Frequently Asked Questions

No. Makita designed every aspect of the 18V LXT Lithium-Ion and 18V Compact Lithium-Ion line of tools to deliver four promises to the pro user: More Power, Less Weight, Better Fit and More Work. LXT and Compact tools are not just existing tools with a new Lithium-Ion battery; they are completely re-designed with the most advanced power tool Lithium-Ion battery and charging system available on the market. Makita designed and built the LXT tool platform from the ground up to complement the lightweight LXT and Compact battery platform.

Most likely the problem will be the battery in this scenario. You can go to www.makita.com to find a service center nearest you. Bring your battery and charger to a Makita Factory Service Center (FSC) or an Authorized Service Center (ASC) for diagnostic tests to pinpoint the issue.

No. Makita recommends charging a brand new battery to a full charge before using it.

No, Makita chargers are designed so that they will not overcharge a Lithium-Ion battery. For example, the DC18RA communicates with slide type Lithium-Ion batteries to detect its charge level. Upon reaching a full charge, the charger goes into a maintenance mode and actively monitors the battery's charge level to keep it fully charged.

Yes. The arbor size of the metal cutting saw is 5/8". Makita makes two replacement blades that fit the saw. A 30-tooth blade that comes with the purchase of the saw is part A-94518 and a 50-tooth blade is part A-94524.

A typical 12" Miter Saw will deliver more cutting capacity in both crosscut and vertical cutting height compared to a 10" miter saw. With its smaller blade, a 10" saw typically has less blade run out and deflection, and is frequently more accurate and ideal for making specialty cuts.

Slide compound miter saws typically deliver larger cross-cutting capacity over comparable non-slide compound miter saws.

The new 2705 table saw has a new tool-less modular blade guard system with an adjustable riving knife. The new system provides two independent stow-able anti-kick back pawls and two adjustable dual side guards that allow for easy measurements from both sides of the blade. The new riving knife also offers three positions: through, non-through and dado cuts.

Makita 2-cycle power cutters require a 50:1 mixture with synthetic oil (part numbers T-00739 6.4 oz., or T-00745 2.6 oz.). Please refer to the Instruction Manual to confirm the proper grade of oil.

Makita power cutters come with a five-stage filter system with Advanced Directional Air Flow for increased performance and easy maintenance. The foam pre-filter should be checked and cleaned daily or at least every four operating hours when cutting with high dust amounts. When cutting wet or when cutting steel, the foam pre-filter should be cleaned weekly or every 25 operating hours (never use compressed air to clean the filters). The smaller inner filter can be washed in lukewarm soapy water with regular dishwashing liquid or Makita filter cleaner, and allowed to air dry. The paper air filter insert can be slightly opened and tapped against a clean surface, but should never be washed. For part numbers on specific replacement filter parts, go to the specific product page on the Makita website.

Hammer drills receive their hammering action from two cams striking each other. A rotary hammer is electro-pneumatic, getting its hammering energy from air pressure. Hammer drills are best used for setting small anchors in unreinforced concrete, as well as stucco, masonry, and block wall. Rotary hammers are engineered for use on both reinforced and unreinforced concrete, as well as stucco, masonry, and block wall.

Some rotary hammers can do light demolition work, like chipping tile. But for heavy or extended demolition work, a demolition hammer is the better tool for the job.

AVT (Anti Vibration Technology) is exclusive counterbalance system that reduces vibration up to 3 times less than competitive models. With AVT the hammering energy is focused on the work surface and less vibration is directed at the tool and the tool user.

Makita makes a range of drywall screwdrivers with a variety of features for different applications. In general, a lower RPM setting will deliver higher torque which is often best for fastening screws into wood studs. However, it ultimately comes down to user preference.

Impact drivers are engineered to deliver more speed and more torque in a smaller package. The combination of speed and torque is a perfect combination for all fastening applications, including long screws for building a deck. Another option is a high torque corded screwdriver, with 2500 RPM being best for deck screws. Makita offers a range of impact driver and screwdriver solutions.

No, it can only be used on the DA4000LR and the 6304LR.

In order to use a cut-off wheel, the Makita grinder must be equipped with an approved cut-off wheel guard for the particular grinder. Consult the Instruction Manual of grinder to determine the proper guard. Also, grinder accessories must be rated for at least the speed recommended on the tool warning label.

Select Makita grinders can be used as a disc sander. Consult the tool Instruction Manual for confirmation of the proper accessories and their use.

Hubbed grinding wheels are made with the inner flange and lock nut mounted on the wheel. On a depressed center wheel the inner flange and lock nut are not attached to the wheel, and must be fastened separately with the lock-nut wrench during installation. Consult the grinder Instruction Manual for confirmation of the proper accessories and their use.

Makita has one of the largest assortments of angle grinders, ranging in size from 4" to 9". The grinder model best for you depends on several factors based on your application. As a result, Makita manufactures angle grinders at different sizes with different types of grips, switch configurations as well as RPMs to best handle your application.

SJS (Super Joint System) is an innovation from Makita engineering where the motor armature and spiral bevel gear are linked by a coil spring. If the grinding wheel catches or binds, the coil spring relaxes and disengages the gears from the motor. As the grinding wheel stops, the gears and motor are protected.

Makita offers a range of reciprocating saw blades that are engineered for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Most common reciprocal blades are compatible for use on Makita reciprocal saws, but verify in your tool Instruction Manual prior to use.

Hypoid gears, like those in the Makita 5377MG 7-1/4" Magnesium Hypoid Circular Saw, are engineered with heat-treated hypoid steel gears designed to last longer and prevent premature wear often found in traditional bronze-alloy worm-drive gears. The hypoid gears also have greater surface contact and deliver more power.

Makita's exclusive counterbalance system that reduces vibration up to 3 imes less than competitive models. With less vibration the JR3070CT cuts more efficiently for increased cutting performance. Makita's AVT is also available in select Makita rotary and demolition hammers.

If applied properly, both types of sanders can be effective per their specific applications. Random orbit sanders typically remove more material in less time, as the sanding base moves in an orbital and rotating random motion. Refer to the Instruction Manual for proper use and applications for your specific sander.

Yes. All Makita's belts have a directional arrow marking which is visible on the inside and on the outside to follow for proper belt installation. Follow the installation procedure outlined in the Instruction Manual.

Yes. Makita offers a PSA pad (part 743056-7) which will allow you to use PSA paper.

Check the sand paper, and make sure that your punched holes are in line with the punch plate provided with the tool.

It is not necessary to use a straight guide on your router when using a bearing feed bit, because the bearing on the bit acts as your guide. Always refer to your Instruction Manual for proper usage.

Yes, Makita's RD1101/RF1101, RP1800 and RP2301FC routers can be equipped to use your Porter Cable template guides by using the compatible guide adaptor.

Makita offers 2-cycle engine oil for use in its products equipped with 2-cycle engines. But any TC3 grade 2-cycle oil is formulated for use in these products. Please refer to the Instruction Manual to confirm the proper grade of oil on your particular model.

You should never use motor oil in place of chain bar oil because most motor oils have detergents in them

4-cycle equipment is engineered for better fuel economy and is up to 60% more efficient than 2-cycle equipment. In addition, 4-cycle equipment has reduced exhaust emissions over 2-cycle equipment. Also, 4-cycle uses unleaded fuel and does not require fuel-oil mixture.

Yes. Makita 4-cycle equipment does not require fuel-oil mixture, but it does require a small amount of motor oil in the motor (SAE 10W-30 of API classification, class SF or higher). Please refer to the Instruction Manual for a recommended maintenance schedule.