I saw an impact/drill combo at HD today for $269 but both tools were predominately white instead of the more familiar blue tools. I also noticed this set was made in China instead of Japan as the older LI tools. Is there any difference between the “white” and the “blue” ones? I understand why companies have to market a cheapo line to the big boxes, but it sure makes it hard to keep up with what’s quality and what’s junk. Thanks.
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They also have a "blue" line of cheap junk called "M Force".
Probably has excessive lead content.....
The two big differences I know of offhand could be considered fairly major.
The chuck on the white ones is only plastic and 3/8", not 1/2".
Also, they're 1.5 amp hour batteries not 3.0
The differences are as follows:
Weight. One of the lightest 18v drills on the market.
Batteries. 1.5 amp hours vs. 3 on the Makita LXT series. This allows for the weight to drop considerably, however, the batteries are completely compatible and interchangeable with the LXT 3 amp hours line if you have other LXT tools or choose to buy other batteries.
Charger. This drill includes the new quick charger that Makita is rolling out over their entire cordless lineup. Charges a 1.5 amp hour battery in 15 min. or a 3 amp hour battery in 22 minutes. Built in fan to cool and condition hot batteries.
Transmission. 2 speed transmission vs. 3 speed transmission found in many of Makita's other drills.
I own this drill and absolutely love love love love love love it. I cannot describe in words how the lighter weight has changed my work day. It has more than enough power to do anything I need it to do; the batteries go on and on and it's a workhorse. Highly recommended.
I am pretty sure the batteries are NOT
"completely compatible and interchangeable with the LXT 3 amp hours line"
I believe that the Compact (white) tools will work with the 3 amp hour batteries, but that the LXT (blue) tools will not accept the 1.5 amp hour batteries. Think it might have something to do with the high draw of some of the tools offered in the LXT line.
Don't have time to look it up right now, but, that is my recollection.
Just something to be aware of.
You can pop the 3 amp-hr batteries into the black and white Makitas, but you can't put the 1.5 amp-hr batteries into the green/blue/whatever Makitas---I already did the experiment.
Thanks, that was my recollection, and I just didn't want anyone being miss-informed by jamiep's statement that they were completely interchangeable.
Thanks again,
Shoe
I own this drill and absolutely love love love love love love it.
Will it hold up well to hard use and abuse? I use my cordless drills every workday for all kinds of things and I end up beating the cr*ap out of them.
I looked at that little Makita and wonder how solidly constructed it is. It WOULD be great to have the smaller lighter drill. The spec's aren't much different from my large heavy 14.4V Milwaukee 1/2".
Ed
according to the electrician who's I test drove ...
only thing different was run time.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Just got the driver drill - it's amazing. And it comes with 2 batteries that charge in 15 minutes. I'm impressed (recommended here).
Paid $199.
Jeff
I have the blue / 3amp set of drill/ impact.
just this past Fri held the electricians white /1.5amp impact.
wow ... what a light little gun.
unless yer driving lags all day ... probably even the better choice.
he's just driving screws ... and loves it.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa