Makita XRH04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 7/8″ Rotary Hammer: A Review
A rotary hammer is one of the essentials in any homeowners toolkit. It is a part of the professional world as well, and many professionals like to keep good quality, heavy-duty rotary hammer at their disposal, at all times. So, what makes a rotary hammer so important?
A rotary hammer is a device, that is efficient in a variety of tasks. For heavy-duty tasks such as the drilling and chiseling of hard materials can be done with the help of a rotary hammer. Given that many of these tasks tools like the hammer drill can do as well, but the difference is that a rotary hammer provides you more power for these tasks. That’s why it is the preferred tool for many professionals.
If you have very little need for power tools, you should choose a hammer drill for your drilling needs. However, if you need a specialized power tool for tasks that require varying force, a rotary hammer is the ideal option for you.
Things to consider before buying a rotary hammer
Now, before you buy a tool such as the rotary hammer, you should have an idea about the different aspects to be considered. Let’s have a quick look.
1. The Power Option
Before buying a power tool, you should consider the power mode of the device. A corded option is better for a stationary workspace. You should keep in mind that a corded tool will always have an area limit. On the plus side, you won’t have to worry about the battery of the device running out.
On the other hand, a wireless option provides you freedom of movement. You can reach far off areas, and can also take the tool with you to a remote part of the house where there aren’t any power points.
Keeping your needs in mind, you can choose between these two types. Generally speaking, corded options are a little less expensive the cordless ones.
2. Drilling Range
Drilling range of the power tool will give you an idea of how far you can drill. Drilling hard material like metal, wood, or masonry requires maximum range, and if you have heavy-duty task such as these, a good range is essential. It is generally specified in mm (millimeters), or in (Inches).
3. Motor Type
The motor is an essential part of any power tool, and you should get a product that can complete the majority of the tasks with ease. Most of the new rotary hammers feature a brushless motor. The brushless motors are better for the device as they facilitate smooth operation, and produce very little heat, and improve the overall battery efficiency. It also results in more work per single charge in cordless power tools.
The other option is the brushed motor, which is used in many power tools and is a less expensive option.
4. Power, Impact, and Speed
All of these factors are also very important. If you want a rotary hammer for heavy-duty operations, it should have the appropriate power output. Most of these devices feature power control options, and you can adjust according to the task at hand.
The speed of the rotary hammer is in RPM (rotations per minutes). Usually, rotary hammers spin in the sub -1,000 RPM or slower, but the slower speeds are better for rotary hammers. The impact of rotary hammers is much more than that of ordinary drilling tools, and typically rotary hammers can have the impact rate of 4,000 BPM (Beats Per Minute) or more.
Now, that these parameters are clear, you can review various models to choose the one that fits your needs. In this article, we’re going to review one of the best options available in the market right now.
Makita XRH04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 7/8″ Rotary Hammer
Makita-XRH04Z is a rotary hammer from MAKITA, a company well respected for its excellent products. It is a device that delivers faster and more efficient drilling performance. It is a versatile tool that offers users ease of control.
To understand this tool better, let’s have a good look Makita-XRH04Z’s top features.
Features
- Ergonomic Design
This tool has a compact, pistol grip design that lets users control it easily. The device features job site tested shock absorbent handles, which protect the battery life and ensure the durability of the product.
The product is very lightweight, and only weighs 7.7 lbs (without the battery). It is light to carry around, and the user can work for a long time without getting tired.
- Cordless for convenience
It is a cordless model, and you can reach the hard to reach areas with ease. Since it is a lightweight model, you can carry it around for a long time before getting tired. It is more efficient, and you can get a lot of done without worrying about the cord limit.
- Motor Performance
Makita-XRH04Z features Makita built variable speed motor which delivers 0 – 1, 200 RPM, and 0 – 4,000 BPM.
The device features three modes of action. First, there’s the Rotation Only option, in which the device only performs the rotations. The second mode is the Hammering with Rotation, in which the rotary hammer also does the hammering, along with the rotating action.
There’s another mode of action that you can access with the device, and that is the Hammering Only mode. As the name suggests, in this mode, the device only performs the hammering action. Depending on the project requirement, you can decide.
- Battery and Chuck
This cordless rotary hammer has a built-in chuck which reduces gear damage by automatically disengaging gears if the bit binds. It is a useful feature, considering it can increase the device life enormously.
The battery used in the device is 18V lithium-ion slide-style battery. Makita 18V Lithium-ion batteries are quick to charge and can last a long time before you need to charge them. This way, you can work without interruptions.
These are the most prominent features of this model. Let’s now have a look at the specifications of the device.
Specifications
- Makita-XRH04Z weighs 0.16 ounces.
- The dimensions of this device are 18 x 4 x 9 inches.
- The device uses an 18V Lithium-ion Battery.
- The device features a three-mode operation.
- The Makita variable speed motor can deliver 0 – 1, 200 RPM, and 0 – 1, 400 BPM.
Once again, to review all that we have discussed, let’s list the pros and cons of this device.
PROS
- The device has a lightweight, compact, and ergonomic design.
- The Makita 18V lithium-ion battery is quick to charge and lasts longer.
- The device has a built-in clutch that reduces gear damage and increases durability.
- The user gets faster drilling with synchronized RPM and BPM.
CONS
- Can be a little pricy for those on a tight budget.
That is all about the Makita XRH04Z. Overall, it is a powerful device, appropriate for many heavy-duty projects. It is a durable and efficient option, and if you are looking for a trusted device, this is it.
We hope that the article was able to provide you all the relevant information about Makita XRH04Z, and about the parameters, you need to follow while assessing the various models.
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