data between the battery and the tool as well as monitoring conditions to prevent overheating and over-discharging.
• Variable controls: with this impact drill, you have the option to adjust the speed and LED lighting for better performance
Accessories
Makita’s accessories include the 18v lithium ion battery, an optimum charger, and a carrying bag.
Maintenance
Thanks to the extreme protection technology, this compact drill will serve a long time even in the toughest of environments. Makita also provides a 3-year warranty in case of defective workmanship.
Who can use this cordless drill?
Professional woodworkers, carpenters, and plumbers who engage in both large-scale and small-scale projects will enjoy this tool. The instructions on how to use and maintain the equipment are easy to follow making it an ideal tool for both DIYers and hobbyists.
Shortcomings of this impact drill
One of the biggest shortcomings of this drill is the tendency of its chuck to loosen after an extended period of use. Other than that, the Makita 18v cordless drill is still a fantastic tool.
How it compares to other compact drills
Both units have an 18-volt lithium-powered battery. However, Makita’s star-powered technology gives it an edge in both charging times and battery life.
Makita vs. DeWalt
The major difference between these two manufacturers lies in the voltage. Dewalt’s cordless drills pack 20 volts compared to Makita’s 18 volts. A 3-year warranty is standard in both models.
What user’s day about the unit
A majority of users are impressed by the unit’s compact design and lightweight nature. The devices superb battery performance coupled with its LED lighting have endeared it to many professionals. All in all, reviewers seem to consider the Makita 18V cordless drill a capable handyman tool.
Final thoughts
If you are looking for a best-in-class cordless drill that is capable of driving, drilling and fastening in tight spaces then the Makita 18-Volt cordless drill might be the tool for you. I would recommend it to anyone.