Makita BDF452HW 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Driver-Drill Kit
by Makita
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List Price: Our Price: $199.99 You Save: $178.01 (47%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $149.00 (click here) Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Makita BDF452HW 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Driver-Drill Kit
Customer Review: A Huge Surprise!!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this drill as a Christmas present for my girlfriend who is responsible for maintenance at four large libraries. I did a lot of research before buying it - she needed a HIGH volume, HIGH efficiency, HIGHLY durable drill because it gets used on a daily basis. She also needed a lightweight drill and was very specific about the total weight that she wanted. She had DeWalt or Ryobi in mind so when she opened the box, I heard, "Wow, a drill - Mikata? Hmmmmmmmm" I of course launched into the internet reviews and why I had chosen this drill,the whole time thinking I was going to have to return it - HOWEVER, I received a phone call a few days later....when I answered, all I heard was, "I LOVE THIS DRILL" - apparently every review I had read was correct. In addition, she trotted to Home Depot and perused the other available items in that line......so, it looks like a new follower has been born.
The only negative thing she has said about it at all is that it doesn't have a magnetic block on it to hold screws - but then she quickly added that she LOVED the light feature so was willing to sacrifice and hold screws in her pocket.
Customer Review: lightweight build for a lightweight tool
Summary: 1 Stars
After the batteries for my Porter-Cable cordless drill wouldn't hold a charge, I figured that it was time for a new one. This drill looked like a good choice based on reviews and my perception that Makita makes good stuff. Well, the drill lasted 3 months. I gave it a lot of use, but I expected a more durable tool (my Porter-Cable drill lasted over ten years). The drill is light weight and easy to handle, but it cannot hold up to the rigors of real use. We will see what the warranty service people will do for me. Until then, I have rebuilt the batteries for my Porter-Cable and it is still going strong.Customer Review: Very Nice Drill
Summary: 5 Stars
I've only used this drill for about 30 hours over a 3 month span. It has nice torque for a drill of this size and weight and excellent balance in the hand. This is nice if you use it a lot at one time. The smaller BL-1815 batteries really don't last very long. If you intend on using the drill for extended periods, you will probably opt for the BL-1830 3.0 Ah batteries. Unfortunately, using the larger and heavier BL-1830 batteries make the drill heavier and also somewhat out of balance in the hand. Hence, I have a set of both battery types to match the project I am working on. I do smaller craft like projects on the ground and the smaller batteries are nice for these. But also, occasionally I do some construction type work on a ladder and the larger batteries are almost a must here. You don't want to run up and down a ladder or scaffold every five or ten minutes to change a battery.Customer Review: So far so good - a few minor complaints
Summary: 4 Stars
So far I've been very happy with my purchase of this drill. I will update if that changes.
I do have some MINOR complaints.
1.) Why the )(#*$)(*#$ can't makita include a screwdriver bit holder???? It's available as an optional accessory. Granted, I like that they give you a belt clip - but I consider a bit holder a given. I never looked for one because I just assumed it was there. Couldn't they just charge .50 more for the drill and include it???? STUPID move on makita's part - (and why I rate it at 4 stars, not 5)
2.) The case is very nice on the outside - but open it up and it's pretty cheezy. I often complain about tool cases being way too small - too small to get power cords in - but now I get this cordless tool and the case is too big for the drill - and a little tight in the charger holding area that HAS a wire. With lots of extra unuseable space in between. A minor complaint/annoyance, and it really doesn't matter - but just one of those small things that I wish they'd paid a little more attention to.
Having said all that about this tool - I have to comment on some of the reviews about this tool
I keep reading about power, and this or that drill has a few foot pounds more torque, etc.
Here's my two cents: It's got PLENTY of power. I'm a firm believer in using the right tool for the job, and this drill is the right tool for all the jobs you'd expect to use a cordless drill for.
You COULD use a cordless to mix up bucket after bucket of thinset, but why would you? This one could do it in a pinch if you're at a site with no power, but for the 99% of the time you have power available, the right tool for that job has a power cord.
You COULD use a cordless to drive huge lag screws into pressure treated beams, but again, why would you? Use an impact driver.
You occassionally use a hammer drill? Do you really want to be lugging one around when 90% of your work is drilling 1/2" holes in 2x4's?
Lots of decking? Get a good dewalt screw gun, they don't cost that much. Don't use a drill/driver.
I could go on and on - but the bottom line is that this drill is an excellent choice for what a cordless drill is meant to be: an all around driver and drill for average drilling and driving tasks.
Don't fool yourself into thinking you can buy one tool that will be perfect for all jobs. You will clearly have to give something up somewhere, no matter what choice you make.
Yes, you CAN spend a lot more and buy a drill with more power, or with the hammer drill ability, but in my humble opinion you'd be much better off buying this drill and a nice corded milwaukee hammer drill - or getting the makita set with this drill and an impact driver if you want to drive big screws and bolts.
Doing it this way may cost you a few extra dollars, but you'll be much better off than spending almost as much on one "do all" tool.
1.) Instead of having one tool that's ok at everything, you'll have several tools that are perfect for different applications.
2.) With more than one tool, if one breaks you're not shutdown. Most of the tools give you a little overlap in capability - so you're still able to work until you can replace the dead one.
3.) Who doesn't want more tools?
Bottom line: Buy this drill. It's a fantastic drill driver. It's fairly priced - pay less and you'll get less - pay more and you should have used the extra on other more specialized tools.
If like me you're trying to decide between this and the bosch at the same price - flip a coin and go with it - you'll be just as happy with either tool. They're both great.
Customer Review: this thing sucks
Summary: 1 Stars
2 days after i got it the motor fried. i had a dewalt that lasted me 5 years and this 2 days so you do the math i would rather get a dewalt