Cheap Makita BTD141 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver Kit

The BTD141 is a 2008 update/improved version of the BTD140. Not much difference but some improved internal parts (slightly higher max torque), slightly different appearance (mainly the plastic gearbox shroud), and a different chuck. This chuck allows you to push in a hex bit without pulling out the sleeve.

Just my luck; a week after I bought this, Makita comes out with the revolutionary Makita BTD144 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver with brushless motor. There is a reason why the BTD144 is the first tool in the Makita line-up to get the brushless technology: Impact drivers are known for their torque but not for their finesse. With the electronic speed & power control that brushless motors allow, you can have buttons that reduce the torque instead of having to feather the trigger pressure(like you have to do on the BTD141). Even though it is $100 more than the BTD141, I would have probably sprung for the BTD144.

Regardless, the BTD141 has loads of potential torque and if you are not careful/skilled you can torque fasteners way beyond where they should be. I needed some practice with the trigger and doing short bursts to make a 3" screw flush with a wood surface. Getting the right pressure on the trigger as you are driving a screw does not come naturally.

The ergonomics on this, as with all Makita LXT tools, is superb. Very comfortable even after 2hrs. of continuous use.

It is loud, but it's supposed to be loud; it's an IMPACT driver.

You can use this driver with the smaller 1.5 amp Makita batteries without making any modifications. (See user picture above) Thus, it can virtually become the smaller, lighter BTD142HW.

The case that came with it from Amazon was very large and had space for a Makita hammer drill. This worked out for me since I got a free hammer drill (BHP454Z) through a mail-in rebate promotion when I bought this. The case might be too big for your liking if Amazon is still shipping it with this case.Get more detail about Makita BTD141 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver Kit.