Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver BTD140 - Dirt Rider Magazine

The evolution of tools is amazing. I went from wrenches to sockets to T-handles, and now I'm using cordless impact drivers! Makita recently released its top-of-the-line LXT 18-volt series, and I'm officially hooked on (and spoiled by) these things. I literally don't want to work on a bike without one! The 3.3-pound driver has a 14-inch hex-head quick-release chuck, upon which I installed a 38-inch drive socket adapter. Now I just snap on the desired socket and loosen away. It makes even spinning a T-handle seem a pain. And the little driver has enough power to easily loosen anything with an 8 or 10mm head and most 12mm stuff. For installation, you have to be careful as it will snap off bolts if you are not easy on the trigger. I typically snug with the Makita and go to a T-handle for final tightening torque. The battery lasts a long time (weeks of average use, plus the kit comes with a second battery), and the charger has a lot of features to prevent mischarging so you need not worry about cycling the battery. There is even an LED light that fires when you touch the trigger. At first I thought it was a goofy gimmick, then I found it useful when doing things in poorly lit, or downright dark, areas. The tool is very ergonomic, surprisingly lightweight for being so powerful and has rubber that serves double duty, protecting the tool and the stuff you are working on. There is even a glow-in-the-dark ring around the driver; talk about overkill, I haven't had to use this feature for finding the driver in the dark yet, but I'm working on it! At an MSRP of $570, it is pricey, especially compared to some 12-volt drivers. But as anyone who spends money on good tools will tell you: "You get what you pay for!" And this is definitely true with the Makita LXT. --Jimmy Lewis