Makita T-01389 62-Piece Impact Drill-Driver Bit Set

Woodworking Tools Tagged with: Makita

Dec 172010

The Makita T-01389 62-piece drill and driver set is a great value -- more accessories, more savings. Every tool is black-oxide coated to resist corrosion, and given a proprietary heat treatment for sharper, longer lasting life. Manufactured with Ultra-Lok 1/4-inch hex shanks, the tools are compatible with all quick-change connector systems, electric or battery-powered drills and drivers, and impact drivers. The drill bits are manufactured using high-speed steel with precision 135-degree split-point tips to prevent drill bit walking. The pro-grade, maximum magnetic 3-inch bit holder and nut drivers provide extra-strong fastener retention.

I have a Dewalt bit set that I've broken enough bits with, or lost that a replacement was due. When i saw this set show up on Amazon, I immediately put it on my wish list. This fills a perfect need for the Impact Driver and Drill set I already own from Makita drill. I do lots of small and medium home projects, and this has most of the bits you will need. If they added a few hole saw bits, it would have everything, but otherwise complete. The bits are sharp and true unlike some cheaper sets which have a noticeable wobble in the smaller diameter pilot bits.

After 4 months of "weekend warrior" projects, I have yet to experience any of the issues listed by other users. However, as I am not driving through hardwoods as an everyday carpenter or doing exterior pressure treated woods, this may be the reason why. Also, Impact driving (when you should be using the drill) a small a 3/32 bit is going to break the piece no matter who makes it. I’ve broke many small good and bad bits by just twisting the drill off plane a few degrees while drilling. The metal heats up, bends, and then snaps in short order. Its why groups like Kreg is in business with their pocket joinery jigs. To keep delicate bits running true and remove much of the user error. Metal does break from fatigue.

The high points remain. Quickly switch from drilling small pilot holes to driving screws for common household needs. Hang drapery rods or blinds, remove and replace light switches and cover plates, install new hardware pulls and knobs on kitchen or bathroom cabinetry. I've also used it to drive sheet metal screws and other self tapping metal screws of all sizes you might find in the home. I had to replace some sheet metal elbows to fix some rattling and poor airflow related to use of my vent fan in the kitchen over the cook top.

Perhaps the expectations I have were always intended for home related jobs. Swinging an 18volt+ cordless drill with expensive Carbide bits and carbon steel is just over kill for a non trade person. I'm not doing basement and bathroom remodels with these bits. If you need those bits, they typically cost you a couple bucks per bit, and last a very long time with proper use. Heck, I have a hand-me-down Milwaukee 1/2 drill with some old (20 year+) 1/2 shank carbon steel bits. I only use that on rare occasion when I have to run Romex through ceiling joists for something like a new ceiling fan.

The point is – Whether using corded or cordless drills, small jobs with lots of odd size screws, or softer materials, this works perfect. For some of the harder jobs, tougher materials, with lots of repetition, just test it and take your time. If they don't work, get the right tool for the right job... and don't forget as the user, do it The RIGHT way.