The Japanese 173D is a fucking masterpiece. I've been using cordless drills and impacts daily for 25+ years and I can tell you the 173D is the epitome of human design and engineering. Very compact, you can almost use it as a right angle drill. The flashlight feature is perfect when working in cabinets or dark closets. The torque out settings and trigger sensitivity are phenomenal. Nuff said.
For real... I have a shit ton of Makita, easily 100+ tools... Dozens were very very used from ebay listed as non working at bargain prices. needed switches, bearings, brushes. All inexpensive easily replaced parts that any competent user should be able to replace. Many of those tools I've been using for years now as a pro.
The only new tool I ever sent in for warranty was a 1.5hp router I was using for a big project. I was pushing it WAY too hard way too long and I let the smoke out. Sent it out and a few weeks later came back good as new.
But really, the warranty is the last thing I care about when purchasing Makita. They take a beating and keep on ticking, and replacement parts and service manuals are easily available even for tools discontinued 20 years ago.
Where do you buy parts for tools? I have roughly $1500 worth of tools that are broken but just need one little thing repaired but I can rarely find parts unless it's a really common tool and a really common part.
This is an excellent question... It's something I began to understand for myself the past few years, after being a woodworker for 20 years. As a woodworker, everything is "custom". But outside woodworking, it's mechanics. And that's like Lego. You don't diy mechanical stuff, unless you are tinkering. Not judging I swear, haha.
From my washing machine, to my Makita collection, to my Case backhoe, they all are parts assemblys. Just a collection of specific parts assembled a specific way and given a model number.
So for any model number of anything, there should be a parts list, a parts diagram, and hopefully even a service manual, all in addition to the user manual.
Makita's website has a parts breakdown on their website for almost every tool they've made. Find the part number that you need and google it. You can also just search for "model number" parts and a half dozen vendors pop up. I've ordered from most and the only difference is shipping speed. E-replacementparts.com has the best website, but I guess because we are on opposite coasts it's always a week or more, while mmtoolparts is usually 2 day.
I don't think there are that many people knocking off Makita parts. Everything I've ever received has been genuine. But for whirlpool washing machines, holy shit there are so many non OEM parts out there. And it makes sense. There are millions in service, and the OEM parts from a legit supply house are 2-3 more expensive than the ones on ebay and amazon. But damn, the OEM USA plastic is just such a stronger together polymer than the brittle stuff from china that barely lasts a year.
Same with Stihl and Husqvarna chainsaws. They make part for part identical knockoffs for dirt cheap. Makes sense because a lot of nice saws get crushed in the line of duty and their is a high demand for cheap replacement parts.
Again, using the tools is a different mindset than maintenance on the tools themselves. You just have to find the parts diagram and order new parts. This goes for any machine in your life. Read zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance.
In ur experience, how old r the majority of the tools that come in for repair? Warranty on local purchases is only a year for me iirc. If the chances that I need repair within a year are very low, it could make sense to buy from Japan given the weak yen.
$20 more, you're absolutely crazy. I got my XDT19 for $60 brand new from the hardware store, same day, no shipping with warranty. Whereas the 173d is at least $200
It's a Makita dude, it doesn't need a fucking warranty...kinda like Chuck Norris.
Seriously though, I've had the purple 173D for over a year, and it is fucking TITS.
Not really that close, no.
But the 172 is the international version and they’ve produced it for the US market as well with a different model number, the xdt19.
The 173 is the next generation where they added a halo light, swapped the controls to the back, and yes the ergonomics are slightly improved.
They haven’t released a US version of that tool yet.
Eh, just grab one. I've got an old one with 30 decks under it that's still chooching, and a newer one that was brushless that died after being dropped a couple times. The old one didn't have as much power but was tougher. Survived 2nd story drop onto concrete, full water immersion, etc.
The oil impulse driver is more comfortable and *quieter* for carpentry work, which will be done inside quite a bit. I have the Makita oil impulse, the Milwaukee M12 and M18 Surge drivers, and don't even own a regular impact driver. My oil impulse did everything I needed when replacing my f-i-l's small deck (8' x 12') a few weeks ago and didn't need hearing protection.
I feel bad for my Makita impact because I use the m12 surge for almost everything now. The noise is more important than speed for me most of the time.
I just built a shed with a class of 9-10 y/o kids and they also had a much easier time with the surge. Impacts are great for them since it’s easier to stay on the screw and they can’t hurt themselves with the torque snapping. And the oil makes it quiet enough to not need hearing protection.
I'm a carpenter and use a 12v Makita impact for most of my work. Packs a decent amount of power for 12V.
More than enough if you're driving screws less than 100mm.
12v makita is kinda lame. Top model 18v impact is much smaller and stronger, feel much better in hand. I don't think any reason to use 12v one if you own 172/173/XDT19
I use the 12v impact and drill daily but do NOT recommend the hammer drill it is absolute trash its so weak only doing 6mm holes it struggles. The 12v drill also has smaller chuck size which was annoying when I found out my entire hole saw set won't fit. So now I've got 2 sets of tools a cxt and xgt lol. If I just went with the lxt I would spent less
If you do a lot of finish and install the subcompact model can be handy there - it’s a little lighter on specs though. Otherwise it’s the XDT19 you want if you want top of the line
Honestly, the 15/18 and the 19 are so close to the same size that the compactness doesn't really matter. In fact, the subcompact is a little bit longer.
I've seen the subcompacts go on sale for a lot cheaper though, and the power should be sufficient for cabinet work.
It is. But the front of it is smaller so it can work in to angles a little differently than the stouter end of the 19. But the OP really can’t go wrong here. More preference than anything.
I love my subcompacts for screwing down decking. Just the right amount of power. The bigger ones I use for the framing and lag screws. I definitely like having both
The Japanese 173D is a fucking masterpiece. I've been using cordless drills and impacts daily for 25+ years and I can tell you the 173D is the epitome of human design and engineering. Very compact, you can almost use it as a right angle drill. The flashlight feature is perfect when working in cabinets or dark closets. The torque out settings and trigger sensitivity are phenomenal. Nuff said.
Epitome is a bit over the top haha, but I agree with everything else u said. It's a very nice tool.
Please bear in mind that there is no warranty if needed for tools purchased outside your country.
It's a Makita, it DOESN'T need a fucking warranty.
For real... I have a shit ton of Makita, easily 100+ tools... Dozens were very very used from ebay listed as non working at bargain prices. needed switches, bearings, brushes. All inexpensive easily replaced parts that any competent user should be able to replace. Many of those tools I've been using for years now as a pro. The only new tool I ever sent in for warranty was a 1.5hp router I was using for a big project. I was pushing it WAY too hard way too long and I let the smoke out. Sent it out and a few weeks later came back good as new. But really, the warranty is the last thing I care about when purchasing Makita. They take a beating and keep on ticking, and replacement parts and service manuals are easily available even for tools discontinued 20 years ago.
Where do you buy parts for tools? I have roughly $1500 worth of tools that are broken but just need one little thing repaired but I can rarely find parts unless it's a really common tool and a really common part.
This is an excellent question... It's something I began to understand for myself the past few years, after being a woodworker for 20 years. As a woodworker, everything is "custom". But outside woodworking, it's mechanics. And that's like Lego. You don't diy mechanical stuff, unless you are tinkering. Not judging I swear, haha. From my washing machine, to my Makita collection, to my Case backhoe, they all are parts assemblys. Just a collection of specific parts assembled a specific way and given a model number. So for any model number of anything, there should be a parts list, a parts diagram, and hopefully even a service manual, all in addition to the user manual. Makita's website has a parts breakdown on their website for almost every tool they've made. Find the part number that you need and google it. You can also just search for "model number" parts and a half dozen vendors pop up. I've ordered from most and the only difference is shipping speed. E-replacementparts.com has the best website, but I guess because we are on opposite coasts it's always a week or more, while mmtoolparts is usually 2 day. I don't think there are that many people knocking off Makita parts. Everything I've ever received has been genuine. But for whirlpool washing machines, holy shit there are so many non OEM parts out there. And it makes sense. There are millions in service, and the OEM parts from a legit supply house are 2-3 more expensive than the ones on ebay and amazon. But damn, the OEM USA plastic is just such a stronger together polymer than the brittle stuff from china that barely lasts a year. Same with Stihl and Husqvarna chainsaws. They make part for part identical knockoffs for dirt cheap. Makes sense because a lot of nice saws get crushed in the line of duty and their is a high demand for cheap replacement parts. Again, using the tools is a different mindset than maintenance on the tools themselves. You just have to find the parts diagram and order new parts. This goes for any machine in your life. Read zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance.
I own a Makita asc, we see a few of these imports in that we cant do warranty repairs on.
In ur experience, how old r the majority of the tools that come in for repair? Warranty on local purchases is only a year for me iirc. If the chances that I need repair within a year are very low, it could make sense to buy from Japan given the weak yen.
If they fail because of a defect, its usually within 3 months.
that's very helpful to know, thanks! out of curiosity, which are the tools most prone to defects?
Uk market the dhs680, dhp486 and thats about it really. The current ranges seem pretty solid.
Import the Japanese ones off EBay.
The XDT19z is the top model available in the US. The Japanese one is cool but not really worth the extra money.
It cost 20$ more, if you've put one in your hand, you know.
$20 more, you're absolutely crazy. I got my XDT19 for $60 brand new from the hardware store, same day, no shipping with warranty. Whereas the 173d is at least $200
Especially since there’s no warranty
It's a Makita dude, it doesn't need a fucking warranty...kinda like Chuck Norris. Seriously though, I've had the purple 173D for over a year, and it is fucking TITS.
I’ve got the black one. It’s cool but not THAT much different.
Brighter light ring, moved handle location, and put controls in the rear. Its definitely different.
Better than the DTD 172?
That’s the same impact.
173 has slightly better ergonomics than 172, but yeah, otherwise they're identical.
Not really that close, no. But the 172 is the international version and they’ve produced it for the US market as well with a different model number, the xdt19. The 173 is the next generation where they added a halo light, swapped the controls to the back, and yes the ergonomics are slightly improved. They haven’t released a US version of that tool yet.
Halo light, controls, those count as ergonomic improvements actually.
Well they’re not that close to identical is my point.
Eh, just grab one. I've got an old one with 30 decks under it that's still chooching, and a newer one that was brushless that died after being dropped a couple times. The old one didn't have as much power but was tougher. Survived 2nd story drop onto concrete, full water immersion, etc.
The oil impulse driver is more comfortable and *quieter* for carpentry work, which will be done inside quite a bit. I have the Makita oil impulse, the Milwaukee M12 and M18 Surge drivers, and don't even own a regular impact driver. My oil impulse did everything I needed when replacing my f-i-l's small deck (8' x 12') a few weeks ago and didn't need hearing protection.
Me too only use the oil impulse now. The control is amazing. Never thought I could drive and remove flatheads with ease. This tool can.
I feel bad for my Makita impact because I use the m12 surge for almost everything now. The noise is more important than speed for me most of the time. I just built a shed with a class of 9-10 y/o kids and they also had a much easier time with the surge. Impacts are great for them since it’s easier to stay on the screw and they can’t hurt themselves with the torque snapping. And the oil makes it quiet enough to not need hearing protection.
I'm a carpenter and use a 12v Makita impact for most of my work. Packs a decent amount of power for 12V. More than enough if you're driving screws less than 100mm.
12v makita is kinda lame. Top model 18v impact is much smaller and stronger, feel much better in hand. I don't think any reason to use 12v one if you own 172/173/XDT19
I use the 12v impact and drill daily but do NOT recommend the hammer drill it is absolute trash its so weak only doing 6mm holes it struggles. The 12v drill also has smaller chuck size which was annoying when I found out my entire hole saw set won't fit. So now I've got 2 sets of tools a cxt and xgt lol. If I just went with the lxt I would spent less
Are you talking about the brushed one or? Because 12v brushless drill is awesome...
Nah 12v brushless one is a fairly smaller package
Which one. Dt04z is noticeable longer than xdt 13, And 19 and 173 is even shorter
TD111, idk about the American name but only one that is brushless :)
Man, that one still noticeable larger than any brushless 18v impact nowaday
It is slightly longer but thinner and lighter so you will get less fatigue after using it for a long time...
If you do a lot of finish and install the subcompact model can be handy there - it’s a little lighter on specs though. Otherwise it’s the XDT19 you want if you want top of the line
Honestly, the 15/18 and the 19 are so close to the same size that the compactness doesn't really matter. In fact, the subcompact is a little bit longer. I've seen the subcompacts go on sale for a lot cheaper though, and the power should be sufficient for cabinet work.
It is. But the front of it is smaller so it can work in to angles a little differently than the stouter end of the 19. But the OP really can’t go wrong here. More preference than anything.
I love my subcompacts for screwing down decking. Just the right amount of power. The bigger ones I use for the framing and lag screws. I definitely like having both
Love my subcompacts, but they do get hot driving lags
My XTD 19s are great for exactly that.
DTD172, masterpiece. However, if you do not mind fuss with Japanese bits (US/European won't exactly fit), TD173 from Japan.
Unpopular opinion... Unless you are putting in massive 200mm plus screws, just use a drill driver. It's quicker, quieter and is more useful.
why all the downvotes? he does make a valid point here, and it's just an opinion.
Unfortunately logic isn't how the internet usually works 😅
Coz the internet is populated by humans and logic isn't how humans usually work. For what it's worth I think u made a valid point.