Makita BDF451 LXT

1. ConsumerReports.org

This review at ConsumerReports.org compares the Makita BDF451 LXT Li-ion cordless drill with 66 other models, including 13 that are judged similar in power. Ratings are based partly on earlier tests published in December 2007. All the drills are ranked based on objective tests of speed, power, battery life and other factors.

Review: Cordless Drill Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

2. J.D. Power and Associates

Makita maintains its ranking as fifth in this third annual J.D. Power and Associates' customer-satisfaction survey of 13 cordless drill brands, earning a 5-star "among the best" rating and ranking well above the industry average. The rankings are based on six factors, with drill performance most important, followed by ease of use, battery performance, price, versatility of battery system and warranty.

Review: 2010 Cordless Drill/Driver Satisfaction Study, Editors of J.D. Power and Associates, June 2, 2010

3. BuilderOnline.org

This 2007 survey of over 3,400 builders and contractors places Makita in the middle of the pack, ranked eighth out of 15 brands that make cordless drills.

Review: 2008 Builder Brand Study, Hanley Wood and Readex, March 31, 2008

4. Fine Homebuilding

The corresponding hammer drill in the 18-volt LXT series, the Makita BHP454, gets mixed reviews for speed and power in this review comparing seven cordless hammer drills. The three experienced tool reviewers like some of the conveniences shared by the BDF451 -- the light, belt hook and overall comfort -- but note that the mode selector often sticks, and the chuck on one unit was off center.

Review: Tool Test: 18v Li-Ion Hammer Drills, Justin Fink, Andy Beasley and Kit Camp, November 2009

5. PopularMechanics.com

The corresponding Makita LXT hammer drill, the BHP454, earns top ranking at Popular Mechanics in comparison tests of 10 full-powered Li-ion cordless drills. Testers find the Makita motor and drivetrain superior, and praise the drill's balance and comfortable handle.

Review: Cordless Drill Reviews: We Work 10 Drills to the Limit, Roy Berendsohn, Dec. 1, 2008

6. Tools of the Trade

This Tools of the Trade review doesn't rank or rate the Li-ion cordless tools reviewed here, but the brief summaries of each model make it easy to tell which ones perform best with the most comfort, and any drawbacks are noted. The Makita BDF451 gets one of the best reviews here, praised for its compact size and good balance.

Review: Lithium-Ion Hands On, Rick Schwolsky and Michael Springer, Jan. 17, 2007

7. Toolbarn.com

This informal comparison review covers cordless drills with good ergonomics for those with smaller hands and less upper-body strength. Based on informal field tests, three female employees agreed unanimously that the most comfortable cordless drills are the Hitachi DS14DVF3 14.4-volt and the lithium-powered Makita BDF451 18-volt.

Review: Buying Advice -- Cordless Drills for Women, Editors of ToolBarn.com, Feb. 20, 2006

8. Northern Tool and Equipment

Retailer site NorthernTool.com is a good place to see user ratings and reviews of pro-level cordless drills and impact drivers. At the time of our report, 20 owners give the Makita BDF451 a near-perfect average rating here, but a few durability problems have cropped up.

Review: Makita LXT Lithium-Ion Drill Driver Kit -- 18V, 1/2in., Model# BDF451, Contributors to Northern Tool and Equipment

9. Amazon.com

At the time of this report, 18 owners review the Makita BDF451 LXT at Amazon.com. Most are pleased with it, reporting that it performs well and is very comfortable to use. In some cases, though, the speed switch doesn't move easily, sticking in the middle position.

Review: Makita BDF451 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Driver-Drill Kit, Contributors to Amazon.com

10. Tools of the Trade

This Tools of the Trade review tests and compares 15 half-inch cordless drill/drivers, mostly 18-volt models, including the Makita BHP451 LXT -- the Makita LXT hammer drill that's mechanically similar to the Makita BDF451 LXT driver-drill. In addition to objective tests of both drilling and driving, testers use the cordless drills at actual job sites, installing millwork.

Review: Cordless Drill/Drivers, Brent Hull, March 2007

11. Journal of Light Construction

This review at the Journal of Light Construction also covers the hammer drill in the same Makita LXT pro series as the Makita BDF451 drill/driver, as part of a comparison review of five Li-ion cordless tool kits. The Makita gets top ranking for ergonomics.

Review: Lithium-Ion Cordless Kits, Andy Beasley, April 2007This review at the Journal of Light Construction also covers the hammer drill in the same