Makita continues to extend the range of 18v Lithium-ion powered cordless tools that feature the innovative brushless motor design, which substantially enhances the performance and longevity of the tool.

It reduces friction within the motor and thereby releases greater power from the engine. The reduction in motor friction consequently extends the runtime available from the battery and is also responsible for generating less heat. This feature further extends the longevity of the tool and the battery. The remaining benefit of the product is the low maintenance level, as there is no requirement to change the brushes during the life of the tool.

The new Makita DFS452 LXT screwdriver generates a maximum of 490w and runs up to 4000 rpm. The 0.25in hex push-drive shank comfortably drives home a 5mm drywall screw or a 6mm self-drilling screw.

Weighing 1.7kg with an ergonomic soft grip handle, the screwdriver is equipped with a silent clutch, variable speed trigger, one-touch locator, lock-on button and a reverse switch option. Delivered in a type 2 Makpac connector case with two 18v 4.0Ah Lithium-ion batteries and a DC18RC fast charger, the DFS452 also features a battery fuel gauge, on-off job light and a handy belt clip as standard.

The Makita brushless motor is also featured in two new cordless angle grinders – the DGA455, which runs a 115mm diameter grinding wheel and the DGA505, which will power a 125mm grinding wheel. Both grinders run up to 8000 rpm with a paddle switch control for operator safety, and an automatic speed control to deliver the ideal cutting speed to load conditions for optimum performance.

Operator protection includes an anti-kickback system that shuts the tool down if the grinding wheel is snagged and suddenly slows or stops. The device also features a Makita anti-restart function that requires the tool to be switched off then switched back on, eliminating the risk of the motor restarting if the tool is dropped or the trigger is locked in the on position when the battery is re-inserted.

The battery has a full protection circuit and a current limiter protects the driveline and motor. The two grinders are available as body-only units for operators with existing Makita batteries.

The new Makita DHS680 165mm cordless circular saw also benefits from the attributes of the brushless motor, which produces 680w of motor power to run the 165mm blade up to 5000 rpm. The saw also features automatic speed control, which matches the cutting speed ideally to the load condition for optimum cutting performance.

The high specification tool is also equipped with the soft-start function normally found in mains machines – electric safety brake, electronic current limiter, twin LED job light and battery fuel gauge. A larger base plate enhances operational stability with multi-angle selection. Maximum cutting depth at 90° is 57mm, 41mm at 45° and 37mm at 50°.

A large lock-off lever fixes the cutting angle and an in operation blower function clears sawdust for a better view of the blade path. Makita advises that a rear dust port should be connected to the dust extraction system.