The 8 best Makita screwdrivers The 8 best Makita screwdrivers Among the strengths of the Makita tool are: thoughtful Japanese design, combined with Chinese assembly; affordable prices;
MAKITA DF457DWE
Today, the most popular model in the line of screwdrivers of the Japanese brand is the Makita DF457DWE. The tool is designed for fast work, it easily copes with fasteners, makes accurate holes. The device is equipped with 16-stage torque control, quick-release chuck and electronic braking system. The 18 V, 1.5 Ah Li-ion battery combined with a spare battery provides ample battery life. Lightweight 1.7 kg and compact dimensions are complemented by a comfortable handle, making the work comfortable.
8 best Makita screwdrivers
Among the strengths of the Makita tool are:
- Thoughtful Japanese construction, combined with Chinese assembly;
- Affordable prices;
- Rich equipment;
- Maximum comfort and convenience.
Our review will consider the best Makita electric screwdrivers that have won recognition from domestic consumers.
MAKITA DDF454RFE
The Makita DDF454RFE has become synonymous with reliability and durability for many professional builders and furniture assemblers. The screwdriver is equipped with a metal gear, a 4-pole electric motor, a keyless chuck. The 18-volt battery, thanks to lithium-ion technology, has a capacity of 3 Ah. The presence of an additional battery ensures long-term operation of the tool without recharging. The speed is electronically controlled. The use of batteries with a capacity of 4 Ah is allowed.
BOSCH or Makita. Who will win the championship?
The task is not an easy one. Compare professional tools of two world leaders BOSCH and Makita and find out the winner. Everyone knows these names; the tools of both companies are equally popular. In general, comparison is a completely thankless task, and even more so when comparing two generally recognized leaders. But the competition, therefore, is held to identify the true winners.
When comparing, we will use the Sherlock Holmes method, when general conclusions are drawn based on a detailed analysis of particulars. We will analyze individual technical characteristics of tools and come to certain general conclusions.
So, let’s first take the hammer drills, which are a kind of visiting card of BOSCH tools, because it was with this type of tool that this company began in the thirties of the last century. Punch BOSCH 2-24D and punch of the same class Makita HR2470. Let’s make a reservation right away that the prices for these tools are the same, now let’s compare some technical characteristics:
power: BOSCH 790 W / Makita 780 W;
maximum drilling diameters:
BOSCH concrete 68 mm / Makita 68 mm;
BOSCH steel 13 mm / Makita 13 mm;
BOSCH wood 30 mm / Makita 32 mm;
rotation speed (MAX) BOSCH 950 rpm / Makita 1100 rpm;
impact force BOSCH 2.7 J / Makita 2.7 J;
weight BOSCH 2.8 kg / Makita 2.6 kg.
As can be seen from the comparison of technical characteristics, there are no advantages of the BOSCH 2-24D rotary hammer over the Makita HR2470 rotary hammer. For the sake of fairness, it should be noted that in the BOSCH 2-24D hammer drill, the chiseling function is better implemented, but the Makita HR2470 hammer drill is faster and slightly lighter in weight, which is important for long-term work with the tool. In addition, the Makita HR2470 hammer drill is equipped with special carbon brushes with an extended service life, and during operation it is possible to rotate the chisel 360 to fix the rig in forty different positions. Otherwise, all the technical characteristics of these two rock drills are completely identical, both rock drills have all the necessary modern functions, both are ergonomically designed and made with high quality.
Now let’s take a look at two professional-grade small angle grinders from these manufacturers BOSCH Professional GWS 850 CE and Makita GA5030. Specifications:
power consumption: BOSCH 850 W / Makita 720 W
rotation speed (MAX) BOSCH 11000 rpm / Makita 11000 rpm;
diameter of the BOSCH grinding disc 125 mm / 125 mm;
spindle thread BOSCH M 14 / Makita M 14×2;
weight BOSCH 1.5 kg / Makita 1.4 kg.
Again, comparing the power tools of these two manufacturers, we see a tendency that their performance is approximately the same. Both have powerful, durable, dustproof motors that can run for extended periods. Both tools are easy to use and can be operated with confidence even with one hand. Both tools provide all the necessary functions to simplify tool operation and maintenance.
Maybe we can pick a winner by comparing the jigsaws of these two brands? Let’s try. So, the BOSCH GST 150 CE jigsaw and Makita 4351FCT jigsaw:
power consumption: BOSCH 780 W / Makita 720 W;
frequency of movement of the file (MAX) BOSCH 3100 strokes / min / Makita 2800 strokes / min;
cutting depth of BOSCH wood 150 mm / Makita 130 mm;
weight BOSCH 2.6 kg / Makita 2.4 kg.
It seems that we have finally found an advantage. With all practically equal parameters, the BOSCH GST 150 CE jigsaw has a slightly larger power reserve, a wider range of stroke frequencies and can cut thicker wooden blanks. But it was not there. The Makita 4351FCT jigsaw has a soft start function that allows you to significantly extend the life of the engine, there is a backlight function necessary in certain operating conditions, as well as an anti-vibration system that allows you to work comfortably with the tool.
Probably, this marathon of comparing BOSCH and Makita tools could be continued. But does it make sense? Comparison of rotary hammers, angle grinders and jigsaws showed that all tools have wide capabilities and very high performance. If it was possible to award first place to both brands, then this would be done, so the choice between BOSCH and Makita is a subjective matter for everyone. After all, it never occurs to anyone to compare the two world masterpieces of painting Gioconda Leonardo da Vinci and the Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli.
It’s the same as comparing Mercedes and BMW cars or cameras of the two world leaders Nikon and Canon, because when the products of world brands are at the peak of quality and popularity, you need to choose according to your inner conviction.
Why did we choose BOSCH, MAKITA and STERN screwdrivers.
In this article, we will talk about three brands of screwdrivers: BOSCH, MAKITA and STERN. We have chosen these manufacturers for three reasons:
- 1.We made furniture using these brands of screwdrivers. Therefore, our analysis will be based not on the information read in the instructions, but on the basis of our own experience with this tool.
- 2.Screwdrivers of brands BOSCH, MAKITA and STERN are widespread among furniture assemblers. And since our main goal is to make furniture with our own hands, then we will analyze the tool that has found popularity among furniture manufacturers.
- 3. We can say that at least two of the three brands of screwdrivers under consideration have positively proven themselves not only among furniture makers, but in other areas where there is a need to use screwdrivers.
Which screwdriver to choose: BOSCH, MAKITA or STERN?
The huge selection of all kinds of offers for screwdrivers on the tool market is sometimes just confusing. It is good if the buyer clearly knows which brand of screwdriver and with what characteristics he needs. But what about a person who is not familiar with this tool, who does not know the advantages and disadvantages of screwdrivers of a particular manufacturer? You can, of course, read the instructions, hold each model in your hands, press the start button. By the way, it even needs to be done. But, in addition, you still need to know what exactly you should pay special attention to when choosing a screwdriver for making furniture with your own hands.
What is important in a screwdriver used to make furniture
The manufacture of cabinet furniture, as a rule, is associated with the work on the laminated chipboard (chipboard). It is the features of this material that make special demands on the choice of a screwdriver.
The first thing you should pay attention to is how the screwdriver behaves when the start button is suddenly released. In other words, for example, you need to screw the confirmat and connect two pieces of chipboard. You take a screwdriver, press the starter, the screwdriver starts working. Then, the moment comes when it is necessary to stop the rotation, and you suddenly release the button. Logically, each of you will do just that. Right?
So, not all screwdrivers react the same to a sharp release of the button. For example, STERN brand screwdriver will still continue to rotate by inertia. No, he, of course, will not make an additional 20 revolutions, but somewhere in one or half a turn the cartridge will still turn. How can this threaten? The fact is that the chipboard outside is covered with a thin layer of laminate, which gives it an attractive appearance. In addition, many chipboard manufacturers (most often domestic) produce a frank marriage. It happens that the density of the slab does not correspond to the required parameters. Usually it is an order of magnitude lower than that indicated in the technical documentation for chipboard. As a result, the chipboard inside becomes a little loose. It is almost impossible to control the density of the slab when buying, and it is definitely impossible to return the slab after it has been cut into parts. And therefore, it is necessary to work with such details, but carefully. In principle, you need to work carefully with any chipboard.
So what happens when the screwdriver continues to rotate after releasing the button. And, in general, it is clear that what is happening, he continues to screw the confirmation, at the moment when this is no longer necessary. As a result, if you have a dense slab, then you risk just slightly damaging the laminate. But if your chipboard is, in addition, loose, then you can drive the confirmat down to half the thickness of the part or knock down the thread inside the hole. Both lead to an unaesthetic appearance and a decrease in the strength of the structure.
Therefore, the screwdriver used for the manufacture of furniture should stop immediately after a sharp release of the start button.
Among the screwdrivers under consideration, MAKITA and BOSCH stop rooted to the spot after releasing the button, but STERN, as mentioned earlier, continues its inertial motion. In addition, STERN brand screwdrivers are heavier than their competitors, have an awkward grip and are somewhat angular.
The reason why STERN is still used by furniture makers is that the price of this screwdriver is several times lower than that of MAKITA and BOSCH screwdrivers. Therefore, furniture assemblers somehow adapt to STERN screwdrivers, and those who have not adapted simply produce low-quality furniture. After all, the collector is also a person, he is looking for a way to make his life cheaply easier. True, we believe that this should be done not at the expense of the quality of the furniture produced. But opinions tend not to coincide. However, at this stage of testing, we are deleting the STERN brand from our list of recommended screwdrivers for furniture making, and will continue to review the remaining MAKITA and BOSCH.
Bosch
The Bosch corporation has existed for over 120 years, and at present, the products of this manufacturer can be purchased in almost any country in the world. It is Bosch that pioneered many technologies that are now widely used by many other manufacturers. It is worth noting that it was Bosch that was the first in the world to release such types of power tools as: a hammer drill, a jigsaw, a cordless hammer drill, a vario grinder, etc. Every year this manufacturer puts on the market products in which any innovations are necessarily introduced. For the convenience of choosing, Bosch has clearly divided all the variety into two categories: for professionals and for amateurs. At the same time, professional products differ from household products in greater durability and increased functionality, and, naturally, have a high cost. At present, these two categories from Bosch are quite easy to distinguish by the color scheme of the housing green, and professional blue. If we compare Bosch products with the products of two other compared manufacturers, then we can say that at a price Bosch is more expensive than Makita, but cheaper than Metabo, in quality and durability, respectively, Bosch is superior to Makita, but inferior to Metabo.
In order to have an idea of how manufacturers are positioned on the market, and what features of their products they offer, we will consider separately each compared manufacturer.
Metabo
The products of the manufacturer Metabo are of true German quality, and the guarantee of this is the fact that the assembly is mainly carried out in Germany. Most experts are of the opinion that Metabo is somewhat superior in reliability to analogues from Makita and Bosch, and for this reason its cost is always higher than that of competitors. It should be noted that the Metabo company has on its account about five hundred patents in the field of the production of power tools, while all innovations are aimed at embodying the principle of reliability and durability of products above all. In the production of Metabo, nodes and parts of increased strength are used. Those who buy Metabo know that they do not compromise, but buy the best and therefore never regret the money spent. Professionals say that the products of this company are indestructible and those who tried to use Metabo products will never change this brand.
Bosch screwdrivers
Multifunctionality, reliability and quality tested by more than one generation. What makes Bosch tools the market leader. Having been producing construction and household appliances for over 100 years, they do not lose their grip and are constantly improving their numerous assortment. Bosch screwdrivers are no exception.
Professionals highly appreciate the products of the German company, highlighting a number of qualities:
1.Durable motor with high speed and torque;
2. Light weight and compact body, helping to work at height;
3. Selection of modes of rotation speeds.
The screwdrivers of the German company are universal, capable of working both with wood and with drywall and plastic. Individual devices such as the GSB 14.4 V-LI Plus or GSB 10.8-2-LI have the power to cut holes in metal and stone. If we talk about nutrition. Among the devices it is not difficult to find both mains screwdrivers and those that run on batteries.
If you want to distinguish between devices for household and industrial use. You can easily distinguish them by their color. Household tools are green when professional appliances are blue. Although Bosch tools remain among the most expensive on the market, the difference in price is more than offset by high quality standards and ease of use.
In addition to the basic device, customers receive a selection of different bits and tips to fit all the screws they need. Therefore, whatever the task of fastening is not faced by the master. Bosch devices help you cope with it.
Sparky screwdrivers
The fourth position in the list is occupied by Sparky Bulgarian screwdrivers. An experienced craftsman will distinguish them from afar thanks to the inherent red and black colors of the company’s models and an ergonomic shape that makes it possible to work in the most inaccessible places.
Despite the low prices, Bulgarian screwdrivers are not inferior to German and Japanese competitors in terms of safety and quality standards. Experienced craftsmen highlight a number of design features that make fastening work an order of magnitude easier and more comfortable:
1.Possibility without tool replacement of the nozzle thanks to the keyless chuck;
2. Light weight, ergonomic design and compact size, increasing the range of applicability of the device;
3. The ability to adjust the torque, an order of magnitude higher than the accuracy of work;
4. LED illumination, giving work in low light conditions;
5.Reliable motor and two-speed synchronized transmission, helping to achieve trouble-free operation in the most challenging areas.
Sparky Bulgarian drills and screwdrivers are capable of handling a wide range of materials. Among the models, the buyer will find both simpler models used for wood and drywall, and impact models for stone and metal (such as BUR2 18 Li and BVR 63 E HD).
Among the range of models, you can easily find both network and battery models. If you want fast discharging batteries not to limit the operating time, the devices use a pair of lithium-ion batteries at once. When one battery is dead. It should be put on charge, quickly replaced with a second one. The device is equipped with energy indicators, so a discharged battery will not be a surprise to the master. So the work with the screwdriver will be continuous.
TOP 10 best manufacturers of screwdrivers which brand is better
Manufacturer. One of the main criteria when choosing both a professional and a household screwdriver. And if the buyer is already wondering which company a screwdriver to choose, he is looking for tools from only the most reputable companies. Companies distinguished not only by a wide range of products, but also by high customer ratings.
Among the manufacturers of screwdrivers, we have identified 10 that show excellent results, both in construction and in home fastening work. Here you will find information about each of them.
Comparison by key parameters
Professional and household lines
For a correct comparison between Bosch and Makita, it is worthwhile to figure out which lines of tools these corporations produce.
- Blue series professional equipment. Actually, this is the very Bosch, which is characterized by high power, long service life and safety margin.
- Green series power tools for household use. Due to limitations in power and functionality, as well as the use of less durable materials, the manufacturer seriously reduces the cost of products. But their safety margin also suffers, in any case, in comparison with the professional line.
Sometimes models are released in the green series, which they then plan to bring to the professional market. Therefore, the household segment often serves as a testing ground for new products.
- It produces only professional tools under its own brand, so it should be compared only with the blue Bosch series. The performance parameters of the products are at the highest level, so that there are almost no significant claims from the craftsmen.
- In the 90s, Makita Corporation attempted to launch a line of household power tools under the Maktec brand. The products turned out to be cheaper, but they were significantly inferior to their professional counterparts in terms of power and reliability.
Cost and other factors
- Power. In principle, it is equivalent for both brands (at the same level of energy consumption). In rare cases, Bosch outperforms the Makita in certain parameters (for example, efficiency on concrete).
- Ergonomics. The Makita is in a better position here, primarily because of the lighter tool mass. With long-term work, this plus becomes quite significant.
- Resource. Bosch with its German quality is noticeably better. Despite the fact that Makita has good control over production in different countries, the overall level of reliability of the tools is still somewhat lower.
- Functionality. This parameter can be assessed in two ways: Bosch is the first to have new functions, Makita brings them to mind perfectly, but with a significant time delay.
- Prices. Bosch costs a little more on average (if we talk about tools of a comparable class). On the other hand, the difference is usually not so significant, and it can be compensated by finding a retail outlet with a more democratic pricing policy.
Brand overview
Bosch
Bosch (or rather, Robert Bosch GmbH) is a group of German companies that specializes in the production of high-tech equipment in various fields. The company was founded in 1886 and initially focused on electrical engineering and precision mechanics. Not surprisingly, starting in the 1890s (the start of electrification in Germany), Bosch’s business began to develop rapidly, occupying new market niches, including those related to the design and manufacture of power tools.
The presence of its own engineering department in the company has served well in the expansion in the market of household and professional tools. It was under the Bosch brand that such devices as a jigsaw, a rotary hammer, a variable grinder, a cordless rotary hammer, etc. Were first released. This also includes the SDS-Plus perforating drill attachment system, it was developed and first introduced by German engineers.
In general, Bosch power tools fully comply with our ideas about German quality standards, they are reliable and durable, therefore the purchase should be considered as a fairly long-term investment.
Makita
Makita Corporation (Japan) was founded somewhat later in 1915, and initially focused on the manufacture of generators and electric motors. In 1958, the first line for the production of power tools was launched: the first electric planer was released under the Makita brand, which at that time had no analogues.
Today the company produces more than 1000 brands of tools of 350 different types. Technological capacities are partially moved outside Japan and are located in Great Britain, Romania and Germany.
Which is better: Bosch or Makita?
In any environment, professionals often get into arguments about which brand is better. For photographers, this is, of course, the eternal confrontation between Nikon and Canon, for owners of Apple smartphones with its iOS and Samsung with Android, etc.
Builders and finishers also do not stand aside, and quite often they discuss the advantages and disadvantages of certain brands of tools. But if you compare, then compare the best representatives, therefore we turn to the results of the survey on the site. As of May 2017, in a survey of their preferred brand of construction tools, 31% of users voted for Makita and 23% for Bosch. So we will choose the leader from these two brands and try to decide which is better than Bosch or Makita.
Rotary hammer Bosch or Makita, which is better?
In this market segment, you can compare the BOSCH 2-24D and Makita HR2470 models.
Maximum drilling diameter (mm)
Rotation speed (max rpm)
As you can see from the table, the difference between the models is very small. However, for the sake of fairness, it should be noted that the chiseling function is better developed in BOSCH 2-24D. In contrast, we can say that the Makita HR2470 is equipped with special carbon readouts that increase the service life, and this model is also lighter and faster. What is more important for professional use, since it is important during long-term work and will save money in the future. Hence, in this example between bosch or makita, the last brand wins.
Makita or Bosch screwdriver, which is better?
When comparing screwdrivers of these brands, perhaps you should not resort to the previously selected method, because if you compare, then you need tools that are close to each other. And in this case, they are difficult to find, except for the Bosch GSR 10.8-2-Li and Makita DF330DWLE models. But these are old-style instruments and their technical characteristics are already outdated. Therefore, comparing screwdrivers, it will be better to summarize the pros and cons of Bosch or Makita.
Features of the Bosch brand:
Germany. The assembly is usually Malaysian;
Basically three years warranty (one year in Makits);
Better performance characteristics and, as a consequence, more weight.
HITACHI DS12DVF3
The tool, of a relatively low price category, is intended for professionals, has two nickel-cadmium batteries, an additional flashlight. The design of the tool protects it from impacts in case of falling, the set includes a keyless chuck. The screwdriver has a function of stepless setting of revolutions, the maximum number of revolutions is 1100 per minute, which allows working comfortably. The tool is provided with 22 steps of torque, the set includes a charger.
Angle grinder Bosch or Makita, which is better?
Moving on to the next pair, this time let’s compare the Bosch GWS 850CE and the Makita GA5030.
In this comparison, the GWS 850CE looks like a clear leader due to the higher power, but there are many complaints about it. In particular, on a switch that is too hard, as well as on the factory lubrication of the gearbox. The latter applies only to the Russian assembly. Besides, professionals blame the lack of a complete set of this model.
Relative to the Makita GA5030 model, it has a clear advantage of its low weight, which is explained by the small size of the tool. Thanks to this, the hands do not get so much tired. Otherwise, these angle grinders are almost identical in performance and functionality. Therefore, choosing only between them, it is difficult to point out the unequivocal advantage of this or that model. However, if we take the approach, then the choice again tends in favor of Makita, due to the primacy of simplicity and convenience over purely technical characteristics.
Continuity is very important
Regardless of whether a professional tool or a household one, if long-term work is required, the master must be able to perform it. This indicator largely depends on the ergonomics of the instrument.
Any tool (unless it is pneumatic) has a very significant weight. And if, for example, it is necessary to perform work under the ceiling, holding the tool at half-outstretched hands, you get tired very quickly.
But due to the use of special handles, the tool can be taken differently. As a result, hand fatigue builds up much more slowly. In terms of ergonomics, both brands are also equal. So it turns out that with a minimal advantage Makita wins.
See also:
- Find out which screwdriver is recommended for purchase.
An experienced craftsman will deliver his verdict in an ongoing dispute between Bosch and Makita adepts:
Features of Bosch and Makita
The characteristics of these brands as a whole will be considered in the context of the range of products provided, its level (household or professional) and the use of new developments (innovation).
- Range of products.
If Bosch is the largest corporation that internationally produces a wide range of products (power tools, household appliances, auto parts and turbine components), then Makita has a narrower specialization. The Japanese corporation is focused on the production of tools, machine tools and equipment. With regard to the range of power tools, it is equally wide and varied at both Bosch and Makita. Makita is four times ahead of Bosch in jackhammers alone (20 models), while Bosch remains the leader in tooling production.
- Household or professional?
Only Bosch has the distinction between domestic and professional tools. Positioning the same Makita manufacturer of professional power tools. Bosch household tools are also called (according to the color of the equipment produced) the green series, and the professional blue series. Given the limited functionality of household power tools, it makes sense to compare only the professional Bosch and the professional Makita.
In the 90s, Makita launched a household power tool line, but under the Maktech brand. In this case, the best developments of the models of the parent brand were used, but the devices were supplied with a simplified design and from cheap materials. Thus, the main advantages were retained along with lower costs for the end user.
- Innovative technologies and product quality.
The only obvious advantage of Bosch over Makita is the introduction of new technologies due to the presence of a good research base. A prime example of this is the SDS-plus chuck, which incorporates a system for securing rock drills.
Actively participating in the development and implementation of new technologies, Bosch successfully uses its range of household power tools in order to test their new products, and only then launch them into serial production on a professional tool. The benefits for residential and professional users are obvious: the former get advanced solutions for a price that is quite elevated for the home user, the latter pay a decent price for functionality that has already passed field tests and will not fail at the most inopportune moment.
So, choosing between Bosch and Makita in general is a matter of taste. After all, both there and there are quite decent quality. It will be more important to pay attention to a specific model of a specific instrument. We will do this on the basis of the Makita 4327 and Bosch PST 800 PEL jigsaws.
Chain and bar length
Both models are the finest chain saws and are fitted with 35 cm bars, the Bosch chain has a 1.1 mm chain and the Makita. 1.3 mm. The strength of the chain and its speed depend on the thickness of the link, for a thicker chain the speed is higher, respectively, and the productivity is also higher.
Additional properties
The Bosch model in question is equipped with a system that allows you to change the chain without tools. The Makita model has a special auto-chain brake system.
Both models can take their rightful place in the economy of summer residents and residents of the private sector, they are compact and relatively inexpensive.