Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #27 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Makita
• Model: BDF452HW
• Dimensions: 12.00 pounds

Features

• Lithium Ion battery technology - Charges in only 15 minutes
• 1/2" Keyless Chuck with shaft lock for tighter securing bits for professional demands
• Makita built 4 pole motor design for high performance lasts 5 times longer than competitive motors
• Built in LED light to light up the work area
• 16 Position Clutch

Amazon.com Review
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

From the Manufacturer
Try our new compact 18 Volt Lithium Ion Driver Drill kit. Makita built 4-Pole motor design with dual steel ball bearings lasts 5 times longer and delivers 450 in./lbs. of torque. 18 Volt power with 12 Volt weight, Lithium-Ion battery technology offers the longest run times, twice the battery life and is 40 percent lighter than competitive 18 V driver drills, weighs only 3.7 lbs. Kit batteries charge in only 15 minutes!

Customer Reviews

As advertised
Everything I expected from Makita, so far. The driver came with two fully charged batteries, and in great condition for a factory reconditioned product. It is light and powerful, and the LED worklight is a nice addition. The compact size is very handy when working in tight quarters.

The chuck covering is a little soft, and it got very scuffed up and is rough from doing some close work to a screw head. At least it looks used, now. The case is cheap and clunky, but I will be using a tool bag for storage and transportation. The biggest annoyance with this unit is the lack of on-board driver storage. I almost always have the phillips head bit in the chuck, anyway, but I was surprised to see there was no where to store even one bit on the body of the driver.

At the price ($129), I think it is a tremendous bargain for a Li-Ion 18v driver from an industry leader. Good work, Makita.

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.

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!