10Best.Guide

Makita Tools

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Excellent quality and accuracy
  • Compatible with Festool's dust extraction and guide rail systems
  • Smooth slider to use
  • Nearly 100% dust-free when connected to a vacuum
  • Cuts a perfectly straight line
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Metric scale on the depth gauge requires conversion sticker to be placed on saw when using
Bottom Line
The Makita track saw is a high-quality, accurate, and smooth tool that is compatible with Festool's dust extraction and guide rail systems. It is expensive but worth the investment for those who need precise cuts. However, potential buyers should be aware of the metric scale on the depth gauge, the initial cut required on the track, and the possibility of a warped base upon receipt.
Pros
  • Fits hand well
  • Strong Makita batteries
  • No tool head/blade changes
  • Well-balanced
  • Performs well on various materials
Cons
  • Does not work with all Fein accessories
  • No light
Bottom Line
The Makita multi-tool is a strong and robust tool that performs well on various materials. It is practical and capable, good for weird spots and difficult cuts, and has a quick tool change. However, it does not work with all Fein accessories, has no light, and may shut off on harder wood. It is heavier than similar products and the blade changeout procedure is not intuitive.
Pros
  • Good price for home use
  • Quieter than conventional saws
  • Lighter and more maneuverable than corded saws
  • Flexible and powerful
  • Easy to make very precise cuts
Cons
  • Does not work with older Makita tools
  • Blade guard is plastic and can break easily
Bottom Line
This Makita cordless circular saw is a good option for homeowners and DIYers who need a lightweight and maneuverable saw for light duty work. However, it may not be suitable for heavy duty work or cutting straight lines along a rail. Buyers should also be aware of compatibility issues with older Makita tools and the plastic blade guard that can break easily.
Pros
  • Great for extruded aluminum
  • Has bits up through M8 by the half millimeter
  • Chews through soft metals and woods without problem
  • Incredible value
  • Good assortment of bits
Cons
  • Countersink bit doesn't cut as cleanly
  • Not impact rated
Bottom Line
This Makita drill and driver bit set has a great assortment of bits and is an incredible value. However, some of the bits have quality issues and the case design is not ideal.
Pros
  • Lightweight and convenient for tight spaces.
  • Very powerful and delicate.
  • Excellent product that works well.
  • Easy to handle and surprisingly powerful.
  • Fast and powerful with multi-speeds.
Cons
  • Stopped working from a minor drop.
  • Tool arrived dirty and resealed.
Bottom Line
The Makita impact drill is a powerful and convenient tool that is easy to handle and has multi-speeds. However, it may not be durable enough for drops and some customers have received dirty or incomplete packages.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Makita Tools: Types, Features, Prices, and More

Overview

Makita is a well-known brand in the power tools industry, offering a wide range of corded and cordless tools for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right Makita tool for your needs. This buying guide will help you understand the different types of Makita tools, key considerations to keep in mind when making a purchase, and the features to look for. We'll also provide pricing information, tips for using your Makita tools effectively, and answers to some frequently asked questions.

Types

Makita offers a variety of power tools, including:

1. Drills - Makita drills come in corded and cordless options, with various speeds, torque, and chuck sizes. Some models also include hammer action for drilling into masonry.

2. Impact drivers - Makita impact drivers are designed for driving screws and bolts quickly and efficiently. They come in corded and cordless options, with high torque and variable speed settings.

3. Circular saws - Makita circular saws are available in corded and cordless options, with different blade sizes and cutting capacities. Some models also include a laser guide for precision cutting.

4. Jigsaws - Makita jigsaws are ideal for cutting curves and intricate shapes. They come in corded and cordless options, with variable speed settings and orbital action.

5. Reciprocating saws - Makita reciprocating saws are designed for cutting through wood, metal, and other materials quickly. They come in corded and cordless options, with variable speed settings and different blade lengths.

6. Angle grinders - Makita angle grinders are ideal for cutting, grinding, and polishing metal and other materials. They come in corded and cordless options, with different disc sizes and variable speed settings.

7. Rotary hammers - Makita rotary hammers are designed for drilling into concrete and masonry. They come in corded and cordless options, with different impact energy levels and drilling capacities.

8. Demolition hammers - Makita demolition hammers are ideal for breaking up concrete and other tough materials. They come in corded and cordless options, with different impact energy levels and vibration reduction technology.

9. Planers - Makita planers are designed for smoothing out rough surfaces on wood and other materials. They come in corded and cordless options, with different cutting depths and blade widths.

10. Routers - Makita routers are ideal for cutting and shaping wood and other materials. They come in corded and cordless options, with different speed settings and collet sizes.

11. Sanders - Makita sanders are designed for smoothing out surfaces and removing paint and other coatings. They come in corded and cordless options, with different sanding pads and variable speed settings.

12. Multi-tools - Makita multi-tools are versatile tools that can be used for sanding, cutting, grinding, and other tasks. They come in corded and cordless options, with different attachments and variable speed settings.

13. Combo kits - Makita combo kits include multiple tools in one package, providing a cost-effective way to purchase several tools at once.

Key Considerations

When choosing a Makita tool, consider the following key factors:

1. Power source - Corded tools provide consistent power but require a nearby outlet, while cordless tools offer more flexibility but may have limited battery life.

2. Intended use - Consider the tasks you'll be using the tool for and choose a model that's designed for that purpose.

3. Ergonomics - Look for tools that are comfortable to hold and use, with good weight distribution and anti-vibration technology.

4. Price - Makita tools range in price from budget-friendly to high-end professional models, so consider your budget when making a purchase.

Features

Some features to look for when choosing a Makita tool include:

1. Lithium-ion batteries - Makita's lithium-ion batteries offer longer run time, faster charging, and better performance than traditional Ni-Cd batteries.

2. Brushless motors - Brushless motors provide longer tool life, higher torque, and more efficient power usage than brushed motors.

3. Variable speed settings - Variable speed settings allow you to adjust the tool's speed to match the task at hand.

4. Torque and RPM - Look for tools with high torque and RPM ratings for more efficient and effective performance.

5. Cutting capacity - Consider the tool's cutting capacity, such as blade size or cutting depth, to ensure it can handle the tasks you have in mind.

6. Dust collection - Some Makita tools include dust collection features to keep your work area clean and safe.

Prices

Makita tools range in price depending on the model and features. Here are some approximate price ranges for different types of Makita tools:

1. Drills - $50 to $300

2. Impact drivers - $50 to $300

3. Circular saws - $100 to $400

4. Jigsaws - $100 to $300

5. Reciprocating saws - $100 to $400

6. Angle grinders - $50 to $300

7. Rotary hammers - $150 to $600

8. Demolition hammers - $200 to $1,000

9. Planers - $150 to $400

10. Routers - $100 to $400

11. Sanders - $50 to $300

12. Multi-tools - $100 to $300

13. Combo kits - $200 to $1,000

Tips

Here are some tips for using your Makita tools effectively:

1. Read the manual - Make sure you understand how to operate the tool safely and effectively.

2. Use the right accessories - Use the appropriate blades, bits, or attachments for the task at hand.

3. Wear safety gear - Always wear eye and ear protection, as well as gloves and a dust mask if necessary.

4. Maintain your tools - Keep your tools clean and well-maintained to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

FAQs

Q: Are Makita tools good quality?

A: Yes, Makita is a well-respected brand in the power tools industry, known for producing high-quality and reliable tools.

Q: Are Makita tools expensive?

A: Makita tools range in price from budget-friendly to high-end professional models, so there are options for every budget.

Q: Can I use Makita batteries with other brands of tools?

A: No, Makita batteries are only compatible with Makita tools.

Q: How long do Makita batteries last?

A: The battery life of Makita tools varies depending on the model and usage, but most lithium-ion batteries provide longer run time and faster charging than traditional Ni-Cd batteries.

Q: Can I use a cordless Makita tool for heavy-duty tasks?

A: Yes, Makita offers cordless tools with high torque and impact energy levels that can handle heavy-duty tasks.

Q: What is the warranty on Makita tools?

A: Makita tools come with a one-year warranty, but some models may have longer warranties.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Works perfectly for fence repair and cutting fence rails.
  • Cuts like a dream with a good sharp blade.
  • Ergonomics are excellent.
  • Light weight and portable.
  • Rugged, powerful, and quick and easy to change blades.
Cons
  • Does not come with a blade.
  • Heavier than some corded saws.
Bottom Line
The Makita reciprocating saw is a powerful and portable tool that is perfect for fence repair, cutting fence rails, and other heavy-duty tasks. However, it can be heavy, eat batteries quickly, and lacks a blade. Buyers should consider purchasing extra batteries and blades to ensure they have enough power and cutting ability.
Pros
  • Lightweight and compact
  • No annoying cord
  • More powerful than corded Skilsaw
  • All metal parts
  • Brushless motor
Cons
  • Warranty repair takes a long time
  • Motor housing on the right side
Bottom Line
The Makita XSH03Z circular saw is a lightweight and compact saw that is more powerful than a corded Skilsaw. It has all metal parts and a brushless motor that runs cooler and longer battery life. However, the warranty repair takes a long time, the motor housing is on the right side, and the base plate can be knocked out of alignment or wobbles making it impossible to make a straight cut.
Pros
  • Uses common 5" disks
  • Powerful with large oscillation pattern
  • Doesn't cause discomfort
  • Cordless with long battery life
  • Little to no dust
Cons
  • Feels slow on fastest setting
  • Lacks power for removing large amounts of material
Bottom Line
The Makita cordless random orbital sander is a powerful and convenient tool for finish work, but may not be suitable for heavy material removal. It has good ergonomics and long battery life, but some users may find it difficult to hold and operate efficiently.
Pros
  • Fast cutting speed
  • Easy blade change
  • High-quality and long-lasting tool
  • Plenty of power
  • Good for tree trimming and cutting close to the ground
Cons
  • Heavy
  • Overheats quickly
Bottom Line
The Makita brushless reciprocating saw is a powerful and durable tool that is great for cutting through a variety of materials. However, it is heavy, prone to overheating, and has some issues with the quick release blade and battery life.
Pros
  • Good for light duty tasks
  • Portable and easy to move around
  • Works well for general automotive work
  • Affordable
  • Good for removing various bolts
Cons
  • Underpowered for heavy-duty tasks
  • Struggles with removing head bolts, main bolts, and exhaust manifold bolts
Bottom Line
The Makita XWT15ZB is a good option for light-duty tasks and general automotive work. It is portable, affordable, and can remove various bolts and lug nuts with some effort. However, it may struggle with heavy-duty tasks and may require some help from PB Blaster or heat. It is not as powerful as some other models, but it is a good option for those who need a reliable and affordable impact wrench for home use.
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