Makita Addiction Thread

[Snapped-off]

Been wanting to pull the trigger on this for awhile.



My first oscillating tool. It absolutely rips

Super handy. I used mine installing a dishwasher along with cutting receptacle holes.

 

[duneslider]

Been wanting to pull the trigger on this for awhile.



My first oscillating tool. It absolutely rips

I keep wanting to get one but I have a nice corded oscillating tool and I only use it like 2-3 times a year and a TON of blades for it so I can't quite justify buying the makita with the special tool attachment. Everytime I string out an extension cord to use it though I wish I had the cordless.

 

[General Geoff]

I keep wanting to get one but I have a nice corded oscillating tool and I only use it like 2-3 times a year and a TON of blades for it so I can't quite justify buying the makita with the special tool attachment.

It works just fine with normal starlock attachments! Tooless installation and removal of all types I've tried so far.

 

[Snapped-off]

 

[Steel_Rain]

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

What to Do

1. Stop Using: Immediately stop using the recalled grease gun.
   
   
2. Contact Makita:
   • Call 800/462-5482.
     
     
   • Email [email protected].
     
     
   • Visit www.makitatools.com/recall for more information.
     
3. Get a Free Replacement: Makita will provide a free replacement hose for affected products.

 

[duneslider]

It works just fine with normal starlock attachments! Tooless installation and removal of all types I've tried so far.

Maybe I am mistaken but I don't have anything that is starlock, I have the regular flat style blades and my understanding is they will not work on the starlock. While I understand the starlock is probably better, I have like 10 years worth of blades sitting on the shelf...

 

[General Geoff]

Flat style? Do you have a picture?

 

[duneslider]

Flat style? Do you have a picture?

Mine are like this style

 

[Steel_Rain]

My local HD had the Makita XGT chainsaw, hedge trimmer and string trimmer (all kits with battery/charger) listed as clearance when I was there over the weekend:

 

[jollygreengiant]

Does anyone have the makita hydraulic impact XST01Z? I feel like I need it...or want it? Curious how much quieter it really is?

I love mine. It's my go-to choice now. A LOT quieter than my old one, but that one is also over 15 years old. The noise difference is quite noticeable at first, I'd say 30-40%. But IMO where it shines is repeated use. It's much easier on my ears using the oil impulse driver to do a bunch of repetitive driving. The power and selectable modes are also big improvements over my older one, but again that one is 15+ years old.

 

[larry4406]

Any deals on the 36V blowers?

I want a 2nd one.

 

[Qualitytools]

Is there an LXT 18V brushless drill deal anywhere? I have the impact, charger and batteries but could use a drill. Any recommendations? Thanks

 

[usa#1]

Any deals on the 36V blowers?

I want a 2nd one.

Home depot has the 40V xgt kit with 4ah battery and charter on clearance sale for $264.00. Makita also has a promotion if you buy the 40V xgt kit you get a 16" xgt chain saw free. The 16" saw tool kit is on clearance sale at HD for something like $350.00 to $400.00 by it's self. It's a great deal if you need both.

 

[larry4406]

Home depot has the 40V xgt kit with 4ah battery and charter on clearance sale for $264.00. Makita also has a promotion if you buy the 40V xgt kit you get a 16" xgt chain saw free. The 16" saw tool kit is on clearance sale at HD for something like $350.00 to $400.00 by it's self. It's a great deal if you need both.

Thank you, but I am too invested in the 18V Makita platform.

 

[cherrybomb]

Thank you, but I am too invested in the 18V Makita platform.

Me too,and very happy.Multi tool,jigsaw, drill,two different flash lights,two different styles of tire inflators.Only problem is the dog absolutely hates the pitch of these.My 12v Makita drills are tolerable. Go figure.The 12v are 25 years old and not China

 

[FTWingRiders]

Pulled the trigger on something I’ve been eyeballing… a friend needed a hand with his deck, he replaced the decking with trex but he openly admits he can’t cut a straight line to save his life and needed to cut 26’ of decking off square.
Sooo.. on the way over I stopped by my fav Makita authorized dealer and bought the XSR01PT 71/4” 36v rear handle circular saw.
Sure, I have the nice 6-1/2” trim saw that would have worked.. but like I say, “It’s a poor job that doesn’t support one tool purchase”!
A bit heavy, but cut like a hot knife through butter!

 

[bdbecker]

Finally snagged one...

Going to put it to work right away on a shed build this weekend. Figured it will come in handy for that project, along with the future basement remodel.

 

[KnurledNut]

I picked up a new 12v Makita LED light.
It uses a single ON/OFF button with a single mode, nothing more, nothing less.
Satisfactory brightness in a flood pattern with a good beam spread.
The pictures don't do justice how tiny this thing is, quite comical really. With a 2aH pack attached, its still smaller than an 18v battery by itself in every dimension. Lightweight too.
Very happy with it.



Shown with my beloved and extremely reliable 18v DML801:

 

[engineer2]

I thought my DML801 looked bad until I saw yours, LOL.

 

[KnurledNut]

I thought my DML801 looked bad until I saw yours, LOL.

Haha! It gets used/abused nearly every day and has never skipped a beat. Not too bad for a 10 year old tool.

 

[ObnoxiousFumes]

Spotted a couple deals while wandering the local Rona. Not as good as the 801 but for that price I grabbed two. Cracked em open in the car and one didn’t work so I went back in and exchanged it right away.
They also had 5ah 18v for $139 but I already have more than I need.

Note: Prices shown are in Canuckistan Kopecks.

 

[KnurledNut]

Makita 9Ah and 12Ah LXT batteries:

 

[ohhimark]

Spotted a couple deals while wandering the local Rona. Not as good as the 801 but for that price I grabbed two. Cracked em open in the car and one didn’t work so I went back in and exchanged it right away.
They also had 5ah 18v for $139 but I already have more than I need.

Note: Prices shown are in Canuckistan Kopecks.

I actually use that one more than the 801. Did they carry Makita when Rona was still Lowes?

 

[ObnoxiousFumes]

Did they carry Makita when Rona was still Lowes?

I’m not sure.

 

[Voi]

I don't really have a problem with the 36v saws power. I actually use it like you are using your 10 inch. My only real problem is it holding onto the chain. Like I said, I'm thinking about removing the folding plastic chain clamp bolt and replacing it with a conventional nut that you can tighten with a wrench.

@IndyGarage did you ever replace that nut?

We got 100 mph winds here earlier this week & I have a few fall pine trees to remove. Was thinking of trying that on my X2.

 

[jollygreengiant]

Picked up this monster the other day, the GA7050 7" 15amp grinder. Should cut through stuff a lot better than my 4.5" grinders. I was actually looking at 9" grinders, which would have meant that I was coming home with a Dewalt, but after comparing the weight of them and the price difference for the wheels, I decided to go with the 7". Hopefully I don't regret that later.

 

[Dave455]

Picked up this monster the other day, the GA7050 7" 15amp grinder. Should cut through stuff a lot better than my 4.5" grinders. I was actually looking at 9" grinders, which would have meant that I was coming home with a Dewalt, but after comparing the weight of them and the price difference for the wheels, I decided to go with the 7". Hopefully I don't regret that later.

The 7 inch is a fantastic tool. I think a lot of folks go for the 9 inch when in reality the 7 inch would serve them much better.

It’s not just the cost, the 7 inch is a much more handy tool, and I find it’s more than enough to cut what I need - typically pipes - where the 4 1/2 inch (or even the 5 ) struggles.

The only downside I find is that some of the discs can be harder to find - everywhere sells 4 1/2, 5 and 9 inch, but the 7’s can take a bit more hunting.

I don’t know about Canada, but I find a lot of electrical wholesalers have them. It seems the 7 inch grinders are popular among electricians.

 

[IndyGarage]

@IndyGarage did you ever replace that nut?

We got 100 mph winds here earlier this week & I have a few fall pine trees to remove. Was thinking of trying that on my X2.

I never did. I did get a new chain and got it tightened correctly - Saw worked fine the last time I used it.

 

[jollygreengiant]

The 7 inch is a fantastic tool. I think a lot of folks go for the 9 inch when in reality the 7 inch would serve them much better.

It’s not just the cost, the 7 inch is a much more handy tool, and I find it’s more than enough to cut what I need - typically pipes - where the 4 1/2 inch (or even the 5 ) struggles.

The only downside I find is that some of the discs can be harder to find - everywhere sells 4 1/2, 5 and 9 inch, but the 7’s can take a bit more hunting.

I don’t know about Canada, but I find a lot of electrical wholesalers have them. It seems the 7 inch grinders are popular among electricians.

That's an interesting observation on disc sizes. I can't say much since I haven't been looking in other stores, but the store where I bought this grinder had tons of 7", even lots of 6", but only a handful of 9" discs. And this was a dedicated tool/hardware store, one of the biggest in the region.

 

[Dave455]

That's an interesting observation on disc sizes. I can't say much since I haven't been looking in other stores, but the store where I bought this grinder had tons of 7", even lots of 6", but only a handful of 9" discs. And this was a dedicated tool/hardware store, one of the biggest in the region.

Oh well! Job sorted then!

In fairness, I’m speaking of the U.K, and I definitely see more 9 inch here, but I don’t really know why. It doesn’t really make sense.

Either way, I suspect you will find that handy.

Makita make nice 7 inch grinders.

 

[FTWingRiders]

Hmm. I think my XCV11 vac crapped out. I use it mostly attached to my track saw, certainly not even weekly or monthly use. I was using it with said track saw, worked first cut, then nothing.. slight electrical smell, no battery level light.. tried new battery and still nothing, but the battery level light shows full now.
It’s probably 5-6 years old, but really not many hours. Disappointing.

 

[KnurledNut]

Makita released a couple new LXT tools:

XRF04Z
Brushless Autofeed Screwgun
https://makitatools.com/products/details/XRF04Z

SKR001Z
Dual Slope Rotary Laser
https://makitatools.com/products/details/SKR001Z

Their January bulletin stated they are continuing to expand the 18v LXT line.

 

[duneslider]

Hmm. I think my XCV11 vac crapped out. I use it mostly attached to my track saw, certainly not even weekly or monthly use. I was using it with said track saw, worked first cut, then nothing.. slight electrical smell, no battery level light.. tried new battery and still nothing, but the battery level light shows full now.
It’s probably 5-6 years old, but really not many hours. Disappointing.

Bummer, I was literally just looking at getting one of those, now I am second guessing.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Hmm. I think my XCV11 vac crapped out. I use it mostly attached to my track saw, certainly not even weekly or monthly use. I was using it with said track saw, worked first cut, then nothing.. slight electrical smell, no battery level light.. tried new battery and still nothing, but the battery level light shows full now.
It’s probably 5-6 years old, but really not many hours. Disappointing.

Take it apart and clean everything up. Mine slowed down over the last year or so and I found a ton of dust and debris build up around the motor. I also noticed some of the interior wiring appeared to be darkened where the input power comes on the control board, but It wasn't burnt. After I cleaned it up, it's as good as new again and quieter. It's worth investigating.

Bummer, I was literally just looking at getting one of those, now I am second guessing.

I've had mine for 4 years and had to clean it up once (see above). Other then that, it's been a great vac and I use this 3-4 times weekly.

 

[duneslider]

Take it apart and clean everything up. Mine slowed down over the last year or so and I found a ton of dust and debris build up around the motor. I also noticed some of the interior wiring appeared to be darkened where the input power comes on the control board, but It wasn't burnt. After I cleaned it up, it's as good as new again and quieter. It's worth investigating.



I've had mine for 4 years and had to clean it up once (see above). Other then that, it's been a great vac and I use this 3-4 times weekly.

One of the reasons I was looking at this was for a little bit of drywall dust cleanup. This would just be for small area patches and touch ups, not like a whole house drywall job. Do you think the drywall dust would negatively affect this vac? I have a smaller corded shop vac I use and it is fine but a hassle to move around and find plugs for, it would be nice to not have to drag it around for a minutes worth of vacuuming. I tried my cordless dyson but it plugs up with dust so fast it wasn't worth using.

 

[Steel_Rain]

One of the reasons I was looking at this was for a little bit of drywall dust cleanup. This would just be for small area patches and touch ups, not like a whole house drywall job. Do you think the drywall dust would negatively affect this vac? I have a smaller corded shop vac I use and it is fine but a hassle to move around and find plugs for, it would be nice to not have to drag it around for a minutes worth of vacuuming. I tried my cordless dyson but it plugs up with dust so fast it wasn't worth using.

I use mine for sawdust and shop cleanup. I also use it for the pets and kids (dog food, rabbit hay and all the things kids drag in) and it's been good for that. It's also super helpful cleaning out the cars. I've never used it for drywalling.

That said, it's considered a HEPA vac because of the pre-filter mesh that slides over the main filter. That pre-filter would be absolutely needed if you were sucking up fine dust, but I'm not sure if it will clog up quickly or not. It doesn't with saw dust, but that's not fine like drywall dust.

@FTWingRiders, have you ever used yours for drywall dust?

 

[FTWingRiders]

I use mine for sawdust and shop cleanup. I also use it for the pets and kids (dog food, rabbit hay and all the things kids drag in) and it's been good for that. It's also super helpful cleaning out the cars. I've never used it for drywalling.

That said, it's considered a HEPA vac because of the pre-filter mesh that slides over the main filter. That pre-filter would be absolutely needed if you were sucking up fine dust, but I'm not sure if it will clog up quickly or not. It doesn't with saw dust, but that's not fine like drywall dust.

@FTWingRiders, have you ever used yours for drywall dust?

Thanks for the suggestion… I haven’t taken the time yet to take it apart and look it over closely, but I will and give it a good cleaning. Hopefully it will resurrect, as I do like it, and will replace it if necessary.

I don’t believe I’ve ever used it on drywall dust, mostly attached to my track saw, Makita Routers and smaller clean ups in my shop. I’m curious what I’ll find when I get to it this weekend. I’ll post my results.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

XGT Motor

 

[KnurledNut]

I recently broke the mode selector on my rotary hammer.
This is a common failure point if handled roughly or if the user doesn't know to cycle it between selections and forces it.
Makita probably should have made this part metal. Of course, mine did last 11 years so...
Besides that, this continues to be a great reliable tool.

That leads me to the reason for this post: a contributing factor to why I support Makita where possible. Reparability.
This is not a cheap tool to replace. It was over $500 new.
I was able to get the part to fix it myself at minimal cost and downtime. (I actually picked up two so I have a spare.)

Unfortunately, Makita has been affected by inflation much the same as other manufacturers, but holding less of the market share it seems to have further weakened interest in the brand.
This is pretty discouraging, as I appreciate the Japanese engineering and R&D that goes into production, ergonomics, build quality with a dependable grade of components, and the ability to service with open stock OE parts and support.
This is important to me, as my tools get used secularly.

Anywho, that's my two cents. Thanks for reading.

 

[Qualitytools]

I think MAKITA makes good, reliable products