5 budget-friendly Makita tools under $150 that are actually worth buying
Makita fans know the company makes a little bit of everything, from capable 18V LXT tools to smaller CXT models, or even battery-powered coffee machines. And if you have a few Makita tools and are looking to add more to your collection without breaking the bank, here are a few worth considering.
Depending on the battery platform you choose, Makita has a massive collection of over 350 tools that all run on a single battery. More importantly, it keeps growing each year. It’s one of the few independently owned tool brands left these days, and the company makes excellent products for DIYers, professionals, and specific trades.
If you’re more of a DIY type or just need a compact new brushless impact driver, we have you covered.
Makita 18V LXT Variable Speed Impact Driver
Handle screws and fasteners like a pro
Everyone should own a good impact driver rather than relying solely on a drill for jobs around the house. If you don’t have one yet, or still have an older model, you’ll love Makita’s LXT variable speed impact for only $129. As long as you already own a battery pack, it’ll be an affordable yet versatile tool you’ll love.
Impact drivers are completely different from a drill; they use a mechanism that “impacts” as it spins, rather than purely spinning, making them faster, easier, and better for driving fasteners like screws, lag bolts, and more.
Weighing under 3 lbs, this impact is still capable of 1,460 in-lbs of torque, plenty of speed and RPMs, not to mention it comes with a built-in LED light, belt clip, and a variable speed trigger. You’ll be able to manage exactly how much force you want while you work, and for the price, it’s a solid tool worth buying.
However, for $30 more, you can get the brushless model, which should be even stronger and more efficient. Or there’s a subcompact version for $139.
- Tool Type
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Impact Driver
- Warranty
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3-year limited warranty
With a variable speed trigger and a powerful brushless motor, Makita’s 18V 1/4-inch Impact Driver is a popular choice for DIYers and professionals.
Makita 18V LXT Compact Reciprocating Saw
A one-handed Sawzall that can cut just about anything
A good reciprocating saw is an essential tool for homeowners who need to cut wood, tree branches, or drywall while remodeling a room. There’s a reason Milwaukee’s Sawzall is so popular. That said, if you want a recip saw that’s not so big, bulky, or hard to use, consider the Makita Compact one-handed reciprocating saw, which is usually only $149.
I have a similar version of this, only made by Ryobi, and it’s an absolute joy to use. The design is a bit smaller and more manageable than a regular reciprocating saw, and the smaller overall size makes it great for tight spaces. Whether you need to cut metal pipes, PVC, tree branches, or anything else, this is a good tool to reach for.
Makita 18V LXT Subcompact Brushless Hammer Drill
Like a drill/driver, only better in every way
There’s a good chance you already own a Makita 18V drill for assembling furniture, drilling pilot holes into walls, or hanging shelves, but when you want something more powerful and versatile, you’ll want to buy the Subcompact brushless hammer drill for $144.
For starters, this model has a newer brushless motor that’s faster, stronger, and more efficient, which should save battery life and make it last longer than older brushed versions.
However, the star of the show for this particular model is that it’s also a “hammer drill,” and that’s important. If you’re drilling into dense wood, brick, mortar, or even concrete, the job will be substantially easier with a hammer drill vs. a regular drill. It offers two speed modes, a variable clutch, and dual LED lights to help you see in dark spots or night jobs.
Makita 12V CXT 3-3/8 inch Circular Saw
Cutting made easy
While some bigger jobs may require a full-size circular saw, if you already own several tools in Makita’s compact yet capable 12V CXT line, you’ll want to get this little 3-3/8 inch circular saw from Home Depot with a case and 2 batteries for $149.
This little tool sports a Makita-built motor that delivers 1,500 RPM, perfect for cutting through walls, drywall, particleboard, MDF, pegboard, plywood, and much more. It’s small, lightweight, has an ergonomic design, and comes with two battery packs.
Keep in mind that, due to its small design, it only has a 1-inch cutting depth, but that’s more than enough for DIYing some quick shelves and cutting any of the materials mentioned above. And yes, you can adjust the cutting depth, not to mention use the tilting base for bevel cuts. It’s a solid little tool for the price.
Makita 18V LXT Sheet Finishing Sander
Time to get to work
Most DIYers or repair workers probably already own a Makita 5-inch random orbital sander, and while those are great, I recommend the company’s 1/4-inch sheet finishing sander for $149.
Not only are the square 1/4 sheets cheaper and easier to find than round pads, but they’ll be better for sharp corners, tight spots, 90-degree corners, and other sharp edges. Furthermore, a finishing sander uses less aggressive linear motion rather than random swirls, giving you a more finished, polished look. Both types have their place, but you’ll want a good finishing sander like this one.
This tool features two speed modes (11,000/14,000 OPM) and a comfy grip, and you’ll love the built-in dust trap and corded performance in a cordless package.
Makita tools that don’t break the bank
As you can see, Makita makes a wide range of versatile and capable tools that don’t come with a huge price tag. Makita makes a ton of tools worth buying, but choose one of these to save your wallet.
