What is it people look for when they want to purchase a cordless drill? Well, reliability for a start. Then ease and comfort of use would come into the equation. But the one main, overriding thing people would look out for before splashing the cash is the torque and speed at which this cordless drill works – in other words, its strength.
I have researched many Makita cordless drills, and consequently written reviews about lots of these. It’s not often that one stands out, but if this one happens to be part of a combo set of two tools, and both tools have proven to be excellent at what they do, you’ll then know that I got very excited about what I found out regarding the Makita LXT211 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 2-Piece Combo Kit.
For a start, let me tell you that during the course of my research for this product I ended up on its page on Amazon (the cheapest price I have found online thus far at [at the time of writing this review] $272). Why am I mentioning this? Well, because all products on Amazon have customer reviews about their products. That means these are real people who have really purchased these products and are then giving real reviews based on their use of the products in question.
Why is this important, you may well be asking? What if I said to you that these very same people that purchased the Makita LXT211 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 2-Piece Combo Kit through Amazon and wrote a review gave it an outstanding 4.5 /5 star rating. Real people, spending real dollars, giving their honest opinions. Feel free to check these reviews out yourself by clicking through to the review page on Amazon. Here, though, are just some of the comments I came across when quickly skimming through the reviews:
- I have used many drills and cordless tools in the past. Without a doubt these are the best I’ve used.
- As a union metal stud framer, I have found this tool to be extremely convenient and durable.
- This tool has gotten fantastic reviews. Ignore the few bad ones. This tool is heavy duty and can handle my punishment as a contractor.
- Well built all around! Solid feel yet lightweight for an 18V system. Silently delivers torque and speed. The grip and rubberized body ergonomics are just about perfect. These Li-Ion batteries last FOREVER!!! And having a backup driver is almost SINFUL.
That’s just a couple of reviews plucked from Amazon.
Technical Details of this Makita Cordless Drill Comb Set
Makita themselves describe the LXT211 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 2-Piece Combo Kit as including: a hammer/drill (model BHP452Z), an impact driver (model BTD141Z) and plastic tool case (model 824812-5). But what about the technical specifications?
- The hammer driver-drill has two speeds (0-400/0-1, 500 RPM) with a Makita-built 4-pole motor that will deliver 450 in/lbs. of max torque. It weighs in at only 4.2 lbs. It accommodates 1/2-Inch drill bit.
- The variable speed impact driver (0-2, 300 RPM) is capable of providing 1,330 in/lbs. of max torque. It is compact in design and only weighs 3.4 lb.
- Both of the tools in this combo set feature a built-in LED light which can help illuminate the work area. There is also a hardy tool belt clip.
Who Is This Product Directed At?
The Makita LXT211 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 2-Piece Combo Kit is geared toward both the pro-user and home user. I’ve found that it is a favorite amongst contractors because of its power and durability, but its price range also makes it an ideal tool for the casual diy-er as well. Whether it’s for drilling, hammer drilling, driving or fastening, this Makita cordless drill certainly packs a punch.
Makita LXT211 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 2-Piece Combo Kit – A Quick Description
As mentioned above, this combo set comprises of a hammer/drill (model BHP452Z) and an impact driver (model BTD141Z).
Hammer/Drill (Model BHP452Z)
The main feature of the hammer/drill is the Makita-built 4-pole maximum torque motor that delivers 450 in/lbs. of max torque*. Having a quick scout around the internet, I find out that the BHP452Z offers the following user benefits:
- The air cooled Makstar Optimum Charging System provides a 22 minute charge time.
- The lithium-ion batteries have a greater life span than their Ni-Cad or Ni-MH or counterparts. This allows for a 430% greater run time in comparison.
- Because the lithium-ion has a 40% weight save, it means the 18 volt power produced by the BHP452Z can be achieved by a battery that weighs just the same as a 12 volt Ni-MH battery.
- The 4-pole motor (mentioned above)
- A push button for reverse and forward that is conveniently located
- High comfort grips
- There is a LED job light that also offers an afterglow
- Metal gears
- Two speed gear box
The BHP452Z hammer/drill also possesses a Shift-Lock drive system sleeve and this allows for quick shifts from “driver” mode to “hammer drill” mode. It delivers 0-400 RPM in low speed and 0-1,500 RPM in high thanks to its two-speed all-metal transmission. Because of this I am reliably informed that it can handle a wide range of driving and drilling applications. The BHP452Z, I also found out, produces 0-6,000 blows per minute in low speed mode, and 0-22,500 blows per minute in high speed. The high speed mode is ideal for hammer drilling into concrete and masonry, among others.
I must stress at this point that a lot of this technical jargon just went straight over my head. It is thanks to my research that I am able to explain everything here (as best I can) without it appearing overly like the product manual!
*4-Pole Maximum Torque Motor – This intrigued me so I had to find out what this actually meant. I did, but I’ll try to simplify it.
The Makita 4-pole maximum torque motor is able to deliver power more efficiently due to its compact size. Its energy is generated every 90° on the magnetic field as opposed to the 180° used by many competitors. This gives it a higher magnetic density, meaning more power and much better energy consumption capabilities.
It is because of the compact nature of the 4-pole motor technology that lighter, smaller, and consequently more powerful tools are able to be produced. There are two steel ball bearings that support the 4-pole motor and this gives it extra durability.
Impact Driver (model BTD141Z)
They impact driver that comes in the LXT211 combo set also features a 4-pole maximum torque motor. This tool though offers up an incredible 1,330 in/lbs. of torque at 2,300 RPM (revs per minute) while also producing 3,200 impacts per minute which is ideal for a whole raft of fastening jobs. Only the highest quality steel and best raw materials (according to Makita) have been used in the construction of the BTD141Z impact driver.
Makita LXT211 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 2-Piece Combo Kit – In Conclusion
Just knowing that Makita’s LXT series of cordless power tools have been around for (at the time of writing) over three years, growing from just seven to an astonishing 35 tools in the range, it’s quite clear to me that this set of Makita cordless drills belongs to a family of top-of-the-range drills. Add to this the fact that both the BHP452Z and the BTD141Z which are found in the Makita LXT211 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 2-Piece Combo Kit are both ergonomically designed which (and quoting from the Makita site) “reduces operator fatigue”, both the professional tradesman and the casual home user are guaranteed a product that will not only last the rigors of time, but will also supply strength and reliability where and whenever required.
Before I finish off this review, I’d just like to show you a couple more reviews for the LXT211 combo set that I found at Amazon:
- The impact driver has an incredible amount of oomph- great for car work.
- The belt clip and LED work light are useful and the overall superior ergonomic design makes them comfortable to use for extended periods.
- The Makita combo set is ideal: nice case with metal clasps, drill and impact driver flawless operation, battery charger excellent, led light useful – stays on a few seconds after drill engagement.
- The impact driver is great for the rough work and the driver/drill is awesome for the lighter work.
- I invested in these to finish my basement (I used metal studs) and bar none these are the best drills I’ve ever used.
- The battery life was impressive and the charger is very quick – getting the batteries back to a full charge in about 15-20 minutes.
- I screwed approx 120 2″ deck screws into flooring before replacing carpet on one battery cycle with the driver.
Don’t forget – these are real reviews. See for yourself here.
Best Place to Buy the Makita LXT211 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 2-Piece Combo Kit
The cheapest place I’ve found this LXT211 set online is at Amazon with a price at the time of writing this review of $272. Having had a look around I certainly haven’t managed to find it cheaper yet, but trust me when I say that I have definitely come across it at a much dearer price than this on other websites. I should just add at this point that there is a three year warranty for the drills and a one year warranty for the batteries and battery charger.
