DeWalt 20v Max Vs Makita 18v LXT Cordless Drill Impact Driver

If you or someone you know loves DIY projects, a cordless drill is one of the household power tools that you might need.

It’s a handy tool that’s perfect for a fixer-upper or home improvement plans, such as a kitchen or living room  remodeling or a simple wall drilling for that family photo frame.

A cordless drill is a go-to tool for these types of projects, regardless if you’re an amateur or professional handyman, and in this review, we’ll look into two of the most popular cordless drill models on the market — DeWalt Max and the Makita LXT.

Read our head to head comparison below to know which model should you pick.

QUICK SUMMARY

Let’s dig deeper into these two distinguished brands in the power tools industry. We will talk about their quality, design, and overall performance.

Whether you’re a seasoned power tool user or a newbie, you should do your utmost research before purchasing the tool that you think will work for you.

Two of the most well-reviewed brands in the cordless drill category are Makita and DeWalt, which we will be reviewing in this article to hopefully help you decide which one to use for your home projects.

DeWalt was founded by Raymond DeWalt in the 1920s by Raymond DeWalt. The brand grew popular because of their radial arm saw.

Makita, on the other hand, is a Japanese corporation that was founded about 10 years before DeWalt.

Over the years, both companies have been continuously innovating their products, thus, considered by many users as two of the best brands when it comes to power tools.

MAKITA CT225R 18V LXT VS DEWALT DCK290L 20V MAX: WHICH IS BETTER

Makita CT225R 18V LXT

Compact Design

The 1/2″ driver-drill features a compact design at only 7-1/4″ long and weighs 3.3 lbs including the battery. Whereas, its impact driver has a 4-post engine and also features an integrated arrangement at only 5-3/8″ long and weighs only 2.8 lbs with battery.

Its ergonomic quality is best for reduction of fatigue for the one operating. There is also a built-in LED light that illuminates the work area especially in dark places.

Performance

The 1/2″ driver-drill has 2-speeds (0-600 & 0-1,900 RPM) delivers up to 480 in  lbs of max torque. In addition, its impact driver with variable speed (0-2,900 RPM & 0-3,500 IPM) delivers up to 1,460 in lbs of max torque.

Torque is described as the twisting force that the drill is able to apply unto a work surface. Drilling on a hard surface requires more torque and Makita CT225R 18V LXT does not disappoint in this area.

Run Time

The 18V Compact 2.0Ah battery BL1820B contributes up to 50% more run time per charge in comparison to BL1815. It also has an integrated L.E.D. battery charge level indicator which can help you know when the battery is about to run out.

Moreover, the battery reaches full charge in just 25 minutes or less with the help of its Rapid Optimum Charger. This charger has a built-in fan to optimize the battery’s life. 

Star Protection Computer Controls™

This is created for an upgraded tool performance and extended battery life to monitor circumstances that will lead to overloading, over-discharging and overheating of the battery.

This technology allows the exchange of data in real time from the tool and battery itself preventing from unfavorable situations that can cause capacity loss and will be deemed unusable.

This specific tool has Makita® 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Batteries with the star symbol designed on the battery indicating Star Protection inside.

Extreme Protection Technology (XPT™)

This characteristic is beneficial especially in harsh environments or usage in outdoor applications like a construction site. This is like a protective seal embedded in the tool providing water and dust resistance compared to other models without this.

Pros

• This device gives out a lot of torque power.
• Compact design for a wide scope of securing applications and it’s lightweight  minimizing fatigue
• Star Protection Computer Controls™ and Extreme Protection Technology (XPT™) feature
• Its battery charges quickly and contributes to 50% more run time.

Cons

• The contractor bag looks like an ice cooler despite of the device’s sleek appearance
• Reviews concerning short battery capacity

DeWalt DCK290L 20V MAX

Performance

The kit contains a combination of a DCD985 1/2-in  hammer drill and a DCF885 1/4-in  impact driver. The hammer drill/driver’s patented three-speed (0-575; 0-1,350; and 0-2,000 RPM) and it permits users to choose the appropriate speed on a certain job and this is up to 30 percent faster than current hammer drill/drivers that can be competitively found on the market.

Also, the impact driver’s sturdy motor delivers 2,800 RPM—up to 43 percent faster than current impact drivers out there. The impact driver specializes with 3 LED lights with 20-second delay to give visibility without shadows.

Longer Tool Life

Minimize slippage during high-torque applications because of the 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck with carbide inserts and this also impresses an excellent gripping strength for the user. The DeWalt has 20-volt’s lithium-ion batteries which provide up to 35 percent more run time.

Durability

The DeWalt all-metal transmission is better in terms of durability and withstands wear and tear due to the frequency of usage.

Pros

• The device is compact and its ergonomic appearance doesn’t compromise on power
• It has a powerful 3-speed transmission system that can be easily adjusted by users.
• More battery run time since it’s 20V

Cons

• Heavier and bulkier due to its all-metal quality

THE BOTTOMLINE

The verdict is a tough one since both have excellent qualities in their own ways.

Both have a 3-year warranty, however, the price of Makita’s is cheaper compared to DeWalt’s on the Amazon website.

The sleek and lean design of Makita’s makes it more comfortable to use compared to the DeWalt’s all-metal structure, contributing to a heavier and bulkier feel.

It seems that DeWalt is topnotch when it comes to overall power, torque and durability, but if you’re searching for a lighter, leaner and more comfortable tool to work with, we suggest you to purchase Makita LXT model.