Makita BDF452HW

1. Fine WoodworkingDetails/Subscribe

The Makita BDF452HW earns both the Best Overall and Best Value awards in this comparison review of 10 compact 18-volt drills, based on separate objective tests of torque and run time. The Makita excels in the tests and is also judged very comfortable to use.

Review: Compact 18-volt Cordless Drills, Tom Begnal, Nov. 2009

2. Taunton's 2011 Tool GuideDetails/Subscribe

This review duplicates the one in the 2010 tool guide, based on the Fine Woodworking review above. Both years, the survey of readers of Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking ranks the Milwaukee 2610-22 first, edging the Makita BDF452HW down to second place. Editors still prefer the Makita.

Review: Tool Test: Compact 18-volt Cordless Drills, Tom Begnal and Contributors to Taunton Press, Nov. 2010

3. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

This review compares the Makita BDF452HW cordless drill with 54 other cordless drills, but it's not clear how recently each drill was tested. Each drill gets separate ratings for speed, power, runtime, battery-charging time, noise and ease of handling.

Review: Cordless Drills, Impact Drivers, Cordless Combo Kits, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, May 2010

4. Tools of the Trade

Tools of the Trade compares eight compact Li-ion cordless drill/drivers based on objective tests plus jobsite use, ranking the Makita BDF452HW second only to the Milwaukee 2601-22. The Makita earns kudos as "a well-balanced tool and at the height of comfort" plus smooth performance and a 15-minute charger -- but loses points for a stiff clutch adjustment.

Review: Tool Test: Compact & Subcompact Drill/Drivers, David Getts, Feb. 2009

5. Popular WoodworkingDetails/Subscribe

Based on objective tests comparing it with seven other 18-volt lithium-ion drills, the Makita BDF452HW earns the Editor's Choice award -- not only for its power and run time, but also for its excellent balance and fit in both small and large hands. The LED light, easy battery changes and 15-minute charger also earn praise here. (This review was originally published in the April 2008 issue.)

Review: 18v Lithium-ion Drills Test, Editors of Popular Woodworking, April 2008, published online Nov. 2009

6. Wood MagazineDetails/Subscribe

The Makita BDF452HW is judged the better of the two cordless drills recommended in this brief Wood Magazine review. Tester Doug Hicks praises the Makita for its power, fast charges, LED light and versatile half-inch chuck.

Review: Top Buys in 6 Basic Power Tools, Doug Hicks, May 2009

7. Tools of the Trade

Tools of the Trade 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 BDF452HW earns praise for great ergonomics, easy battery changes and smooth, quiet performance.

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

8. J.D. Power and Associates

Makita places fifth in this third annual J.D. Power and Associates' customer-satisfaction survey of 13 cordless drill brands, though it still ranks above the industry average and earns the same 5-star "among the best" rating as the four brands ranked higher: Milwaukee, Bosch, DeWalt and Craftsman Professional. 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

9. BuilderOnline.org

This 2007 survey of over 3,400 builders and contractors ranks Makita ranks sixth as a power tool brand.

Review: 2008 Builder Brand Study, Hanley Wood, 2008

10. Amazon.com

The Makita BDF452HW compact lithium-ion drill is one of the top-rated cordless drills at this retail site reviewed by over 250 owners. However, a few report getting one with a bad chuck (that makes bits wobble) or with batteries that fail prematurely, apparently if they're left in the charger too long.

Review: Makita BDF452HW 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Driver Drill Kit, Contributors to Amazon.com

11. HomeDepot.com

Over 40 owners review the Makita BDF452HW at HomeDepot.com, making it one of the top-rated cordless drills at this retail site. Most owners say they love this drill, but a few report premature battery failure.

Review: Makita 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2 In. Driver-Drill Kit, Contributors to HomeDepot.com

12. Northern Tool and Industrial

The Makita BDF452HW earns near-perfect ratings from the handful of owners reviewing it here. One electrical contractor who uses it daily said the batteries lasted 2.5 years; another says he's dropped the tool from trees and roofs and it's kept working.

Review: Makita Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill-Driver Kit - 18 Volt, 1/2in., 450 in.-lbs. Torque, Model# BDF452HW, Contributors to Northern Tool and Industrial

13. The Power Tool Geek

The Power Tool Geek blog post reports on informal tests of cordless drills by three women. They agreed on the 4.6-pound Makita BDF451 as the favorite for its overall ergonomics and handling. Later, the compact Makita BDF452HW gained the edge with its even lighter weight. The reviewer notes that this has become the most popular drill (among both men and women) at the related retailer site.

Review: Buying Advice - Cordless Drills for Women, Brian Mark, Feb. 20, 2006

14. ToolKing.com

This video, posted at YouTube, is basically an advertisement, but it does give a good indication of the relative size and power of the Makita BDF452HW LXT drill. About two dozen owners add comments, with a few reports of durability issues.

Review: Makita BDF452HW LXT 18v Drill Demo, Editors of ToolKing.com, Sept. 24, 2007