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

I think that one of the benefits of lithium ion batteries over the other power tool battery types is storage capacity density (listed as AH or mAH, amp hours or milliamperes hours) for a given size. The higher the number the longer the battery will last between charges.

To the OP You definitely made the right call going with the combo set which included the impact driver. Driving screws is so much more enjoyable with one. The only drawback is they're pretty noisy but nothing ear plugs can't fix.

 

Lag screws babay! You NEED an impact for those. Ryobi makes a great impact now and IMHO, Ryobi tools are the best bang for the buck. Much of the more expensive competition has slowly lowered their standards to crap level while keep the price high. I beat the heck out of my Ryobi's, when the break, I buy a new one and I really believe I come out ahead.

 

Quite the endorsement there. Thanks!

 

I just got the Makita Brushless impact driver last week! Picked up the XDT08Z brand new on ebay for $76. It is an awesome tool. Well made with tons of power and a fast recharge time. I got the DC battery charger as well for use in the truck or off of my jump box.

I'm going to pick up one of their brushless impact wrenches next for heavier suspension/ front end work.

 

^^^ I have one of the wired Harbor Freight impact wrenches. Problem is, IT'S SO HUGE that it's pretty much useless for everything but lug nuts and exposes bolts because it doesn't fit anywhere. I can see where a coreless impact wrench could come in handy.

 

I've been loving my Milwaukee set. I have the 18 volt and the 12 volt sets. The 12 volt is pretty awesome. It's very small and gets the job done most of the time. On the 18 volt I have the sawzall, jig saw, and the skill saw. All of the tools are top notch and have always got the job done. I haven't used the impacts on my truck but driving lag bolts was like butter. I'm sure any of these sets will be fine but buy one that has other tools that use the same batteries.

 

I know Rigid is HomeDepot thats about all I know...A friend of mine has some cordless Rigid tools and they work great! We've been using them all summer on his house he's remodeling.

I use the Ryobi brand as well...they have some sales at Homedepot and you can get the batteries pretty cheap sometimes!

 

Don't think about it! Just buy the impact, it became my favorite tool 5 years ago when I bought the complete Rigid set from Home Depot.
As a few other people mentioned, Rigid is a great brand to go with. The lifetime warranty on the tools and batteries is worth it, although I haven't had to use it et. Just make sure you register them online and you keep the UPC cut out.

 

Can't go wrong with the Makita drill/impact driver combo. This is the one I have: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-1...n-Cordless-Combo-Kit-2-Piece-CT225R/205995895

I also picked up the cordless 6.5" circular saw as well. All three tools work flawlessly and the batteries charge very quickly. If you will use the drill everyday, I'd go with the brushless. But for basic DIY stuff and weekend projects, the non-brushless model works great.

IMO, Milwaukee and Makita are the top brands out right now. I went with the Makita because it felt the best in my hand... and yes, you need the impact driver; you will probably use it more than the drill.

 

This is why battery Impact Wrenches are much better. I'd prefer electric, but most are close to a 12" head. Where the hell can I fit a 12" Impact wrench?

 

Then are the new dewalt 40v batteries really 36v? Just asking.
I had a 36v electric bicycle conversion kit on my beach cruiser that ran three 12v motorcycle batteries in series to get the 36 volts. It could speed along at 28 mph without pedaling. Brushed hub motor was on the front wheel. Not sure how the new lithium batteries are comprised to get the 20v or 40v?

 

I don't think they're comprised to get 20v. I think they're 18v for all intents and purposes. But they call them 20v so people don't buy them expecting them to fit their older tools, as they attach differently.

That's how I've interpreted the little Internet research that I did. Again, I could be wrong.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYhrBGkt8jk

 

And the Ridgid impact teardown here..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTqMGo-AxVc

 

I'm pretty sure he's a Tacoma owner as well.
Check out the video of him reviewing a 200$ axe and you can see it there.

 

Yes, had my blue ryobi one set for maybe 8 years. all still work. The yellow batteries died long ago, but the gray ones fit in the old tools. I add maybe one or two tools a year, the impact is next followed by the orbital buffer.

When you handle a dewalt or makita, they are slightly better, but are they quadruple the price better??

 

Not in my opinion, but I am sure there some who think so. Just like there are people who think Jaguars are sound vehicles and worth the price...lol (oh no he didn't....yes he did)

 

Well, we all picked an overpriced but most reliable with most versatility truck....