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- Two speeds
- Small, light
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Three-year warranty
- Takes only hex-shank bits
- 3/8-inch chuck
- Long charging time
- Not for big construction projects
Reviewers recommend the 10.8-volt Makita DF030DW as one of the best subcompact lithium-ion (Li-ion) drill/drivers that takes hex-shank bits, because it has two speeds. Most subcompact drill/drivers have one fairly low speed, suitable for driving screws and fasteners but not for drilling. This Makita can drill at up to 1,300 rpm, making it useful as an all-around household drill/driver. It weighs just 2.2 pounds, and testers say it's very comfortable to use. The Makita's Li-ion batteries also retain their charge well between uses. Reviews praise the three-year warranty plus the way the Makita DF030DW's LED light stays on a few seconds after you release the trigger. For the convenience of a regular drill chuck, though, consider the top-ranked Milwaukee 2401-22 (*Est. $100), which carries a five-year warranty.
We found the most objective tests of the Makita DF030DW at Tools of the Trade, where it's compared against eight other subcompact Li-ion drill/drivers, and at the Journal of Light Construction, which compares it with five. The Makita brand is compared with 12 others in the 2010 survey by J.D. Power and Associates, and with 14 others in a 2007 survey of builders and contractors at Builder magazine. We also found useful comments from owners at Amazon.com and at Northern Tool and Equipment. A video review of the Makita DF030DW at YouTube by retailer TylerTool.com is basically an advertisement, but it still shows some useful details.
| Makita DF030D 10.8-Volt Ultra Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Driver-Drill Kit | |
(25 reviews) |
|
Our Sources
Tools of the Trade compares nine subcompact Li-ion cordless drill/drivers based on objective tests plus jobsite use, ranking the Makita DF030DW second only to the Milwaukee 2401-22, which has a self-locking bit holder plus a battery meter. The Makita earns kudos as "the first and only subcompact driver with two speed ranges for added versatility," outstanding comfort, and an excellent LED light plus a holster.
Review: Tool Test: Compact & Subcompact Drill/Drivers, David Getts, Feb. 2009
2. Journal of Light Construction
The Makita DF030DW shares top ranking with the Hitachi DB10DL in this review of six Li-ion subcompact drill/drivers. The review reports on rugged tests, including subjection to extreme cold. The reviewer says the Makita's two speeds mean it "can occasionally fill in for an 18-volt tool."
Review: Tool Test: Subcompact Drill/Drivers, Dave Northup, Feb. 2009
Makita ranks 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
Makita ranks sixth as a power tool brand, compared with 14 others that make cordless drills, in this 2007 survey of 3,428 builders and contractors.
Review: 2008 Builder Brand Study, Hanley Wood, 2008
5. Amazon.com
More than a dozen owners review the Makita DF030DW cordless drill here, most saying they're very pleased with its compact size and light weight. One owner says it drives 3-inch deck screws; another notes that runtime is short but irrelevant because it has two batteries. Some less happy buyers didn't realize that this tool only takes hex-shank bits.
Review: Makita DF030DW 10.8-Volt Ultra Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Driver-Drill Kit, Contributors to Amazon.com
6. Northern Tool and Equipment
The handful of owners reviewing the Makita DF030DW drill here are very happy with it, praising the way the LED light stays on after the trigger is released and reporting long battery life.
Review: Makita Compact 10.8 Volt Li-Ion Driver-Drill, Model# DF030DW, Contributors to Northern Tool and Equipment
This YouTube video is basically an advertisement, but it does demonstrate the features of the Makita DF030DW, and shows that it can drill through a two-by-six board with a 5/8-inch spade bit.
Review: Makita DF030DW 1/4" Drill/Driver Review, TylerTool.com, Aug. 25, 2008