We've come a long way from sweat and a screwdriver. A hundred years ago, builders would never have envisioned a tool as powerful and efficient as this one. Heck, even 20 years ago. Science has ushered battery technology along, and the LXT Lithium-Ion system that powers this impact driver has a ton of advantages over standard NiMH or NiCad batteries. The Lithium-Ion technology means 1,400 battery life cycles, longer run time, lighter weight, a great reduction in the self-discharge rate and built-in shock-absorbing features to protect your battery.
But perhaps the coolest innovation is what Makita calls its 45-minute Optimum Charger. It actually talks to the batteries it charges throughout the cycle, using a built-in memory chip in the battery and, believe it or not, a CPU chip in the charger itself, which analyzes the data stored in the battery chip to decide on the best charging method at that time.
Slide one of these batteries onto the supremely designed impact driver and you'll be amazed at what you can do. Despite its size (for the record, it's 5-3/4 inches long and weighs barely 3 pounds), this driver kicks out an unbelievable 1,280 in./lbs. of efficient torque, a no-load speed of 2,300 rpm and 3,200 blows per minute, putting it way out in front of the pack. We really like the integrated worklight, too. It illuminates as soon as you pull the trigger, and it stays on for 10 seconds or so after you release the trigger, too - a handy little feature.
Makita's always made ergonomically positive tools that feel good in your hand and take the strain off your body, and this one's no exception. The slightly curved grip is so comfortable, and because it's super compact and lightweight, this driver's an absolute pleasure to run. -- Kris Jensen-Van Heste
What's in the Box Impact driver, two LXT Lithium-Ion 3.0Ah batteries, 45-minute optimum charger, tool case
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Impact drivers are great, this one's ok....:
The chuck leaves the bit too wobbly from the start. I'm not speaking of the front to back spacing to allow the impact action, but the overall grip on the bit. It's possible that if they provided a bit more control via the trigger, this would be remedied. However, I put down a floor of cement board, ran lag bolts into a few ledgers, and forced a few deck boards down, and this tool was indispensable while performing those jobs. It's an absolute necessity for the contractor's arsenal.
All that they said it would be.:
Needed impact driver to do assembly work for a very large retailer. Friends and co-workers recommended Makita 140. Because of it's light weight and long battery life I feel I made the right choice. Would recommend it to anybody.
Amazing:
Just bought this gun a couple of weeks ago and all I can say is.. WOW! Screws just melt through wood (and keep on going if your not careful!) The Good: Drills ok, but it's strength is in driving screws and bolts! I have a Panasonic 15.6V drill (which I love) but this gun requires little pressure, does not torque the wrist and has an amazing battery life. The little LED light sure is handy as well. Light weight and powerful! You don't know what you've been missing until you've tried one of... more info
Great Power, Battery but too fast.:
I got this impact driver to replace my Bosch 14 volt. The bosch worked great, but the battery would run down fairly fast.
The Makita, with it's Lithium battery runs all day long. I previously had gotten a Makita Lithium drill/driver to replace one of my Porter Cable NiCad cordless drills, and I love it.
The problem with this Makita is that there isn't enough "feel" in the trigger. It's very hard to slowly startup when screwing in something. The driver wants to go right to full speed, so you slip... more info
