Wrenches Reviews

Well built and simple to use like all Makitas. Pretty lightweight too compared to their older models.

My only complaint is with the very lightweight kerf boards (strips of plastic under the blade). If you get careless and push the saw down too fast, the blade catches and blows the kerf boards to smithereens.

Like a lot of these saws, you really need three hands to change the blade. There's a cover that keeps trying to spring back into place while you're removing/replacing the blade bolt.

It draws 15A, so make sure you've got a serious extension cord to go with it!

I have owned the original LS1220 for several years and have been pleased with the performance. I see Makita has upgraded the blade from a 24 tooth to a 70 tooth blade for smoother cutting. I have been waiting for the orginal Makita blade to wear enough to rationalize getting a nicer blade. My only quibbles so far concern the plastic retractable blade sheath which is flimsy compared to the rest of the saw, and the sawdust collection bag which I quickly replaced with a home made adaptor for my Fein vacuum.

I'll tell you right now, I've tried ALL the other saws on the market: miter, compound miter and sliding compound miter in all sizes, and this saw is the best. I think the sliding saws are over priced and more-apt to run out of alignment and bog down in heavy materials. They also require dedicated work stations that make them as unwieldy as the radial arm saw you are probably trying to replace. The 10" compound miter saws, while more affordable, lack the cutting capacity and, frankly, are not getting the design and build attention that the bigger saws are. The 12" compound miters fall in the middle. (And in the middle the value is always best). They get attention to build and design because they are aimed at the contractor, they have a decent cutting capacity, and they are solid, yet portable. I chose this one out of all the other 12" saws because it has a zero-clearance throat plate (a must to eliminate tear-out), excellent miter detentes, and a solid motor. It also comes with stock extensions (that actually work) as standard equipment. The upgraded blade is top notch. I even bought a second LS1220 for the professional shop where I work. If you're going to pay a lot, make it count!

This is the second Makita grinder I have purchased. For small and medium size projects this grinder is light and easy to use. I particularly like the on - off switch. I wanted a tool that does not require one hand to keep the switch in the on position. The case is great to keep all wheels and sanding disks in one location.

I just had to buy my second "Makita" and I found out that it is the same as my old (broken - electric motor failer). Therefore all my brushs, wheels, etc. fit on it. The 1st Makita, I have had for at least 8-10 yrs, and I can't even think on how many hours that little grinder has been used. I farm and do construction and I have to say that I use this 4 inch grinder very hard, and it sure does the job for its small price. "Keep on grinding"

I have used this grinder for about 8 or more years now. Can't say anything bad about this. I was fitting large refrigeration pipe with this and it preformed beautifully. everything from grinding metal for automotive and construction, to shaping wood for son's Pine car race, a million uses. Can't have a garage without having this grinder.

I've used this impact screwdriver for a year and a half daily. So it's tough enough. It drives big screws like butter. Amazing! It drives Phillips as nicely as Robertson without stripping, also amazing. It is very short, so it easily fits between joists. The NiMh batteries are better than NiCd: they carry more power for their weight, are less finicky about charging technique, stay charged longer when unused, and charge rapidly.

cons: Bits always get stuck in the hex chuck, requiring Visegrips to get them out. But I generally use a guide sleeve. Phillips bits sometimes shatter. Robertson bits sometimes jump out of the screwhead since virtually no force is needed to drive the screw. It is single-speed, so you have to be careful as the head sinks into the wood or sheetrock. Also, it's very very loud, requiring hearing protection.

My other impact screwdriver is a Makita. That version has external ports for the motor brushes, and a built-in worklight. But it's hex chuck jams just the same.

I guess everyone has already echoed my thoughts about this great product. Yes, it does drive large screws into hard wood, without stripping the heads or breaking the screws. It requires a lot less effort, so you don't get as tired at the end of the day. And yes it will be your most favorite tool of all.

There are however some shortcomings that should be mentioned. First, it works best with a full battery. By the time the battery is half discharged, it will no longer drive large screws. The work around to this problem is to invest in a couple of Panasonic 12V 3.5Ah NiMH Batteries. These babies provide plenty of long lasting power. The other is the bit holder. The bits get stuck inside and are difficult to remove. The work around is to get a MagZilla Mag Bit Holder from www.mcfeelys.com for $10 and leave it in permanently. This bit holder will accept any kind of 1/4 bit you insert into it (short or long etc.) and hold it securely, yet releases it easily. With a setup like this, you have a tool that is truly rated at five stars.

Big fan of panasonic cordless tools.. this is my 3rd. I was having a problem countersinking big screws into hardwood or cement board so based on some advice picked up this tool.. It took over where my very powerful 15.6 left off.. taking 3" screws that were stripped and wouldn't go in and countersinking them no problemo... the impact nature makes it less likely to break screws like the 15.6 does occasionally... I actually put a 3" screw about 1" countersunk into a FIR stud just testing out the capabilities. Quite literally it will keep driving most screws 'til you let go of the trigger, so better use a dimple bit on softer material.

caveat: i had a few minutes of buyers remorse when i first used it as it is QUITE loud.. make no mistake when this is working your house is 'under construction'.. however you do get quite used to it, it's definiately worse as a bystander.

I would rate it 4 1/2 stars for the one major problem: non standard chuck... argh on panasonic.. why why why? the solution to fix it is to put a slug of 1/4 hex cut off an old bit shank into the chuck or perhaps a couple #4 hex nuts (if that's what is 1/4"). .makes for easier removal if necessary... anyhow they did it so the double-headed bit that comes with fits nicer but makes NORMAL quick bits jam... and i have yet to find any bits whatsover including from panasonic that match the groove for the double headed quick bit that comes with.

The charger that comes with is awesome because it works up to 18V batts... i can bring one charger and all my tools someplace and can charge my drill, my impact or my saw no need for 3 chargers.

Until the torque load gets high enough it operates just like a drill, so small bits and small screws work great just like your drill and pretty much silent.

I'm thrilled with the driver it's possibly my favorite tool.. too bad it needs a hack to fix it, but with the fix it's flawless.

This is a good tool set. It does not compare with SK, but is worth the 56 dollars I spent for it at Costco.

Being a farmer, I need a good set of tools that is easy to carry with me everywhere I go and has what I need in it so I don't have to drive back to the shop to get it. This set has it all! Of all the sets I have owned over the years, this Crescent set has been tha absolute best. I have used it to build a carousel, fix the tractors, adjust the doors in our market, you name it. All if the tools inside cover all the bases. I highly recommend it!!

The chuck is really well made and the wrench moves the jaws very smoothly. Unfortunately I have to return it. Not because the chuck has any faults, but rather because the description and the professional reviewer failed to tell me that the jaws are adjusted individually, rather than concentrically with one turning of the wrench. Now that's a good feature if you are working with blanks that need that. But my needs were stricly for round concentric bowl use, and I wanted to be able to ensure the bowl blank was centered with one tightening operation. The picture shows the T-wrench and one adjustment socket. No hint that the chuck has independent adjustments. By the way, the Delta label on the box indicates the independent adjustment. So should Amazon's description.

So, if that's what you need, it is a solid product, just what you'd expect from Delta. That's why I gave it 4 stars. Couldn't give it 5 without actually using it, and since I'm returning it, I couldn't do that.

Good deal, package well. This chuck is great for odd shaped parts, since each jaw moves independent of others.Good for home hobby or commercial use.

This is a good saw but it's much cheaper at home depot.

My first dewalt circular saw.......worked well like the other Dewalt products.

Blade is a little hard to change.

Price was about [amt.] at Home Depot.

I compared this tool to the other ones out there and it won hands down. I needed a tool to cut a variety of materials like drywall, plywood and formica countertops. Works great. I got the circle cutter too and I was surprised how easy it was to use and how perfect the circles are that it makes. I recommend it to any home owner like myself.

My other cut out saw went bad on me and I just about bought another one until I saw the Advantage. I liked the long warranty and the fact that I could change the motor brushes for longer tool life instead of thowing the tool away. It is the fastest spiral tool on the market and does everything I need it to do in my drywall and plaster business. Am planning on buying several more just like it.

I've just started to use it and it does have the power. My only complaint is that Freud is best known for it cutting blades of all type sizes and tools including all other brands. How come I can't find the replacement blades on this site or anywhere else for that matter.

I bought this planer about 3 months ago. I have been using it to flatten pine logs after ripping them with a chain saw, even set at full depth it doesn't bog down.Good value.

I like this saw alot. It is easy to handle, has a strong motor, good balance and is very comfortable. I replaced a DeWalt which, despite being very popular, I never really liked it.I am fairly big at 6'-1" and 225lbs.and while the DeWalt is very sturdy ( and heavy )it does not seem balanced, in comparison.The Hitachi despite a lower amperage rating, seems more powerful to me. The nickel-plated base moves easily on most surfaces, cutting depth is easily adjustd, the nickel-plated bevel markings are little tough to read in the sun, but seem to be accurate. My only gripe with this saw is that the electric brake is a little slow at dropping the blade rotation. I ended up ordering the carrying case which despite taking up more room, keeps the tool in better condition ( I tend to set the saw in the case instead of the ground while setting up for the next cut). Amazon needs to put a kit price together.Some tools just feel right.

This is one sweet feeling saw.I have got to hand it to Hitachi. The saw has a great feel as you rip, cross cut,and or cut on a bevel. The brake is a very nice addition to the saw, the only thing that is missing is a case...I think this a very well made saw, that any tradesmen or hobbiest would appreciate. The C7BD is a little heavier than some of the circular saws, but I like a saw with a little beef, makes for better stability as you are make those long rips.The cutting depth gauge on the cover is a little hard to see, due to the arrow being the same color(black)as on the base assembly.But as with Hitachi brand tools, I feel it is a well built saw and will hold up very well to the everyday use in the construction enviroment. OK, with that said, I am out of here to do some cutting with my new and fine cutting green machine.

I looked at all the planers. I was going to buy a planer with AMPS being my first concern. With a 3.4 amp motor this planer did not fail once. I put this machine to work on rough cut white oak with the blades full bore, and I got tired before this Hitachi planer. My only wish is the shoe as in all planers in this class was 1 inch longer. With a longer shoe or base this would get 5 stars. At this price you cannot go wrong. Blades are a snap to change, and sharpen. This is a nice machine.

If you need a hand planer for occasional use and don't want to spend more than $100 bucks this is an excellent buy. I gave it 5 stars are mainly because this is a best value choice. I got mine on sale for $89. It came with a metal case and right angle fence. It's a quality tool and fit and finish are very good. The shoe is a little short, making it slightly unbalanced, but it still feels pretty good in your hand. Depth of cut adjustments are simple and accurate, and it will produce a very clean cut. I've had mine for 2 years and the blades are holding up extremely well. I have not had to change them or sharpen them. It takes a little practice but it will take down to 64th of an inch with very little snipe at the ends. Has plenty of power for my needs. I use it mainly on bowed studs, shaving jam extensions flush, or back planing baseboard. None of these operations require extreme accuracy, but this tool delivers very nice results. Occasionally I will use it for shaving doors and it works fine but you will likely need some touch up hand sanding.

I think this is the probably the best hand planer out there for less than $150. For under $100 you can't beat it. If you want the top of the line look at the Porter Cable 9118 but that tool is 5 times the price.