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Manufacturer: Makita

Our Makita tool reviews feature job site testing that uses real-world conditions. We test tools like the Makita X2 rear handle circular saw on both dimensional lumber and sheet goods. For products like the Makita 10″ cordless miter saw, we use 2×12 lumber to test the depth of cut and power. In terms of technology, the Makita AWS Auto-start Wireless System is among the most advanced Bluetooth control systems out there. It’s compatible with the newest Makita Track Saw, the Makita 18V X2 Brushless Angle Grinder, and their cordless vacuum. The system solves the problem of using cordless Makita tools with a cordless dust extractor. Also of note is the Makita Sync Lock system to program batteries and keep them from leaving the job site. Makita Tool Reviews with Job Site Testing The following Makita tool reviews use either in-house scientific baseline testing or we take them on-site. They might be used on a live construction site or in the PTR Shop. For great deals on Makita tools, visit here.

Makita 12V Max Lithium-Ion Recipro Saw Kit RJ01W Preview
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Makita RJ01W 12V Max Recipro Saw Kit Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Earlier this week we spied out some of Makita’s new 12V tools that had made it to the UK market and wondered how quickly, if ever, they would make it to our shores. Turns out the first product didn’t take very long. Makita just released its new Makita 12V Max Lithium-Ion Recipro Saw Kit (model RJ01W). This is a new one-handed reciprocating saw that gives you power in a compact package to accomplish all sorts of tasks. What’s more, Makita is also offering the new saw as part of a 2-piece combo kit (model LCT212W) where it’s bundled with a 12V max Lithium-Ion 3/8″ Driver-Drill.

Makita JV100 12V Lithium-ion jigsaw
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New Makita 12V Compact Tools on the Horizon

by Clint DeBoer

While what Makita is doing in the UK may not reflect a direct transfer to the tools is releases in the US, it does perk us up to see a suite of new 10.8V (that’s 12V to you and me) cordless lithium-ion tools come out of nowhere. In particular, a new jigsaw, reciprocating saw, tile cutter and even a compact site radio, have joined a line-up which already includes drill drivers, an impact driver, an impact wrench, an 3-3/8″ circular saw and vacuum cleaner. In the U, the range also includes the ‘Pink Drill’, the special edition 12V drill driver marketed to support the Breast Cancer Care charity with a donation from Makita for every unit sold (though in the US they merely dressed up their 2011 Supercross sponsor in pink, not their drill).

Makita 192972-4 Dust Collecting Cutting Guard with Shoe
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Makita 192972-4 Dust Collecting Cutting Guard with Shoe

by Clint DeBoer

Concrete cutting is easy. Concrete cutting with a tool that is lightweight and compact is tougher. Concrete cutting with such a tool and adequate dust collection to avoid nasty environmental rules fines – well, that’s another story altogether. Makita worked on that this week when it released two new dust extraction solutions for concrete and masonry contractors. The new Dust Collecting Cutting Guard with Shoe (model 192972-4) works with Makita’s 4-1/2″ and 5-inch Grinders. The Cutting Guard is ideal for a host of concrete and masonry applications, including cutting tile, concrete cutting, and brick – as well as specialized uses like tuck pointing and cutting expansion joints. The new Cutting Guard is made to be used alongside Makita’s (or other manufacturers’) vacuum systems and really provides significant dust extraction on the jobsite. Particularly in light of new Lead Safe rules, this is becoming more and more of an issue with older commercial buildings as well as residential homes.

Makita 18V LXDT01 Brushless Motor Impact Driver Kit Preview
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Makita LXDT01 18V Brushless Impact Driver Kit Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Makita has just released its newest 18V LXT product, the Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-Speed Brushless Motor Impact Driver. That’s a mouthful, but the name is also incredible informative. First off, you know it’s a Makita, so it’s built by pros, for pros. On top of that, it utilizes a brushless motor – and that really brings the level of build quality and power capability to a new level. Brushless motor technology has proven to provide a ton more usable torque in tools like hammer drills and impact drivers and wrenches. While brushless technology isn’t new, even for Makita, the company’s new LXDT01 impact driver is built to be both powerful and efficient. So efficient, in fact, that it gets up to 20% longer battery life per charge.

Makita LXFD01 18V LXT Cordless 1/2" Driver-Drill Kit Preview
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Makita LXFD01 18V LXT Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill Kit Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Makita optimized their power-to-weight ratio with its new LXFD01 18V LXT Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill. This Li-ion powered drill is actually based on the company’s BDF452 18 volt Lithium-Ion driver-drill, except that they altered three things. They made it more powerful. Next, they cut off some weight. Lastly, they trimmed some off the length to make it shorter. How this worked out is that Makita was able to add 30 more in-lbs of torque, take off 0.2 pounds of weight, and reduce the length by 7/16 of an inch. Those numbers aren’t exactly stunning, but considering the popularity of its former tool, any improvement is going to be well-received by seasoned Makita users. 6WZV5TB6VEMN

Makita LCT307W 12V Cordless Combo Kit Review
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Makita LCT307W 12V Cordless Combo Kit Review

by Clint DeBoer

The Makita LCT307W 12V Cordless Combo Kit contains some very light and compact tools. Compared with typical competing portable drills, the included FD01W measures only 6 inches from hex chuck to back – and the DT01W Impact Driver is nearly the same. This really makes these Makita tools much more accessible to tight spaces. On both tools, the built-in LED light illuminates with just a touch of the trigger and proved to be very bright and helpful. Under our test conditions where we intentionally worked in tight (and thus dark) quarters, both the Makita Driver-Drill and Impact Driver were great tools.

Makita HM0870C 11 lb Demolition Hammer Preview
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Makita HM0870C 11 lb Demolition Hammer Preview

by Clint DeBoer

At the 2011 World of Concrete (WoC) show this year, Makita unleashed a new hard hitting demolition hammer that uses less weight to accomplish more. The demo hammer, which accepts SDS-Max bits, weighs only 11.1 lbs. and is ideally suited for horizontal work and jobs where you just don’t want to lift a heavier hammer off the ground. The new tool comes with an Electronic Speed Control that automatically applies additional power to the motor to maintain speed under load to complete the most challenging jobs. It also features a soft start motor to suppress start-up reaction and current draw for more control and better accuracy.

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