Makita Global
NOVEMBER 7, 2008 – La Mirada, Calif. – Makita U.S.A., Inc., manufacturer of high quality industrial power tools and accessories and member of the Power Tool Institute (PTI), will adopt the new PTI Torque Procedure to measure torque in cordless drills, including driver-drills and hammer driver-drills in driver-drill mode. The new test method, agreed upon by all major power tool companies in the Power Tool Institute, is the industry’s first standard to measure torque in drills. Torque is one of the best means to measure the performance of cordless professional drills, a product used by pro tradesmen that accounts for a significant share of all power tool sales.
“Since Makita introduced and commercialized the cordless market nearly 30 years ago, there has been no single standard for measuring torque in cordless drills, and manufacturers have published figures derived from a range of different testing methodologies,” said Stan Rodrigues, Manager, Regulatory and Compliance Department at Makita. “A single standard with a consistent methodology will produce more accurate measurements for comparison, and is a true win for dealers and end-users of driver-drills.”
Prior to PTI’s new standard, power tool manufacturers conducted their own torque measurement in-house or with third party testing labs. The torque numbers were not useful for comparison since the testing hardware and methodologies were not standard. The PTI membership recognized this and worked together to create a new standard.
“Makita supports the new standard,” said Ken Hefley, Makita Senior Vice President, Marketing. “For tradesmen, torque is an important factor in the performance of a drill and a single standard guideline will produce consistent data so professional users can make informed purchasing decisions.”
“Makita is the first to publish torque numbers based on the new PTI Torque Procedure,” added Brad Wheeler, Senior Product Manager for Cordless Products. “Just as Makita is the innovation leader in the cordless category, we are the first to adopt this important standard.”
To learn more about the new PTI Torque Procedure, including the testing hardware (pictured, above-right) and methodology, go to www.powertoolinstitute.com
About the Power Tool Institute (PTI)
With the vision to unify and educate others about power tools, the Power Tool Institute (PTI) has established itself as the pre-eminent organization for building global understanding of power tools and for maintaining high standards of safety and quality control in the industry. Its members represent market-leading brands in the areas of portable and stationary power tools. From table saws and portable drills, from shapers to sanders, the Power Tool Institute\'s members are committed to improving the industry and to being the premiere resource for power tool education. For more information, go to www.powertoolinstitute.com
About Makita USA
Makita USA, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of over 450 professional, industrial quality power tools and has over 2,000 industrial accessories. Makita’s LXT Lithium-Ion is backed by Makita’s new three-year warranty and all other Makita tools are covered by a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship and may be serviced at any of our 19 factory service centers or by more than 1,000 authorized service centers nationwide. Makita USA, Inc.’s home office is located in La Mirada, California and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please contact us at 1-800-4-MAKITA or visit the website at makitatools.com.
###
FOLLOW US:
CONTACTS:
Media:
- Wayne Hart
- Sr. Communications Manager
- Makita U.S.A., Inc.
-
For additonal inquiries, please use our Online Form to route your question to the appropriate department.
CONTACT US
Consumer:
- (800) 4-MAKITA
- makitatools.com