Makita BTD144 vs. Bosch 26618 vs Panasonic EY7550

**justinae** · 06-09-2011, 09:08 PM

The batteries on my 14.4v Dewalt impact driver are giving up the ghost. Id like to enter the lithium ion world and after owning my impact for over two years I found I used it for almost everything. Here are the three drivers I've seen that offer the 3 speed setting allowing the impact to function like a regular drill.

Makita BTD144
Bosch 26618
Panasonic EY7550

What do you all think of these? I'm leaning towards the Bosch because the radio can also charge but wanted to see what you all thought. They are all pretty close in price.

Thanks
Justin

**David Meiland** · 06-09-2011, 09:27 PM

I'm completely in love with my Makita impacts. I've had them since early '08 in daily use and they are still totally solid.

**justinae** · 06-09-2011, 09:31 PM

I've heard that a lot from Makita users. It might just come down to preference and if here is a sale. Do you use the 3 speed impact?

**David Meiland** · 06-09-2011, 09:41 PM

No, I have a BTD140 and a 141, pretty much identical, not 3 speed.

**Kevin Stricker** · 06-09-2011, 10:41 PM

You can't top the Panasonic, mine outdrives the 18v Makita impact driver and the batteries are the best in the industry. They are spendy though, and if you have plan to get other Li tools you might want to go with the Bosch or Makita due to availability of bare tools.

**GregBradley** · 06-09-2011, 10:51 PM

Have a BTD140 and several BTD141. They are good units and hold up even when used by idiots. I couldn't resist the local tool dealer 25%off on a BTD144 plus a free battery from Makita. Basically made the kit the same price as the three batteries. BTD144 on medium power is about equal to the BTD141. Low is nice for use where you might be afraid to use an 18v impact and high is really impressive. Battery life seems improved. I thought the soft feel speed switch might be weird but it seems OK. I love the way the light stays on for awhile after you release the trigger. It hasn't seen heavy use yet as I'm keeping it for myself and I seem to be drowning in paperwork lately.

The BTD144 removed properly torqued lug nuts from my truck. It has more power than the regular LXT 1/2" impact. Brushless motor is really amazing.

**chuckwoodchuck** · 06-09-2011, 11:23 PM

BTD144 hands down. The brushless motor seems to have made this impact a beast. The full line of tools available with this battery system is extensive. Good prices can be found too.

**justinae** · 06-10-2011, 10:18 AM

All the cordless options are good bit I'm not likely to use the majority of them as I've already got good corded/pneumatic versions. Possibly a trim circular saw. Still lime the Bosch radio over the others.

Bosch 26618
1500 lb. torque
1 year warranty
Replacable brushes
batteries charged in radio
no low battery indicator
3 led lights

Makita BTD144
1420 lb. torque
3 year warranty
No brushes
low battery indicator

I think I'll choose between these two. Now just to choose.

**Hickorywind** · 06-10-2011, 03:35 PM

Pansonic/brushless
Even a lefty like me can put up with it.
(not the best design on the forward/reverse button)

**joseph** · 06-10-2011, 09:46 PM

i have lithium makita and panasonic impact drivers .difference maynot be much but panasonic is a better tool .more power ,better battery . you can buy the makita for less .

**WarriorWithWood** · 06-11-2011, 10:28 AM

Another vote for the brushless Makita. I've had it for a while and it's a beast, plus the batteries last longer then with the brush version (I have both).

**justinae** · 06-14-2011, 04:11 PM

I found a local supplier who has the Bosch 26618 in stock. I didn't realize how big it was. The guy in the store put it on a scale and with battery it came in at 4.3 pounds. I'm used to my small Dewalt 14.4 impact. Considering I use it everyday I won't be going with the Bosch hybrid. Makita says 3.3 pounds and Panasonic says 3.53 pounds.

I can't seem to find a local reseller who has the Makita or the Panasonic in stock. Not sure I want to spend $350 without putting my hands on it first.

**chileab** · 06-17-2011, 12:37 AM

I have had Dewalt, Makita, Ryobi, and Panasonic. By far - the Panasonic impact driver is the best in my book. I have the 12v with multiple digital settings - That thing must be at least 3 years old now. I paid aboutg $289 for it then, it was more than any others on the market but it has been a work horse.

**Burton** · 06-19-2011, 08:11 PM

I just purchased a couple of the BTD 144 Makita's anf have been pleasently surprised with them. The 3 power ranges are wonderful. Just this evening was installing some retaining strips to hold glass and that lower power range was perfect. To me they seem light weight in the hand and as nearly perfectly balanced as any tool I have used. These are replacing a couple compact makita units.

**justinae** · 06-25-2011, 12:22 AM

Originally Posted by Burton

I just purchased a couple of the BTD 144 Makita's anf have been pleasently surprised with them. The 3 power ranges are wonderful. Just this evening was installing some retaining strips to hold glass and that lower power range was perfect. To me they seem light weight in the hand and as nearly perfectly balanced as any tool I have used. These are replacing a couple compact makita units.

Did the impact kick in at the lower speed?

Right now my local seller has a deal where $500 in Bosch gear gets a free radio/charger and at the same time get a free bare tool with purchase of one of their 12v tools and that purchase counts towards the $500. So that's a big shiny lure dangling in front of me with a $500 hook on it.

Thread: Makita BTD144 vs. Bosch 26618 vs Panasonic EY7550

Thread Tools

Display