BOLTR: Stubby Sawzall | Makita Compact Saw

I inspect the build quality and components of a Makita compact recip saw. It's the same length as the Milwaukee Hacksawzall, but 18V instead of 12V. Thank you for helping me make these reviews. I appreciate your help. Early access here: / ave

[@forrest225]

I'm really not a fan of external material markings. I'm a parts troll at an auto parts place, a lot of people think that is a part number.

[@forrest225]

@@arduinoversusevil2025 jesus man, today is my day off!

[@arduinoversusevil2025]

@@forrest225 YOU WANT ME TO COME BACK THERE AND GET IT MYSELF?

[@RyanNeufeld]

@@arduinoversusevil2025 You've played this game before eh bud?

[@tdschisel]

Do you have a 710 cap for my car?

[@anchorbait6662]

I got the unit you're looking for right here in my pocket. 🍆

[@stevendoesburg6555]

I also mentioned this on the patreon, but a tight sliding fit is exactly what you want on the rear bearing. The rotor must be constrained radially by the rear bearing but it must be free to slide axially to allow the rotor to expand and contract with temperature changes. Only the front bearing is used to locate the rotor axially. If both bearings are trying to locate the rotor axially you will get large axial loads on the bearings when the rotor gets nice and toasty.

[@joshuacurtis5523]

Thanks for the explanation, seemed like it must have been on purpose given the attention to detail with the rest of the saw

[@fuzzy1dk]

most of that was euphemisms right?

[@canberradogfarts]

Dont say that around yer daughters, eh?

[@theprogrammer32]

I love coming to this channel and learning little tiny secrets like this

[@arduinoversusevil2025]

Sloppy is not a design feature. The bearing is not constrained axially in the outer polycarbonate housing.

[@rallywagon261]

Anyone else picture AvE with one of the most magnificent hockey mullets? Like, the kind that would make a young Gretzky jealous.

[@arduinoversusevil2025]

Just like the Dewclaw: business in the front, party in the rear. Kinda disconcerting with that Jofa helmet tho.

[@nuthinbuttrubl89]

I always picture him looking like one of my coworkers. Same sense of humor and gravely voice.

[@rallywagon261]

@@arduinoversusevil2025 in before I even finished the video. Someone is using that union break wisely I see.

[@rogerdesousa1451]

The only mullet here is the one in the pan!

[@rob9472]

@@nuthinbuttrubl89 I always imagine both AvE and Dewclaw both having mullets and Horseshoe moustaches, Very en-vogue in Canaderp I believe.

[@4uk4a285]

did not remove nsa tracking device. thats how they getchya..

[@brettv5724]

I kept staring it, wondering if it was going to get popped off at some point - or if the NSA goons were going to bust in after they were notified that it had been directly exposed to air and light for longer then "necessary".

[@therealpanse]

the white strips that you can see at 2:20? that's the back of the Makita marking... somehow you gotta anker that if you don't wanna lose your logo on the first day.

[@OriginalSibbz]

"those guys could fuck up sunshine" is my favorite description for some of my coworkers. love it.

[@idriwzrd]

As a snowboarder, I'm disappointed that you never told the joke.

[@snowydaysalways5937]

snowboarders are stupid lol i can say that since ive had a couple cuntcussions

[@888johnmac]

there were 3 snowboarders.. I guess the barman didn't want to tell the joke 3 times .. haha

[@idriwzrd]

@@888johnmac But what's the joke?

[@ivandevic2474]

I am not a native English spanking person so I don't know if you are jerking now but I hope you do realise that he actually finished that joke? Pardon my French too!

[@thenotoriousflip4275]

@@ivandevic2474 he knows... that's the joke about the joke .

[@russelledgar2292]

Ahhh back to the good ol’ BOLTRs been missing them but still enjoyed the cooking lessons 👨‍🍳

[@markmoz]

I'm a carpenter and can honestly say I've never fucked up sunshine. You've given me something to aspire to.

[@es809]

I would love to see the "36v" brushless recip saw apart! I've had mine foe a year or so and love it. It is definitely powerful and built like a tank, I was using it up in a forklift man basket outside and stupidly needed that extra inch and open the gate. It was snowing and slick as shit up there i went to grab the saw and lean out slipped and fell out of the damn thing lucky i was holding onto the foreskin part of the saw and it was hanging by the built in hook on the rail of the basket and sure enough I held onto that thing for dear life 20' above concrete and the saw didn't break and I was able to pull my scrawny 150 pound ass back into the basket. Thank you akita for making a skookum tool!

[@fraga0602]

Stay safe brodie that sounds insane

[@CypherAod]

The plastic identification on the outside of the casings these days might be a requirement (Europe maybe?) to ease in recycling.

[@raymondmucklow3793]

Just like the good ole days, OG empire of dirt, long and full of jokes then bonus footage a tool review. Will you be mine.💘

[@Dragon_flight]

"Pass the slavings onto you!" classic AvE!

[@kevinbaldwin5155]

You know you clicked on a good review video when hes rippin screws out before the 30 seconds mark. Love the vids AvE!

[@OmegaGamingNetwork]

Thanks for this. I was sitting on the fence on one of these as my current one has grown a wee bit long in the tooth. The compact size appealed to me, but I was really hesitant on if corners had been cut. I'm extremely impressed with the build quality, this was the final push I needed.

[@timothyharrison8953]

Big fan of Makita. I have Dewalt, Craftsman, Makita, and Milwaukee battery powered tools. I use my Makita, and Milwaukee tools at work in the aircraft industry. My Makita drill (5 years) and impact (10 years) have been indispensable. The only failure I've had was the charger after 5 years. The Milwaukee (1/4 drive ratchet) came about 3 years ago. Awesome tool and well used without problems. My Dewalt (5 years) and Craftsman (8 years) drills are home use and so far no problems, but have never been used in harsh ways. I do a lot of research before I make a purchase and luckily its worked for me.

[@Zrogdule]

I like my dewalts but makita are definitely keeping their production standards higher these days. The anvil on my dewalt impact is loose af, bugs the hell outta me.

[@todayintheshopbanksy5904]

Here in the UK we have to put the material mark where its visible for recycling. Plastic over 100g that is.

[@MrPaul1f]

These makita subcompact sawzall are great, mine gets used constantly, even used it for cutting up tree branches and roots. The small size makes it a seriusly usefull tool. I dont bother with my full size sawzall now for site work.

[@ianbertenshaw4350]

I wonder if the bearing fit is calculated to allow for the rapid heating and expansion of the rotor ?

[@donyoshi6076]

Its not just your full teardown of tools,but your canuckistanium lingo and jargon that keeps me coming back.AVE is the king of this.thx man

[@Chris-wp3ew]

I was lucky enough to find this exact mini Sawzall at Home Depot (incorrectly priced on the clearance rack for $59 US). I didn't need one, however I couldn't pass it up for the price. Nice addition to the rest of my Makita 18v tool collection. Little sucker works great.

[@ChromeArty]

You bastard!! I just dropped 200CAD on one yesterday!

[@WayneWerner]

@@thecloneguyz around here they charge 25% extra.

[@collin5353]

The big aluminum and potted controller is almost certainly the motor controller. You can't see mosfets on the potted side because they are probably mounted to the other side of the board and pressed up to the aluminum heatsink for dissipation. Then there are the three thick wires for the three phase to the BLDC motor.

[@collin5353]

@@paulcopeland9035 after I posted this ;D

[@laboulesdebleu8335]

How will we ever know, he didn't even bother taking that apart... LOL

[@collin5353]

@@laboulesdebleu8335 you can't really. One of the points of potting material like that is to keep prying eyes from seeing how the thing works. That stuff is really hard to pull off and you may end up pulling components off with it. It's just not worth it to take things like that apart

[@vx-iidu]

@@collin5353 You are supposed to dissolve potting with solvents not "pull it off"

[@georgewingham8132]

​@@vx-iiduI'm curious what kind of solvents would do this?

[@essinem4130]

I've been really impressed with all of the 'sub compact' tools Makita has put out thus far. This saw particularly. Nice to see the innards, it feels plenty solid in use but seeing why this is so is reassuring. Would love to see you do a BOLTR on the sub compact rotary hammer. It has some kind of pneumatic impact mechanism which seems strange to me, but the thing works really well. For tapcons and sub 1/2" holes in concrete its the best rotary hammer I've used. Its as light, or lighter than others 12v tools to boot.

[@captpaulhaugan]

Great video, your knowledge is appreciated. It’s nice 👍 you assume viewers have a basic understanding. The manufacturing process description is always interesting. Bling on the outside does not equal guts on the inside. I’ve been a planker 50+ years. The boarding vids are a nice touch.

[@cyphre]

Bout time you reviewed it! Really sold me on the Makita.

[@mattsmechanicalssi5833]

That's some nice pink fastening on the old drill there!

[@dougalan5614]

"We pass the slavings on to you..." That's comedy gold right there. I don't care who ya are!

[@Oidium45]

Very detailed vid man! Loved every second of it. Reminded me of some of your older vids. Keep at it!

[@ottodydaktyk]

Dude! You crack me up!!! Thanks for the laughs. You also seem to have a good knowledge of electronics and tools in general. Kudos!

[@AuMechanic]

Around and round goes the great big wheel and in and out goes the saw of steel.

[@markmoz]

She was split from arse to tit and the whole damn thing was covered in shit.😂😂

[@MessalineApghar]

Run for the valley or run for the hills, unless you're looking for some long time thrills

[@LoneRiderz]

I like Neil Young. I appreciate that small reference you made.

[@MrDingaling007]

Always love a Makita BOLTR! Keenly awaiting 14" Makita 36v brushless chainsaw teardown and analysis. I better sign to patreon.

[@CTmoog]

The detail is awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@Fireholder1]

18:00 He: "Honey. Baby. Sugar. Darling. I was wonder-" She: "No."

[@user-xd3en9mm5x]

Can't wait for this goodness! Process faster KZbin!!

[@gunpowderHVA]

I love that the captions are always near impossible to comprehend on your videos. 😂

[@aussiegruber86]

I am amazed you get these things back together lol, good video

[@andreasheij]

*lol* Couldn't bribe her with a footrub.... Your oneliners are the best! :D

[@nullrout556]

That's cause she was using her gas powered Swedish sure-grip suck machine

[@cheerdiver]

AvE should be teaching a science class in the language.

[@thegreendank1]

I love the high quality repair work on the choocher

[@HesTNTonPMS]

I love when he says Chinesium for some reason ! I love the way he switches out certain words for his own.

[@ryanmiskin]

Brother, you just sold me a sawzall. (Once my hazard fraught one dies, that is)

[@GrahamDallas]

Nice BOLTR, it's good when a tool is worthy. Shit tools are good for laughs but that looks quite decent.

[@Ski_3_p_o]

What does boltr mean

[@GrahamDallas]

@@Ski_3_p_o Bored Of Lame Tool Reviews

[@trenton1880]

Just bought this unit I have Makita tools but the sub compact line or the black tools always kinda made me wary. Glad to see you took one apart and reviewed it 👍

[@browsebywire4096]

This video sold me on one of these. Just got a nice two tome version and it's been great so far. Really feels well made. I immediately went and cut through some 2x4s to test it out. No need for the full size now that I've got this bad boy.

[@n1ghtblur]

I cut a car apart into many pieces with mine.. they are great

[@anchorbait6662]

How am I supposed to blame the manufacturer and ask for a new one if all the markings are worn right off? Wait a second, now it makes a sense!

[@TheRocketSurgeon_11]

How cute that you believe that you are normal. ;)

[@simonhopkins3867]

😂😂😂👍

[@jacksonbennett6151]

If you can’t spot the crazy one on the bus it’s probably you.

[@claterpillar1]

Normal people = people you just don't know all too well.

[@robplotts9412]

Peter - normal has lost its respect do to the normals have allowed it

[@DustinBoden]

@@robplotts9412 i don't understand your statement. Did you mean "Due to"?

[@paulwharton1850]

Excellent review - I'll order one. Many thanks.......all the way from London !

[@northwoodacres4114]

You can believe that Makita does watch this channel. All tools are engineered from field suggestions. Just like the new black tools which are a new family called sub compact. They are light and small by design for tradesmen who have to have a tool in their hand all day long but do not need the power of the bigger compact class. Keep up the good work.

[@214rwoz]

I once bought 30 Milwaukee hand drills for my guys in NYC. After having each guy sign for them they went on their merry way. After about 40 some days the shop steward set up a meeting with me to inform me that the drills do not conform to their union guidelines and would all have to be returned. I asked him why he waited all this time to tell me and his reply was " I just took mine out of the box and noticed the problem". The "problem" was that it had a hold down trigger and this was unsafe in the union's eyes. Sooo I sent out a message to the guys that they would have to return the "problem drills". Well ( I hope your still with me ) the drills started to come back. Forget about the boxes, forget about the beautiful gleaming chucks the nice red handles now I had a pile of used equipment, all signed with their names, on the handles, with permanent marker. Needless to say the vendor would not take them back. My gorillas are lighter then yours weighting in about 250 lbs. We are talking about union steam fitters. Well how did it turn out ? They received the new union approved drill plus their "used" drill, for home use only ! Except for the shop steward, I was able to return his, with the box and he did received the new approved drill !!!

[@8ftbed]

im rwoz Never more be intimidated or thwarted by magic markers. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser would've made the names and all other surface scuffs and smudges go away.

[@claterpillar1]

@@ChrisGilliamOffGrid as long as MSHA isn't watching. Lol

[@jamess662]

claterpillar1 MSHA is the worst! I’m so glad our company got out of mining. Loved the work, but damn those inspectors are the worst.

[@k4kfh]

The M18 Hackzall seems to have a lot of oomf. Never used the M12, so I can't compare, but I quite like the M18 I've got.

[@marcgebeloff2036]

I cant stop watching since i found this channel! Starting to effect my company, i just keep sitting here watching video after video

[@peterfixit7221]

i have the full size one of this, great tool, cuts through anything, steel, aluminium, trees, anything. enough power depends on the blade, chews threw battery almost as much as the angle grinder

[@dontnubblemebro]

Same as me, hell of a unit, got more giddyup than cheap corded recips, and not far from the decent corded recips.

[@erg0centric]

where is the reverse switch? I use my Knipex to pull arrows out of trees, no idea how they get in there.

[@NeverMetTheGuy]

Greatest channel on SchmooTube.

[@gravey07]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one. And it wasnt just the reciprocating shaftsss

[@dustydustydusty]

AvE on the ball, whacked it good and didn't even tip the tee.

[@McGusder]

Could you do a review of different types of plastics?

[@luha628]

Aw what's the point of owning a Honda if you can't show it off?!

[@mfThump]

why? -To serenade your fellow man with the majestic sound of VTEC (and a $300 dollar fleebay exhaust)!

[@mattbuffo1177]

@@jimmytvfclassic What are you talking about? The valve time varies all over the place!

[@rynohorn3819]

As a non contributing freeloader of your content thanks for the entertainment AvE!

[@corsakias]

Thanks Ave, another makita’s tool just came to my toolbox.

[@alpacatwoniner2370]

The whatchamahoozit on the doodimunculus thingadinger is pretty neat though.

[@dk-bw4gk]

Those tapers... I'm not sure that's a feature as much as it's just to match the draft of the casting. Save a drilling/boring step. Or maybe it's one of those "two stoned birds" things.

[@daviddroescher]

The commercial that followed is broadcast was priceless. The opening shot was a big old Oscar Mayer dingus mobile

[@senselocke]

I seriously have no clue what 80% of what you describe actually does. But I still wind up watching all your videos. And, in this case, I was needing to buy one of these suckers, so have a good idea what to look for and know Makita isn't half bad. So, again, thank you, and you're funny as hell and I appreciate it.

[@DeWoodysShop]

On RC airplane brushless speed controls those capacitors are generally to reduce the arcing when plugging in or unplugging the battery. They often have long leads like that also.

[@kilrahvp]

It's the opposite, the cap is what CAUSES the arcing. Unwanted but consequence of having a sufficient buffer cap to absorb switching voltage dips.

[@crazyguy32100]

Define "normal". Likely most of us watching this don't meet someones/somethings/some-governments version of the term.

[@Soken50]

If you go by scientific terms, it's the most average, most unoriginal , most common, most represented person in your sample. Of course with morals and society it's not that simple though.

[@lukenelson2594]

What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly...

[@Titantitan001]

@@Soken50 its called social engineering

[@Soken50]

@@Titantitan001 Social engineering is manipulating people to get into something you're not supposed to like a secure facility or protected information, nothing to do with normal distributions. Edit : typos

[@Titantitan001]

@@Soken50 that is wrong, it’s basically a planned effort to guide ideologies or worldviews. Hence why it changes from country to country based on iron curtain tactics and propaganda.

[@jlopezjonathan]

Great video hopefully my bigger brushless makita sawzall is built just as good as this one

[@sonofnone116]

Love my hackzall for EMT and such in tight spots in ceilings and walls and holes and whatnot.

[@Iceman-kr6df]

I guess that wrench was the final solution for the TPE overmold

[@onemanriflemaker3873]

TOT called he wants his sweater back.

[@trolliran]

Could the sloppy bearing fit be mitigation for a difference in thermal expansion between bearing and rotor?

[@jerkimerjames3545]

As a ED ignoreenginerd. I like many of the features we in industrial fairytale land have been making last for 40000hrs between overhauls. Which is about as good as you get. This is why real military, power generation, industrial, mining, oil/gas, chemical processing, aerospace, and solid state electronics, automation & packaging, shipping. Seem to be rubbing off on the ashes of great tool companies that may recognize if it says the magic hard on tickle me words to rip you off with something that won't last a week in the shit. Thanks for keeping them honest.

[@bilz0r]

I'd love to see a direct comparison of the black one versus the blue/green ones...

[@theoriginalcttheoriginalct6938]

I'de rather see new stuff. The tools should've been black to start with. They're totally not selling me duplicates, especially from China.

[@djvasforever]

Aren't they the same?

[@TheOneWhoMightBe]

The black tools are Makita's new-ish sub-compact line. Intended use is, afaik, for people like cabinet fitters, who don't have a lot of room to use regular-sized prosumer tools. Side-by-side the black ones are considerably smaller.

[@djvasforever]

@@TheOneWhoMightBe I doubt that this is correct. I have a BDF452 and DDF484 both black. They also go in green/teal.

[@Zrogdule]

@@djvasforever the black color was originally only on sub-compact tools. The compact drill and driver set from a few years ago. Dunno if it's still the case, haven't shopped for tools in a while.

[@stoutlager6325]

I miss the teal. :( Looks good though. I may purchase at some point.

[@andybobandy641]

Would the tiny bearing maybe start to tighten up in the shaft area as she gets hottered up from the choochin?

[@tfilandm]

I’m a snowboarder and, yeah, I’m slow. Can tell you’re in DewClaw withdrawal. Must’a been a good weekend. =)

[@texasdeeslinglead2401]

The biggest flaw I've seen on my Dewalt 20v tools is that sorry rail design for the batteries to slide in and out of. I'm absolutely tired of jerry rigging the plastic with a soldering iron to get better connections. Beyond pissed at trying to cup the battery with one hand while trying to saw through pvc pipe. Even more disconcerting is the fact the tools and batteries are in a plumbing van in south east texas. I have the original batteries from five years ago. They still work.....if I cup em.

[@Chrominance87]

What is this "cupping" you speak of?

[@texasdeeslinglead2401]

@@Chrominance87 kinda like cupping the of the testes by the other team . It gets better pixie continuity between the battery and the tool prongs. And let me tell you what , it sucks doing it on a sawsall.

[@texasdeeslinglead2401]

@@ChrisGilliamOffGrid I have used the 60v battery on a 20v grinder. It was impressive .

[@DrewLSsix]

Reason I haven’t been inclined to upgrade from my 18v unit. Been rock solid for years, just needs a goin over to restore peak function!

[@EM-fi2qg]

It always seems so incestuous when a power tool is taking apart another power tool.

[@LukaS-iy1gs]

It's a dog eat dog world out there!

[@LeglessWonder]

Step-drill, what are you doing?

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good video breakdown and usage

[@martinwilliamconnolly3802]

Damn , thank you for being so generous to others , your family deserves you , damn , you're a good person ! Thank you for givin' t' others ! DAMN !

[@ToTheTopCrane]

Looks pretty well built. Especially given that it was probably assembled by 10 year olds in the Chinez-eum factory.

[@Jamie-Russell-CME]

Chineezium

[@Jamie-Russell-CME]

Think nuke-euler + Cheez-itz™✓

[@stevenreynolds40]

That's because they have small fingers

[@mfThump]

@@stevenreynolds40 that sleeve.. i dont know if a frail child couldve tangled with *that* beast

[@bajstolle89]

I would love to see more borch professional!

[@IBCMTB]

Yes pls.

[@chadsimmons6347]

His milwaukee hack-sazzzall sounds like its about done, i wear them out & yep keep buyin more because they are a damn handy tool!

[@AppleCakes7]

How does the sealed(?) gearbox deal with the volume changing every time the actuator goes in and out? Does the internal pressure just go up and down or is it open to the outside somewhere?

[@martinxXsuto]

PCB board? Never knew he worked at the Department of Redundancy Department

[@notajp]

Like ATM machine, and hot water heater......always gets me....

[@chriswhite6882]

vin number

[@jasonpressler7111]

i think there is a makita engineer that watches this channel.

[@janvanruth3485]

make that a hole department

[@chriswhite6882]

well yeah all the brands are watching they have social media departments. ;)

[@JimBo-zb9or]

Yea definitely the hole department !maybe even the shovel department too they work closely together

[@Zrogdule]

@@JimBo-zb9or Lol

[@felixf5211]

Well, I bought the tool. Had a chance to use it a bunch. Pretty happy with it.

[@chriskosar7235]

"Choooo Chooo" The train to Skookam ville is about to board! Watch the Shmoo on the first step

[@brandonobaza8610]

Those fawkin deadman switches, they to learn from the 2A community and have a manual safety or trigger safety ala Glock. ...and Glock magazine-shaped batterias. GlockGlockGlockGlockGlockGlockGlock

[@anchorbait6662]

I think Omron manufacturers switchers for keyboards as well.

[@maxbls16]

Anchor Bait typically used in mice vs keyboard

[@anchorbait6662]

@@maxbls16 ah OK. Maybe mice just don't publicize what switches they use as much as "gamer" keyboards do

[@XSRCdesign]

I’m 11 minutes in and AvE is still in love, he must be drinking again (still)

[@buddyfridell2341]

had a 20 minute ad before your video, THANKS KZbin, YOU ARE SO GOOD AND SMART AND PRETTY. I going to watch all 20 minutes too. edit- I'm 10 minutes in to the ad and losing heart

[@JQ_Unity]

Anyone who wants the good bit. Skip to 18:00. Choo choo

[@emeltea33]

You a foamer?

[@carolinabeacher1558]

was that a windshield wiper motor in that thing

[@carolinabeacher1558]

@Another Millennial lol

[@DannySauer]

Well, with four likes there are at least five people here who've never seen an old windshield wiper motor. :D

[@lindseysmith4849]

“Couldn’t even bribe her with a foot rub” man that tore me apart 😂

[@edbailey7533]

What were the wires going into the gear case for? Speed sensor to detect load while cutting?

[@802Garage]

Do you think AvE watches Project Farm? :D

[@TachySteve]

802 Garage I also watched project farm, boostedboiz, pfi speed, lockpickinglawyer, Jennie’s garage, this old tony, and a few more. I say that because I see you everywhere on KZbin

[@pdittrich]

»Made in Germany« "aaand demonetized" lol wtf

[@jeffreynolds4702]

See: Joerg Sprave with the Slingshot Channel

[@fireantsarestrange]

Love Makita tools. Never had a bad one.

[@zambonidriver42]

That drill, perfectly bandaged with pink tape....just kills me. 😂