Thanks for taking your time to read our review of the Makita DFR550Z 18V Cordless Li-Ion Auto-Feed Screwdriver. Below we have included a full and detailed review of this highly popular choice for UK buyers.
If you are a professional tradesman or very serious DIY enthusiast then this is a must have tool. This will cut down the time on most big jobs by half and it's a real pleasure to use. I had to put up some plasterboard in a loft and I was amazed at how quickly I was able to get through it. Loved it!
How Buyers Rate the Makita DFR550Z?
86% buyer satisfaction based on 500+ online buyer reviews
- 73% of all online buyers gave this a full 5 star review
- 11% of all buyers gave this a poor review
There have been many buyers for this brilliant tool. Its a lot lighter than you might think and buyers loved that it can easily be used one handed. Nearly all the users have said, if you let the tool do the work, you can go through a job extremely quickly.
What Buyers Say about the Makita DFR550Z?
Pros
Cons
Overall buyers really liked this tool and thought it was essential for major jobs. It seems that this is really a tool for the professionals, it takes a bit of time to master, but is well worth that effort.
This is not a cheap tool, as you probably noticed, but it is absolutely brilliant for large projects.
Makita DFR550Z Specification
- 42.4 x 8 x 23.8 cm
- Weighs 2.1 Kilograms
- Lithium ion batteries required ( 18v )
- Anti-tilt device to prevent screws from swaying
- Silent clutch
- Dust proof construction
- No load speed: 4000 RPM
- Foldable screw guide that keeps the screw strip tangle free
- Screw size range 25 to 55 mm
Makita DFR550Z - Key Features
Anti-tilt device to prevent screws from swaying
This corded screwdriver is fitted with anti-tilt device to prevent screws from swaying whilst fastening. This means you can put the screws in much more quickly without the fear of them going in at an angle or dropping the screw completely.
This makes a massive difference and it enables you to power through jobs much more quickly. The screw guide prevents the screw strip from tangling and can fold against the auto feed housing for storing and carrying
The main features I like are
- One-handed operation leaves the other hand free to support material.
- Not too heavy. Awkward and overhead boards, not an issue
- Belt clip is really andy
- A wide range of plasterboard screws supported. Up to 55mm which I found useful for insulation backed boards.
- Excellent runtime, the battery lasts really well
- Good adjustment for screw depth
- Sturdy... mine has been dropped, stepped on, etc and it is holding up really well
A very quick video review
We have looked over all the video reviews and found this great short presentation on this Makita power tool. It gives you an instant idea of what to expect as well as telling you all the features and spec in and easy to understand format.
I hope you enjoy watching it as I always think its much better to see a tool in action rather than just reading about it or seeing pictures. This guy is particularly good at explaining the features of this auto feed screwdriver and he is well known for demonstrating Makita tools.
Best Makita Battery
- 18 Volts Lithium-Ion battery
- 6.0 Ah
- 55 minute charge time
- Weighs 660 grams
- Includes a battery capacity indicator LED so you know how much charge is left.
- Works with all power tools that feature a yellow connector plate or has a star on the connector plate
- Suitable for tools like saws, blowers and trimmers
90% buyer satisfaction based on 50+ reviews
If you are not sure which battery is best for you then have a read at Best Makita Battery for some more helpful information.
The Makita Brand
The Makita brand sell a wide range of cordless tools and tools for the construction and demolition industries. They also sell some garden machinery. They sell their tools through various stores in the UK including B&Q, Screwfix, Cromwell, Jewson, Buildbase, Bradfords, Wickes and more.
Their HQ is in Japan. Their Telford manufacturing plant is the only full-production facility for power tools in the UK and has been successfully running construction on many of our top line cordless power tools since 1991.
Makita believe that for a good tool you need a good motor, and Makita makes every effort to make sure their motors are of the best quality. They use premium grade steel to produce armature shafts and gears, and only steel of the highest grade is used.
They also complete quality control tests on each and every, machine that leaves their manufacturing plants.
Our Verdict on the Makita DFR550Z 18V Cordless Li-Ion Auto-Feed Screwdriver
All in all, this is a brilliant tool. I have used it and it works really well. There have been some complaints that it can stick but I have found that if you go at a steady pace and let the tool do the work, then it NEVER sticks.
Three quarters of buyers gave this the top rating and I expect these are professionals who knew how to use the screwdriver properly or had the patience to learn how to.
Obviously this is not a cheap tool but I have no hesitation in recommending it to you. Its a must have for serious tradesmen.