Selecting a Makita Power Tool Battery and Charger
Posted on | May 18, 2009 |
Why you should get a 12v or 18v battery or charger
Many power tool kits made by Makita are cordless, which mean that the tools run on batteries. This is a great advantage to the user because power cords often get in the way when doing a job. When using corded power tools the cords usually have to run across the entire job site, leaving the floor littered with cords which can be hazardous for the workers. Another downside to corded power tools is the fact that power cords will become damaged over time. If there is a tear in the insulation of the cord, there is a risk of electrical shock. Cables can also get in the way of machines or other sharp objects and become cut, putting people in the proximity of that machine in danger. It is without a doubt that cordless power tools operating on batteries are the best solution to these problems.
Types
There are several different kinds of Makita power tool batteries on the market right now. Also, there are different chargers available that must be compatible with the type of battery that you are using. The smallest and most common battery used by Makita in their smaller power tools is the 7.2v battery. This battery is rechargeable in about one hour, making it very convenient for any type of job. It can then easily be swapped out by a fresh battery once it is empty, and recharged again.
The 9.6v battery is also a popular size used by Makita. These are often installed in larger power tool models, but can also be charged in about the same amount of time as the 7.2v battery. This makes it a very good battery for tools that require larger batteries.
Some medium sized types of power tools are fitted with 12v batteries. A 12v battery does not hold its charge as long as a 14.4v or 18v battery, but is usually a lot less expensive. The advantage of the 18v battery is its superior power, which is needed for some applications. However, this power comes at the expense of convenience and recharge speed. The highest voltage offered my Makita for its power tools is the 24v battery. It is a much more complicated system which requires a forced air cooling system to keep the battery cool during operation and extend the life of the battery. It often features a system that monitors the usage and power of the unit. These are very expensive batteries that are only necessary on high end power tools.
Tags: cordless screwdriver > lithium ion > makita 18v battery