Today, I retrieved my 20 month old Makita 14.4v. cordless drill from the shop. They had to replace the gear set. Cost me $58. Problem is that this is my second Makita drill to have the same problem. The first was less than a year old and was repaired under warranty.
I bought the Makita’s after someone ‘borrowed’ my DeWalts and forgot to return them. I use them frequently, but, don’t abuse them. Thought I was getting a better piece and I do like the NiMH batteries. But……
Anybody have any similar problems or experiences with the Makitas?
Bob.
Replies
I think I have the same model (6233DWBLE); bought it 2 1/2 years ago (recon unit) and so far no problems other than a power surge melting the circuit board in the charger (the surge also wiped out 2 DeWalt chargers). I also like the batteries, the flashlight has proven very useful, and the drill seems a good combination of weight and power. I have heard of some people having problems with the clutch/gearbox. Makita does show a couple of service revisions ............. hopefully your drill is fixed permenently. http://www.makita.com/res_cordless/pdf/parts_breakdowns/6233DWBE.pdf
I suspect the newer MForce line is probrably more rugged with it's all metal gears and gearcase.
The drills in question are the M Force models, so I'm doubly disappointed. I recently bought a portable compound miter saw, guess what brand I didn't consider? Bob.
"........so I'm doubly disappointed." Me too; it's the first negative thing I've heard about the MForce line. Tool karma maybe or luck of the draw? I've had good luck over the years with the Makita tools I've owned (jointer, planers, saws, drills) and the same goes for PC, Milwaukee, and Hitachi. On the other hand my experience with Bosch has been less than positive. My jigsaw was a real disapointment. Didn't want to cut straight, vibrated, and blade changes were a pain. Replaced it with a Milwaukee and it was like night and day. Probrably just a bad one but it soured me a bit on Bosch.
They should have done you right on that without charge.
Demerit for Makita.
Bosch and Milwaukee took care of me with Bosch only having me pay for shipping it in.
Even CampbellHausefield sent me a new pressure switch for a compressor at no charge without me asking.
Shame on Makita. tsk tsk
Maybe I will wait for the Bosch Impact now.
be true
Edited 12/7/2004 11:40 am ET by rez
you're listening to comments on what to consider when buying tools a little more closely....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
I have a 5+ year old Makita 14.4. It still works like a champ. If I had some spare cash I'd get that Makita 14.4V 3/8" impact driver for the tool and two more batteries.
I've got some yellow and B&D tools. I have had mixed results with them. I just bought a new drill to replace my 1/2" B&D. The new one is red and came from a beer town.