Makita 6980FDWDE 12-Volt NiMH Cordless Impact Driver

Amazon Sales Rank: #137988 in Home ImprovementBrand: MakitaModel: 6980FDWDENumber of items: 1Dimensions: 14.50" h x 4.50" w x 18.00" l, 12.02 pounds Powerful efficient impacting 92-1/2-Feet;/Pound; (1,110 in/Pound) For industrial applicationsEfficient impacts per minute (0-3,200 ipm) for high productionImpact resistant magnesium alloy gear case for increased durabilityTrue variable speed for smooth acceleration and complete control to match all applicationsPowerful (2-3/5ah) ni-mh batteries have greater capacity and longer run time than any ni-cd battery for finishing extended jobs with less downtime; 1-year warranty

More speed, more power, a smaller tool body and some cool extra features puts this driver at the very head of its class. That’s not to say we don’t also love its yellow colleague, but Makita’s tucked in such innovative details into this tool. When we picked it up, it felt lighter and more compact than others we’ve tried out in its power and price range, handling a little better, too, in part because of the really comfortable rubber grip and nicely balanced design. And when we checked the specs, sure enough, it’s a couple ounces lighter and a bit more compact than its nearest competitor. When the battery charged and we popped it on (which, incidentally, is a nice smooth operation), we could have driven screws effortlessly all day: the torque is incredible! We’ll take Makita’s word for it that it maxes at 1,110 inch-pounds of force. Even in the blows-per-minute category, it beats everybody else out at 3,200 bpm, and since it works harder, you can work a little easier. There are no twists or jerks at acceleration, just a clean, smooth speed increase—-very impressive. But on top of the exceptional speed and power, this driver’s got two bright spots: an LED light that illuminates your workpiece and a glow-in the dark rubber bumper that pinpoints the driver in a crawlspace or even up in the rafters if you work longer than the sun does. It’s clearly Makita quality, from the rough-and-tumble tool body and magnesium gear case to the easy-to-access carbon brushes when it’s maintenance time. Makita’s literature says this driver’s made for professionals, and yes, contractors, installers and the like will love it. But we don’t think the do-it-yourselfer should feel intimidated; it would be perfect in the avid DIYer’s shop, too.--Kris Jensen-Van HesteMakita 6980FDWDE 12-Volt NiMH Cordless Impact DriverDesigned for professional woodworkers, electricians, plumbers, and installers, this 12-volt cordless impact driver from Makita runs up to two times longer than competitive brands. With an overall length of only 6-3/8- inches and weighing just 3.3 pounds, this tool handles better than any driver in its class, too. Equipped with a built in L.E.D. light, this user-friendly driver is ideal for working in dark quarters. A high performance Makita motor features a maximum tightening torque of 1,110 inch-pounds for tackling heavier driving applications. And, cranking out 0 - 3,200 impacts per minute, this tool gets the job done fast, too. Externally accessible brushes mean easy maintenance, while a magnesium gear housing offers increased durability. An ergonomically designed rubber grip enhances comfort and control, which is key when you're faced with a whole day of fastening. Bolstering the user-friendliness even more, Makita equipped this impact driver with an electric brake for fast stopping, and a precision variable speed range for controlled starts. Your purchase includes two batteries, charger and tool case. FEATURES 0 - 3,200 impacts per minute for industrial applications Impact resistant magnesium alloy gear case for increased durability True variable speed for smooth acceleration and complete control to match all applications Powerful (2.6Ah) Ni-MH batteries have greater capacity and longer run time than any Ni-Cd battery for finishing extended jobs with less downtime Two-piece D-28R motor with dual ball bearings and externally accessible brushes for longer tool life Most compact design in its class with a length of only 6-3/8 inches for working in tight quarters Ergonomically designed rubberized pistol grip for complete comfort and control Built-in high output LED light illuminates work surface for increased visibility Phosphorescent rubber bumper to locate tool in low light work areas for operator convenience Externally accessible brushes for greater serviceability and dual ball bearings for longer tool life What's in the Box 2 ea. 2.6Ah (Ni-MH) Batteries 1234 (193157-5) Universal Charger 2 ea. Battery Cover (414938-7) Tool Case (824660-2) SPECIFICATIONS Capacity: Bit Shank 1/4" Hex No Load Speed 0 - 2,600 RPM Impacts per Minute 0 - 3,200 IPM Maximum Torque 92.5 ft.lbs./1,110 in./lbs. Batteries 12VDC (2.6Ah) Length 6-3/8" Net Weight 3.5 lbs. Shipping Weight 10.4 lbs.

Most helpful customer reviews6 of 6 people found the following review helpful.Goog bye Dewalt hello MakitaBy Robert L. TroyMy friend who does all types of rehabs on new and older homes has a Dewalt 052 Impact driver. I used his Dewalr 052 drive on a recent job of mine. Then I started my own research about what really makes a great impact driver. The Makita 6980 has a great light for under sinks or anywhere you dont want to fool around with a flashlight or lighting system for a short job. The power at 1100 torque is great. The variable speed for slow starts on screws is what really sold me on this tool. The Dewalt 502 does not have a light or a variable speed . Sorry Dewalt no contest.Happy guy6 of 6 people found the following review helpful.PETITE POWERHOUSE THAT ARRIVES IN A HOUSEBy Rochelle DokkenTHIS TOOL ROCKS. BALANCED, INCREDIBLY FAST WITH TORQUE TO SPARE. WE USED IT FOR METAL ROOFING & GLASS BOARD,THIS TINY TOOL MADE FOOLS OF THE OTHER DRIVERS.EASY ON YOUR WRIST, LED IS GREAT, GET ONE.THE CASE IS OBVIOUSLY A "LEFTOVER" FROM A DRIVER, FLASHLIGHT& BIT KIT.2X'STHE SIZE IT SHOULD BE. MAKITA SHOULD BE ASHAMED. VERY TACKY5 of 5 people found the following review helpful.WOW!!, what a great drill and dealBy bayareakirkI have had this drill for only a few weeks and am very happy. If you are new to impact drivers it takes a little practice to put in screws without breaking them (you have to pulsate the trigger rather than allow endless torque to build as you drill), but once you get the feel, it's the best tool around. One reason I picked this drill was because the current rebate offer is that Makita will mail you a regular cordless drill in addition to the impact driver. But now I wonder whether I will even use the regular drill when it comes. I have used this drill for nuts and bolts, drilling wholes, and driving screws and find it phenonamal at all tasks. It spins faster, with more torque available, and is much lighter than regular drills. I purchased the Hitachi 25 bit quick change drill-bit set to take care of many common drilling (rather than "driving") needs until the new Makita drill arrives. These bits have the hex shape to simply lock in to the driver. I also bought a Makita 763097-7A 3/8" Keyless Chuck at Home Depo (cheaper at ) which is a "conversion kit for impact drivers". It allows me to efforlessly use all my regualar round drill bits in the driver. Just drop in a bit, hold the keyless chuck for a moment while running the drill to tighten the chuck, and drill. Drill bits run perfectly straight whether they are hex bits in the hex drive, or regular bits in the Makita keyless chuck.The case the drill comes in is large enough for both drills, two batteries, and all of your bits. The drill's built-in flash light is very useful in any low light situation. This drill is new and not yet available at local stores. I assume they focus on running out of current inventories before ordering the latest model. Very impressive Makita!See all 9 customer reviews...