Experience
the power and reduced weight of the new lithium-ion technology, without
the high cost. Lithium-ion cordless tools provide more power with less
weight. This cordless drill-driver is a more compact, lighter-weight
version of the LXT 18 volt tool. It has a 1.5 amp hr battery, which is
half the size of the LXT 3.0 Amp hr batteries. This is not a light-duty
tool by any means; it kicks butt in the 18-volt category. It boasts 450
in./lbs. of torque! You can even use the longer run time 18-volt LXT
3.0 Amp-hr batteries in this tool (the higher the amp hr rating, the
longer the battery will last before it needs to be recharged).This
cordless drill weighs only 3.5 pounds, the lightest yet of any
professional 18 volt. It has a comfortable grip and excellent
ergonomics, which is ideal for continual use. Located just above the
trigger, are two "headlights." Headlights refer to small LED lights
that provide light where you need it most. I was skeptical about this
feature, thinking it was just another gimmick, but after using it for
some time, I've come to depend on it. From lighting my way to the house
in the dark, when bringing the batteries/tools on cold nights to
providing light in a dark cabinet, closet, or under a desk, this a
must-have feature. Rubber grips adorn the exterior of this tool and
protect it during impact if it falls. For all that you get with this
tool package, the price is unbelievably low. This 18 volt is perfect
for the professional who needs a powerful cordless to use all day long.
This
Makita drill also has the most advanced charging system available and
it charges in only 15 minutes! Generically, it's called a "smart
charging system." A computer chip inside the battery lets the charger
know exactly how to optimally charge the battery, to completely charge
each cell within the battery and for maximum battery life. Each battery
is made up of smaller 1.2 volt cells. Often a battery will drain
unevenly during normal use, at different rates within these internal
cells. A normal charger will stop charging the battery when one cell
reaches maximum capacity, not all of them. Once this happens once, it
will continue to do so as long as you use the battery. What this means
is your 18-volt battery is now a 16- or 17-volt battery and it can drop
even lower. A "smart charger" will charge every cell independently
until each cell is fully charged, so your 18-volt battery will remain
18 volts for its entire life. This charger has a fan in it and blows
air through the battery to cool it down before charging so the battery
can be charged right away, unlike other brands, where the charger waits
until the battery cools, or even worse attempts to charge a hot battery
pack and damages it or decreases the life of the battery. These Makita
lithium-ion batteries will last longer than standard batteries and can
be charged over 1200 times, as opposed to the standard of 600 to 800
times, which alone can justify the slightly higher price tag. -- Gabriel Shantara Ford
What's in the Box
Driver drill; compact lithium-ion batteries (2); 15-minute Rapid Charger; carrying case
