5 Makita power tools that every beginner will appreciate

Makita offers a wide range of tools that are suitable for just about any project or task you can imagine. Considering that the tool manufacturer has incorporated several technologies into its power tools, such as STAR protection computer controls and advanced AVT, it’s no wonder that both experienced and novice tool users trust the brand. What’s more, if you take proper care of your power tools, they will serve you well for a long time to come.

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Although the tool maker doesn’t have as many industry-specific tools as other brands, if you’re a beginner looking to expand your power tool collection or want to find out which tools are useful for your most common jobs, Makita is the place to go. Based on high ratings from everyday users and assessments from professional reviewers, here are five Makita power tools you’ll appreciate as a beginner. You can find a more detailed explanation of our methodology at the bottom of the list.

Some of the most beneficial tools for beginners are multi-tools – they allow you to do multiple jobs for one price. Especially in the beginning, when you’re still trying to expand your battery collection, this can be a big win. For $249 and with a 4.8 out of five star rating at Home Depot, Makita’s 18V LXT StarlockMax Brushless Multi-Tool is a handy option because it helps with different types of projects and has the StarlockMax fitment, meaning it can use any type of Starlock accessory available. In comparison, a standard Makita oscillating tool can only use the first level of Starlock accessories, lacking the StarlockPlus and StarlockMax options. Cutting, sanding, grinding, and scraping have never been easier.

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ProTool Reviews gave this oscillating tool a 9.4 out of 10. They were most impressed with the AVT counterweight built into the tool and even stated that Makita has set the bar for what low vibration can mean in a tool where vibration is everything. However, unlike other oscillating tools that have quick attachment removal, Makita’s StarlockMax tool still requires you to remove a screw before you can completely remove and replace the accessory. However, it is still faster than some other multi-tools.

Ratcheting tools are needed for a variety of different projects, from car repairs to home improvement projects. However, manually operating a ratchet can be tedious and eventually lead to fatigue. This is where owning an electric ratchet can come in handy. The Makita 18V LXT Cordless Square Drive Ratchet can help you reach tight spots, perform repair jobs efficiently, and provide you with consistent torque. You can purchase this tool for $189 at Home Depot.

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ProTool Reviews gives it a 9.4 out of 10 because its top speed of 800 RPM tends to be higher than the competition. Plus, you can swap out the anvil for a 3/8-inch or a 1/4-inch anvil, depending on what you need for your job. Plus, it’s incredibly lightweight, weighing just 2.7 pounds with a battery. However, the review does mention that its 35-pound maximum torque isn’t as high as others, and that it’s a brush motor, meaning it may require more maintenance in the long run if you use the tool regularly.

Need to cut smaller pieces of wood but don’t want to pull out the giant table saw or the more powerful circular saw? The Maktia 12V Max CXT Cordless 3-3/8″ Circular Saw has a compact design for easy, fast jobs. This small saw can deliver up to 1,500 RPM, which is more than enough for cutting plywood, pegboard, drywall, and other thinner materials. The cutting depth is adjustable from one inch at 90 degrees and 5/8 inch at 45 degrees. You can even make miter cuts from 0 to 45 degrees, which is pretty impressive for such a small handheld machine.

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This small saw received 4.5 out of five stars from over 380 users at Home Depot. Many reviewers say the tool is very precise and easy to use. However, it is suitable for smaller jobs. One user recommended not using it on materials thicker than 3/4 inch. Still, it offers enough power for many jobs without being as dangerous as a much larger circular saw.

If you’re a new homeowner and need tools for your garden, a string trimmer would be a useful addition to your collection. The powerful 18V X2 LXT brushless string trimmer uses double the 18V battery power to let you weed and edge – all in one pass. With two fully charged 18V 5.0Ah batteries, you can get up to 1.5 hours of run time. The tool has automatic torque drive technology built into it that automatically changes the speed between 3,500 and 6,500 RPM to allow for both longer battery life and extra power when needed.

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ProTool Reviews gave this string trimmer a 9.3 out of 10 due to its three speeds, reverse mode, and quiet operation, as well as the overall performance of the tool. The review mentions that the 17-inch cutting width of another string trimmer is preferred, but this unit’s 15-inch cutting width offers better run time. Beyond that, they couldn’t find any major drawbacks that made the tool undesirable. You can buy this string trimmer at Home Depot for $329 as a tool-only option, or for $449 with two 5.0 Ah batteries and a charger.

A power tool doesn’t always have to be a tool that helps with woodwork or keeps your yard clean. Sometimes they can also help in emergencies and even in activities like camping or off-roading. The Makita 18V LXT Portable Electric Inflator, rated 4.7 out of five stars by over 450 users at Home Depot, can inflate anything from tires to sports balls. It can deliver up to 120 PSI, which is displayed on the backlit digital pressure gauge, making it easy to use even at night.

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Particularly useful is the auto-stop function, which allows you to pre-set the tool to the desired PSI value. The tool stops when the air pressure has reached that value. This tool costs $139 individually and is available in Makita’s classic teal as well as green to match the rest of the Outdoor Adventure range of power tools.

There are many tools in the Makita arsenal that any beginner would love to have in their toolbox. However, for the tools selected for this article, we looked at both positive and negative written reviews and ratings from users to ensure they are the best for everyday use. Each tool has at least a four out of five star rating. In addition, we considered the opinions of ProTool Reviews, a respected publication in the tool review industry.

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With Makita power tools, you’ll find that there are three battery systems: XGT, LXT, and CXT. Each system has different power capacities and corresponding tools. We highly recommend that you read up on each system to make sure you’re buying the best one for your specific needs. For example, if you don’t plan on doing a lot of heavy-duty work, the 18V LXT power tools will likely suit your needs better than the 40V XGT system – plus it offers more tool options. One of the biggest benefits of investing in a battery system is that once you’ve acquired enough batteries, you only need to buy the tool-only options and can easily expand your collection for a lot less money.

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