Customer Reviews

Makita Bare-Tool BTD144Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The only problem with this tool is that it doesn't work well as a hammer... which is to say - as a cordless impact driver is is as close to perfect as can be. I've used it for several projects now and all I can say is I wish I had bought one sooner for earlier projects. It works 100% better then a cordless drill as a driver, I would say in some cases even better then a regular screw driver or wrench at driving difficult fasteners in weird positions. I'm already invested in the Makita lithium-ion system so I didn't seriously consider any alternative but I have tried them at the local home stores. This one is at least as good as all other top of the line cordless drivers of this size.

The 3 torque/speed settings are really useful. Mostly I use it on the lowest setting unless I know I need more torque. If I hit a snag I simply up the power.

The tool works well with both the 1.5A and 3A batter packs. However, the 1.5A pack is shorter then the belt clip so the tool doesn't stand flat on battery with the tool belt clip installed.

Purchased this tool this past Dec 2009. I use it in the Refrigeration/HVAC industry. It has been a great tool. Very powerful and I like the adjustable torque. I would highly recommend it.

Purchase this bare tool to go along with my Makita LXT cordless drill and I absolutely love it! Being a professional in the field, I use this tool often and have found it to be outstanding! The tool has a great feel in your hand, lightweight, and is extremely powerful. I love having 3 speeds to choose from so you can set the speed for the type of work you are doing. Bit insertion is really smooth, with just sliding it in and having it lock and secure the bit. I am very surprised how long the battery last driving 3 inch screws, just amazing! Makita is making some awesome power tools right now, I'm really impressed!

I upgraded to this impact driver from the Makita BTD141Z which costs half as much as the 144 being reviewed here. I couldn't be happier that I did.

This impact driver has an almost perfect balance to it between the head and battery (3Ah). It's almost magically quiet thanks to its brushless motor. It's usable in a wide variety of roles around the workshop or home thanks to its 3 step adjustable power level. It has an LED light built-in that is activated with the pull of the trigger and lingers for a few seconds, like all Makita LXT products, but unlike a few other makita tools with this feature, the BTD144Z has an external on/off button for this feature.

I found it's baby brother (141) to be too powerful to use as anything but driving screws through hardwood or other tough materials. The 144 on the other hand has tonnes of power but can also be tamed for smaller more delicate tasks.

I've had a chance to put this guy to good work in a hurry. So far putting in small to medium screws in building cabinets. The feel of the driver is very nice. Very well built. The torque is very strong. Maybe a bit strong for small screws but only a bit. I haven't had the oppertunity to try the max setting and probably will never do so. After purchasing the Makita drill earlier in the year, this was a great addition. Having a little bit of knowledge of brushless technology the extra money for the new model was worth it. I would highly recommend!

I purchased this impact driver in june '10 and used it this summer when renovating two apartments, and although it looks and feels small, light and very handy, it's really a beast! It will drive even your largest screws through the toughest wood without any problems. This is primarily a carpentry tool, and should not be mistaken for an impact wrench, so you can't change tires with this one. But for what it's made for, it's worth every single penny. I have also used it to pull out stubborn bolts in the engine compartment of my car, and it does the job with so much ease and speed that I find myself smiling every time I use it. The torque adjustment is also useful, as the maximum torque setting is only needed for fast and/or tough jobs. I though I'd try a torx bit from a regular screwdriver set I have, but the torque in the BTD144 was just a little bit too much for the poor bit to be used on the large screws with this tool, so it actually twisted the whole bit.

I definately recommend this tool to anyone who does medium or larger projects and need a tool that packs a punch.

This is my third impact driver. (I also have an older DeWalt 18v unit and a Milwaukee).
This unit smokes them all. I can without hesitation recommend this over the others. It is a little pricey (double the Makita BTD141) but well worth it.

But let's be clear, if people already have a bunch of money wrapped up in Bosch, DeWalt, Hitachi or whatever cordless tools (and batteries, chargers, etc) then you aren't likely going to go out and buy a whole set of batteries and such just to get one tool.

I started with the Makita 18v Li-ion line right after they came out and i'm glad i did. Makita keeps coming up with new tools and improving on the old with this line.
If you are just starting out with 18 volt tools, this tool (as a full kit) would be a good place to start.

This thing drives deck screws like they're nothing. It's also really, really fast for driving/loosening lower torque fasteners (it's great for unscrewing metal bolts with a nut driver). Another plus is that it's extremely small and light. I find myself going for this rather than the Makita drill for any bit that has the quick release hex shank on it.

The only issue I've had with it is that it was stripping out stainless square drive screws, but I think I maybe just needed to slow down or use a lower torque setting.

The impact is nice and light fits well in your hand well balanced. Work light is bright and the glow ring is great for finding at night. All good but this is not a 3-speed conventional it's a digital 3-speed. sounds ok, but you are ripped off because it's not a gear changing 3-speed. The good; changes speed fast and the low range works well for slow speed but with little torque. The bad; with gear drive you gain torque which you need.
I like this driver for the obvious reasons little weight good ergonomic.
Would recomend.

I bought Makita 18V drill in this family earlier and decided to add this "bare tool." It uses the same batteries as the drill and fits in the drill's case. (The drill kit came with two batteries, charger, second grip, and the case.)

The impact driver has plenty of power for most uses. The variable power feature (3 levels) is most helpful when doing work that might be damaged by the full power of the tool. The head is smaller and the tool lighter than the drill making it easier to use in tight spaces.

Excellent tool -- highly recommended.