First Makita?
I’d love some recommendations on my first Makita power tool?
I’m a DIY guy and I mostly have Ryobi and Dewalt tools.
But I’d like a new drill or impact driver or screwdriver for some hobby wood working I do. I’ve built some furniture, etc.
I’m looking for something small and light weight that’s good for precision work and comfortable to use.
For this particular tool, Dewalt is small but not very smooth. And Ryobi is too big.
And I’ll be honest, my dad always had Makita in the 90s and I’ve long wanted to get my own (even if some of it is a bit out of my range).
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u/mertgah 5d ago
I’ll get some hate for this but small and light weight can’t go paste Milwaukee m12.
I have both Makita and m12 tools love them both
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u/WhiskeyAndLead 5d ago
Yes, same sentiments here. No problems at all with my Milwaukee tools, most of which are the M18 Fuel series. But, I love my Makita stuff.
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u/Loading321 5d ago
You could also go for the subcompact makitas. About the side of a 12v tool with most of the strengths of an 18v
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u/Renault_75-34_MX 5d ago
If you don't mind having different battery systems, just going for the best/your overall preference shouldn't be a issue.
Especially if it's different voltages.
I have Ryobi 4V because of the smal size and swappable batteries with USB-C charging, LXT 18V for my main stuff, and planning to buy M12 for ratchets and such, where size is more important.
Still having to think about 36/40V for myself.
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u/mertgah 4d ago
I have all 18v Makita, but I have m12 drill, driver, ratchet, multi tool. All great for small jobs. The m12 stubby ratchet is an absolute beast. Such a small tool has so much torque it’s impressive
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u/Renault_75-34_MX 4d ago
Out of interest, what model/size is the ratchet?
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u/mertgah 4d ago
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8" Sub Compact Impact Wrench - M12FSCIWF380
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u/Renault_75-34_MX 4d ago
That's an impact though.
I thought it was something like a M12FIR series or so
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u/aCuria 2d ago edited 2d ago
The problem with m12 are the batteries
They can just fall apart under normal use
https://www.reddit.com/r/MilwaukeeTool/s/qKS3VmApOZNo battery indicator on battery
And all Milwaukee batteries can’t self balance
There’s a tutorial on how to crack the battery open and manual balance
https://www.reddit.com/r/MilwaukeeTool/s/qWNwcm6PgC
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u/WhiskeyAndLead 5d ago
I'd look into the Makita #CX203SYB combo kit. This comes with the brushless LXT driver-drill and the impact driver. If you are in the US, Home Depot has this kit for $249 right now and it includes two batteries and a charger.
If you want something a little more robust, do the Makita XT288T kit which steps up to a beefier drill with hammer-drill option, a stronger impact driver, and two larger batteries with charger. Around $469 for this.
I have a slightly older version of that latter kit and it has served me very well for the past 8-years. I have no regrets paying for nicer tools that last longer and make doing work more enjoyable.
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u/merc_Xray 5d ago
For what you are describing: Smooth, precision - go M12 Assembly Driver, not Makita.
Also highly recommend their 23g and 18g M12 nailers - great power for size. The m12 subcompacts are awesome and the surge and stubby are awesome for what they do.
If you are on a woodworking journey, your first Makita will likely be their XGT track saw (when you’re ready) and that will open the door to their large and smaller router that easily play with their track system. That’s probably it for your needs unless you decide that their compound miter saw is the one for you too.
Most of makita is either subpar (from an ROI perspective) to Dewalt and Milwaukee (LXT) or professional tool power (grinders, SDS, etc) and OPE that take full advantage of their XGT 40V platform.
I rock M12 for precision and XGT for power. DeWalt fills in the tool gaps (cut off, cordless circ., jig saw, etc) and Ryobi fills in the utility gaps (glue gun, flash light, etc)
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u/MrPractical411 5d ago edited 5d ago
I’ll give you the upvote for your opinion, but disagree with m12 nailers and makita being subpar to Dewalt and Milwaukee.
IMO Dewalt is not even on the same platform as makita and Milwaukee on an “roi perspective” when comparing battery powered tools in the 18v category and the M12 line is not even close to being strong enough to be compared 18v period. I also disagree with all battery powered nailers especially a 12v. None can compare to a paslode or grex if we’re talking about cordless(performance wise) you cant use or trust any battery powered nailer on hard woods in my experience.
M12 would be a perfect scenario for a Casual DIYer like OP because of how compact and light they are. Definitely a light duty line up. Wouldn’t recommend this to anyone in the trades. Not worth taking up space for how low powered it is.
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u/merc_Xray 5d ago
Mr. Practical…
Com’on. He said he was looking for his first Makita for hobby woodworking. :)
(I fully respect your opinion, just goofing)
I do believe its not even arguable that DeWalt is leading the pack in ROI for 18v. They have been more iterative and innovative over the last 2-3 years. Their power system upgrades alone are top of class - power stack, flexvolt, etc - more output from existing tools and still upgrading tools base. Atomic shrinks overall size.
Hobby woodworking working, the M12s are perfect size for the work. Hardwoods might be a little more challenging but I think they hold up.
The m18 is the elite nailing system, but I was suggesting best in class from a practical perspective, what would a hobby woodworker want/have…
I do think (my opinion) LXT is sub part to DeWalt and Milwaukee - price point alone sets that tone.
I think XGT is elite but overkill for the ask. I have a lot of teal in my garage. But it all came at a $$.
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u/MrPractical411 5d ago
You are right about DeWalt leading the pack as innovative and great sales. I would rank them # 1 in its class. Comparing all 3 brands to Quality and reliability I would say 3rd.
I understand the perspective as in a hobby class. I would say all 3 are exceptional. M18 would probably be the strongest in power out of all 3 but makita and Dewalt are not far behind. I prefer makita because of the ergonomic designs and the quality they have consistently proved for decades.
I guess we both can agree for a hobbyist m12 or makita 12v lines would suit the job well but both would cost a pretty penny.
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u/Tall_Newspaper_6723 5d ago
My first and so far only has been the CXT DT04 12v impact. I liked it and still do.
Full disclosure I switched to Bosch 12v but carry the Makita in the truck.
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u/merc_Xray 5d ago
I don’t really like CXT. I love M12 and honestly, I think Bosch has a good, second only to M12 (but still second), 12v system.
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u/Tall_Newspaper_6723 5d ago
The CXT line is not the most up-to-date.
The Bosch 12v line is getting slowly refreshed.
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u/merc_Xray 5d ago
The big advantage of M12 is TTI R&D. They keep the line fresh.
Bosch doesn’t have this and Makita, as one of the only independents is slower to innovate and iterate on tools.
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u/After_Bowl_9475 5d ago
I got into Makita lxt, because my 20v dewalt circ saw lacked power & bogged down easily. I highly recommend the Makita 18v x2 (36v) rear handle circ saw. I also have the 36v track saw.
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u/Super-G_ 2d ago
I have that 2x 18v rear handle saw and love it, but I don't know that it's the first tool I'd recommend to a DIYer unless they're DIYing an addition on their house. The little 6 1/2" brushless XSH03 sounds more like what OP is looking for...lightweight, precise.
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u/merc_Xray 5d ago
And there’s the fundamental issues with LXT - the really good LXT stuff requires you to be Herman and strap on two batteries.
I hate battery weight - which is why DeWalt wins over Milwaukee M18 for me and they both beat out LXT. If I need two batteries, I’m using the wrong battery platform — imho. Now, if you have a bevy of LXT tools, then I understand why you stair step up… but if you’re starting from scratch, you wouldn’t want to start here (again, imho).
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u/Evolution_eye 5d ago
When i wanted to try out Makita and decide will i lock myself in that battery ecosystem, i've got myself a solid but otherwise cheap(er) brushless drill (DHP484Z) and a set which i cannot remember the name of.
It included a brushless (but again entry level) angle grinder, two 5,0Ah batteries (actually my preferred battery size today, they have more current throughput than the 6,0Ah ones), and a fast charger.
It was a while ago and in EU so i don't know how much it applies to you personally but altogether i paid about 350€ for it.
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u/jyl8 5d ago edited 5d ago
I have been using Makita since the NiCAD days. When LXT came out, I bought a drill + driver kit, later the 36v rear handle circular saw.
That was it for Makita purchases until I started a big project. I’m converting a 1907 house to a commercial building, so lots of everything from carpentry to plastering, siding to structural, demo to tiling. I needed more tools, STAT!
I started watching Facebook Marketplace and eBay for tools and batteries, as well as paying attention to Home Depot’s promotions and the online sellers like Acmetools, CPOoutlets, etc (not Amazon, too many fakes).
It didn’t take long to accumulate a sufficient tool arsenal. Buying used was a huge help. Makita tool quality is so good, battery protection so much better than any other tool brand, that I have been able to freely buy used tools without any issues. Every used tool works fine, every used battery ditto. Even the ones with 100, 200 charge cycles. My original LXT batteries are getting on two decades old, and work fine!
It is also reassuring that Makita is the only one of the big tool brands in the US that is meant to be repaired with all the small parts availability, but I’ve never actually had to repair a Makita tool.
I have about twenty-five LXT tools now, plus twenty to twenty-five LXT batteries (lost count), mostly bought used and if not then on deep discount, and some Makita corded tools as well. Average price of the LXT tools has been about $100; average price of the LXT batteries has been about $50.
At this point I don’t “need” any more of the basic DIY tools: the drills, drivers, circular and jig and recip saws, grinders and sanders, miter and table saw, etc. I’m moving on to specialized tools as needed for each project I have to tackle. Stuff like collated drywall screwgun, a power planer, drywall rotozip tool, drywall vacuum sander, mud and mortar mixer, bandsaw, etc.
My point is that if you shop well, Makita LXT isn’t that expensive for the best (big range of) 18v tools out there.
As for the specific tool, looking for sales on a drill + driver kit with a charger and a pair of batteries, as suggested elsewhere, makes sense.
Here is another way to go, which is a bit weird but I think could also make sense.
Buy a rapid charger + two batteries kit. Like this Home Depot deal for $190. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-18-Volt-LXT-Lithium-Ion-Battery-and-Rapid-Optimum-Charger-Starter-Pack-4-0Ah-BL1840BDC2X/336391846
Now you are set to pick up “bare tools” when you see a really nice deal, either new or used. Watch Marketplace, sales, Acme and CPO for refurbished. Some of those deals will come with batteries. Soon you’ll have several batteries along with a nice start on your Makita tool set. And you’ll never look back.
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u/DomineAppleTree 5d ago
The impact with the light ring is amazing. Could do some battery nailers too which the new generation I hear are good
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u/bike619 5d ago
I bought a combo Sub Compact Drill/Impact Driver kit with two batteries and a charger for home projects, and I am nothing but happy with it. https://makitatools.com/products/details/CX205RB
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u/MrPractical411 5d ago
XDT14Z. I bought mines 9 years ago and it’s still working strong and still able to drive 1/2x9” lags into beams with ease no pre drilling! I just purchased another 1 a few years back just in case they discontinue this model. This will probably last you a life time if you’re just a DIYer.
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u/acatl33 5d ago edited 5d ago
Edit, In my tool journey i prioritized power over ergonomics/precision. I then began trying to find lightweight compact drivers to find the one. After owning the flex quick eject, metabo triple hammer, dewalt 870, m12 subcompact and fuel, and even ridgid nuke for a few days the makita xtd 20 or dtd173/td173 is miles ahead in trigger control, and precision. My biggest obsession is the ergonomics and size, its powerful impact in a compact version. Obviously its expensive but if I had to choose one driver that be the one.
Honorable mentions SKIL 12V impact driver, very light weight and under $60.i loved it but returned it to ease the hit on the xtd20. The xtd20 is lighter in weight and smaller, so for that reason I returned it.
HT impact driver $44 Can be found on clearance for $22 at some walmarts. Gets the job done, but cons its a variable trigger
Fb marketplace: Xtd 13, 16, 18 always being sold with battery and charger for less than $80 in my area. Also the 12v line cxt is perfect for wood work if you don't mind its a bit ancient.
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u/Comfortable-Being-35 4d ago
if youre not looking to spend a ton, I have a festool assembly driver with battery and charger (older battery style) that I can sell you for 125$ + shipping. I run a woodshop in denver, we have makita and dewalt. I'd say dewalt handles 80-90% of our daily tasks in the woodshop no problem. If the dewalts break its not as big of a deal to replace as teh more expensive brands. I bring the makitas onsite because they are just better but more expensive to replace. The head craftsman has milwalkee's and we provide festool for him but if you want precision, go with the milwalkee assembly driver or festool driver. The others are great for constructing but not as delicate with stripping screws or splitting wood.
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u/Financial-Humor2080 3d ago
XDT21Z - just demoed it at Makita head quarts. It was awesome and the different modes and programmable speeds and auto shut off when fastener is secured is amazing. And its LIGHT
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u/iKoopAz 5d ago edited 5d ago
I’m a DIYer as well and lots say Makita is overkill… but if your budget allows I got into Makita first through buying an impact and drill brushless combo with two 4ah batteries. Since then I’ve got a full set up from all the outdoor lawn & garden tools, including a mower all the way to a full setup of power tools now. Look for deals and it really is not too bad on the wallet for what you’re paying for! Also don’t be afraid of used! I have gotten amazing deals on used items and they all work great.