How Does The Makita 18v LXT Cordless Drill Stack Up To The Competition?

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best cordless drillWhether you’re a professional handyman or simply a homeowner trying to get things done around the house, you need the best 18v cordless drill that you can get. The Makita 18v LXT cordless drill offers everything you need from a drill with relatively few drawbacks, making it a strong contender for your next hardware purchase.

A Quick overview of the Makita 18v lxt model

This drill kit includes the power drill itself, a charger, a tool case, and two batteries for you to alternate between. The set is optimized to work with a 110-volt power supply, which differs sightly from some comparable models.

The machine weighs a little over 10 pounds, making it light enough to use without concern for arm fatigue. It measures 5.2″ x 16.6″ x 12.4″, so it’s compact enough to conveniently transport to a job site.

Makita’s LXT series is categorized by lithium ion batteries that do not lose their charge when not in use, allowing you to use your drill even if it has been sitting around for months. Lithium ion technology also gives this drill an impressive battery life, maximizing how often you can use the drill before stopping to recharge.

(See our top recommended cordless drills compared)

How Versatile is this bad boy?

This Makita 18v LXT cordless drill offers an adjustable bit, variable LED lighting, and speed controls. The adjustable bit allows you to easily change the size of your drill bit to suit the task at hand. This feature has largely become standard, but it’s always nice to confirm before making a purchase.

An LED light is also included to illuminate your project, allowing this drill to be used day or night. This probably isn’t necessary if you plan to work exclusively in your shop, but becomes extremely handy if you plan to use it outdoors or at multiple job sites.

Finally, you may alternative between two speed ranges: 0-600 RPM and 0-1900 RPM. This allows you to select a speed appropriate for most drilling applications, adding to the unit’s versatility.

How easy is this drill to use?

The lightweight design of this drill allows both professionals and DIY enthusiasts to use it successfully. You can expect superior results with this drill as long as you remember to charge it beforehand and have at least a vague idea of how to operate a power drill.

One standout feature is a rubberized contoured handle, allowing for a secure grip that mitigates undesirable slipping and sliding. It also reduces hand fatigue, allowing for comfortable periods of extended use. Previous Makita models have lacked this feature, and it’s definitely something you miss once you’ve grown accustomed to it.

This drill also has relatively few maintenance requirements thanks to Makita’s Extreme Protection Technology (EPT). The system is not adversely affected by moisture or dust, allowing you to use it in hostile work environments with full peace of mind that it will continue to work. All you need to do is wipe it off after use and store it in the included tool case while not in use to optimize your drill’s effective lifespan.

What kind of power can this cordless drill produce?

This drill can generate up to 480 inches/pound of torque, giving it enough oomph to successfully complete the vast majority of drilling projects.

Any Drawbacks?

The drill chuck started to come loose after about three years of use and abuse, a durability concern that is not common among comparable drills. Its price point of $150 is also a bit expensive considering what it is, as far cheaper alternatives are available. That said, this drill has the power output, versatility, and usability to command a premium price point.

The drill is also optimized for use with Makita’s batteries and chargers, improving its performance at the cost of locking you into a specific manufacturer for most of your accessories. Whether this is a drawback or not will depend on the individual user.

My Final Thoughts

Overall, this drill is an excellent choice for both homeowners interested in tackling a couple of projects around the house and professional contractors who plan to use it for a living. The community has provided a seal of approval to this machine, as most Makita 18v LXT cordless drill reviews are positive in nature. There are many quality models on the market today, but this may be the best 18v cordless drill available for $150 or less.

Carpet Installation Costs – What you Should Know

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carpet installation cost

There are several factors that contribute to overall carpet installation cost. Included among the factors are the price of padding, labor and the carpet itself. Additional details are below:

How to Choose The Best Carpet For Your Home

When choosing carpet, a few different options should be considered. You will have to know the measurement of the floors you need covered as the square footage will largely determine the project’s overall cost.

Here are a few examples of prices pulled from leading online remodeling cost websites:

It is important to know the size room you are carpeting as this could make a significant difference in your budget. The average room size is 144 square feet. Depending on the carpet chosen, RemodelingExpense mentions that the subfloor types and padding thickness, the average carpet installation cost ranges from $4.50 – $6.80 per square ft.

Fixr states: While carpeting has a wide range of prices, the average homeowner pays between $7 and $12 per square foot ($63-$108/square yard), with the average installation size roughly 10-feet by 14-feet for an average cost of $980 to $1,680

HomeAdvisor mentions: Many factors go into the final carpet prices and installation job, including room size and shape, carpet style, furniture removal, hauling out old flooring, labor, and more. That’s why there is so much variety in our user reports, which show that the average cost of an entire carpet installation project is $1,603, with most homeowners paying between $763 and $2,521 but with some paying as little as $200 or as much as $4,000.

Carpet installation also addresses subflooring and padding; therefore, these costs should be budgeted as well. The same is true for smaller costs like baseboards, tack strips, old material removal and moving furniture. The guide below will help you to know the costs and range of services involved in the overall installation cost:

Type of Carpet

Carpets are available in a broad range of styles, colors, fibers and patterns. It is crucial to choose the right one for a particular space as high traffic areas and low traffic areas have different carpeting needs. Knowing the different varieties of materials will help you in determining the best carpet for you.

Getting Bids

Always get three or more different bids, which should cover all aspects of the installation. You can reduce costs by moving furniture and removing old materials yourself, which could save you hundreds of dollars.

Moving Furniture

The carpet cannot be removed or laid with furniture on top of it. A clear room will be needed by the installer to remove the old carpet and pad and install the new one. The majority of carpet installation companies will provide you with this service for an additional fee. Typically, this fee averages roughly just over $1 for each square foot.

Subflooring

This is basically the mounting surface beneath the carpet and padding and above the foundation of the concrete. Typically, this is done by a carpenter who uses sheets of plywood. Replacing the subfloor is not always required when installing new carpet; however, it should be considered an option.

Over time, the subfloor will deteriorate. The plywood could crumble, splinter or become broken. After the removal of the old carpet and padding, the subfloor should be inspected for wear and tear. If its durability is in doubt, it is a good idea to call a professional for an inspection. For subfloor installation, an average of $1000 to $3000 will be charged by most carpenters.

Padding and Tack Strips

Without padding, carpets will not be bouncy or plush and will be eventually worn down by the subfloor. The majority of contractors include padding in the overall cost. New padding is not required for new carpets; however, it is highly recommended. There are options for padding thickness and material. Thicker padding will feel softer but will cost more for each square foot.

Typically, tack strips are included in the cost but sometimes they are not. As such, the bids should be inspected to see if they include new tack strips. These small pieces of wood are attached with nails to the subfloor; they should be inspected and only replaced, if necessary.

Removing Old Materials

Following the removal of the old carpet and padding and the installation of the new padding and carpet, the contractor’s job is done. If you have no plan in place for removing the old materials, they may be left in your yard.

Installers commonly remove and take the bundled up carpet and padding with them, for a fee. The disposal fees should be accounted for and could cost as much as $1 for each square foot. However, this is typically a flat fee outlined in the bid.

Stairs and Special Cuts

When carpet companies bid on projects, non-square areas are taken into consideration. For example, stairs attract an additional cost as carpeting these areas take more particular cutting and installation techniques to properly cover them.

In the carpet industry, stairs are viewed as a specialty installation and the cost for labor will be more than a standard floor install. This cost will depend largely on the number of stairs and if you are doing a top coverage or full coverage. For budgeting purposes, you can anticipate paying an additional $1 to $3 for each yard for labor.

Besides the stairs, other non-square areas are considered special cuts and extra attention and skills will be required to perfectly install the carpet. These special cuts cost more. Generally, that cost ranged from $0.50 to $3 depending on the number and complexity of cuts required.

These are just some of the factors that influence your carpet installation cost.

The Best Cordless Drills For Your Toolbox

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Best cordless drills reviewed
Image credit: Justcordlessdrillreviews.com

It’s the epitome of practicality: A tool that can bore holes, drive and retract screws, or even stir mortar without being tethered to a power outlet. Of course not forgetting the level of freedom this creates — not only can take the device anywhere, it also takes less effort to maneuver compared to its corded cousin. It’s amazing how far cordless drills have come to allow this kind of convenience.

In fact, today’s models are so far ahead of their predecessors that they’re more or less equal matches for corded drills. With that being the case, how do you find the best cordless drill for you? That will of course come down to your needs. Even so, it can’t hurt to look at what some of the best cordless drills on the market today have to offer.

dewalt 20v max reviewDewalt 20V Max Cordless Drill

What comes to mind first at the mention of ‘cordless drill?’ Power? Ergonomic design? Reliability? Whether it’s one or all of these aspects, the DEWALT 20-Volt Max has what it takes to be worth your consideration.

Coming from a brand famous for its well-rounded power tools, this drill comes in a compact, rugged design for enhanced versatility. There’s also something to be said about the familiar placement of controls in that regard. On a separate note, this drill comes with a pair of 20V lithium-ion battery packs, and which combine to equate to a 300W power output from the motor. In spite of that, the DeWalt 20V is still priced in a range suitable for most budgets.

Speaking of ranges, this drill can generate speeds of up to 1500 RPM. Combine that with a 2 speed transmission and 16 clutch settings, and what you have is the ability to create just the right amount of force for your tasks. Other noteworthy highlights include:

Pros:

  1. A light, compact battery design for less fatigue
  2. A relatively-quick recharge to minimize downtime
  3. Durable steel construction
  4. LED light

Cons:

  1. Short battery life
  2. No onboard slots to store bits

makita 18v drill reviewMakita 18V LXT Cordless Drill

The Makita 18V LXT is one of those drills you can trust to get the job done every time. Why? Because it packs a beast of a motor in its design, specifically one whose torque output peaks at 480 in-lbs. This means it will power down through pretty much any kind of material you may come across during your projects. Its compact profile, on the other hand, will let you work in the most confined of places.

Cordlessdrillzone mentions that what makes Makita so popular is due to the fact it can get into tight areas with ease and the battery power is unmatched in reliability.

See our in-depth Makita 18v lxt review here:

But that’s not all. See, the LXT is uniquely designed with dust- and water-protection mechanisms. This of course translates to less risk of falling prey to the most common jobsite hazards. For tactical versatility, the device is equipped with a variable 2-speed transmission and 19 clutch settings. Also forming part of the standard kit are an easy-to-use metal clamping feature, an 18V Lithium-ion battery, and a proprietary fast-charging mechanism.

Pros:

  1. The ergonomic design allows for extended use without the risk of fatigue
  2. Normal drilling aside, the LXT can also be used as a hammer driver-drill/impact driver
  3. Has features to protect against overheating and overloading
  4. The brushless motor technology allows the drill to extract maximum performance from the battery

Cons:

  1. Battery life leaves a lot to be desired. To elaborate, it seems to have traded capacity for fast-charging capabilities.
  2. The chuck tends to cause bits to wobble.
  3. Not suitable for large-scale commercial projects.

milwaukee m18 fuel reviewMilwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Drill

With a maximum length of 7.5 inches and a comparable weight footprint, you could be forgiven for thinking that the Milwaukee M18 Fuel was designed primarily for use in tight spaces. But don’t let the small form fool you — this is actually among the most powerful models in its class. Courtesy of the proprietary brushless motor design, the M18 packs a punch powerful enough to justify its presence in a contractor’s toolbox.

Specifically, the device will comfortably yield a jaw-dropping 850 in-lbs of torque, with speed topping off at 2000 RPM. Such figures make the M18 ideal for hobbyists in need of heavy-duty tools. Does that sound like you? Well, there’s a lot to love about a drill that’s capable of handling everything you throw at it. The same can also be said of its other pros:

Pros:

  1. Durable: Due to the absence of carbon brushes, the motors suffer minimal wear and tear. This also makes the M18 run quieter as well.
  2. Adjustability: The Drill comes with a 2-speed gearbox as well as 24 torque settings. Not to forget that all settings are clearly-marked.
  3. Batteries: These don’t just provide a longer run time — they’re equipped to withstand exposure to harsh outdoor elements. A gauge is also included to help users track battery life.
  4. A 5-year warranty

Cons:

  1. Price: The M18 is by far the most expensive drill of its kind. This can of course be justified by its incredible performance but, as you’ll probably agree, it can’t make up for the lack of accessories.
  2. The battery does take a while to charge fully.

Our final thoughts

As earlier suggested, the perfect drill is one that fits your needs best. This means that both the Dewalt 20V Max and Makita 18V LXT will be suitable for all but the most intensive of users. It goes without saying that the latter are better off choosing the Milwaukee M18 Fuel.