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But needed a smaller drill for tight places. I already have a 5pc. full sized Makita set. This compact drill is better than most of the other brand, full sized drills.It's strong & durable. Makita makes the best tools-period.
I bought this drill as a Christmas present for my girlfriend who is responsible for maintenance at four large libraries. She had DeWalt or Ryobi in mind so when she opened the box, I heard, "Wow, a drill - Mikata. 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. 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.
I gave it a lot of use, but I expected a more durable tool (my Porter-Cable drill lasted over ten years). After the batteries for my Porter-Cable cordless drill wouldn't hold a charge, I figured that it was time for a new one. The drill is light weight and easy to handle, but it cannot hold up to the rigors of real use. This drill looked like a good choice based on reviews and my perception that Makita makes good stuff. Well, the drill lasted 3 months. 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.
But also, occasionally I do some construction type work on a ladder and the larger batteries are almost a must here. Hence, I have a set of both battery types to match the project I am working on.
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.
I've only used this drill for about 30 hours over a 3 month span. Unfortunately, using the larger and heavier BL-1830 batteries make the drill heavier and also somewhat out of balance in the hand.
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.
I do smaller craft like projects on the ground and the smaller batteries are nice for these. You don't want to run up and down a ladder or scaffold every five or ten minutes to change a battery.
With more than one tool, if one breaks you're not shutdown. 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 toolI keep reading about power, and this or that drill has a few foot pounds more torque, etc. It's available as an optional accessory. 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.
Get a good dewalt screw gun, they don't cost that much. Couldn't they just charge.50 more for the drill and include it. 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. Use an impact driver.You occassionally use a hammer drill. With lots of extra unuseable space in between. STUPID move on makita's part - (and why I rate it at 4 stars, not 5)2).
I never looked for one because I just assumed it was there. Why the )(#*$)(*#$ can't makita include a screwdriver bit holder. 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. I will update if that changes.I do have some MINOR complaints.1). 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.
The case is very nice on the outside - but open it up and it's pretty cheezy. Who doesn't want more tools.Bottom line: Buy this drill. 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. So far I've been very happy with my purchase of this drill. 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. 1).
Instead of having one tool that's ok at everything, you'll have several tools that are perfect for different applications.2). It's a fantastic drill driver. Granted, I like that they give you a belt clip - but I consider a bit holder a given. 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. Here's my two cents: It's got PLENTY of power. 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. 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).
They're both great.
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