Cordless Tools?

[Gizzygone]

I'm just a homeowner who likes to tinker. I started off with Ryobi tools, and for the price I was quite happy with them. About 5 years ago, I started buying some Makita tools (as I wanted a track saw).

They're certainly a notch above, but yesterday my impact broke (anvil seems locked up... makes grinding noises when you try and turn it manually) when hanging some plywood in my garage. While it's 4 years old, it really hasn't been used hard at all (certainly not how I'd figure it'd be used commercially). It still looks brand new.

I can appreciate Makita's finesse and build quality: but this certainly leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Worst of all: the cost of a replacement bare tool seems astronomical compared to competitors (so I'd expect longevity).

I've been happy with Makita until now: but I'm having second thoughts. I always look at Milwaukee's offerings (their catalog is vast), but I've been hesitant to make the leap into another tool platform.

So I'm curious; does this seem like a fluke, or are Makitas prone to breaking? How do Milwaukee products compare?

 

[reader2580]

The only Makita tool I had fail (that was not my fault) was a brushed drill probably a decade ago. I started with Makita LXT shortly after it was first available at Home Depot around 2006 or so. What I did was to buy a new set of brushless drill and impact with batteries. I needed more batteries anyhow and wanted brushless. I sold the brushed impact with one old battery and charger to offset a bit of the cost.

I would not hesitate to buy more Makita. I have purchased some M12 stuff because it is lighter, and Milwaukee has tools not available from Makita.

 

[KnurledNut]

Thats uncommon. Whats the model number of your impact?

 

[Snapped-off]

I'd be looking for rebuild parts, but I'm biased. I'd do that with any name brand tool, before totally swapping brands.

 

[Gizzygone]

Thats uncommon. Whats the model number of your impact?

XDT16.

 

[finn]

Fix it. They’re generally good tools. I’d at least do a partial disassembly to try to see what went wrong. It’s broken anyway, so you don’t have much to lose.

 

[Gizzygone]

I'd be looking for rebuild parts, but I'm biased. I'd do that with any name brand tool, before totally swapping brands.

Ended up just taking it apart: it looks like the rotor's magnets cracked. Replacement is $50 alone... and I'm sure I'd want to replace the stator while I'm at it. At that cost, I'd rather save to replace.

 

[Rinspeed]

Makita makes good tools as does Milwaukee, just a fluke I would say.

 

[Steve_P]

I have some Makita corded tools that I really like. And I know there are some Makita cordless fans here. But Makita just doesn't seem to focus on their cordless tools like they should IMO- both Milwaukee and DeWalt have more choices, and I guess because of that they're 100X more common to see in use.

 

[dnschmidt]

I would think of it like this: Tools are cheap. What will piss you off more is the batteries which will die, particularly if they are Milwaukee 8.0 or 12.0's, a couple of days after their three year warrantee is up that cost several hundreds of dollars each. You can buy another Makita impact driver for $150. A 5.0 Makita battery goes for the same cost. By and large Makita makes really good stuff. Check with Makita to see what the repair cost would be.

 

[dnschmidt]

I have some Makita corded tools that I really like. And I know there are some Makita cordless fans here. But Makita just doesn't seem to focus on their cordless tools like they should IMO- both Milwaukee and DeWalt have more choices, and I guess because of that they're 100X more common to see in use.

That's not true. Makita has a broader line of cordless tools than anybody in the world. Makita is more of a global brand than Milwaukee will ever be. Outside of the United States Makita is #1 worldwide. Go anywhere in the world (with the possible exception of Europe where Bosch likely rules) and Makita is the dominate player. Because Milwaukee has the Home Depot locked up and there is one on every street corner in America we believe Milwaukee is king. Truly not the case worldwide.

 

[Steve_P]

That's not true. Makita has a broader line of cordless tools than anybody in the world. Makita is more of a global brand than Milwaukee will ever be. Outside of the United States Makita is #1 worldwide. Go anywhere in the world (with the possible exception of Europe where Bosch likely rules) and Makita is the dominate player. Because Milwaukee has the Home Depot locked up and there is one on every street corner in America we believe Milwaukee is king. Truly not the case worldwide.

I'm in the US, like most of us, and I can't remember the last time I saw anyone using a Makita cordless tool. All I see is DeWalt and Milwaukee used commercially, and homeowners using Ryobi- primarily their OPE. I'd bet those three brands represent >80% of the market here, if not >90%. Sometimes it doesn't pay to be different and it's just best to go along with the masses for the selection, availability, and the sales . YMMV.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

One bad experience and you are willing to write off all the good experiences you have had with their tools? I would fix it or buy another. Things break sometimes.

 

[nadogail]

I first began using Makita Cordless Tools about the time of the First Gulf War, 1990, they have exceeded my expectations ever since

I bought a Ryobi kit on sale at Home Depot and it was a disappointment, the batteries soon became unusable, the replacement batteries were another disappointment, I and my employees have switched to Makita.

 

[Gizzygone]

One bad experience and you are willing to write off all the good experiences you have had with their tools? I would fix it or buy another. Things break sometimes.

Yea: Years of Ryobi with hardly an issue. I thought by buying a more premium brand I'd be better off. For the most part, it was: compared to the (older model) Ryobis, the Makita felt better in the hand, had a better trigger feel, and felt like more power.

But when I'm paying a premium, I'd expect it to last longer. I'd hate to spend another $200 on a replacement Makita to have it die an early death again... especially when I'm not using it daily?

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Over 25 years using Dewalt and Makita from Home Depot. Had issues with Makita cordless drills and Dewalt corded drills early on bought the least expensive models. Wised up and replaced them with pro models from Makita and Dewalt from Home Depot. You get what you pay for, of course there are flukes.

 

[whateg01]

Yea: Years of Ryobi with hardly an issue. I thought by buying a more premium brand I'd be better off. For the most part, it was: compared to the (older model) Ryobis, the Makita felt better in the hand, had a better trigger feel, and felt like more power.

But when I'm paying a premium, I'd expect it to last longer. I'd hate to spend another $200 on a replacement Makita to have it die an early death again... especially when I'm not using it daily?

Ok, so don't buy another premium brand. Stick with lower tier tools so when they break you won't feel bad about it. Every brand in existence has had a failure.

 

[KnurledNut]

Ended up just taking it apart: it looks like the rotor's magnets cracked. Replacement is $50 alone... and I'm sure I'd want to replace the stator while I'm at it. At that cost, I'd rather save to replace.

They can crack if dropped. Any chance thats happened?
(BTW, its the same rotor on the XDT14. #619408-3.)

 

[PelicanPines]

It was a fluke. Stick with your current platform.

I started Yellow, Dewalt... converted to Red, Milwaukee... wish I just stayed Yellow. I have about 50 or so cordless tools.

 

[Gizzygone]

They can crack if dropped. Any chance thats happened?
(BTW, its the same rotor on the XDT14. #619408-3.)

I don't recall any drops. Definitely none recently.

It did get a bit of a workout last year assembling a swing-set for our kids. There were a more than a few 4" lag screws in the assembly: Perhaps that's more abuse than it can handle? (Didn't seem to struggle with it?)

Have you replaced a rotor on them? I'm considering ordering one and trying, but I don't want to toss money at it if the stator itself is bad.
(I seem to be missing magnets from the rotor... and I can't seem to find them anywhere?)

 

[PelicanPines]

I don't recall any drops. Definitely none recently.

It did get a bit of a workout last year assembling a swing-set for our kids. There were a more than a few 4" lag screws in the assembly: Perhaps that's more abuse than it can handle? (Didn't seem to struggle with it?)

Have you replaced a rotor on them? I'm considering ordering one and trying, but I don't want to toss money at it if the stator itself is bad.
(I seem to be missing magnets from the rotor... and I can't seem to find them anywhere?)

Don't chase it... buy a new Makita and have a burial

 

[Rinspeed]

That's not true. Makita has a broader line of cordless tools than anybody in the world. Makita is more of a global brand than Milwaukee will ever be. Outside of the United States Makita is #1 worldwide. Go anywhere in the world (with the possible exception of Europe where Bosch likely rules) and Makita is the dominate player. Because Milwaukee has the Home Depot locked up and there is one on every street corner in America we believe Milwaukee is king. Truly not the case worldwide.

I would find it very hard to believe if anyone even comes close to the amount of choices Milwaukee offers.

 

[dnschmidt]

I would find it very hard to believe if anyone even comes close to the amount of choices Milwaukee offers.

Makita USA

Makita USA: The Leader In Cordless with 18V LXT Lithium-Ion. The best in class for cordless power tool technology. A leader in power tool technology for the professional.

www.makitatools.com

 

[Gizzygone]

I'm sure they both have huge catalogs: The Milwaukee catalog just seems more up to date to me? (Newer versions of tools, and more options to choose from: Their vacuums have been drawing my attention for a long while now... and it's part of my reason to even consider this question here)

 

[Rinspeed]

Makita USA

Makita USA: The Leader In Cordless with 18V LXT Lithium-Ion. The best in class for cordless power tool technology. A leader in power tool technology for the professional.

www.makitatools.com

OK, you count the Makita and I'll count the Milwaukee.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I'm just a homeowner who likes to tinker. I started off with Ryobi tools, and for the price I was quite happy with them. About 5 years ago, I started buying some Makita tools (as I wanted a track saw).

They're certainly a notch above, but yesterday my impact broke (anvil seems locked up... makes grinding noises when you try and turn it manually) when hanging some plywood in my garage. While it's 4 years old, it really hasn't been used hard at all (certainly not how I'd figure it'd be used commercially). It still looks brand new.

I can appreciate Makita's finesse and build quality: but this certainly leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Worst of all: the cost of a replacement bare tool seems astronomical compared to competitors (so I'd expect longevity).

I've been happy with Makita until now: but I'm having second thoughts. I always look at Milwaukee's offerings (their catalog is vast), but I've been hesitant to make the leap into another tool platform.

So I'm curious; does this seem like a fluke, or are Makitas prone to breaking? How do Milwaukee products compare?

Fluke make diagnostic instruments. https://www.fluke.com. Milwaukee are the best. We have had Milwaukee since 1964.
Makita are made in USA and a few other countries.

 

[rust in the eye]

Ended up just taking it apart: it looks like the rotor's magnets cracked. Replacement is $50 alone... and I'm sure I'd want to replace the stator while I'm at it. At that cost, I'd rather save to replace.

This tells me it was dropped. Even if so I'm surprised as I've dropped mine many times, even from ladders with no(fingers crossed) ill effects. I'd call it a fluke unless you know something you're not telling.
Milwaukee has as many fans as Makita, both good choices. I prefer Makita as the battery platform remains. Either should outperform and outlast Ryobi, especially the batteries. I've had all the above plus DeWalt.

 

[finn]

Ended up just taking it apart: it looks like the rotor's magnets cracked. Replacement is $50 alone... and I'm sure I'd want to replace the stator while I'm at it. At that cost, I'd rather save to replace.

Good decision. By taking it apart, you can sleep well knowing it wasn’t economically feasible to repair.

Enjoy your new tool, whichever you choose.

 

[PelicanPines]

I'm sure they both have huge catalogs: The Milwaukee catalog just seems more up to date to me? (Newer versions of tools, and more options to choose from: Their vacuums have been drawing my attention for a long while now... and it's part of my reason to even consider this question here)

Ridgid makes a better cordless vacuum. Ridgid also makes a better Cordless Fan.

 

[WildBill]

I have used that tool to put 30,000 or so metal roofing screws into metal studs while building metal buildings without any issue. I think yours was a freak quality issue or got dropped just right. I've dropped my dozens of times without any issue, so probably a weird quality deal. I also use both Ryobi and Makita tools and have never had a failure on any 18v Makita, and only a couple of Ryobis. I still have the first 18v drill Makita came out with when they started the whole 18v lithium battery cordless tool deal (they also made first cordless brushless tools) and it works fine after about 15+ years of beating on it. I would fix or replace it. Makita is a great company that only makes tools, they don't change hands and quality every couple of years like everyone else. I know full time contractors that have always used Makita, and then all the ones that switch from Dewalt to Milwaukee and back as their quality goes up and down. Right now it's all about Milwaukee but I'm sure that will change at some point.

 

[IndyGarage]

I would find it very hard to believe if anyone even comes close to the amount of choices Milwaukee offers.

They both have a huge line of cordless tools.

Makita seems to have a wider range of tools - lawn care and various vacuum cleaners and such. Makita also has the 36V X2 stuff which is excellent. Milwaukee seems focused on construction trades. Milwaukee has better LED lighting stuff.

I've had both and I prefer the Makita, but I wouldn't complain with either.

 

[jives]

Dropped my Makita cordless circular saw and damaged the angle adjustments parts on the baseplate. $8 in parts and it was fixed. I acknowledge that I am not careful with my tools and do not baby them. They need to do what I need them to do, even if they are not the best tool for the job. In the 6 years I've had the Makita they have not let me down and I am still on the original batteries.

 

[Gizzygone]

Alright: seems like it was a fluke then.
I see a couple of similar models on marketplace: might try grabbing one cheap for parts...

 

[KnurledNut]

I don't recall any drops. Definitely none recently.

It did get a bit of a workout last year assembling a swing-set for our kids. There were a more than a few 4" lag screws in the assembly: Perhaps that's more abuse than it can handle? (Didn't seem to struggle with it?)

Have you replaced a rotor on them? I'm considering ordering one and trying, but I don't want to toss money at it if the stator itself is bad.
(I seem to be missing magnets from the rotor... and I can't seem to find them anywhere?)

Again, not common, but I know of an incident where one was dropped just right and it broke. I havent personally replaced any and have thousands of cycles on them. Dropped one 25’ and other than the battery popping off, it was just fine.
Yours could have just been defective from the factory and it failed prematurely.
If you replace it, make sure to inspect closely for any remaining fragments.
Switches are more likely to fail with heavy use. I have replaced those.
The made in Japan XDT12 is my favorite but about impossible to find and considered “outdated” now.
Its successor the XDT13 was a downgrade IMO.
The XDT16 had further revised internals and nose assembly but is again top-notch.
Stick with Makita for impact drivers. Their ergonomics, build quality, reliability, warranty, parts availability and ability to repair are superior. Their batteries are also less problematic and IMO, safest.

If you have a Makita repair center nearby, it might be worth it to have them look at it. They may determine it was defective and cover the repair, even though its out of warranty.

 

[bigboost]

That's not true. Makita has a broader line of cordless tools than anybody in the world. Makita is more of a global brand than Milwaukee will ever be. Outside of the United States Makita is #1 worldwide. Go anywhere in the world (with the possible exception of Europe where Bosch likely rules) and Makita is the dominate player. Because Milwaukee has the Home Depot locked up and there is one on every street corner in America we believe Milwaukee is king. Truly not the case worldwide.

Yikes lol. Milwaukee almost doubled Makita's revenue the last few years so definitely no where close as big of a brand as Milwaukee lol.

Milwaukee also has a larger catalog of tools than Makita.

Maybe what you say was true in the past, but not even close to the current atmosphere.

Personally I think it's wild anyone would run anything but Milwaukee now a days unless it's just not in the budget or you're already locked into another brand.

 

[jimbothecricket]

Just going to put out the fact that Metabo HPT has lifetime warranties on lithium ion battery tools. I won't pretend they are the same quality as Makita, but I enjoy mine

 

[Gizzygone]

Just going to put out the fact that Metabo HPT has lifetime warranties on lithium ion battery tools. I won't pretend they are the same quality as Makita, but I enjoy mine

I look at Metabo from time to time: their catalog just isn't big enough for me to want to jump into their platform.
I know their triple hammer is very highly regarded. I have a corded Hitachi compound miter that I love too (Great bang for the buck)

 

[whateg01]

Alright: seems like it was a fluke then.
I see a couple of similar models on marketplace: might try grabbing one cheap for parts...

If you find one working why would you not just use it? What's the point of taking a working one apart to fix your non-working one? Does it have some sort of sentimental value? Does it have some sort of sentimental value?

 

[Gizzygone]

If you find one working why would you not just use it? What's the point of taking a working one apart to fix your non-working one? Does it have some sort of sentimental value? Does it have some sort of sentimental value?

You’re a very judgy person, aren’t you? Or is it just the internet making you seem condescending?

Main reason is most of the lower-cost makitas I see right now are beat to hell.

If this were a sentimental tool, I wouldn’t be asking to replace it: I’d just cough up the $60 for a new part and toss it in. For $30-40 on marketplace there are a few I can grab, but they’re all well-loved.

Like I said: even though it’s a few years old, mine looks brand new on the casing. So if I can find a good donor for parts, I’d rather keep my nicer looking makita.

Do looks matter? Not really as long as it works: but why not?

 

[Bubba Fett]

That's not true. Makita has a broader line of cordless tools than anybody in the world. Makita is more of a global brand than Milwaukee will ever be. Outside of the United States Makita is #1 worldwide. Go anywhere in the world (with the possible exception of Europe where Bosch likely rules) and Makita is the dominate player. Because Milwaukee has the Home Depot locked up and there is one on every street corner in America we believe Milwaukee is king. Truly not the case worldwide.

Worldwide yes, but I doubt he's gonna go to another country to have a look at tools that are not available back home. In most US stores, there presence is pretty minimal, if they are there at all.

Of course, online shopping is the answer, but a lot of power tool shoppers like to look over/hold a prospective tool before making a purchase. I do like Makita, but they are not marketed nearly as much as Red and Yellow on these shores.