February_2022 - 49

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Makita LXT 1/4 "
and 3/8 " Cordless
Ratchets
Reviewed by Eric Moore, fleet manager at
Griffin Pavement Striping in Columbus, Ohio.
THE REVIEW:
Q: How did the tool function as far
as saving you time?
A: Makita was one of the first manufacturer's
whose cordless products I sought
out and purchased. I remember when my
7.2V cordless drill was the new kid on the
block and once the other techs had used
mine, many more in the shop appeared.
The LXT lineup is the current top dog by
Makita. This ratchet is great for mobility
and functionality. The versatility to
use either 1/4 " or 3/8 " greatly increased
the range of jobs it can be used for. No
dragging air lines around, or losing time
in tight spaces where a traditional hand
ratchet wouldn't have range of motion.
It's slimmer profile helps it get into more
restricted places.
Q: What kind of setup was involved
before using the product?
A: Once you remove it from the packaging,
you need to plug in the charger and
fully charge the included 18V LXT battery.
Then, select the adapter for the size
of drive needed and away you go.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: With a charged battery, the LXT
ratchet is pretty much point and shoot.
Place the desired socket on the adapter,
apply it to the fastener, select a direction,
and pull the trigger.
Q: What
types of jobs
did you use
this tool for?
A: We used
the LXT ratchet for
removal of panels and
heat shields on several pieces
of equipment. One tech used
it for valve cover gasket replacement
on their personal vehicle, a Hyundai
Sonata. We used it for tightening the front
cover fasteners on a John Deere industrial
engine in one of our air compressors.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it
come with any accessories?
A: It was packaged in a branded carboard
box. The LXT ratchet comes with
the tool, rapid charger, one battery, 1/4 "
and 3/8 " interchangeable adapters, and a
branded canvas carry bag.
Q: What features did you like?
A: The Makita LXT ratchet's slimmer
profile than other cordless ratchets make
it easier to use in tighter spaces. We really
appreciated how the battery mounting is
in line with the overall profile.
Q: Is there any way you could think
to improve or add to this tool?
A: If Makita is going to stick with the
interchangeability of the drive heads, I'd
like to see a positive locking
feature and a good secure
storage option for the remaining
drive head. Maybe make the
heads opposing, so have 1/4 " on one side,
and the 3/8 " on the flip? It would make
the trigger possibly awkward on the flip,
so maybe allow for the head to be flipped
and indexed? I know of traditional hand
ratchets like this out there.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would
you rate this tool overall?
A: With the thin profile, interchangeable
heads, higher RPM, and overall balance
we feel confident that this tool rates
a solid nine.
ERIC MOORE began his career
working on cars at several
franchise dealerships. Initially,
he leaned towards smaller vehicles,
settling into Powersports
vehicles, where he stayed for
over 20 years. Then, Moore went in the opposite
direction, landing at a medium and heavy duty
truck dealership and eventually, moving into
management. Currently, he is the fleet manager
at Griffin Pavement Striping.
*Note: This product was given to the reviewer free of charge from the manufacturer.
www.VehicleServicePros.com FEBRUARY 2022 PROFESSIONAL TOOL & EQUIPMENT NEWS 49
The Makita USA 18V LXT Cordless 3/8 " / 1/4 " Sq.
Drive Ratchet Kit (XRW01SR1) is a dual-purpose ratchet
with two interchangeable anvils (3/8 " and 1/4 " ) that can be
quickly changed out. It has 35 ft-lbs of fastening torque,
yet it can deliver up to 800 rpm. It has variable speed with
forward and reverse settings and an electric brake for
increased convenience. For added efficiency, it can be
used as a manual ratchet when the motor is not engaged.
It's powered by the same fast-charging 18V batteries that
are compatible with over 275 LXT cordless products.
107
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February_2022

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