Kitchen Fitters – 4 of the Best Makita Power Tools to Own
Posted by Toolstop Fraser on 12th Aug 2018
Fitting kitchens is a massive part of the economy, with the “improve, don’t move” mindset firmly in place in the UK and Europe. As a result, it’s important to make sure your kit has the tools you need to fit kitchens on prices, on time, again and again.
In this Toolstop Guide, we’ll share 4 Makita Power Tools that anyone fitting a kitchen should consider having in their arsenal. If you’d like to see our list of mixed brands, then see our Kitchen Fitter Tool Guide here.
Most of the tools on our list qualify for Toolstop Finance (learn more here), which gives you the flexibility of upgrading for your kit and spreading the cost!
Makita DHP484RTJ 18V Cordless li-ion Brushless Combi Drill (2 x 5Ah Batteries) – Learn more
Forgetting opting for a drill driver, fitting kitchens will almost always require you do trill fixing holes into masonry. So grab a combi-drill and you’ll be covering all the bases.
We’ve opted for Makita’s powerful and rugged DHP484RTJ, which you can see in our video demo on Toolstop TV.
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Its 21 torque settings and two-speed mechanical gearbox make it ideal for driving screws, while the brushless motor gives you up to 2000rpm for drilling, and the hammer mode offers up to 7,500bpm allowing you to drill 13mm holes into metal and masonry.
Power Tools for Fitting Kitchens – Makita DKP180Z Planer LXT 18V Li-Ion Cordless 82mm (Body Only) – Learn more
This is another powerful tool that’s always going to find a use in the kit of a kitchen fitter, whether it’s trimming the bottom of a door, taking the edge off a worktop etc.
We’ve opted for a cordless version; the flexibility to work anywhere. We’re also going for a body-only (or naked) cordless planer. These tools cost a bit less and you just use one of the 18v LXT batteries in your existing kit. Learn more about body-only power tools here.
The Makita DKP180Z is a brushless, cordless planer. It runs off the same 18v LXT batteries supplied with the combi drill, so just slot one in when you need to use it.
From the reviews of the DKP180Z:
“As good as my corded, great balance, a really good bit of kit.”
“This is a great tool, especially if you work on site. No need to carry a heavy generator about, just some LXT batteries. Comes in handy for all aspects of joinery work.”
SEE ALL OUR CORDLESS PLANERS HERE
Power Tools for Fitting Kitchens – Makita DJV180Z 18V Cordless Li-ion Jigsaw (Body Only) – Learn more
A jigsaw is a hugely versatile tool, ideal for loads of trimming and cutting applications when you’re fitting a kitchen, and with the right technique, you can even plunge cut with it.
We’re opting for the DJV180Z, which powered by the 18v LXT batteries. The grip and ergonomics are of the high standard you expect from Makita, and the soft start allows you to perfectly control the cut as soon as you pull the 2 finger variable speed trigger. Control the strokes per minute up to 2600spm, and the 26mm stroke length will allow you to cut wood up to 135mm thick and metal up to 10mm. And of course, it benefits from tool-less blade change. No more burnt fingertips!
One of the reviews of the DJV180Z states:
“Superbly made and effortless to use. Work light and blower to remove dust from pencil line a bonus.”
It comes with some blades and an anti-scratch base cover for use when cutting laminates. Check out our demo on Toolstop TV.
Power Tools for Fitting Kitchens – Makita RP2301FCX Plunge Router 1/2 Inch- Learn more
Any kitchen fitter will get more use out of a good quality, high powered router than they may at first realise! In this case, we’ve gone with Makita’s corded 1/2″ version as it has a 2100W motor which will spin the collet at up to 22,000rpm with soft start, and it gives you loads of control of this speed, plus the plunge, thanks to the two position column handle and 3 stage depth adjustment.
In addition, there’s two bright LED lights and an electric brake for safety.
The RP2301FCX is bundled with a dust nozzle, wrench and 1/2″ collet.
BONUS EXTRA for Kitchen Fitters – Makita DMR104 Job Site Radio Stereo with DAB and FM – Learn more
One thing that any trade needs is tunes while they work. Whether the sparkies have killed the power or not, you’ll always have your choice of music with the DMR104. Powered either by pretty much any Makita battery (or the mains, when you have power), the radio is shower and dust resistant and has plenty of power via the anti-shock loudspeakers..
Watch our video on the spec of the DMR104 on Toolstop TV.