Buying Makita Cordless Drill - Do I need the Impact Driver?

I was researching cordless drills on the web and a search brought me to TW of all places. (This thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cordless-drills-makita-vs-milwaukee-vs-dewalt.217137/). I'm leaning towards Makita, but at this point there's also the choice of brushless. I have two questions...

1. Is it really worth it to pay extra for brushless? I know I only use brushless for my RC stuff and I know how a brushless motor works and I also know it's fast, more efficient and lasts longer.

2. I went to HD to buy the cordless drill and I saw all the combos of drill + driver... which brings me to. If the drill says it's drill/driver and the driver is an impact driver, why do I need the impact driver if the drill is also a driver? Get it? I suspect the impact driver is simply much stronger, yet slower. Am I right?

I'm between buying this set which is the brushless - http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-1...s-Cordless-Combo-Kit-2-Piece-XT248R/206110233 - This one is about $229 with a pair of 2ah batts and then $279 for the set with 2 4ah batts.

Otherwise there's this option of the drill only for $169 - http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-1...in-Cordless-Driver-Drill-Kit-XFD10R/206025680

And finally, the really popular drill only option for $129 - http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-1...n-Cordless-Impact-Driver-Kit-XDT042/206025693 which I believe the only difference is a smaller battery.

What do you think? This will be for homeowner use, but lots of projects. Not simply the occasional use.

 

With the brush less motors its up to your own judgement. If you know how they work then you already know the pros.
As far as the impact driver its actually kinda like a mini hammer drill. Its got a cam inside that creates a fast impacting when a certain torque is reached. Its much faster than the drill. Super handy for driving screws quickly and without pilot holes, also for getting into tighter spaces, like between studs in a wall. You don't have to lean into it with both hands to drive a screw into wood without a pilot like you sometimes do with a regular drill. Also works great for drilling holes with paddle bits. I'm a plumber and I use mine all the time. Unless I'm hammerdrilling into concrete/masonry I go for the impact driver 9 times out of 10. But it doesn't have a traditional drill chuck. It has a quick connect for a 1/4" hex bit, so you must have the proper bits to use with it. But very many bits already come with this bit style so no big deal there.
Good luck with your decision!

 

I would not want to live with out my cordless impact driver. nuff said

 

I am a carpenter by trade,, 60 yrs old. The impact gun is so much easier on my body, the tool does most of the work. A must have IMO.

 

I bought the Rigid drill/impact driver combo when there was a screaming promo running on them.

Because lifetime batteries. When you price replacement batteries, you'll understand why their lifetime replacement guarantee is worthwhile.

I use both regularly. I don't use the impact in automotive work, because I have air. But it's great for driving long screws, bolts, etc. for other home projects. And it may work for automotive too.

 

I pretty much only use my impact driver.

 

I have cheapo Ryobi tools, but...

I say get the impact. I was putting togeth my gazebo. Big lag bolts into pilot holes. I couldn't get them in with the regular driver. This would have meant i gotta hand rachet (and fk that)

The hammering effect of the impact driver makes a huge difference.
Also, removing rusted nuts is much easier with the impact

 

I use makita 18 v and the dewalt 20v max. I've worked on houses with both. Built my cabin using the makita drill/ impact driver. Very durable. Dropped several times and still works great. Thought the makita impact driver was the best thing since sliced bread, until I bought the dewalt impact driver 20v max. It made the makita look like child's play. I even use it to work on my truck with a socket attachement. Plus dewalt has everything from sawzalls to weed eaters that use the same battery/charger. Get an impact driver and you will never strip a screw head again! Enjoy!

 

yes

 

I use my impact driver to put in the longer wood screws in...zips right in with little to no effort vs regular drill.

 

I find myself using the impact driver more than the drill.

 

Not sure if anyone cares but if you search "aVe" on YouTube, it's a guy who does tool tear downs when they break along with other cool shit. Made me think of it because he loves Makita tools.

 

THis. You don't realize how much your torquing your wrist all day until you use an impact

 

So much more time efficient and easier over all. I would buy both any day of the week.

 

Anybody interested in legit tool reviews should check out AvE on YouTube. Super in depth mechanical and electrical breakdowns, no bullshit remarks like everyone else makes. You'll be surprised.

https://m.youtube.com/user/arduinoversusevil

I have invested in DeWalt, but wouldn't if I did it again. Currently using 20V brushless.

 

I received the "Makita CT200RW 18 Volt Li-Ion 2 Tool Combo Kit" as a Christmas gift and like most, reach for impact 9/10 times. Especially if you're doing any kind of automotive work. Pretty much only use the drill for pilot holes.

Here's a review of the brushed vs. brushless:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-OkkjXVfGw

For the difference in price, why not go with the brushless? Regardless, the battery charges quickly and you'll likely not regret either decision. I've used mine to build a cedar fence(700 LF), building out soffits, countless remodel projects and even wrenching on the truck(not quite as powerful as an air wrench).

I do prefer the Makita over Dewalt for these tools. I've always enjoyed my Milwaukee tools, but don't have any experience in this particular matchup.

Good luck, you'll enjoy the set.

 

Wow. See, this is why this is the best forum in the world. Thanks for all the replies. You guys helped me solve a problem that's not even related to Tacomas.

OK, no brainer then. The combo set it is. For the price, I'm going to go with the brushless kit. I always prefer to by good, once. I did consider buying the drill last night and later on the impact, but after reading the replies, I'll just get the combo... It's cheaper to do it that way any rather than separate.

By the way, to avoid sounding like I don't know much about tools... It's just I've been avoiding cordless tools because of my old experience with NiCad crap. But batteries have come a long way.

My thoughts on the brands from my current research:

Dewalt - I know DeWalt makes some good tools, but there are apparently way too many rotten eggs in the lineup.

Rigid - I like Rigid, at least the looks, but I don't like theor marketing for the lifetime battery replacement... I think it's shady to say the least and I don't personally believe they will own up and actually replace the batteries. I've heard way too many negative stories about the program. And when a company puts so many hoops for you to jump to get a warranty it's because they're simply trying not to own up to it.

I like Makita the most so far but I'm also considering Hitachi - I hear nothing but positives about Hitachi and it seems they are the underdog. The underdog always tries best where for example DeWalt seems to be cashing in on their former glory, and I don't like to buy brands like that.

I'm going to go swing by Lowes and check out the Hitachi stuff before buying Makita. That said, I want to buy into a system and stick to it. I also need a miter saw and a table saw and the Hitachi ones look pretty good.

Thanks again.

 

The only tight restriction Rigid requires is a registration within a specific, and short, time frame.

Dont be lazy w/the paperwork and you'll be just fine.

 

^^^ I'll look more into it then. I'll read the fine print. I know the cost of batteries is big.

 

Just looked at my paperwork. Bought in 11/12, so almost 4 yrs old. Still on OE batteries. They recharge quickly, although the runtime is starting to get shorter. But since I have 2 batteries, that's not too much of a problem at the moment.

I had a 90 day window to register then mail the stuff you have to mail in. Received my preliminary approval online, a registry confirmed email on 2/13.

So. I don't work for or have stock in Rigid. But definitely worth being on your shopping list.