Replies

1. 
   Gunner | Oct 29, 2006 06:17pm | #1

     I'm partial to the Makita lithium Ion set. Are you sure Panasonic doesn't make a 15.6 impact driver? I like my Panasonic drills also (shut up Rez) but the Makitas are the cats azz.

    

    

    

     I have no tagline.

   http://www.hay98.com/

1. 
   rez | Oct 30, 2006 07:17am | #9

   Definitely avail yourself of the new Lithium technology and whatever you do don't buy the old Panasonic 12 volt setup no matter how cheap the price or whatever Gunner says.

   when in doubt add garlic

   Edited 10/30/2006 7:50 am ET by rez

2. 
   NickNukeEm | Oct 29, 2006 06:40pm | #2

   Makita Lithium Ion.  I bought the package that included the drive and hammerdrill, but also sprang for the standard drill, probably more for the cool case, added batteries and charger.

   I have the Panasonic 15.5v drill/impact driver and love it, but it doesn't get much use anymore. 

   Those Maks are just about my favorite tools to use right about now.  Nice.

   You won't be disappointed.

    

   "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."  Invictus, by Henley.

3. 
   dieselpig | Oct 29, 2006 07:58pm | #3

   I'm with Gunner and Nick.  Makita 18V Lithium Ion.  They're nice and light like a 12V set up but have the power of 18V with a longer run time.  In fact the new 18V Lithium Ion Makita impact driver is even more compact than my older 12v NiMH Makita impact drivers.

   I really doubt you'll regret choosing the Makita stuff.

   View Image
4. 
   RyanBrant | Oct 29, 2006 09:03pm | #4

   I have used both the Pana 15.6V and the Mak Lithium drills.  For my hand the Panasonic drill is better - hands down.  But the Mak 18V Li impact driver is great; I haven't used Panasonic's 12V.  The Mak probably has more power and will probably go longer and has a "hammer" feature, which Pana does offer (I think), but I don't have it.  But they all come with two batteries and I've never drained the second before the first was recharged.  The Pana is smaller, and it's reverse switch is easier for me to access.  Pick 'em both up and feel 'em -  it's like buying a pair of shoes.

   And Mak does offer the whole kit thing.  (Tough) choices, choices.

5. 
   caseyr | Oct 29, 2006 10:21pm | #5

   I bought the DeWalt combo package with the 18v impact driver. I was unable to control it well enough to avoid stripping out most of the screws. I got fed up and bought the 12 volt Makita lithium impact drive. I love it. I can feather the trigger to get the bit to move ever so slightly to line up with the slot, which I could not even begin to do with the DeWalt. The LED light is surprisingly handy. It will loosen some pretty tough screws but I haven't used it long enough to discover its limits yet. Definitely two thumbs up on the Makita.

6. 
   FatRoman | Oct 29, 2006 10:28pm | #6

   I'll chime in as another voice for the Makita Lithium tools. Had them about a month now and really like them... light, plenty of power and nicely balanced.

   You said you were looking for a separate drill and driver, but this is the newest addition to Makita's Lithium lineup. Maybe it's worth considering?

   18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Hybridâ„¢ 4-Function Impact-Hammer-Driver-Drill

   http://www.makita.com/menu.php?pg=product_det&tag=BTP140

7. 
   DougU | Oct 29, 2006 10:33pm | #7

   Everything I have(in the drill area) is Milwaukee and I like it BUT, if it/they were to die tomarrow I'd buy Makita.

   I've played around with the Makitas and I think they are a lot better then my Milwaukee's.

   Doug

1. 
   AaronRosenthal | Oct 30, 2006 08:44am | #11

   I'm with you, except I would probably go Bosch. Stii, I've tried the Makita, and they are a verra' nice machine.Quality repairs for your home.

   AaronR ConstructionVancouver, Canada

    

8. 
   GML | Oct 30, 2006 06:21am | #8

   I've got the Makita lithium ion impact,hammerdrill,saw; all have been

   great.Last week mixed 6 bags redi-mix with my thin-set paddle using my hammer drill/driver in a drywall pail;nearly 2/3 full. No Problem. Have also driven 16" GRK RSS screws with no pilot hole with my impact driver. As said before,you won't be disappointed.

1. 
   DonCanDo | Oct 30, 2006 02:51pm | #13

   Are these the ones you have?

   http://www.amazon.com/Makita-LXT202-Hammer-BTD140-Lithium-Ion/dp/B000I6PJG6/sr=8-11/qid=1162212514/ref=pd_bbs_11/002-1353472-7279259?ie=UTF8&s=hi

   I'm seriously considering it.  How's this price?

   -Don

1. 
   GML | Oct 30, 2006 03:57pm | #14

   Yes,that is a great price. I paid $318.00 last March for the impact

   driver;got the hammerdrill as a bonus tho it did'nt have charger or

   batteries. Just bought the saw...was almost $400.00;great quality

   very accurate and getting to be a neccesity:LED lights on all of them.

9. 
   rasconc | Oct 30, 2006 07:26am | #10

   What were your issues with the Bosch and how old/what model?  I love my Bosch 12v impact and was considering a drill to go with it.  I have three other impacts and a pile of drills.

10. 
    BruceT999 | Oct 30, 2006 10:43am | #12

    I just bought the Makita 18V lithium drill/driver/impact driver kit with case, charger and two batteries from CPO Makita for $417 including tax and freight. If you live outside CA or GA you won't have to pay the $29 sales tax.

    http://www.cpomakita.com/

    The drill weighs a little less than my Milwaukee 14.4 and will do more than twice the work between charges. Charge time is shorter too.

    The impact driver is simply awesome.

    Both tools have LED lights that are handy in dimly lighted workspaces.

    BruceT

    Edited 10/30/2006 3:45 am ET by BruceT999

    
    

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    Edited 10/30/2006 3:48 am ET by BruceT999