There’s no reason to make a sacrifice when it comes to getting a great quality combo kit. You want something that offers great versatility and power, but you’re also going to want a company that you can trust, which is where Makita vs. Hitachi comes in. We have high expectations for these two midrange brands.
Known for producing great power tools, such as compound miter saws, hammer drills, cordless drills with lithium-ion batteries, orbital sanders, fixed-base routers, and more, these two companies will go head to head in this combo kit review.
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Hitachi vs. Makita: Company Histories
Makita Company History
It’s hard to go wrong with a company that’s over 100 years old, and that’s exactly what Makita is, founded in 1915 with the electric motor. Since that day, however, the company has continued to expand and now boasts products in over 40 different countries. That’s not all of it, though, because they also have plants in 8 different countries, with ten plants in total.
Hitachi Company History
Slightly older than Makita is Hitachi, which was actually founded back in 1910 with a five-horsepower induction motor. Since that day, the company has expanded its product list to include hundreds of different products that serve a variety of different functions. They’ve definitely started to become synonymous with quality as well.
Makita & Hitachi Parent Companies
Makita
Makita is just Makita. It’s one of the few remaining power tool brands that is not owned by a larger company. Makita did acquire the Dolmar brand, increasing its already-impressive line of outdoor power tools.
The Hitachi Group
The Hitachi Group is the parent company of Hitachi. They own a wide variety of brands:
- Hitachi Vantara
- Hitachi Metals
- Hitachi Rail
- Hitachi Astemo
- Hitachi High-tech
- Hitachi Construction Machinery
- Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe)
- GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (co-owned by General Electric)
- Hitachi Global Life Solutions
- Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning
- Hitachi Digital Media Group
- Hitachi Plant Technologies
- Hitachi Communication Technologies America
- Hitachi Solutions America
- Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems
- Hitachi Transport System
- Hitachi Energy
Makita vs. Hitachi: Brand Reputation & Cost of Tools
Here we’ll go over the reputations and cost of the tools of each brand.
Makita Reputation and Tool Affordability
This company has received some high praise due to the performance and high quality of the tools they make. Makita tools are truly durable, long-lasting, and tough.
Unlike a lot of other brands, Makita uses high-quality raw materials for its products and holds itself to high manufacturing standards as well. You can literally drop these tools on the ground over and over again, and they’d still work like the day you first bought them.
Consumers have found that Makita tools last a long time; the electrical components, motors, and other components can withstand high amounts of heat, friction, and general wear. It’s also noted how Makita tools are usually comfortable to use, functional, and have a variety of features too.
Overall, Makita tools are viewed as some of the best tools you can buy. Makita tools are great for DIY jobs, crafts, home use, and more. However, Makita products are marketed toward tradesmen, professionals, and anyone else who needs reliable, high-quality tools for daily, heavy-duty use.
The quality you get with these tools does come at a cost. Makita is one of the pricier brands. However, you really do get what you pay for.
Hitachi Reputation and Tool Affordability
Hitachi products are likely some of the best out there. The general consensus about Hitachi tools is that they are fairly high-end.
In general, these are the kinds of tools that a tradesman would use on a daily basis for larger jobs. Hitachi tools are known for being durable and long-lasting, often using top-of-the-line materials and components in their construction.
Now, this doesn’t mean hobbyists and DIYers can’t use them. They are more than good enough for occasional and lightweight use. With all of that being said, Hitachi tools are not exactly cheap, which is why hobbyists and DIYers usually don’t go with them. On the flip side, you’re also getting what you pay for with Hitachi.
Hitachi Combo Kit
The Hitachi Combo Kit here comes with a driver drill, impact driver, two batteries, a flashlight, a quick charger, and a bag to carry it all in. The price is a bit lower than the Makita which we’ll get to in a minute, but that doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing anything. You’re getting great quality tools that provide you with a good amount of power, and you’re getting a lifetime warranty to go along with it, which is better than most you’ll find.
Makita Combo Kit
The Makita version comes with a driver drill, impact driver, two batteries, a charger and a hard-sided case that you can carry it in. The 18-volt battery definitely has the power that you’re looking for, and you’re going to get a decent price for the quality and type of tools that you’re getting. It’s far higher than you’ll find with the Hitachi, but you’re the only one who can decide if that’s worth it.
Head to Head: Features and Benefits of Each Tool
Okay, so let’s get down to the nuts and bolts of comparing the two options. Just what are you going to get? We’re going to take a look at power, price, tools, warranty, and accessories so you can get an accurate understanding.
Power
When it comes to power tools, you want to make sure you’re getting the strength you’re going to need. The Hitachi tools have a 12-volt battery system, and the impact driver has 955 in. lbs.
The driver drill also has 21 different torque settings to get plenty of power and options, and the charger even gets you power in just 40 minutes, so you can finish up that project with absolutely no problem.
The Makita tools offer a slightly higher powered system; at 18 volts, the impact driver offers 1,550 in. lbs. of torque at maximum, and the driver drill goes up to 1,080 in. lbs.
That means you’re definitely getting more power and more capabilities from the Makita system, but for most purposes, the Hitachi does have enough power.
Price
Okay, so the price is always going to be something that you have to look at because you have to be able to afford the tools you buy, right? Well, Makita is known for a little higher prices when it comes to a lot of different options, and that’s true here too.
You’re going to spend over double the amount for the Makita tools that you will for the Hitachi. While that may seem like an uncertain feature, the fact that the Hitachi actually comes with more tools makes that even bigger a deal.
You’ll want to take a look at whether it’s worth the extra cost to get more power but fewer tools.
Tools
With Hitachi, you’re getting three different tools, namely a driver drill, impact drill, and flashlight. You’re also getting the slightly lower power voltage, but you still get a decent amount of torque and a great charger that can get you up and going a whole lot faster.
The fact that it can charge fast is an important feature that you’re going to want to consider, and it can definitely affect how these tools and the batteries are going to work for you.
Makita also offers great quality tools, the driver-drill and impact drill. You’re not going to get as many tools in total, but you are going to get a little more power with the 18v battery power instead.
You get better torque to go along with the system, and you’re going to have great battery energy that actually gives you up to 50% more time out of a full battery charge than you’ll get with most, which sort of balances the fact that it’s not quick-charge.
Makita vs. Ridgid: Warranty Comparisons
Makita Warranty
Makita offers really good warranties on its products. They have a 30-day replacement guarantee on all of their products. Additionally, all tools have at least a one-year general product warranty for defects. Also, all gas=powered tools have a two-year warranty, and all lithium-ion tools come with a three-year limited warranty.
Hitachi Warranty
All Hitachi tools are inspected before they leave the factories to ensure the highest quality for customers. If you are not satisfied with the tool within 30 days of purchase, please return the product with a receipt to the original place of purchase for a refund or replacement. This guarantee covers power tools only.
Lifetime Warranty
A Lifetime warranty is defined as the serviceable life of the product. This is defined as the period during which all components are available.
- Cordless Lithium Ion Blowers
- Cordless Lithium Ion Circular Saws
- Cordless Lithium Ion Driver Drills
- Cordless Lithium Ion Hammer Drills
- Cordless Lithium Ion Impact Drivers
- Cordless Lithium Ion Impact Wrenches
- Cordless Lithium Ion Jig Saws
- Cordless Lithium Ion Reciprocating Saws
Two Year Warranty
The product categories listed below are warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years from the original purchase date.
- Band Saws
- Belt & Disc Sanders
- Benchtop Metal Dry-Cut Saws
- Drill Presses
- Lithium Ion Batteries
- Planers
- Scroll Saws
- Table Saws
One Year Warranty
The product categories listed below are warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the original purchase date.
- Air Compressors
- Chargers
- Concrete Cutters
- Corded Grinders
- Corded Hammer Drills
- Corded Rotary Hammers
- Cordless Gas Nailers
- Cordless Grinders
- Cordless Rotary Hammers
- Demolition Hammers
- Generators
- NiCd & NiMH Batteries
- Radios
90-Day Warranty
The product categories listed below are warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ninety days from the original purchase date.
- Bumpers
- Driver Blades
- Hammer Tackers
- Mallet Rubber Caps
- O-Rings
- Piston Cushions
- Ram Rubber Caps
- Ram Rubber Washers
- Shoe Base Pads
30-Day Warranty
The product category listed below is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of thirty days from the original purchase date.
- Accessory Products
Warranty coverage is conditioned upon the purchaser furnishing Hitachi or its Authorized Service Center with adequate written proof of the original purchase date.
Wrap Up
So, where should you be going? Well, from our view, it looks like you’re getting a decent amount for the Makita price. You’re getting more power, and you’re getting a decent amount of everything else.
You are getting a shorter warranty and one less tool, however, and you’re going to pay a lot more for it.
If you’re looking to get more for your money and that extra bit of power isn’t necessarily a deal breaker for you, then you’re going to get a great warranty with the Hitachi, plus you’ll spend less than half the amount of money to get it at the same time.
Makita vs. Ridgid: Frequently Asked Questions
Are Makita and Hitachi the same company?
No, Makita and Hitachi are not the same company. In fact, they have different parent companies.
Is Makita good quality?
Makita is often seen as one of the best tool brands that you can purchase today. They offer both brushless and brushed options, and the quality is great for both DIYers and professionals.
Are Hitachi tools worth buying?
Some Hitachi tool tests have found that their tools underperform when compared to other top tool brands. However, Hitachi offers great value for its tools.
Are Hitachi tools as good as Makita tools?
For the most part, Hitachi has several tools that are right on par with Makita tools, but there are some Makita tools that are of higher quality than the Hitachi version.
Is Hitachi better than Milwaukee for cordless hand tools?
There isn’t a direct answer to this question. Makita tools are good quality and perform well. Hitachi tools are cheaper but can get the job done. However, one is technically better performance-wise. But Hitachi may be better for you if you’re just performing tasks around the house. Makita makes excellent tools for heavy-duty projects and jobs, but if you don’t need that, why pay the extra money?
Do Makita batteries fit Hitachi?
Although Makita and Hitachi are in the same market space, they each have their own accessories, including batteries, to fit their tools. This is how companies ensure customer loyalty.
