As you are making a purchase decision, we suggest that you take the time to read some BDF452HW Makita Drill reviews in order to see what other consumers have to say about the product. Here are some user reviews to help you make your shopping decision:

This new driver/drill from Makita is a great piece of work. I bought this unit just days ago, so this review is just an initial impression.

The BDF452HW is super light, easy to handle and has good power. The batteries are physically small, but still pack 18 volts. The L/I batteries have a very flat run-time curve...they stay full power until right at the end of the charge. They recharge in 15 minutes (for real). Makita seems to have capitalized on the advantages of new battery technology and combined it with a well built, smooth, advanced tool.

If you need brute power or a hammer drill, this is not the drill for you. If you want a medium to medium heavy duty drill, this lightweight beauty is close to perfect. I'll update this after several months of use. Right now, I couldn't be more satisfied.

*Update (04/13/07) After using this drill for several months, I still think it is the best drill/driver in this price/usage range. The batteries are excellent and the available power continues to satisfy me. This drill is lightweight, reliable, feels like quality and has the umph to drill even 2" Rock Maple and drive 2" lag screws into the same Rock Maple with no sweat. After living with it, I'd buy it again!
-J. Schultz (BDF452HW Makita Drill user review from Amazon.com)

I got this drill after I checked it out in a local hardware store. It felt so good in my little hand. My husband's old (ancient) Porter Cable 12 volt is wearing out and we're building a house. Instead of trying to find batteries for his old Porter Cable, I decided to get the Makita for Christmas. ( I know..I'm not your typical woman, I'd rather have electronics and power tools) This way I can help my husband when we're putting up drywall instead of standing around.
On to the drill. I absolutely love it. It's lightweight, powerful and it's stubby in length. Many times my husband has a tough time getting into small areas. The LED light is great too, after ten seconds of non use, the light slowly goes away. My husband is impressed with the power. I am a petite woman and it fits my hand nicely. The only problem my husband finds is that he has a tendency to hit the forward/reverse button instead of the trigger. I don't have this problem, he must hold it different than I do. I think he's just not used to the difference from his Porter Cable. We're both quite pleased so far. I don't like bulky tools.

Update: After nearly two years of heavy use my husband has stolen my drill from me. He loves it. Last weekend, he drilled through a steel beam in the basement. He's hard on stuff, but the lil Makita drill has held up superbly. The batteries charge quickly as claimed too. I'd definitely buy this drill again.
-Barb (BDF452HW Makita Drill user review from Amazon.com)

I purchased this drill a couple of months ago and have used it enough to need to recharge the batteries a few times. The drill performs well in light and heavy applications. The battery recharge system is fast and convenient especially with the extra battery that came with this package. The LED light is a great addition making it very easy to see work areas in low light situations. The drill is light and well balanced making it easy to use.
-G.T. Egbert (BDF452HW Makita Drill user review from Amazon.com)

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A great addition to any tool box. My first project with this driver was installing a dust collection system in a new workshop I am building. The 24 ga pipe ran through the ceiling trusses and space became a little tight in spots. The size of this driver allowed maneuvering in these areas quite nicely. My next project was screwing down about 500 sq ft of decking using 2" screws. The torque and battery life were impressive. With the extra battery and fast charge time there was never a time I waited on a battery charge.
-G. Reichers (BDF452HW Makita Drill user review from Amazon.com)

Don't look any further. I am a professional installer, and I will tell you this is the BEST Drill in the world, especially for the price.
It has the best torque to weight ratio its in class, its ultra light, and it is simply unstoppable. The best yet, with the super high capacitor charger, you have a fresh battery pack in less than 15 minutes. If mine ever breaks, I will hands down, no doubt about it, replace it with another.
The best drill by far!!!
-Ski-ness (BDF452HW Makita Drill user review from Amazon.com)

I haven't used this one enough to know how it will hold up over time, but for now, it's far better than the craftsman I've been using... very responsive and lots of controllable power.
-L. Caulkins (BDF452HW Makita Drill user review from Amazon.com)

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