Is Makita a Good Brand? (My Thoughts in 2024)

These days there are so many tool manufacturers out there, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of brand names.

But one name that stands out amongst the rest is Makita, and for good reason.

For more than a century, this Japanese power tool manufacturer has been a leader in the space, and have a few of their cordless power tools in my own chest.

If you’re thinking to yourself, “Are Makita tools good?” before making your purchase, the answer is a simple YES!

Why I Like Makita Tools

I love Makita tools because they are easy to operate, powerful, and versatile. I have a variety of their tools and there honestly isn’t one I don’t love.

I also like how I can use the same lithium ion battery pack (an 18 V) with virtually all my Makita tools.

They also have a strong warranty to back up their products which speaks to their quality.

All things considered, the Makita tool brand is a 10/10 company in my book.

Types of Products Makita Makes

When they were first starting out, Makita didn’t manufacture the wide range of tools they manufacture today. In fact, they specialized in making generators, lighting, and related equipment.

However, time have changed and they now manufacture hand tools, power tools, landscaping equipment, automotive tools, storage solutions, and accessories.

Hand Tools

Although Makita is known for their line of power tools, they also make a diverse offering of hand tools.

You can buy these tools individually or get them in a kit. One of the benefits associated with purchasing a kit is that you get the tool and all the accessories that go with it. Plus, the kits tend to be cheaper than buying all these components individually.

You can find wrenches, screwdrivers, sockets, and many other hand tools made by Makita, both online and in stores.

Power Tools

Makita manufactures both cordless and corded power tools.

Their earliest power tools took 7.2 V batteries, but most of their current tools run on 18 V batteries. Some are so powerful they require a 36 V battery.

One of the most attractive things about Makita power tools is that they utilize long-lasting batteries. Specifically, these batteries are used to power their impact drivers, drills, saws, sanders, and many other tools. Plus, since their batteries are interchangeable, you can use the battery that comes with an 18 V drill to power an 18 V driver, for example.

And on the corded power tool side, they manufacture impact wrenches, planers, and numerous stand-up tools, like belt sanders and table saws.

Landscaping Equipment

Makita’s outdoor tools are sought-after as well. Specifically, they manufacture chainsaws, trimmers, lawn edgers, lawnmowers, weed whackers, leaf blowers, snow blowers, and other things that one can use to beautify the exterior of a home or commercial property.

Most of their outdoor equipment is battery-powered, though some of their tools are powered by gas. Makita lighting solutions are also used outdoors, especially to illuminate patios, decks, pools, verandas, and walkways.

Automotive Tools

Many of the tools that mechanics use day in and day out are manufactured by Makita. You can find Makita drills, detailing tools, cutting and grinding tools, fastening tools, and auto shop cleaning solutions.

Storage Solutions

If Makita makes a wide variety of tools, they should make storage solutions for these tools, right? They do! In fact, they make workbenches, tool cabinets, shelving, toolboxes, and other solutions that’ll keep your tools organized and secure.

Accessories

Makita also manufactures numerous accessories for their tools, such as saw blades, drill bits, grinding stones, and grips.

Where You Can Buy Makita Products

Makita tools can be purchased at big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, and they’re also sold online through sites like Amazon and eBay.

Local mom-and-pop hardware stores carry these tools too, and usually they carry the latest models as well as some older ones.

You can also find Makita products at Ace Hardware, AutoZone, and other stores that sell tools for the automotive and landscaping industries.

If you’re someone who shops at Amazon for everything, you should know that both licensed Makita dealers and second hand sellers use this marketplace. Therefore, you may purchase the wrong product if you’re not careful when selecting a seller.

One of the benefits associated with shopping for Makita products in store is that you’ll be able to get a feel for their tools before you make a purchase. Of course you won’t be able to mow some grass with one of their lawnmowers, but you’ll be able to hold and possibly even turn on the tool you’re interested in, and doing so will let you feel the vibrations and hear how the tool sounds.

Where Are Makita Products Made?

Makita’s first products were manufactured in Japan, and for decades they only manufactured products within the borders of this island nation. But these days, in addition to their many Japanese factories, they also have factories in Mexico, Romania, the United Kingdom, Thailand, China, Germany, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

Most of their products carry the “Made in Japan” label, while the rest have the “Made in China” label.

In the United States, Makita’s first manufacturing facility was established in Buford, Georgia in the 1980s, and now they have plants in Texas and Nevada as well.

Makita tools are made with globally sourced materials, and their products are used not only in the countries that make them but pretty much all over the world.

If you’re specifically looking for power tools that are made in America, you might want to consider DeWalt or Milwaukee tools.

Makita Warranty Info

Makita offers several warranties, and the kind of warranty a tool comes with is largely determined by its price, the likelihood of a component malfunctioning, and the kind of work the tool is typically used for.

For example, any of their tools that generate emissions are covered by a two-year warranty. Specifically, if a component in the tool’s fuel metering system, air induction system, or ignition system malfunctions, the tool can be repaired or replaced under warranty.

You can also return or replace any Makita tool within 30 days of making the purchase but this warranty doesn’t apply to bits, blades, or cutters. Also, you must keep in mind that a variety of actions and events will nullify a Makita warranty. To know what these warranty-voiding actions and events are, visit the “Warranties” page on Makita’s website.

For example, if a tool has been altered in any way, its warranty will be nullified. Additionally, if you damage your tool while trying to complete a task it wasn’t designed for, this too could cause the warranty to be invalid.

Makita Brands Pros & Cons

Pro: Performance

One of the reasons why Makita products have been so popular over the years is because they’re dependable.

For example, if you have a thick piece of wood that needs to be cut, a Makita table saw won’t let you down. And if you need a nail gun to impale nails precisely and quickly, Makita has a nail gun for you.

Performance is arguably the most important metric when it comes to gauging how good a tool is, and it’s clear Makita goes above and beyond to make sure their tools perform in line with or better than competing products.

Their wide range of portable electric power tools are built with performance in mind, which is the reason so many people trust their products.

Pro: Quality

Along with being able to perform well, Makita products are built to last.

This means you don’t have to worry about your drill breaking down after just a few rotations, nor will you have to worry about your saw overheating and burning out just because you put the blade through some thick material.

Makita power tools are preferred by professionals and amateurs alike in large part because you don’t need to be a skilled craftsman to make the most of what these tools have to offer.

Pro: Wide Selection

Their wide selection of products also makes Makita a preferred tool manufacturer.

And if you have tools that all run on the same kind of battery pack, you don’t have to spend time figuring out which batteries go with which tools. And you’ll also avoid hooking the wrong battery up to a tool that can’t handle it, which can damage the tool.

Plus, once you get a feel for Makita tools, you can operate anything they make with a certain level of comfort and finesse.

Con: Price

The price tags attached to these tools are often cited as being their most unattractive quality.

Sure, Makita tools fetch a pretty penny, but they’re priced accurately when you consider how long they last, how durable they are, how well they perform, etc.

Plus, when you compare Makita tool prices with those charged by their competitors for products of similar quality, it’s clear to see that in many instances Makita’s products are more affordable.

History of Makita Tools

In 1915, Makita was founded in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan by Mosabura Makita. At that time, it was the Makita Electric Works Company, and they specialized in manufacturing lighting, motors, and transformers. Early on, a lot of their equipment was sold to the Soviet Union (in addition to being sold in domestic markets).

In 1958, Makita manufactured its first power tool, a handheld electric planer. Also that year, they came out with a portable groove cutter that was also well-received by the public. Then in the early 1960s, their first circular saw and first drill hit the shelves.

The year 1978 would see the launch of Makita’s next innovation: a cordless drill that was longer-lasting, more powerful, and easier to charge than competing products. By the 1980s, 15 products made up their line of 7.2 V tools, and all of these used the same battery and charger. The 1990s would see the introduction of the 9.6 V line, which included 10 tools.

In 2004, Makita would develop a brushless motor fastening tool for the defense and aerospace industries, and in 2009 they came out with the first brushless-motor impact driver. Today, Makita has the largest line of 18 V tools out there.

How Makita Stacks Up vs Others

When it comes to finding the right tools for your workshop, there are plenty of options.

Makita power tools are among the best of the best.

Overall, Makita is very similar to other great brands like DeWalt and Milwaukee tools.

When comparing Makita vs Kobalt or Craftsman, it’s an easier choice – Makita is the better choice.

You can also view my Makita vs Ryobi review to see how these brands stack up.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for battery powered tools like a cordless drill, or corded tools like some of their circular saws, Makita is a great brand to pick.

Makita is one of the best tool brands on the market and I highly recommend them to any woodworker out there.

If you’re looking for a powerful and reliable power tool brand, go with Mikita.