Rating: - Best tool in my workshop
I have had this driver-drill for about 9 months now. I am a hobbiest wood worker with limited time for doing projects. I just finished using the Makita for building a 7-ft high x 8-ft wide wall unit (shelving unit) that was completely screwed together using a pocket hole jig (another absolute must-have for even a novice woodworker). I built this out of MDF with poplar trim, so not the hardest stuff to work with by any stretch, but the unit handled it well. I actually had it all screwed together and then decided it was the wrong size so I took it all apart and got it just right. The Makita has performed extremely well with no exceptions. I have very little fatigue because the drill is light with the 1.5 amp-hour battery, and I can always buy the 3.0 amp-hr battery later. I always have a second battery ready because the charge time truly is only 15 minutes. The quality is excellent, the power is all I ever need, the compact size and ergonomic design are excellent, and being able to switch between driving speed (slower) and drilling speed (faster) makes this a great all around tool. The LED light is great and has been very valuable when working in dark confined spaces. I am not rich so $200 (when I bought it) was an investment for a drill, but I am thrilled with this tool. The reviews all pointed to this one. And now I am looking at other Makita cordless products to add to my collection, like the reciprocating saw. Highly recommend this. Only wish there was somewhere to attach a screwdriver bit somewhere on the handle.
Rating: - Buy it!
Never had a Makita before...had a Dewalt but the batteries finally died and VERY expensive to replace!
Thought this might be a good replacement...IT IS DYNAMITE!!
Has great power and IS LIGHT AS A FEATHER! Charges in minutes with fabulous quick charger.
My wife couldn't use the Dewalt....way too heavy. This is easy for women who aren't weightlifers to use!
Can't go wrong!
Rating: - Battery Issues
In two years light usage I have had two 1.5 Ah batteries show defective on the charger. Makita has stood behind the 12 month warranty and replaced the first battery at 11 months and when that battery read defective 10 months later, they replaced it free of charge. The drill itself is lightweight and an excellent medium duty drill.
Rating: - Excellent tool, light/handy/great ergos
Bought it after the new house closed escrow, as I knew I'd need one.
Short & sweet:
Handles great, perfect fit in my hand, my wife's hand, etc. Very compact, and still a powerhouse.
Keyless chuck: Solid, and very easy to manipulate.
The 15-minute charge? No joke.
LED light: More handy than I originally would have thought. Good flashlight in a pinch, as when the electricity is off in a dark work area.
Battery life? Suffice to say that it isn't an issue given the pair of batts and fast charger.
Durable: It's been dropped a few dozen times from 10' and under, on rock/concrete/grass, and hasn't skipped a beat.
Before buying this I asked around with people I trust regarding tools. No regrets.
Rating: - Kick-Butt
The Makita BDF-452HW is a compact cordless powerhouse which rivals most mid-level corded drills. The lithium-ion battery charger truly charges the battery within 30 minutes by cooling the battery pack with its built in cooling fan when necessary. I've owned my drill for the past year and loved it so much that when it came time to purchase a new cordless drill for work, I immediately ordered this one.
In short, you owe it to yourself to give this drill a chance!
- Best tool in my workshop
- Battery Issues