For those who work their handheld tools hard, Makita has started selling a juicier 6Ah version of its 18v lithium-ion battery.

This new power unit can be fitted to any Makita 18v tool that carries a star mark on the battery mount – or a yellow terminal plate – and offers 20% more capacity than the current 5Ah model.

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The new version has a 55-minute charge time and Makita claims its new internal circuitry protects the battery from over-discharge, high temperature or overload current. 

The toughened exterior is designed to prolong its working life.

The batteries are available now and, depending on the supplier, cost about £100.