Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Pros: (1) Got some power, (2) 18 volts lithium ion powered
Cons: (1) Not variable speed, (2) a bit heavy, (3) still relatively big compared to the competition
Overall, it looks to me like this impact wrench might be outdated compared with what's out there today. Most of today's cordless impacts are variable speed. You have MUCH better control with variable speed, especially when you are trying to put nuts back on. With this Makita wrench, soon as you hit the trigger, it goes full speed.
The wrench seems somewhat powerful, but I found a couple of (maybe frozen?) lugnuts this guy could not take off. It was on a '03 Corolla (I think using 21 mm nuts), which is not even close to a tank. I don't know if the car's lugnuts were put on by impact guns before at a shop, but I had no problems with any of the other lugnuts on that car.
My other gripe about this wrench is the size and weight. I did some specs comparisons of the latest cordless impacts out there today (i.e. Milwaukee 2663-22, IR W360P, and Craftsman c3 19.2 cordless impact wrench) and the Makita is the longest as well as heaviest of the bunch. When you read the Makita product description, they mention how the tool is compact and light. I'm guessing it's when comparing it to electric impact wrenches at the time the tool came out. Those electric impacts are much heavier and bigger. But now today's latest cordless impacts are more compact and lighter than this Makita. Check out the specs for the 3 other wrenches I had mentioned and see for yourself.
I actually got the Craftsman c3 19.2 impact wrench with the lithium ion batteries to try out and honestly, I like it much better than the Makita. It has variable speed, is smaller, lighter, much cheaper, and feels just as powerful as the Makita even though it only has a rating of 200 ft lbs of torque. I did some tests like tightening a lugnut to 150 ft lbs and trying both the Makita and Craftsman on it. Both wrenches zipped off the nut very easily. When removing a standard 80 ft lb torqued nut on my Honda Civic, it really seemed like the Craftsman zipped them off easier compared to the Makita. I don't know if they overstated the torque on the Makita or understated it on the Craftsman, but both wrenches seem just as powerful, however the Craftsman felt a bit stronger. Though that is just going by my observation and feeling, so there is no scientific facts or hard numbers to prove it. I don't know if this is because the Craftsman has a faster IPM (impacts per minute) compared with the Makita. Anyway, since I only need an impact gun for my cars at home (I'm never going to working on big machinery), the Craftsman seems plenty powerful enough for me.
I will say the Makita LXT series has good batteries and chargers so if you already have an investment in them, maybe you have no choice but to go with this tool if you need something with more torque. I ended up returning the tool because of the cons, but I'm hoping Makita is working on some next generation high torque cordless impact that will address all the shortfalls I mentioned. As of now, I am sticking with the Craftsman I bought.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Makita BTW450 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch High Torque Impact Wrench Kit
Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench delivers high-torque impact power with a 1/2-inch square drive that will fit impact-rated socket sets. The versatile BTW450 packs plenty of torque for a wide range of fastening and loosening tasks, and is a powerful and convenient substitute for air powered and AC wrenches.
Makita-Built Motor Engineered for Versatile PowerThe BTW450 features a Makita-built four-pole maximum torque motor that delivers 325 ft.lbs. of torque, 0-1,600 RPM, and 0-2,100 impacts per minute for a wide range of fastening tasks, including removing transmission bolts and lug nuts. Makita's proprietary hammer and anvil impact mechanism are manufactured using the best raw materials with the highest quality steel and unique heat hardening process for maximum fastening and driving power. The unique rubber joint shock absorbent handle helps protect the battery housing from vibration. Ergonomic Design in a Compact SizeThe BTW450 weighs just 7.5 pounds and is 10-1/2 inches long with an ergonomic shape that fits like a glove for reduced operator fatigue. The BTW450 is equipped with a large rocker switch for easier tool use--even with gloves--and a 1/2-inch square drive with detent pin is designed for quick release. A built-in L.E.D. light illuminates the work surface for more efficient work.Versatile Design for a Range of ApplicationsThe BTW450 is a cordless option to air powered and AC impact wrenches. It is engineered for a range of fastening and loosening tasks and is perfect for steel beam construction; I-beam construction; utility pole, telephone and cell phone pole installation; overhead door installation; mudsills; automotive work; conveyor systems; HVAC, fire sprinklers; oil fields and refineries; anchors; tilt-up construction; and more. It is ideal for steel contractors, commercial contractors, automotive line assemblymen, automobile mechanics, residential contractors, HVAC contractors, and any pro tradesman requiring a best in class engineered impact wrench. The BTW450 is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best in class engineering. About Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool SeriesAs one of the pioneers driving the cordless tool revolution, Makita changed the game with its breakthrough 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Series. Three years after its debut, Makita's LXT Series has grown from seven to over 35 tools, providing a wide range of cordless solutions for professional tradesmen. Makita also added 18V Compact Lithium-Ion for cordless power in a more compact size. About MakitaMakita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to produce tools that are stronger, lighter, more powerful and easier to use. Makita USA, Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit the website at makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.WarrantyEvery Makita Lithium-Ion tool is backed by Makita's 3-Year Warranty that covers repair due to defects in materials or workmanship up to three years from the date of original purchase. Makita Lithium-Ion batteries and chargers have a limited 1-year warranty. Please see makitatools.com for complete details. What's in the BoxMakita BTW450 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch High Torque Impact Wrench, two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries, 30-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger, tool belt clip, and tool bag.
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