Makita BDF451 18-volt LXT Lithium-Ion Driver/Drill We’ve come a long way from sweat and a screwdriver. A hundred years ago, builders would never have envisioned a tool as powerful and efficient as this one. Heck, even 20 years ago. Science has ushered battery technology along, and the LXT Lithium-Ion system that powers this impact driver has a ton of advantages over standard NiMH or NiCad batteries. The Lithium-Ion technology means 1,400 battery life cycles, longer run time, lighter weight, a great reduction in the self-discharge rate and built-in shock-absorbing features to protect your battery.
But perhaps the coolest innovation is what Makita calls its 45-minute Optimum Charger. It actually talks to the batteries it charges throughout the cycle, using a built-in memory chip in the battery and, believe it or not, a CPU chip in the charger itself, which analyzes the data stored in the battery chip to decide on the best charging method at that time.
The drill/driver itself is fairly compact and lightweight, weighing in at less than 5 pounds, yet it’s packing a powerful 560 in./lbs. of torque. It’s got a super speed range of 0 to 300 rpm in low gear, 0 to 600 in mid-range and 0 to 1,700 rpm in top gear. Sometimes, you may encounter a little resistance if you’re switching directly from low gear to high; if that happens, running the tool in mid-gear for a couple seconds completely alleviates any snag.
Makita’s always made ergonomically positive tools that feel good in your hand and take the strain off your body, and this one’s no exception. The slightly curved grip is so comfortable, and the auxiliary handle gives you supreme control. And because it’s super compact and lightweight, this driver’s an absolute pleasure to work with - even overhead. –Kris Jensen-Van Heste
What’s in the Box
Drill/driver, two LXT Lithium-Ion 3.0Ah batteries, 45-minute optimum charger, screwdriver bits, Carrying case (824754-3)
Makita 6408 4.9 Amp 3/8-Inch Drill Item #: 458-6408. Large trigger switch for easy operation
