BCConstruction

The smaller 1.5ah makita packs cant supply the needed current and will get very hot very quick if they are used in a high draw tool.

valleyman

I spoke to Makita about this. You're not supposed to use the compact B/W batteries in the full-size tools. I violate this rule using the B/W battery in a teal right angle impact driver. So far no ill effects, but I don't do any heavy driving with this set up.

Legit

Great rebate offer from Makita, if you're looking at the new 3-speed impact driver. Looks like they also have discounts on bare tools/no battery, and a free radio with the new miter saw -- check it on makitas website

J.C.

The white Makita stuff I've seen has all been made in China. Where are the teal ones made? I don't know if it's true but from what I heard the teal stuff is suppose to be their better line of tools.

BCConstruction

Im not sure where the white ones are made but i have noticed the spec's are different form the white to the teal in the impact drivers.

White impact driver 18v - Torque (in.-lbs.) 1,280
Teal impact driver 18v Torque (in.-lbs.) 1,330



Also found this

The Watt Hours of the batteries differ considerably. On the BDF451, they use 3 AH batteries at 18V, which gives 54 Watt hours (AH * V). The BDF452HW has 1.5 AH batteries at 18V, which gives 27 Watt hours. So the runtime on the BDF451 is going to be twice that of the BDF452HW with the included batteries. What's being done here is that Makita, in trying to get to that $200ish pricepoint, has made smaller batteries for a "Value" line.

The charger included with the white model is a 15 minute charger includes a fan, although it wasn't listed anywhere in the specs for the charger. The blue model includes the 45 minute optimum controller with temperature control via a fan to circulate air through the battery itself. This helps create a more even charge by having the cells in a more consistent state during charging.

Update: Makita will apparently be moving all of their tools to this charger, which will be 22 minutes on a 3AH battery and 15 on the 1.5AH.

Also noted is that the BDF451HW uses a 2 speed transmission and the BDF452 uses a 3 speed. The difference in gearing makes for a 450 vs 560 rating for torque as well. Not that most people will notice the difference in torque, but that shows which markets each one is intended for.

The white model is intended for use in the high-end homeowner market, the DIY guys and low-end contractor market. The blue model is the flagship, with all the bells and whistles, designed for the professional that is using the cordless tools on a regular basis. They're both Makita quality, but they're just expanding their horizons a bit. The side handle, belt hook, and a few other minor differences make the BDF452 the choice for contractors, and most DIY and homeowner types won't even notice those are missing.

Kudos to Makita for being first to come out with a full featured Li-Ion for ni-cad priceing.

john5mt

Teal stuff is made in china too. I dont think there is hardly a company out there (Except the green koolaid) that doesnt make their cordless stuff in china

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BCConstruction

Bet people didn't know that more Makita power tools are made in the US than any other power tool brand even though they are a Japanese company. But a few of their tools are made anywhere from Mexico, China and japan. I found this out from a Bosch rep in the UK. Just dont buy your Makita from Home depot as your almost garented it will be a China import. Pay a little extra and get them from a proper dealer.

valleyman

I've seen several people post that the white tools are homeowners grade and the teal is pro grade. I'd like to know where they get this from. Everything I find states the white is a compact version of the tool. Made to work with the half-size battery.

jiffy

The White tools just have half the battery...it is that simple. Obviously the battery is expensive, so having half the battery is a money saving point. But, you also get a much lighter tool with half the battery.


I have both white and blue Makita tools. The white tools with half the battery would be fine for most people that don't use the tool constantly. The 1.5amh batteries charge in 15minutes so they charge in half the time of the blue 3.0amh batteries.

Leo G

I have the white drill, the compact. It came with the 1.5 AH batteries. They don't last a long time if you are pushing them. But I use them in my shop. The charger is only a few steps away. I also have the 6 1/2" saw and I bought 2, 3 AH batteries with it. They fit into the white drill. If I want a heavy tool that has more lasting power this is the battery I use. Otherwise I use the lighter weight batteries. The compact drill has enough torque to twist your wrist off if you are not paying attention.

The home owner/DIY comment is based on the price alone. The white Makita's work fine for me in my shop and in the field.

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