Budget-Friendly Makita Tools You'll Want To Have In Your Garage
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There are certain tools that every homeowner should have, but you may be overwhelmed with the number of options when it comes to brands. Makita is a large Japanese company that has become extremely popular here in the United States and around the world for its high-quality products. Compared to similar tool brands, Makita tools are considered on the higher end, mainly due to the materials used and the attention to detail during the company's production process. But just because the products are higher-end, doesn't necessarily mean they're more expensive.
While certain Makita tools can cost you $500 or more, there are some really great options for outfitting your garage without breaking the bank. Whether you're in the market for a sander, a drill, or an impact wrench, Makita is a great brand to turn to. Here are some of our favorite budget-friendly tools.
1/3 Sheet Finishing Sander
When it comes to home projects, wood is often a big factor. In fact, you can create a ton of DIY projects for your home using a small piece of wood. But without the right tools, it can be impossible to do any sort of woodworking. One of those tools is a finishing sander, which is used to polish and clean surfaces after use, particularly for projects with sharp corners or edges. The Makita 1/3-inch Sheet Finishing Sander (model BO3710) offers 11,000 OPM (orbits per minute) and an all-ball bearing system that provides less vibrations for a smoother, more efficient finish. It also has a built-in dust collector to keep the mess to a minimum.
The finishing sander, which comes in Makita's signature teal color, can be found on Amazon for around $88.00. And while this may be a bit more expensive than other sanders found on Amazon, the reviews speak for themselves — the Makita option has 4.7 out of 5 stars, with 81% 5-star ratings and users raving about their experience with the power tool.
DML816 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Cordless 18 L.E.D. Flashlight
While not technically a power tool, a flashlight is an important item to have in your garage. Not only are flashlights important for power outages or emergencies, they are also vital for construction or demo work, especially when power tools are involved. The Makita DML816 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Cordless 18 L.E.D. Flashlight is a great option, offering three modes, the highest of which provides 500 lumens. It moves up and down and side to side to ensure you can light up your project at any angle. Amazon reviewers recommend this product as well, with 79% giving it a 5-star rating. Users speak positively of its adaptable brightness and the ability to hang it up or set it down with ease.
For just the flashlight, you can expect to spend about $54.00 on Amazon, but if you need extra-long power, you may want to consider adding the battery pack. With the 6.0Ah 18V LXT® Battery attached, the flashlight provides up to 75 hours of light, which is an ideal addition for long-term projects. But the battery is quite costly — you can find it at Home Depot for about $210. And while the battery can be used for a variety of tools and is a great investment, it's not very budget-friendly.
FD09Z 12V max CXT® Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8-inch Driver-Drill
Makita power tools often rank highly. In fact, here at HouseDigest, Makita tools were ranked 4th in our ranked list of the best power tools. And no power tool collection is complete without a driver-drill. The FD09Z 12V max CXT® Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8-inch Driver-Drill from Makita is used for drilling, driving, and fastening. It comes in a smaller, compact design but doesn't lack efficiency or speed. This tool is ideal for projects that are in more confined spaces but is also a great, lightweight tool for all of your other household projects. Users praise the product for being durable, balanced, and easy to use.
If you have a battery and charger for a drill, this tool is very budget-friendly at about $70 on Amazon, where it has 4.4 stars out of 5. If you need the entire kit, which includes the driver-drill along with a 12V max CXT 2.0Ah battery and charger, it's about $159 at Home Depot. For the battery and charger package, Home Depot sells the pair for $94, while Amazon sells them for around $87. All three options come with a three-year limited warranty.
12V max CXT Lithium-Ion 3-3/8-inch Cordless Circular Saw
Whether you plan to cut drywall, plywood, or pegboard, you need a circular saw to get the job done. Most saws can be heavy and hard to use, especially when working on long-term or heavy-duty projects. The 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion 3-3/8-inch Cordless Circular Saw from Makita combats this issue by offering a compact option that is just as strong — it delivers 1,500 RPM — but easier for the user to lift and use. At only 3.5 pounds with the battery, you can go longer stretches using the saw without burning out.
The circular saw also has a built-in dust blower and an attached blade wrench. The Cordless Circular Saw retails for $92.00 at Home Depot, and reviewers love that the tool is well-priced yet precise and powerful. Just note that the battery is not included with the saw, so you'll need the 12V max CXT 2.0Ah battery and charger kit.
12V max CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8-inch Square Drive Impact Wrench
An impact wrench is the perfect tool for those hard-to-remove nuts and bolts. With their high torque, they're ideal for projects where a regular drill is not quite strong enough. Makita has a 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8-inch Square Drive Impact Wrench that offers 103 feet/pounds of max torque as well as a variable speed option, which allows it to work for a wide range of projects. The impact wrench is compact and lightweight and has a built-in LED light.
The wrench retails for $99.00 and can be found at Home Depot, where 77% of users recommend the product. Many reference the tool's ability to reach tight places and hold a charge for a long period of time. It's part of Makita's line of impact wrenches and impact drivers, which the company says are made with the highest quality steel and raw materials. They're created using a heat-hardening process, which gives them more power and longevity. Similar to the other power tools on this list, you'll need to purchase a Makita-brand battery and charger to use this product.