Makita BDF452HW 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Driver-Drill Kit

by Makita

• Makita-built 4-pole motor delivers 450 in.lbs. of max torque, variable 2-speed all metal transmission (0-400 / 0-1, 500 RPM)
• Compact, ergonomic design, 8-inches long, weighs 3-1/2 pounds
• Built-in LED light illuminates the work area
• LXT lithium-ion battery, Energy Star 15-minute rapid optimum charger produces 430-percent total lifetime work, 2.5X more cycles
• 3-year warranty on tool, 1-year warranty on battery and charger

Product Description

Amazon.com

The Makita 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Driver-Drill delivers power and performance in a compact size. The compact driver-drill delivers 450 in.lbs. of Max Torque and 285 in.lbs. of PTI Torque, yet it weighs just 3.5 pounds. And the BDF452HW's 18V compact lithium-ion battery charges in only 15 minutes for less downtime.

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BDF452HW Features POWER - Makita-built 4-pole motor delivers 450 in.lbs. of Max. Torque COMFORT - Only 3.5 lbs. with comfortable ergonomic grip and built-in L.E.D. light SPEED - 2-speed all metal transmission PERFORMANCE - 18V Compact Li-Ion batteries charge in 15 minutes, run longer and deliver 2.5X more cycles INCLUDES - Two 18V compact lithium-ion batteries, rapid charger and case

Tool Specifications Capacities Steel (1/2"), Wood (1-1/2") No-load speed 0-400, 0-1,500 RPM Maximum torque 450 in.lbs. PTI torque 285 in.lbs. Battery 18V compact lithium-ion Overall length 8" Net weight 3.5 lbs. (w/battery)

Makita-Built Motor Engineered for Versatile Power
The BDF452HW features a Makita-built four-pole maximum torque motor that delivers 450 in.lbs. of Max Torque and 285 in.lbs. of PTI Torque in a compact size. The BDF452HW has a two-speed all-metal transmission that delivers 0-450 RPM in low speed and 0-1,500 RPM in high for a wide range of drilling and driving applications.

Ergonomic Design in a Compact Size
The BDF452HW weighs only 3.5 pounds with a more compact design at 8 inches long, and an ergonomic shape that fits like a glove for reduced operator fatigue. The BDF452HW is also equipped with a built in L.E.D. light that illuminates the work area for more efficient work.

Versatile Design for a Range of Applications
The BDF452HW is perfect for a range of driving and drilling into wood and steel, and can be utilized in many different areas such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, electrical, remodeling, woodworking, and more. The combination of power and performance in a compact size makes the BDF452HW ideal for any pro contractor who requires a best-in-class engineered compact cordless driver-drill. The BDF452HW is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best in class engineering.

About Makita's 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Series
As one of the pioneers driving the cordless tool revolution, Makita changed the game with its breakthrough 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Series. Three years after its debut, Makita's LXT Series has grown from seven to over 35 tools, providing a wide range of cordless solutions for professional tradesmen. Makita also added 18V compact lithium-ion for cordless power in a more compact size. Makita's 18V Lithium-Ion batteries and ENERGY STAR rated Optimum Charging System provide several benefits over old battery technology. When compared to traditional 18V Ni-Cd batteries, Makita's 18V Lithium-Ion batteries have 40% less weight, longer run time, and five-times lower self-discharge to keep cells active and ready to use at any time.

Makita's 18V Lithium-Ion battery delivers 2,000 cycles--2.5X more than Ni-Cd. In addition, built-in shock absorbing features help protect the battery, and 16 firm-holding contact terminals deliver constant high power. During the charging process, a built-in memory chip in the battery communicates with the Optimum Charger for a more efficient charge, extending the battery life. Makita's Optimum Charger is also faster: it will charge an 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery in just 30 minutes, and an 18V compact lithium-ion battery in only 15 minutes. Makita also offers a Rapid Automotive Charger for 18V LXT and 18V compact lithium-ion batteries that plugs into 12V DC sockets equipped in most automobiles and trucks for added mobility. Makita's growing line of LXT cordless tool solutions features a wide range of industrial-quality power tools, including driver-drills, impact drivers, impact wrenches, saws, grinders, screwguns, rotary hammers, and more. The LXT Series also offers a jobsite radio, rechargeable flashlights, and several different combo kits.

About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to engineer power tools that are more compact and energy efficient, yet deliver industrial strength power and results. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.

Warranty
Every Makita Lithium-Ion tool is backed by Makita's 3-Year Warranty that covers repair due to defects in materials or workmanship up to three years from the date of original purchase. Makita Lithium-Ion batteries and chargers have a limited 1-year warranty. Please see makitatools.com for complete details. (The owner’s manual included in the box incorrectly states that the tool has a 1-year warranty.  Since the printing of the manual the warranty on the tool has been expanded to 3 years. The battery warranty is valid for 1 year.) 

What's in the Box
Makita BDF452HW 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Driver-Drill, two 18V compact lithium-ion batteries, 15-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger, tool case.

From the Manufacturer

This compact 18 volt lithium ion driver drill kit features a Makita-built 4-pole motor design with dual steel ball bearings that lasts 5 times longer and delivers 450 in./lbs. of torque. Its 18 volts of power with a 12-volt weight lithium-ion battery technology offers the longest run times, twice the battery life, and is 40 percent lighter than competitive 18 volt driver drills. It weighs only 3.7-pounds and the kit batteries charge in only 15 minutes.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

221 of 235 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This Looks & Feels Like the Future November 13, 2006

By Jeff Shultz

This new driver/drill from Makita is a great piece of work. I bought this unit just days ago, so this review is just an initial impression.

The BDF452HW is super light, easy to handle and has good power. The batteries are physically small, but still pack 18 volts. The L/I batteries have a very flat run-time curve...they stay full power until right at the end of the charge. They recharge in 15 minutes (for real). Makita seems to have capitalized on the advantages of new battery technology and combined it with a well built, smooth, advanced tool.

If you need brute power or a hammer drill, this is not the drill for you. If you want a medium to medium heavy duty drill, this lightweight beauty is close to perfect. I'll update this after several months of use. Right now, I couldn't be more satisfied.

*Update (04/13/07) After using this drill for several months, I still think it is the best drill/driver in this price/usage range. The batteries are excellent and the available power continues to satisfy me. This drill is lightweight, reliable, feels like quality and has the umph to drill even 2" Rock Maple and drive 2" lag screws into the same Rock Maple with no sweat. After living with it, I'd buy it again!

209 of 222 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars What a great product, but with one pitfall August 7, 2008

By K. Wilson

Amazon Verified Purchase

I've owned a 12v Dewalt drill for 10 years and although it still works great running on it's second set of battery's, I was looking for something with a bit more power,12v tools seem to run out of juice on larger heavier jobs so I was looking for an 18v drill.

Did some research and came up with the the Makita BDF452HW and ordered it from Amazon. First impressions great ! What a beautiful well balanced tool, fits in the hand very well, extremely light, ratcheting chuck, LED light, lots of torque for those heavy jobs, and the cherry on top is the quick charge Lithium ion batteries. I was very impressed with the whole package so I took it for a spin. By chance the first task that came to hand required some finesse, a 1/16" hole in a small computer connector, not the typical work for this heavy duty beast but you have to use your new toy.

When I drilled the hole, the drill bit shook and the drill itself seemed to have some vibration so I did so careful testing. After testing various bits and setups I determined that the chuck was off center and was causing any drill bits to wobble, not greatly, but enough you could feel it and enough to physically bend a small bit. I had noticed a previous review mentioned chuck wobble but after assessing the large number of positive reviews I dismissed it a just bad luck, it happens.

***** Five stars to Amazon's customer support, I returned the drill for an exact replacement, no charge and three days later I had another Makita in my hands ready to test. Sadly the second drill also suffered from the same fate, off center chuck causing the bits to wobble. I must be too critical so I compare drill holes with the Makita and my 10 year old Dewalt. I noticed two striking differences, the Dewalt was completely without any vibration, no doubt here, it was perfect. The second thing I noticed was the trigger speed control, the Dewalt was very smooth and seemed to be infinetly adjustable allowing me to very accurately control the speed, were the Makita had distinctive speed steps, not quit the control but definitely adequate. Oh yeh and the Dewalt weighted a ton compared to the Makita.

In conclusion, and honestly with great regret I sent the second Makita back for a refund ( ***** Stars to Amazon again !) and ordered the Dewalt DC720KA. It works great and has all of the features of the Makita with two exceptions, weight (its a heavy weight @ 4.8lbs but still very compact) and battery technology, still using NiCad battery's, rather than Lithium Ion.

The Makita is a great product if you can get lucky enough to get one that is put together well, sadly I had two in a row bad. Since the chuck is a little off center, this indicates poor manufacturing tolerances. This may have been a bad batch from a failed CNC machine, or it may be indicative of a more general problem, poor manufacturing practices that ultimately translate into poor quality and usually along with that a poor repair history, and a short product life. Only time will tell if this is a freak batch or indicative of a bigger issue.

160 of 171 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Great drill -- beware the batteries/charger! May 29, 2007

By Howard Beale

I bought this drill in about January or February. The drill itself is great, but something is flakey with either the included 1.5AH batteries or my charger as extended stays in the charger have killed both my batteries (both with and without the charger plugged in!). Makita does not sell 1.5AH batteries, only 3.0AH replacements which are nearly $100 and twice the size of the 1.5AH units.

I'd give this unit 5 stars if the batteries performed as they should have. I'm working with Makita on a battery and charger replacement as this is clearly a problem with this (my?) unit.