Tool-Rank.com Community Power Tool Blog.

The new right angle drill from Makita, again builds from Makita's ever growing line of 18volt LXT Lithium-Ion tools.

The BDA350 Cordless Angle Drill is a must have for anyone that frequents close combat drilling. The BDA350 uses a Makita 4-pole motor that delivers the speed and power in a compact size, giving this tool an excellent power-to-weight ratio. Up to 1,800 RPM's, and 121 in.lbs. of torque worth of power to be exact. With the use of a keyed chuck, Makita was able to get the head size to only 2-5/8". Of course the drill also feature an LED light, for greater visibility.

Model BDA350 kit includes: two 18 volt LXT Lithium-Ion (3.0Ah) batteries, Rapid Optimum Charger, contractor bag, and battery cover. MSRP:369

Model BDA350Z Tool Only MSRP: $159

This is one of the things I really love about Makita; they are always looking for ways to improve their tools.

“We did some research on our best-selling BHR240, and made it even better,” said Ethan Haughawout, Makita’s associate product manager – cordless products.

So you might be wondering what makes this tool better then the previous model. Makita was able to make the new BHR202 smaller, and added the same vibration reduction technology to the BHR202, that is found in their high-torque impact wrench. This means a more comfortable tool for you, and the extra loss in vibration adds more life to your batteries.

Lets get down to the features.

The Makita built motor delivers 1-1,000 RPM and 0-4,000 BPM. It has a 3-position switch to go from drilling, to hammering, to drill/hammering. A built in torque limiter clutch is designed to disengage if the bit happens to jam, and a 360° chuck with 40 different locking positions allows you to chisel at the position that is best for you. And of curse the BHR202 features, what is pretty much standard with all Makita tools, a built in LED light for more visibility, and Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion battery technology.

The BHR202 will be available September 15, 2008.

MSRP for the complete package, including: Tool, depth gauge, side handle, 2 ea. Lithium-Ion (3.0Ah) batteries, Rapid Optimum

Makita has announced the release of a new 5" random orbital sander. The new sander features a powerful 3-amp motor that allows 12,000 OPM, and large 1/8" orbit action. While it seems like most orbital sanders only vibrate, with the 1/8" movement, this one looks to have some real sanding power.

To help this sander stay working like new, year after year, the sander also features oversized sealed ball-bearing construction, and a dust-sealed switch, to minimize dust contamination. To keep you, and your work area clean, the sander utilizes a through-the-pad dust collection system and fabric dust bag with a wide mouth for faster disposal. Also available are a variety of hoses and adapters that allow you to attach your new toy tool to your shops vacuum system.

Model BO5030K includes abrasive paper, dust bag, and tool case. MSRP $69.00

Makita is offering a free 18V LXT Lithium-Ion (1.5Ah) Battery Model BL1815, with qualifying tool purchase. Available: July 1, 2008 - September 30, 2008

Qualifying tools:

• 18V Compact Li-Ion 4-Pc. Combo Kit Model LCT400W
• 18V Compact Li-Ion 3-Pc. Combo Kit Model LCT300W
• 18V Compact Li-Ion 2-Pc. Combo Kit Model LCT200W 
• 18V Li-Ion Impact Driver Kit Model BTD142HW
• 1/2" Driver-Drill Kit Model BDF452HW
• 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill Kit Model BHP452HW

"With one of the project’s goals being to increase the Latino customer base, HLB learned that brighter, more colorful schemes would be preferred over quiet, subtle ones by this demographic. The result was combining Makita’s traditional teal with the use of more silver metallic.

Designers also used customer feedback to develop a concept that looked new, stronger, lightweight, and high-speed without completely abandoning some of the traditional elements that customers liked. HLB and Makita describe the finished design as sleek and aggressive with an almost sinister feel. The use of chrome also helps from a retail perspective in bringing, according to HLB, more “eye-catching American flair”. So from an aesthetic perspective, the re-design delivered strong results." - pddnet.com