Thread: Makita lithium ion cordless kits

It wouldn't hurt to check out the new Hitachi tool kit either.The only reason to check them out is that the batteries are compatible with all the range.I have 14.4 and 18 volt hitachi tools and the batteries swap no problems .Lithium ion and nicad fit either and Im just thinking that you would be better future proofing your gear with them.You can buy bare tools that work with these batteries as well.

Already with makita they have two lithium ion 18 volt batteries that are not interchangeable .
My makita cordless tools batteries dont fit each other and even the same voltage dont fit between drills.

For less than the cost of what you can buy just the drill for here in australia you can buy 28v milwaukee tools.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Milwaukee-4-P...QQcmdZViewItem

if you are set in the makita try this.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Makita-LXT401...QQcmdZViewItem

The Makita LiON drill in that kit (BHP451) has had a few gearbox problems but Makita have released a new gearbox to go into it if you have any problems. Other than that they are great drills.
I might be getting one of these kits myself soon.

Hitachi Hammer drill (DV18DL) have ALOT of probs with the ratchet going in the torque selector so while you are drilling it slips. We have had a customer have 3 gearboxes due to this problem and it still happens.

Hope this helps



Oh and if you are going to buy kits from ebay make sure they are aussie kits rather than USA kits cause the manufacturer will not validate warranty claims etc.

Bought the De Walt four pack (Circular, drill, recipro and torch) 36 Volt lithium-ion kit 6 weeks back ($1530 special deal) and it's a killer! We try out all the brands and this kit is one of the psycho ones worth getting. We've got the Makitas and Milwakees too (plus Maktec!). But be warned you can't get spare batteries easily yet and when you do they cost at least $275! I bought another battery to eliminate evryone having to 'battery-hop' from one tool to another which is extremely annoying. Sometimes every tool in the kit is in use at once (except for the torch which is at home somewhere!?).
Having said all that, ultimately, only you can choose which one you like the most because you have your own preferances and you're the one paying for it.

I have a range of LXT 18v gear, including the (non hammer) drill driver and matching impact driver, the 451 Hammer drill and the 450 foot pound torque 1/2in square drive rattle gun, torch and radio.
Running 6 batteries in the large 3AH and compact 1.5 AH formats plus fast and medium rate chargers. The high power consumption tools have a blocking key cast into the battery mating slide system to ensure that the smaller batteries are not overloaded by the heavy tools. It is helpfull to have the two sizes of battery available as the compacts can make the difference in tight access situations. The only tool in my set that rejects them is the 1/2in rattle gun. I haven't tried any of the saws etc so can't comment on them.

I have been very happy with the system since buying it from the states nearly a year ago. After years of Nicad tools where the manufacturers use junk cels and cook them with lousy fast chargers, the Mak stuff is a delight. Its great reassurance to be able to use a tool, recharge the batts, put the lot in its case in the cupboard, pull it out some time later and have batts that work properly. Haven't had that with Nicads really since they started to migrate to fast charge systems.