Makita showed off its latest innovation in Las Vegas in one of the biggest shows of the year. Figuring out which tools make the top of the list is tough, but weโre up for the task. Here are our picks for the best Makita tools at World of Concrete!
Best Makita Tools at World of Concrete
Makita 18V LXT Mid-Torque Impact Wrench
Makitaโs upcoming mid-torque impact wrench is a fantastic balance of power and size. Larger than a compact model and well under the size of Makitaโs larger models, this impact wrench packs an impressive 516 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 738 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque.
Itโs a 4-speed model that also includes some electronic assistance. There are three levels of forward auto-stop when youโre fastening. These give you a few options for how much tightening you want to do without overtightening.
In reverse, thereโs also an auto-stop feature. These are great, but sometimes youโre working on a longer bolt with a deep socket and youโd rather not hand thread off 3/4 of the length. For that, Makita drops down to a slow reverse to help you control the speed without having to feather the trigger.
Pricing and availability are still TBA.
Makita XEC01 18V X2 Cordless 9โณ Power Cutter
Makitaโs cordless power cutter shares similar features with other cordless models, but this model incorporates an electronic clutch control rather than a mechanical one. It also includes Automatic Feedback Technology and uses the same 80mm brushless motor as Makitaโs 1-9/16โณ 18V X2 rotary hammer.
We had the opportunity to do some cutting and found a remarkably smooth cutting experience. The chatter we expected simply wasnโt there. Much like Makitaโs circular saws, its premium design is something you can feel when youโre using it.
We expect prices to run around $899 for the kit when it stores in May/June.
Makita PDC01 Battery Backpack
When youโre ready to extend your runtime without running back for another set of batteries, check out Makitaโs Battery Backpack. It holds four 18V batteries to give you 4x the runtime on your 18V tools or twice the runtime on your 18V X2 tools. For power-hungry products like blowers and rotary hammers, itโs a huge help.
Expect retail prices around $529.
Makita 18V X2 or AC Upright Light
Makitaโs new upright light pops up to 5500 lumens from its hybrid 18V X2/AC power sources. You can run just the left side, right side, or the full 360ยบ of LEDs. When youโre running on AC power, you can daisy chain multiple lights together.
There are a couple of things Makita is doing differently, starting with the handle design. Itโs balanced in a way that lets you carry the light with one hand but without slapping the base against your leg as you walk.
Another intentional design feature is that the lightย doesnโtย pop back up if you lean all the way on its side. Thatโs because itโs easier to store and transport multiple lights when they can lay down and stack.
Pricing is still TBA on this one.
Makita XKH01 Cordless Power Scraper
Makitaโs first dedicated cordless power scraper combines 3200 BPM and 2.2 ft-lbs of impact energy to tackle your scraping, chiseling, and light chipping duties. We see it doing some of its best work in the hands of remodelers and flooring specialists taking out tile, linoleum, and other stubborn floorings.
You can set your bit in any of 12 positions to keep the tool in the most natural position to attack the surface. Thereโs also a variable speed dial and lock-on button so you can focus on the work and not the trigger. Makita wraps it all in a package that includes their AVT (Anti-Vibration Technology) counterbalance system, reducing the fatigue that comes from vibration.
Weโve seen both the bare tool and kit on Amazon, but take those prices with a grain of salt until other retailers get the power scraper in stock around March or April.
Makita Couple Shaft Blower Attachment
Makitaโs newest 18V X2 blower moves more air than any other model they currently offer. Hereโs the crazy thingโitโs an attachment for the multi-head system. It pushes 480 CFM at 130 MPH.ย Despite the fact that it looks like it should add all kinds of weight to the front of the system, itโs pretty easy to use.
Itโs the 13th attachment Makita offers to a system that uses either an 18V X2 or gas power head.
Pricing and availability are still TBA on this one.
