Hi guys.

I have just bought a new Makita 18V Li-ion cordless impact drill - for an arm and a leg. I decided fork out for something that will last me for years (with sensible battery rotation) for regular trade use. I haven't use it yet.

My local hardware shop is having a Dewalt sale soon, where I could take it back for an 18V 3Ah (NiCd) impact hammer drill.

Is anyone in a position to directly compare the two?
Is there a difference in performance and/or build quality?

There's almost no feedback out there on the new Li-ion Mak's, and certainly no comparisons with other brands, like Dewalt.

Cheers.

i want a makita 18v lithium ion cordless drill driver and am looking for a website that offers it with like a n impact wrnech or something...ive seen the deal and cant find the site...

Two years ago, I bought a Makita 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2 In. Driver-Drill Kit Model # BDF452HW for baby-proofing and furniture assembly. Now I don't use it much, although I feel that I would like a drill/driver on hand.

I feel that the 18V drill-driver is more than I need. I'd like to downgrade to the Makita LCT203W 10.8-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Two-Piece Combo Kit.

The 18V drill kit includes a quick charger, an extra battery pack and a hard plastic carrying case. I bought drill bits from Walmart separately. The 2-piece driver-drill set that I want includes: driver drill, impact driver, two 10.8-volt lithium ion batteries, charger, and "heavy duty" aluminum case.

Of course, the both tools in the 2-piece set have lower torque and max RPM than the 18V drill-driver, but I will have an impact driver in the exchange. Also the tools in the 2-piece set are smaller, which is more to my purpose (basic household maintenance).

Should I sell the 18V (bought at 0 + tax), at a loss because it's used, and get the 2-piece set? I'm thinking 0 for the 18V and I'll throw in the drill bits. The 2-piece set is 0 shipped, from Amazon. (I'll need new bits, as the drill takes hex-shank bits.) Or should I keep the 18V, because you never know when you'll need the power?

What do you think?
The tools in the 2-piece set are less bulky than the 18V drill-driver.

I foresee only light household drilling and screwdriving in the years to come.

i try to stay away from the cheap ones.
for the electrician or equipment installer. i was looking at getting the Makita 18V BHP454, but am sometimes confused with the massive selection of 18v drills to choose from.
anyone have experience with the Makita BDF452HW?

I’m in the market for a new cordless hammer drill. Having read dozens of reviews and opinions, I’ve narrowed it down t either the:
- Makita 18V Li-ion 3 spd, or the
- Milwaukee 18V Li-ion 2 spd.
Which is better cordless drill…for regular trade use in tasks ranging from carpentry to small structural projects? Is the build quality similar?