Makita Cordless 3/8

[Rezeppa]

I am looking now at another 3/8 impact I am having a hard time deciding between the compact 12v WT10W or the 18v LXT BTW253. The compact is rated just under 75ft lbs and the 18 volt at 144. I am curious to see what your guys experience with these two cordless impacts are. Everyone I have talked to seems happy with both I'm just trying to figure out the one to pull the trigger on.

 

[TheGrooveking]

My recommendations would be based on where you are going to use it. If under dash of other tight places but the BTW253 is only 6-1/8" front to back and I suspect the WT10W is about the same size so the BTW253 gives twice the torque. Additionally the Makita 18 volt system has 60 plus tools so it offers a lot more options for future growth.

TheGrooveking

 

[Rezeppa]

I already have a few LXT tools like an extra high torque 1/2" impact a 1/4" impact driver right angle drill and hammer drill my old 3/8 is worn out and I guess I'm just trying figure out which is more useful I am truly impartial. I was hoping someone would own both and give me their perspective but I might be asking for a bit much. Thanks a lot for your input.

 

[firebox40dash5]

IMO, a 3/8" impact in 12V with so little torque is bass ackwards. I've always used, and sworn by, my 1/4 hex impact drivers. I don't have enough problems using insert adapters to justify buying a separate tool that doesn't gain me a whole lot, and loses a lot of versatility. Oh, and according to Makita, the 12V is actually 1/4" LONGER than the 18V version, somehow.

I just put myself in a similar boat today. I've had 18V LXT for a few years, and broke my drill last week. I decided I was done with the LXT and got an M12 Fuel drill/driver and impact driver. I'll no doubt still end up with M18 for a hammerdrill, grinder, sawzall, and circ saw, but I'm thinking if I do buy an 18V impact, it'll probably be a 3/8" rather than a hex driver... not much need for the hex when I have a more compact one that still has 100 lb./ft. of torque, I'll probably be using sockets and not bits if I need more than that.

 

[wxm]

I'd go with the 3/8, especially if you already have LXT system the 3/8 is very compact and quite powerful. I found it quite sufficient for most of the work around the house.

 

[cyato]

I have both the 12V and LXT Makita tools and only use the 12V stuff for "delicate" situations. After getting used to the run time of LXT batteries, the 12V stuff seems to discharge quickly and charge times are slow. My vote for your situation would be for the BTW253.

 

[Rezeppa]

Thank you that cleared things up.