Best Reviewed
Cordless Drills
- Best cordless drill for homeowners Milwaukee 2410-22 *Est. $150
- Budget cordless drill Porter-Cable PCL120DDC-2 *Est. $90
- Professional cordless drill DeWalt DCD760KL *Est. $220
- Cordless impact driver Milwaukee 2450-22 *Est. $140
- Cordless combo kit Porter-Cable PCL212IDC-2 *Est. $135
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- Lightweight
- Good trigger control
- Perfect for small jobs
- Excellent LED light
- Single speed range
- No fuel gauge
- Overmatched on larger projects
The 10.8-volt Makita TD090DW earns high marks among subcompact impact drivers in older reviews, with testers noting that this size provides enough power for most homeowner tasks. Comparison tests show that it performs well, with a variable-speed trigger that gives good control. (This is important in an impact driver, whose extra torque might otherwise strip screw heads.) Reviewers praise the overall balance and comfort, as well as the way the built-in LED light stays on for several seconds after the trigger is released -- making it easy to be sure the screw is seated. However, in the latest reviews, the Milwaukee 2450-22 (*Est. $140) earns top ranking as the best budget-priced impact driver overall.
ConsumerReports.org doesn't test this little Makita impact driver, but we found an excellent comparison review of subcompact impact drivers at Woodworker's Journal. The Makita TD090DW is also recommended at Popular Woodworking, and by owners reviewing it at Amazon.com. As a brand, Makita is also covered in two surveys: the 2010 survey of cordless-drill buyers at J.D. Power and Associates, and the 2007 survey of builders at Builder Online. The video review at YouTube.com is basically an ad, but does describe and demonstrate the tool well.
| Makita TD090DW 10.8-Volt Ultra Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver Kit | |
(42 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
1. Woodworker's JournalDetails/Subscribe
Based on tests of both power and control (to avoid stripping screws), this detailed review compares six subcompact impact drivers, choosing the 10.8-volt Makita TD090DW best of the bunch. The 50-minute charger is a minus, but the Makita "provides a nice overall balance between power, finesse, feel and price" (though it cost more at the time).
Review: Tool Review: Small Drivers, Big Impact, George Vondriska, April 2009
2. Popular WoodworkingDetails/Subscribe
The Makita TD090DW impact driver is among the tools recommended here. Editor Christopher Schwartz describes it as "a high-quality, compact tool."
Review: Best New Tools of 2008, Christopher Schwartz, Nov. 10, 2008
3. Amazon.com
The 40 or so owners reviewing the subcompact Makita impact driver here give it high praise for its combination of power and light weight. Owners like the convenient holster and LED light too.
Review: Makita TD090DW 10.8-Volt Ultra Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver Kit, Contributors to Amazon.com
This survey of nearly 5,000 cordless-drill consumers ranks Makita well above average, with a perfect 5-star rating, but below four other brands.
Review: 2010 Cordless Drill/Driver Satisfaction Study, Editors of J.D. Power and Associates, June 2, 2010
This 2007 survey of 3,428 builders and contractors ranks Makita sixth among 14 power tool manufacturers that make cordless drills.
Review: 2008 Builder Brand Study, Hanley Wood and Readex, March 31, 2008
6. YouTube.com
This video review is basically an ad furnished by Tyler Tool, but it shows how the tool works and gives a good sense of its size. The video includes a demonstration of the Makita driving a 3.5-inch deck screw into a pine 2-by-4.
Review: Makita TD090DW 1/4" Impact Driver Review, Editors of Tyler Tool, Aug. 17, 2008
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