The tool for metal buildings

We've tried almost every variety of cordless drill to install 5/16th head self-tapping screws in aircraft hanger construction. Nothing worked including a new Dewalt 18v, although my wrist would tell you it tried really hard. I was hesitant to buy another cordless driver that might not due the job, but working with extension cords 30 feet off the ground is such a constant irratation that I decided to try the Makita.^M
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Wow, this thing really drives screws, end of my problems, and my arms and wrist hardly know it's there. Battery life is amazing considering that each screw we drive requires quite a bit of energy and we're getting about 100-150 screws per battery. It's only about 75% as fast as a corded screw gun (not drill) so if you have an entire wall to screw down, I would still suggest a corded screw gun. This really shines on piece work, electrical conduit hangers, HVAC, etc. It may not be cheap, but you won't be disapointed. Also, one more thing to mention, I've dropped it three times from 20+' onto concrete and other than case scuffs, no problems.

Praise the tool gods !

I love this tool. I was working on a remodel where I had to raise a bunch of headers over doorways and didn't have the compressor and nail gun available. This building had old growth Douglas Fir framing that was tight grained and hard which made toe nailing on a ladder difficult to say the least. The electrician who was working on the same job was using a Makita 12V impact driver ot install his boxes and he had an extra one he let me use. The very first screw I drove into that rock hard fir made me giggle like a little girl. It was amazing to watch big fat 3 inch wood screws just melt into the wood with no strain or pushing on the back of the driver. The very next day I went down to K119 tools to check out the available models. I checked out the Hitachi, Panasonic and Makita and they all seemed equally good. The Panasonic 12V has two torque setting and the best battery. I considered the 12V models but after holding both the 12's and 14's side by side the weight difference seemed minimal so I went with the extra power of the 14.4V. Since the Makita 14V was cheaper than the Hitachi 14V and both brands have excellent reputaions I went with the Makita since that was the brand I had been using and it has a better battery. The following monday me and my coworker hung 35 sheets of sound insulating board on the ceiling. He used a 18V DeWalt drill/driver and I used the Makita 14V impact driver with a dry wall nipple bit. By lunch time my coworker's arm was tired from holding the 18V over head but I was still going strong with the light weight compact impact driver. I can't praise this tool enough it's just incredible how easy screws sink. Once while showing off for a friend I drove a 2 inch pan head screw all the way through a 4 by 4 redwood post and out the other side... it's just amazing! Where has this tool been on my life! Since then I've use it to hang cabinets and install new windows. What's really great is just how small and light yet powerful it is. Oh and the L.E.D light on the front is great when your driving screws inside kitchen cabinets. I just can't say enough about this little powerhouse... Buy one now you won't regret it.

Marvellous, marvellous little wonder!

The famous Makita design and reliability are all here, this thing is a joy to use. Almost zero strain or sweat is ever needed---as another reviewer describes it, screws and bolts go in as if through butter. Even my wife, who had trouble with the conventional Makita 14V driver I had before, is able to use this one very easily from the get-go. ^M
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In awkward spots or from odd angles it especially comes in handy---you don't have to compromise your balance and saftey by shifting your weight into it like you would with an ordinary drill driver...the hammer-like "impact" mechanism does all the work for you! Yes the high speed tap-tap-tap does get a little noisy sometimes but I'd take a little noise over a lot of strain any day of the week.^M
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Battery life is excellent, and with two batteries included you never have to worry about ever being left high and dry.^M
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There is a certain technique that you intuitively develop when driving screws and bolts: you want to squeeze the trigger in quick little bursts, then very gently at the end so as not to overscrew or damage the screw/bolt because this thing is so darn powerful. ^M
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Especially if you work in a trade like I do, this Makita is truly worth every penny! I upgraded from the 12V version for the extra 30% torque and longer battery life...was amazed to find almost no weight or size difference at all! I bought mine for two hundred fifteen dollars shipped from coastaltools.com