Makita BCL180W 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Vacuum Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)For some 10 years or so I have been using the earlier Makita cordless stick broom with the 7.2 volt nickel cadmium, removable battery.
It works well, and in fact I still have it.
The big problem is the very expensive, low-quality batteries that Makita and competitors sell. It doesn't matter whether you buy branded or non-branded batteries. Over the ten years I must have spent over $300 on them. The vacuum is designed for a 7.2 volt battery but it also takes the 9.6 volt version, which I used for the extra suction.
But after 6 to 9 months, the battery would go flat in a week, even when not in use. Soon after that it would not hold a charge for even a few days, and I had to buy another, for about $40.
So now I have bought the Makita BCL180 kit. It was on sale from Amazon for about $140, including the charger and one 18 volt, 1.5 Ampere-hour battery. This was the lowest price around, by far.
As soon as I began using it I saw that it had been designed for a short, Japanese user, and I, at 5ft 9in, was too tall for it, and had to bend over it to run it.
Not good.
But there is a solution: Home Depot sells a stick vacuum made by Ridgid, and you can buy the parts for it. The wands for both vacuums are identical in diameter, and are therefore interchangeable. So, for $6.50 each I bought 2 extension wands and pushed them together for a perfect, friction fit. I set the Makita wands aside, in case a shorter person volunteers to do the vacuuming!.
Note: Because the vacuums are not made in America, they use metric dimensions for their wands. Our regular 3/4 inch and 1 inch PVC pipes won't fit.
But with the two, Ridgid extension wands, Voila! Plenty long, and in fact too long, so I sawed some 4-1/2 inches off one of them, and the result, for me, is perfect. A shorter person would just use the Makita wands that came with the kit.
This friction-fit of the two wands -- both the Makita and Ridgid versions -- results in their separating in use, and the whole thing collapses. So I locked them together with a simple, self-tapping screw where the wands join, and that was the end of that problem.
Battery Life:
From experience with the earlier stick vacuum I knew I would need a spare battery, so I bought one from Amazon while I was at it. I didn't know it, but the one that is sold separately has twice the capacity of the battery that comes with the kit, so this should give me lots of power. Even so, I'll use the charger to top up the battery that's not in use. The charger allows this.
Note: Makita says don't let the battery run flat, or its capacity will be reduced. They mean it and you have been warned, so when the vacuum slows down, STOP. Either recharge the battery or switch to your spare.
General:
The filter can be washed and dried, although it may be a good idea to have a spare. They're only $2 or so.
The Makita BCL180 has good suction, and I have noticed an improvement in the appearance of rugs, for example. I recommend it.


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The Makita 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Vacuum Kit, Model BCL180W, delivers strong suction power for fast cleaning without the cord. The BCL180W is powered by Makita's 18V Compact Lithium-Ion battery and the Energy Star-rated Rapid Optimum Charger.

Fast and Efficient CleaningThe BCL180W combines the convenience of cordless with the superior power-to-weight ratio of Makita's 18V Compact Lithium-Ion battery. This compact yet powerful cordless vacuum has strong suction power for fast and efficient cleaning, for use with or without the floor nozzle extension. At just 18-3/4 inches in length, the compact and lightweight design provides extra comfort with reduced operator fatigue, and the angled design provides strong suction for fast and efficient cleaning. The floor extension and redesigned swivel floor nozzle attaches easily, and includes a crevice nozzle for improved cleaning in tight spaces.
The BCL180W delivers up to 10 minutes of continuous use from a single fully-charged 18V Compact Lithium-Ion battery. The improved filter has two locking tabs on each side to remain in place, and the bagless 2-stage cloth filtration system allows for easier cleaning and quicker debris disposal. The BCL180W weighs just 2.7 pounds (with battery), with a soft ergonomic grip handle that provides increased comfort on the job.
The BCL180W is powered by Makita's 18V Compact Lithium-Ion battery. For extended run time of up to 20 minutes of continuous use, the BCL180W can also be powered by a Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery. This versatile cordless vacuum is engineered for almost any dry clean-up application, and is ideal for service, finish installation, maintenance, and janitorial trades. The BCL180W is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best-in-class engineering.
About Makita's 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool SeriesAs one of the pioneers driving the cordless tool revolution, Makita changed the game with its breakthrough 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Series. Three years after its debut, Makita's LXT Series has grown from seven to over 35 tools, providing a wide range of cordless solutions for professional tradesmen. Makita also added 18V Compact Lithium-Ion for cordless power in a more compact size.
About MakitaMakita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to engineer power tools that are more compact and energy efficient, yet deliver industrial strength power and results. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.
WarrantyEvery Makita Lithium-Ion tool is backed by Makita's 3-Year Warranty that covers repair due to defects in materials or workmanship up to three years from the date of original purchase. Makita Lithium-Ion batteries and chargers have a limited 1-year warranty. Please see makitatools.com for complete details.
Whats in the BoxMakita BCL180W 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Vacuum, one 18V Compact Lithium-Ion battery, one 15-minute Rapid Optimum Charger, extension, floor nozzle, crevice nozzle, filter and cloth filter.

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