Makita DML801 vs DML816: My True Test Review

Makita dml801 vs dml816 is a choice many tool fans face. My name is Maruf, I run ToolsEngineers. I test gear all the time. Let me share my real thoughts on these lights.

Makita DML801 Real World Tests

I bought this light a few years ago. I needed it to fix tools in my dark garage. The head bends to aim light right where I look. A metal hook lets me hang it up fast.

I used it to fix a water pump on a Ryobi washer. The high mode gave me just enough light. I could see the small parts well. The bright beam is good for close work.

It helps when I check a Bissell dirt vac roll. The small light fits in tight spots well. You can place it close to the dirty parts. It does a good job for quick home fixes.

I dropped this light on hard floors many times. It did not crack or break at all. The plastic shell takes hard hits very well. The hinge still works great after a long time. It feels like a tough tool in your hand.

The power lasts a long time on this old model. A big battery will run it for two full days. I use it to clean my Stihl chain saws. I do not worry about a dead battery. It is a tool you can trust to work.

I took it to a friend’s house last month. We fixed a pipe under his kitchen sink. The small frame fits well in cramped dark spots. I check Klein tools with this light too. It is a solid tool that gets the job done.

Makita DML816 Real World Tests

I got the new light for big shop jobs. It looks like the old one but has more power. The head moves the same way as the old one. It also has the same nice metal hook.

I used it to fix a Fluke meter board. The light lit up my whole work bench fast. It helps a lot when you look at small joints. You can see fine details with ease.

I also used it on a Cuisinart air fryer. I had to look deep inside the dark food basket. The wide beam showed me all the burnt bits. It is a great light for deep parts.

The best new part is the soft white lens. It stops bad glare from bright metal tool parts. This change keeps my eyes fresh all day long. I do not squint when I look at shiny things.

It also tells you when the power is low. The light drops to one bulb to warn you. You are not left in the dark all at once. This safe feature stopped me from a bad fall.

I trust this light on big long jobs now. I leave the old one on the shelf most days. The extra light makes hard tasks feel much less bad. I test Echo saws with this big light too. It is a must have tool for big shop tasks.

Detailed Comparison for Makita DML801 vs DML816

Let us look at how these two tools match up. I tested the things that count on real jobs. We need to see which one works best for you.

Core Tool Tasks

The main job is to light up dark spots. The old light has twelve bulbs for less light. The new tool uses more bulbs for big light. It puts out a lot more bright shine.

I fixed a wash machine with the new light. The new tool lit up the whole back part. The old light made me move the beam a lot. The new tool is much better for big jobs.

I use them to find lost screws on the floor. The old light beam is too tight for that. The new light lights up the whole room floor. You find dropped parts much faster that way.

Light Quality and Use

Specs do not tell the whole truth on this. The old tool has a clear lens that glares. It hurts your eyes if you shine it on chrome. It casts hard dark shapes on your work space.

The new tool has a soft lens that spreads light. It feels good to use for a long time. The old light makes you tired after ten minutes. The soft glow helps me read small text fast.

I test a lot of small wire testers too. The soft light helps me see small wire marks. Hard glare makes it tough to read the small words. The soft lens wins this test by a mile.

Shape and Handling

Both tools share the same shape and soft grip. They fit well in a tool bag with ease. You can hold and use them with one hand. The head clicks in place and stays put well.

The size and weight are the same with no battery. They feel good when you add a power pack. The soft grip keeps it safe in wet hands. They are built well for long work hours.

The hook on top is great for job sites. You can hang it from a pipe or a rail. The head points down to light up the floor. It is a smart shape for real world work.

Battery Life and Run Time

Run time is key when you work all day. The old tool uses less juice as you work. One pack will last for a whole week end. It has two modes to help you save power.

The new light uses more juice for bright light. But it gives you three modes to pick from. You can turn it down to make it last. It warns you before it dies completely.

I hate when a light dies with no warning. The old light just goes black all at once. The new light drops to one bulb to tell you. This gives you time to get a fresh pack.

Build Strength and Wear

The feel of a tool counts a whole lot. Both lights have a thick hard shell for drops. I knocked them off a desk onto hard floors. They did not break or crack at all.

Rubber seals keep dust out of the switch parts. The dial on the new one feels a bit tight. Both respond fast when you push the right spots. They will last for years of hard shop work.

I leave them in my hot truck all day long. Heat does not warp the plastic or the soft grip. They take a beating and keep on working fine. Makita builds a tough shell for their lights.

Final Practical Table

The new DML816 wins for real pro work. The soft lens and bright light help a lot. If you fix things all day, get the new upgrade. It will save your eyes and work great.