All about Makita screwdrivers

For more than 100 years, the Japanese brand "Makita" pleases its customers with constantly improving high quality screwdrivers. The manufacturer's assortment includes both battery and network models. Which of them and why is it worth giving preference, as well as the intricacies of the work of screwdrivers with a lithium battery, and will be described in this article.

Almost any screwdriver from a Japanese manufacturer can completely replace a set of tools. It is perfect for working with a wide variety of classic bindings. Such a screwdriver is convenient and functional to work with.

Power of 18 volts and a wear-resistant gearbox allow you to fasten even large-diameter self-tapping screws without fear of performing poor-quality work or quick breakdown of the device. The power control button of the screwdriver is located on the rubberized handle of the device, which makes its use as convenient and safe as possible.

Additional functions, such as changing the working speed and backlight, allow you to comfortably perform the necessary actions using this tool quickly and efficiently. If you purchase the latest developments of the Makita model, then, if necessary, they can be used as a drill. True, in this case, it is better to choose the screwdriver that is implemented together with autonomous charging, and does not work directly only from the connection to the network.

The motor of the screwdrivers of the Japanese manufacturer has excellent wear resistance, does not overheat, and some models have an overheating shutdown function. Screwdrivers with battery changers must not be operated if the charger is plugged in. This can lead to overheating and premature failure of the unit.

In general, all Makita screwdrivers are characterized by

• high functionality
• affordable price
• long-term uninterrupted work
• additional warranty from the manufacturer
• ease of use

It is difficult to find today a manufacturer of such devices with a similar combination of price and quality.

Like any other tool, screwdrivers from Japanese manufacturers have their pros and cons. There are quite a few main advantages.

• Versatility of use
• Virtually completely autonomous operation
• Spare parts cost less than competing brands
• Ease of use
• Light weight, thanks to which the use of a screwdriver does not cause discomfort and feeling of hand fatigue
• Ergonomic
• The presence of a special button for smooth release and sharp braking of work
• Stylish and modern design
• Affordable price
• The warranty period for the original instrument is 3 years.

There are also small drawbacks, which, however, can be quickly eliminated if necessary.

• When doing a lot of work, the engine can run down quickly. In this case, it is enough to purchase a special reinforced gearbox, and this minus will be eliminated.

• Weak screwdriver power or low backlight level. It is difficult to eliminate such a disadvantage on your own, but it can be avoided if you purchase the right tool for performing specific tasks.

The manufacturer today offers customers a wide range of these tools. All of them can be roughly divided into several large groups:

• Mains or battery. They differ from each other in the way they work: either from a direct connection to the mains (electrical), or from a replaceable battery (autonomous). When performing a small amount of work, it is better to purchase the second option. At the same time, an electric wire tool is more suitable for private and long-term use.
• Tape device greatly facilitates a large amount of work and reduces the overall time of its execution. Self-tapping screws are sequentially inserted into a special moving belt, which, when the screwdriver is turned on, advance independently.
• Cassette instrument - normal standard, which is more suitable for domestic use. It does not have the same function as the previous model, each self-tapping screw must be installed independently.
• Professional and household appliances. They differ from each other in power, availability of additional equipment, speed of work. Moreover, both of these types can be either complete with a flashlight or without it.
• Brushless screwdriver has a special brushless motor. It is in such tools that you can quickly and in a wide range change the intensity and speed of the unit itself. The new generation of household electric screwdrivers is virtually all brushless.
• Pulse and shock the tools differ from each other by the movement of the drill. In the first case, it is intermittent and more intense, in the second, it is smooth and sliding.
• Classic and angular electric screwdriver. In the first case, the model is more compact. It has a long handle and a short upper working part. This is what makes such a tool as convenient as possible to use in hard-to-reach places.
• 12 volts, 18 volts, 220 volts - this marking indicates the power of the battery and the intensity of the mains voltage for charging it. The higher this indicator is, the more powerful and durable the screwdriver itself will be.

At first glance, it is rather difficult to understand such a variety of instrument characteristics, but this is not the case. It is necessary to decide at least an approximate list of works that will be performed with its use, and read the reviews from the owner of such units, and only then make a purchase decision.

Despite the fairly wide range, there are some screwdrivers that are especially popular with buyers.

Makita DDF343SHE - the best screwdriver for professionals. The wireless model has two removable batteries, which allows you to use it for a long time without interruption for recharging. It is characterized by high power, smooth and durable operation. The manufacturer guarantees up to 3 years of exclusive and high-quality operation of the device, and positive customer reviews confirm this.

FS4000 Is another model popular with professional builders and carpenters. It has a high speed of operation, a convenient power switch, a large battery charge. It fits comfortably in the hand and performs all its functions with high quality. The presence of additional illumination makes it possible to use it in low light conditions.

Model 6807 - is a versatile tool. Cordless screwdriver ideal for both professional and home use. Powerful, not overheating during long-term use, ergonomic and easy to use. And it is also important that the price of such a tool is available to everyone.

FS4300 - a network model of an electric screwdriver, which is indispensable for home use.The device itself is lightweight, fits comfortably in the hand, does not bring discomfort during prolonged use, and quickly allows you to perform the necessary operations. It is one of the most popular household models of this device. It is characterized by low operating noise, high battery power, good power and versatility. Has a modern stylish design, it is considered one of the most budgetary, but modern models of Makita screwdrivers.

Numerous reviews of the owners of these tools only confirm their high quality and safe operation. Therefore, when choosing a screwdriver, first of all, you should pay attention to them.

In order for the purchase not to bring disappointment, and in order for the new tool to serve faithfully for a very long time, it must be selected correctly. Therefore, when going to the store, it is advisable to take into account some of the nuances.

• You should not choose a tool based on its price. The first thing you should pay attention to is the technical specifications.
• If the screwdriver will be used almost daily and to perform a large amount of work, then professional models should be bought. If you plan to use it from time to time, then a simple tool for the layman is quite suitable.
• Particular attention should be paid to the rotation speed - the higher it is, the more powerful the device. For domestic needs, you can buy screwdrivers 400-500 rpm, and for professionals, this figure should range from 1100 to 1300 rpm.
• Network models are more suitable for home use. They are heavier than cordless tools and require direct power supply.
• It is advisable to give preference to screwdrivers with a keyless chuck, and not with a key. The former are faster and easier to service and do not require the use of an additional key.
• Whether for home or professional use, it is better to purchase a tool that has a reverse function. It allows you to unscrew the self-tapping screw without using additional tools.
• Ease of use. It is necessary to take the device in hand and evaluate the comfort of its holding both in the off and on state. This will allow you to subsequently avoid unpleasant sensations when using it.

Together with each screwdriver, a special insert is implemented, which contains all the basic requirements and recommendations for the correct use of a particular device model. But there are general rules for all screwdrivers of this brand, which must be followed.

• It is necessary to work in a well-lit place.
• Children and persons under the influence of alcohol are not allowed to work.
• Do not leave the device, regardless of its type and specific model, in the rain, snow or bright sun.
• Before turning on the screwdriver, you must remove all unnecessary tools from it.
• During work, do not put too much pressure on him.
• When performing adjustment work, as well as before removing the chuck or any other accessories, the screwdriver should be turned off and, if necessary, disconnected from the mains.
• Before and after each use, check that all parts of the instrument are in good condition and clean.
• Use only chargers specified by the manufacturer for charging.
• It is strictly forbidden to disassemble or attempt to repair the charging block of the tool yourself.

The Japanese brand is not the only one in the world who is engaged in the manufacture and sale of screwdrivers of various types and models. A small comparative characteristic with the main competitors will allow you to really compare the pros and cons of each brand and, in the end, make the right choice.

• Bosch Is another world famous manufacturer of screwdrivers. Unlike the Makita brand, the cost of the tool itself, as well as its spare parts, is much higher. In addition, during work, even with a standard tool, even a professional one, there is often a strong beating of the cartridge itself. This creates certain inconveniences during prolonged use and quickly causes hand fatigue. As for the rest, there are no serious complaints about Bosch devices.
• Metabo Is a German manufacturer famous for producing really high quality tools. Its key difference from the products of the Japanese manufacturer is the higher cost of screwdrivers. There are no complaints about the technical characteristics and the very operation of the devices.
• Dewalt - is almost an equal competitor of the Japanese manufacturer. Both of them produce quality and durable products. The main difference is that spare parts for Dewalt brand screwdrivers are not only more expensive, they are even more difficult to find.

All these manufacturers have been working on the tool market for more than a dozen years. During this time, they have earned a good reputation and created a circle of their customers. At the same time, the quality of their screwdrivers and the lineup are very similar. Therefore, it is impossible to single out any one brand and say that it is the best.

Screwdrivers are complex tools. That is why the manufacturer does not advise doing a full-fledged repair of devices with your own hands, if we are talking about serious breakdowns. If the problems in the work are small, for example, the cartridge jams, then disassembling the tool with your own hands is quite acceptable.

Replacement of components should be carried out only in a de-energized device. To do this, turn off the device, disconnect it from the mains or remove the battery, and only then proceed to further actions.

In any case, you first need to properly disassemble the tool itself:

• remove the screws holding the device body together
• remove the start button and all its components
• remove the motor reducer from the disassembled housing
• disconnect these two mechanisms from each other

If it is necessary to change the chuck in the tool, you must first determine how it is attached to the shaft and then proceed according to the instructions.

The inscription "1-6 B10" indicates the Morse mount. In this case, all that is needed is to knock out the old chuck with an ordinary hammer. Then install a new one.

Type marking "1.0-11 M12x1.2" or "2-13 mm ½-20 UNF" means an inch thread. In this case, open the chuck jaw, insert the short edge of the hex key into the jaws and hit it hard with a hammer. The edges will move away and the cartridge can be unscrewed by hand.

It will be possible to assemble the screwdriver back after the new chuck is installed in place.

In general, the screwdrivers of the Japanese brand Makita are today one of the best in quality and affordable in the world, and the reviews of their owners only confirm this.

More information about this brand of instrument is described in the video below.