Makita BTD144 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver Review

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(More customer reviews)Makita BTD144 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver
Perhaps this direct comparison of the specifications and features of these tools will be helpful to you. Even if you don't agree with my conclusions or importance of certain tool features, this side-by-side comparisons should at least provide you with food for thought.
If you're looking for an impact driver performance comparison, this isn't it. (But, I own and use a Makita BTD144 & my comments on that tool ARE based on actual use.) The purpose of this comparison is to save you the work of collecting, collating, and documenting the specifications of each tool, so you can do your own [specification & feature] comparison. Manufacturer's specifications were taken at face value, since, for example, I have no way to verify torque or RPM data. To the extent that part of your buying decision is based on manufacturer's specifications & features, this should be of some help. To the extent that your decision is based on actual tool performance, you'll need to read other tool reviews.
I initially did this because of disappointment in the impact driver review in Fine Woodworking's 2010 Tool Guide. They didn't test this Makita driver, or the DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, or Hilti models listed below.
My goal was to select the "best overall" professional caliber cordless impact driver with high capacity (e.g., 3.0 amp hour) lithium ion batteries. That ruled out brands such as Ryobi, Black & Decker, Sears, and Rockwell. Also, I had no interest in hybrid impact driver/drills such as the Makita BTP140 or Bosch 26618-01 since I already own other cordless drill/drivers and hammer/drivers.
The Ridgid R8823 flunked early-on because there were numerous negative reviews; from Fine Woodworking and others. Our local Home Depot sells the tool only (no batteries or charger) for fifty bucks, which could imply they are phasing this model out.
The initial culling resulted in the latest & greatest models from seven manufacturers. Keep in mind that when newer models are introduced, much of this information could change. (I use tools from all of these brands and have no favorites. No one company makes the best tool of every type.) Here are the seven models:
DeWalt...... DC827KL 18V Cordless XRP Li-Ion Impact Driver
Hitachi...... WH18DL 18-volt 3.0 Ah Cordless Impact Driver
Makita....... BTD144 18-Volt 3.0 Ah LXT Cordless Impact Driver
Panasonic.. EY7540LN2S 14.4-Volt 3.0 Ah Impact Driver
Milwaukee.. 2650-22 18-Volt Extra-Compact Impact Driver
Bosch........ 25618-01 18V Cordless Impact Driver
Hilti........... SID 144-A 14.4-volt 2.6 Ah Cordless Impact Driver
Next, I did a "comparison" of these models, with my "most desirable" listed first for each category:
Warranty:
1. Milwaukee..: 5 years tool, 5 years batteries (2 year free replacement, 3 more years pro-rated).
2. DeWalt......: 3-years tool/charger/batteries, 1-year tool service contract; 90-day money-back.
3. Hitachi......: 10 years tool, 2 years batteries
4. Bosch........: 1 year tool replacement, 2 more years tool repair, 2 years on the batteries
5. Hilti...........: 2 years tool, charger, & batteries
6. Makita.......: 3-year tool and 1-year on batteries and charger.
7. Panasonic...: 1 year tool & batteries
Maximum torque:
1. Bosch.......: 1500 inch pounds (125 foot pounds)
2. Makita......: 1420 inch pounds (118 foot pounds)
3. Milwaukee.: 1400 inch pounds (117 foot pounds)
4. Hitachi, DeWalt, Panasonic: 1330 inch pounds (111 foot pounds)
5. Hilti..........: 1239 inch pounds (103 foot pounds)
Tool length (for fitting into small places):
1. Makita...........: 5 1/2"
2. Milwaukee, Dewalt, Bosch: 5 3/4"
3. Hilti & Hitachi..: 6 3/8"
4. Panasonic......: 6 1/2"
Carrying case:
1. Milwaukee, Panasonic, Bosch, Makita, Hilti: yes
2. Hitachi, Dewalt no
Number of speeds/torque settings.
1. Panasonic..: 3 (0-1000 RPM, 0-1400 RPM, 0-2300 RPM)
....Makita......: 3 (0-1,300; 0-2,000; 0-2,600 RPM)
2. Hitachi......: 2 (0-2,000 RPM & 0-2,600 RPM)
....Hilti..........: 2 (0-2100 RPM & 0-2700 RPM)
3. DeWalt......: 1 (0-2,400 RPM)
4. Milwaukee..: 1 (0-2200 RPM)
5. Bosch........: 1 (0-2800)
LED lamp:
1. Hilti.. 3 lamps 120 degrees apart, around the bit holder, runs off tool battery
2. Makita: stays on 10 seconds after tool is off; has switch to use it as a mini-flashlight
3. Bosch, Milwaukee, Panasonic, DeWalt: yes, runs off tool battery
4. Hitachi: yes, in the belt hook, requires 2 AAAA batteries & it must be aimed.
Tool weight with battery:
1. Panasonic....: 3.1 lbs.
2. Milwaukee....: 3.2 lbs.
3. Makita.........: 3.3 lbs
4. Hitachi.........: 3.5 lbs.
....Hilti.............: 3.5 lbs.
5...DeWalt........: 3.7 lbs.
6...Bosch..........: 3.8 lbs.
Battery charge time:
1. DeWalt, Makita, Hitachi, Bosch: 30 minutes
2. Panasonic....: 50 minutes
3. Milwaukee....: 60 minutes
4. Hilti.............: unknown (Hilti specs don't say and they wouldn't answer this question)
Internet/Amazon cost (as of this writing, highly subject to change & price shopping):
1. Hitachi........: 240
2. Milwaukee....: 297
3. Panasonic....: 299
4. Bosch..........: 317
5. DeWalt........: 329
6. Makita.........: 330
7. Hilti.............: 359
Conclusion:
All seven models deliver [approximately] triple the 450 in./lb. torque of a typical 18v cordless drill/driver, with no counter-torque to your wrist. All models are ambidextrous; i.e., they work the same in either hand. All models feature a 1/4" hex socket with a snap-chuck to securely hold drill or driver bits. Impact drivers can be quite noisy when "impacting" and all are reversible with variable speed triggers. The four multi-speed models use electronics versus a gear box, which is a good thing. (I.e., drills that change their speed range via a sliding switch connected to the gearbox can strip gears if said switch is moved while the tool is running.)
Depending on which factors are most important to you, your [specification & feature] rating won't necessarily agree with this conclusion. That is, having multiple speed/torque choices was paramount to me; 2 speeds are better than 1, and 3 speeds are better than 2. Having a short tool so it would fit in tight quarters was also important, as was being light-weight. Maximum torque wasn't particularly important to me, since these models are pretty close in that department, and all are quite powerful.
Also, recognize that no model is the best in every area, be it warranty, charge time, tool length, or whatever. Price had little sway in these rankings, other than designating the Hitachi "best value" because of its lower cost.
My ratings from 7 to 1, with number 1 being best overall:
7. Bosch: Having only a single speed/power choice is a serious deficiency, in my opinion. One speed is probably fine for carpentry, but one speed/power setting severely limits tool flexibility. E.g., it's too easy to snap or "over" drive a smaller screw when 1,400 in. lbs. of torque is your only choice and the sole method of controlling all that power is feathering the trigger. To be competitive, Bosch's next generation impact driver needs multiple speeds. Bosch's three-year tool warranty (1st year free replacement, 2 more years free repair), and their 2 year battery warranty is fourth best. This is the heaviest of the seven models. If these batteries fit other Bosch tools you own, that would be a good reason to buy this model.
6. Milwaukee: Their lithium batteries have a level-of-charge indicator; press a button and 1 to 4 led's show power remaining. This is very useful job-site feature, since otherwise, there's no way to tell how close a battery is to needing a recharge, before climbing the ladder, etc. Has one speed only; a serious deficiency. Milwaukee doesn't divulge battery amp hours. Batteries have the longest charge time (60 minutes, versus 30 minutes for most of the others). However, Milwaukee has the best tool & battery warranty of these manufacturers. My several Milwaukee power tools are all first-rate.
5. DeWalt: This single speed tool gets excellent customer reviews, but so does the Hitachi, which costs less and has two speed/power selections (0-2,000 RPM & 0-2,600 RPM). No tool case is included. Impressive "NANO" battery technology with a claimed 2,000 recharges. (An important tool selection factor if you will be recharging batteries daily.) Second best warranty: 3-years tool/charger/batteries, 1-year tool service contract; 90-day money-back. DeWalt doesn't divulge battery amp hours. Second heaviest of the seven models at 3.6 lbs. Would be much more versatile if it had 3 speeds, like the Makita & Panasonic.
4. Hilti: Fifth best warranty (see their web site for details); 2 speed/power choices; case is included; most expensive and one of the longest models @ 6 3/8". The only suppliers I could find were Home Depot and Hilti's web site. Only model with a wrist strap to reduce chances of dropping the tool; e.g., you're on a ladder. One of two models (along with Milwaukee) with a battery level-of-charge indicator; very useful feature before climbing that ladder. Hilti's specs don't say how long it takes for a battery charge, and Hilti never responded when I asked that question of their corporate sales unit. The battery has less amp hours (2.6 Ah) than the other models, but the tool has excellent ergonomics and is very...Read more›

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Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-Speed Brushless Motor Impact Driver combines more torque and less weight with brushless motor efficiency and variable three-speed power. The result is a powerful and versatile cordless impact driver that not only runs longer, but offers precise fastening control for a wide range of tasks--from woodworking and carpentry to assembly work, HVAC, and more.

Makita-Built Motor Engineered for Versatile PowerThe BTD144 features a Makita-built high torque motor that delivers 1,420 in.lbs. of Max Torque. Makita's Brushless Motor Technology delivers increased motor efficiency to provide up to 20% longer battery life per charge than competitive 18V impact drivers. The variable three-speed power selection switch has soft, medium and hard settings that deliver 0-1,300/0-2,000/0-2,600 RPM and 0-1,300/0-2,800/0-3,400 IPM for a wide range of fastening tasks. 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.
Ergonomic Design in a Compact SizeThe BTD144 weighs just 3.3 pounds with a more compact design at 5-1/2 inches long and an ergonomic shape that fits like a glove for reduced operator fatigue. Additional features include an electric brake for increased efficiency, a phosphorescent bumper ring for quick location in dark spaces, a built-in L.E.D. light to illuminate the work surface for more efficient work, and a convenient "one-touch" chuck for simple bit insertion. In addition, the BTD144's battery warning light and built-in L.E.D. light both flash when it is time to recharge the battery.
Versatile Design for a Range of ApplicationsDue to their versatility, impact drivers are gaining broader acceptance on jobsites for a wide range of driving and fastening tasks, and the BTD144 has the added flexibility of variable three-speed power selection. The BTD144 is engineered for fastening deck screws, TEK screws, tightening down lag bolts, and more. It is ideal for HVAC, electricians, plumbers, automotive mechanics, woodworkers, remodelers, and any pro contractor who requires a best-in-class engineered cordless impact driver. The BTD144 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. Makita's 18V Lithium-Ion batteries and ENERGY STAR rated Optimum Charging System provide several benefits over old battery technology. When compared to traditional 18V Ni-Cd batteries, Makita's 18V Lithium-Ion batteries have 40% less weight, longer run time, and five-times lower self-discharge to keep cells active and ready to use at any time.
Makita's 18V Lithium-Ion Battery delivers 2,000 cycles--2.5X more than Ni-Cd. In addition, built-in shock absorbing features help protect the battery, and sixteen firm-holding contact terminals deliver constant high power. During the charging process, a built-in memory chip in the battery communicates with the Optimum Charger for a more efficient charge, extending the battery life. Makita's Optimum Charger is also faster: it will charge an 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Battery in just 30 minutes, and an 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Battery in only 15 minutes. Makita also offers a Rapid Automotive Charger for 18V LXT and 18V Compact Lithium-Ion batteries that plugs into 12V DC sockets equipped in most automobiles and trucks for added mobility. Makita's growing line of LXT cordless tool solutions features a wide range of industrial-quality power tools, including driver-drills, impact drivers, impact wrenches, saws, grinders, screwguns, rotary hammers, and more. The LXT Series also offers a jobsite radio, rechargeable flashlights, and several different combo kits.
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 engineer power tools that are more compact and energy efficient, yet deliver industrial strength power and results. Makita U.S.A., 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 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 BTD144 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-Speed Brushless Motor Impact Driver, two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries, 30-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger and tool case.

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