Probably the most standout feature of this post is the fact that Makita just released a new 12V platform with slide pack batteries similar to their larger 18V batteries. Their current 12V power tools all use the pod style batteries that are inserted in to the power tool handle. The added benefits of the newer slide pack style batteries are that one they slide onto a rail at the bottom of the handle instead of inside the handle thus giving a much more slimmer and ergonomic handle and two the flat bottom surface of the newer slide pack batteries allows pistol grip style power tools like drills and impact drivers to stand up on their own.
Also of interested is the increased capacity battery size up to 1.5 ah. Although this is nowhere near being considered groundbreaking as 12V 1.5 ah capacity batteries have been around for many years from the competition, and some are even selling 2.0ah batteries as standard in their kits. The news here is that Makita finally increased amp hour capacity for their 12V power tools as they’ve been behind in the times with 1.3 ah batteries. What’s important here is that Makita is moving forward. Also noteworthy are reports of available 2.0 and 4.0 ah capacity batteries. When I first heard of their 12V 2.0ah batteries, they were mentioned as also including fuel gauges built in, something that has yet to be seen on Makita 18V and 12V batteries until now. Although before you get your hopes up, I don’t see any information or pictures indicating that these 1.5 amp hour batteries included in the new 12V drill and impact driver kit CT226 will offer fuel gauges.
The new 12V slide pack power tools will start the new line with a 3/8″ drill/driver an 1/4″ hex impact driver and both feature brushed motors. Both feature all new designs that appear to be built from the ground up to accommodate the new battery style with much slimmer and more ergonomic looking handles, a slimmer more slender profile overall and are a bit taller because now the battery sits below the handle instead of partially inside. In other words, they look almost completely different from their pod style brothers. Also included on both models are built in belt clips which were much needed from the previous generation.
The FD05 12V 3/8″ Drill/Driver features 210 in-lbs of max torque and a 2 speed gearbox with 0-450/0-1,700 rpm. The torque is increased by very little compared to the previous 12V drill at only 10 extra in-lbs and in theory there shouldn’t be any noticeable difference between the two. RPM’s have greatly increased at 100 rpm in 1st speed and 400 rpm in the second speed. This will help drill holes a bit faster in high torque drilling in the low speed and will help out significantly in high speed drilling with twist bits and spade bits in the second high speed setting. Currently most 12V drills run in the 1,300-1,500 rpm range on high speed so Makita has the advantage in high speed RPM’s in the 12V segment with the exception of the M12 Fuel drills which offer the same RPM range although with much higher torque and a brushless motor. The chuck is a 3/8″ chuck which is common with 12V drills and appears to be plastic. No word on if the chuck ratchets like similar competing models. The length is the same from the previous model at 7-7/16″ inches front to back although this new model has gained some weight at 2.8 lbs versus the 2.2 lbs from before. Even though heavier, it’s still considered a lightweight tool – especially when compared to most 18V drills.
FD05Z Drill Driver Specifications:
- Variable speed brushed motor
- 3/8″ chuck
- 2 speed transmission
- 0-450/0-1,700 RPM
- 7-7/16″ length
- 2.8 lbs weight
- Belt clip
- LED light
The DT03 12V 1/4″ hex Impact Driver features increased torque now at 970 in-lbs with 0-2,600 RPM & 0-2,400 IPM. Torque goes up 170 in-lbs from the previous model and so do the RPM’s, although IPM’s go down by 600 impacts per minute. The length of the impact driver stays the same at 6-1/8″ long front to back although just like the drill, the weight is also up coming in at 2.2 lbs. At 2.2 lbs it is still very light for an impact driver and should be hardly noticeable when comparing new and old models. One thing that Makita did do away with on the new model is the glow in the dark rubber sleeve just behind the chuck of this impact driver. This new model still features a similar looking rubber sleeve behind the chuck although now it’s the traditional black rubber.
DT03Z Impact Driver Specifications:
- Variable speed brushed motor
- 0-2,600 RPM
- 0-2,400 IPM
- 6-1/8″ length
- 2.2 lbs weight
- Belt clip
- LED light
As you may already guessed, the new platform of battery style is incompatible with the previous pod style models. If you are a current 12V Makita power tool owner and would like to acquire these next generation 12V power tools, you will need to start fresh with new slide pack batteries and compatible slide pack battery chargers. This does seem like a strange move to branch out with two 12V power tool platforms, especially considering how similarly spec’d this new drill and impact driver set are to the previous generation. I personally don’t find anything wrong with the current set of 12V pod style power tools from Makita or similar brands for that matter (Bosch, Milwaukee) other than the small capacity batteries on current 12V Makita pod style platform. But in my opinion nothing is standing in the way of Makita offering 12V pod style batteries with 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 amp hour batteries like the other manufacturers have come out with. I wonder and ask myself if these new 12V slide pack Makita power tools will continue to run alongside the existing 12V pod style platform or if these new slide pack models will eventually replace the older pod style 12V power tools. Either way I personally welcome the change.
Both of these new 12V Makita power tools are available now and can be purchased as a combo set (drill, impact driver, two 1.5ah batteries, charger, bag) for $129 at time of writing.
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