Pro's Picks: Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Blower

David Joyce

Owner, Synergy Construction

Lancaster, Mass.

One of the most useful tools I’ve bought in the last couple of years is a cordless handheld blower. In fact, I now use it every day.

I bought one made by Makita because the batteries are interchangeable with my other Makita tools, but you can get essentially the same thing from Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Ridgid. The Makita weighs 3.9 pounds with the battery, has a variable speed control that lets you crank up the airflow as high as 179 mph, and will run for roughly 12 minutes at full speed on a charge. The tool has a multitude of uses around the jobsite. Here are just a few.

Anyone who has used a table saw or miter box to cut PVC or composite trim knows that the plastic dust sticks to everything, making it frustratingly difficult to remove with a broom. The handheld blower easily solves that problem.

The tool makes quick work of clearing dust from that workstation you set up on the patio or driveway. It will also blow dust from inconvenient spots, such as between the balusters on a deck.

It’s perfect for blowing sawdust and debris out of joist bays, which you really should do before installing insulation.

If you don’t want a pile of dust in your tool pouch, the blower will clean it out without having to remove the tools.

In my opinion, the handheld blower is better for everyday use than a compressor and hose with a blower tip because the handheld will clean a wide area quickly—and, of course, you don’t have to drag a hose around. In fact, when people who haven’t seen it in action come on the jobsite, most tell me they want one.