Genuine vs Non-Genuine Makita Batteries: Ensuring Optimal Performance for Your Power Tools

When it comes to powering your Makita tools, the type of battery you use can considerably impact their performance and lifetime. With the market swamped with counterfeit items, distinguishing between genuine and non-genuine Makita batteries is critical to ensuring the safety of your tools and you. In this blog, we’ll look at the significant differences and how to identify them.

Do Fake Batteries Damage Power Tools?

Absolutely. Fake batteries can cause damage to your power tools. These counterfeit batteries frequently lack the safety features and quality assurance methods found in real Makita batteries. They may overheat, short-circuit, or even explode while in operation, endangering both the operator and the instrument. Furthermore, counterfeit batteries typically have lower performance, giving less power and runtime than genuine ones.

Do Makita Batteries Have Serial Numbers?

Yes, Makita batteries often include serial numbers. These unique IDs are required to track and validate the product’s authenticity. However, counterfeiters have gotten increasingly skilled at reproducing these numbers, making it more difficult to identify fake batteries based purely on serial numbers.

How Do I Know If My Makita Battery Is Real?

While serial numbers are a good starting point, they’re not foolproof. To ensure your Makita battery is genuine, consider the following:

• Purchase from Authorized Retailers: Buying from authorized dealers or Makita’s official website greatly reduces the risk of purchasing counterfeit products. Authorized retailers are more likely to sell genuine batteries that meet Makita’s quality standards.
• Inspect Packaging and Labels: Genuine Makita batteries come in high-quality packaging with clear branding and labelling. Look for spelling mistakes, inconsistent fonts, or blurry logos; these are common signs of counterfeit packaging.
• Check the Battery Housing: Examine the construction of the battery housing. Genuine Makita batteries are well-built with sturdy materials, while fake ones may feel flimsy or poorly assembled.
• Verify Serial Numbers: Although not foolproof, verifying the serial number can still help determine the authenticity of the battery. You can cross-reference the serial number with Makita’s database or contact their customer support for assistance.
• Compare Performance: If you have doubts about the authenticity of your battery, compare its performance to that of a genuine Makita battery. Genuine batteries typically provide consistent power and runtime, whereas fake ones may falter under heavy use.

How to Distinguish Genuine from Fake

Here are some additional tips to help you distinguish between genuine and fake Makita batteries:

• Price: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Counterfeit batteries are often sold at significantly lower prices than genuine ones.
• Weight: Genuine Makita batteries tend to have a specific weight based on their capacity. If the battery feels unusually light or heavy, it could be a sign of a fake.
• Logo and Branding: Pay close attention to the Makita logo and branding on the battery. Genuine batteries have crisp, clear markings, while counterfeit ones may have smudged or poorly printed logos.

In conclusion, investing in genuine Makita batteries is critical to ensure your power tools’ safety and performance. By following these guidelines and purchasing from trustworthy suppliers, you can reduce your chances of falling victim to counterfeit products and have peace of mind knowing your equipment is powered by genuine Makita batteries.

Toolden is an authorised Makita dealer, and we sell a wide range of Makita batteries and chargers. Explore our best sellers below:

Toolden’s Top 5 Makita Batteries

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Makita BL1850 18V 5.0Ah LXT Lithium-Ion Battery

• Foam cell technology
• Slide on battery – firm holding with multi contacts and shock absorbing pack, will not puncture and remains cool even in heavy use
• Unbeatable 45-minute charge time
• Same weight and size as 3Ah or 4Ah battery
• Works with your current Li-ion Chargers
• Longer run time and battery life
• Capacity indicator LED’s
• Voltage: 18v
• Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
• Battery Voltage: 18v
• Charge Time (DC18SD): 110 mins
• Charge Time (DC18RA/DC18RC/DC18RD): 45 mins

Makita BL1840 18V 4.0Ah LXT Lithium-Ion Battery

• Foam cell technology
• Slide on battery – firm holding with multi contacts and shock absorbing pack, will not puncture and remains cool even in heavy use
• Unbeatable 36-minute charge time
• Works with your current Li-ion Chargers
• Longer run time and battery life
• Capacity indicator LED’s which show you how much power you have left at the touch of a button
• Voltage: 18v
• Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
• Battery Capacity: 4.0Ah

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Makita BL1860 18V LXT 6.0Ah Li-Ion Battery

• Foam cell technology
• Slide on battery – firm holding with multi contacts and shock absorbing pack, will not puncture and remains cool even in heavy use
• Unbeatable 55-minute charge time
• Works with your current Li-ion Chargers
• Longer run time and battery life
• Capacity indicator LED’s which show you how much power you have left at the touch of a button
• Voltage: 18v
• Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
• Battery Capacity: 6.0Ah

Makita BL4040 40V Li-ion 4.0Ah XGT Battery

• A new type of cell has been introduced
• Greatly increased water and drop impact resistance
• Digital communication between the battery and the tool and the battery and the charger
• Thanks to the tool-battery communication, the potential extraction rate of the XGT Li-ion battery is higher than that of the LXT Li-ion battery
• Able to record more detailed information on battery usage history in comparison to existing batteries
• Battery fuel gauge: 4 LED gauge with a check button
• Cooling system for maximum battery life
• Optimum charging system available
• Developed for products used in continuous operations
• Charge time: 45 minutes on DC40RA
• Voltage: 40V
• Battery Ah: 4.0 Ah
• Battery Type: Li-ion XGT

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Makita BL4050F 40V Max XGT 5.0Ah Battery

• Equipped with a 4 LED battery fuel gauge with a check button
• Fully charged in approximately 50 minutes when used with the DC40RA Fast Charger (not included)
• Digital communication between the battery and the charger
• Built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as water and dust, thanks to its robust construction and splash-resistant design
• Cooling system for maximum battery life
• Voltage: 40 v
• Battery Ah: 5.0 Ah
• Battery Type: Li-ion XGT
• Pack Quantity: 1
• Battery Type: Li-ion

FAQs

What should I do if I suspect I have a counterfeit Makita battery?

If you suspect you have a counterfeit Makita battery, stop using it immediately and contact Makita’s customer support for assistance. They can help verify the authenticity of the battery and provide guidance on the next steps, which may include returning the battery for inspection or replacement.

Can counterfeit batteries damage my power tools?

Yes, counterfeit batteries can damage your power tools. These batteries often lack the necessary safety features and quality control measures of genuine Makita batteries, increasing the risk of overheating, short-circuiting, or even exploding during use. Using counterfeit batteries can also void your tool’s warranty and compromise its performance and lifespan.

Are genuine Makita batteries more expensive than counterfeit ones?

While genuine Makita batteries may have a higher upfront cost compared to counterfeit ones, they offer superior performance, safety, and longevity. Investing in genuine batteries ensures optimal performance for your power tools and reduces the risk of potential damage or safety hazards.