Makita AVT Tools

If you’ve seen the letters AVT on the side of some of the new Makita tools and had no idea what they meant, you’re not alone. We were in the same boat until we did a little research. The acronym stands for “Anti-Vibration Technology,” and what it means is less teeth chattering and more productivity.

Makita’s engineers have taken the ideas behind earthquake engineering and applied them to power tools. What they’ve done is added a counter balance in the tool that works in opposition to the cutting/hammering/whatever action, essentially canceling out the vibration. And because your arm isn’t jiggling back and forth, all that power is going into cutting.

AVT has only been incorporated into a few tools at the moment; the reciprocating saw, the 70 lb. breaker hammer, and their 1-9/16” rotary hammer. Makita claims that there is 2x less vibration in the rotary hammer and reciprocating saw and 3x less for the breaker hammer. If this is true, this line of tools could really be something to look at. We checked their prices against the competitors and found that they are all in the normal range, so it’s not like you’ll be shelling out the big bucks for the technology.

We took a look at some of the Amazon.com feedback on the tools and it looks like the AVT is no joke. Of the ten comments, only one was less than five stars. A typical entry, written in the frantic, grammar-disregarding style of the Amazon message boards, goes:

This saw is absolutely the best recip saw I've ever used! This saw's features and anti vibration technology,as well as the great Heavy duty steel case are not just gimmicks Makita is putting out there to sucker you in.They are true!This also has a true orbital with several settings based on material being cut,and the speed control dial is excellent.This tool is well balanced with a great ribbed grip on body and the handle is comfortable and won't crowd your hand(just lock the 2 finger trigger and there is still room for your hand under it!)This thing can purr or roar.Here's the thing-I'm a Makita guy,BUT I haven't always been,I once loved the "red one",but there starting to rest a little on their lorels.I switched my other tools to Makita's A couple of years ago,and have not been disappointed since.Don't buy a tool because of it's legend or high price,buy it because it will get the job done today,tomorrow and beyond.This saw get's the job done!!Period.And what I have discovered about Makita is there tool's perform just as claimed!Search around for other reviews etc.,you'll see I'm not alone in my opinion.

Makita has more information on their line of AVT tools here.

The line of AVT tools are available at Amazon.com

June 18, 2007

Makita AVT Tools