Makita has recently added to their new 12V Max lineup of compact cordless tools, which are backwards-compatible with their existing 10.8V lithium ion cordless tool lineup.
The new 12V Max additions include:
- 1/4″ hex driver-drill kit (FD01W)
- 3/8″ drill-driver kit (FD02W)
- impact driver kit (DT01W)
- 3-3/8″ circular saw that we previewed last winter (SH01W)
- cordless vacuum (LC01Z)
- LED flashlight (LM01W)
Several new combo kits are also included as part of the new 12V Max lineup.
It’s hard to say whether these tools have been substantially upgraded from their 10.8V versions, or if the bodies and internal components have even been changed at all. The tools themselves and their specs look similar if not identical, but that’s not a bad thing – Makita’s 10.8V lineup earned a solid reputation for power and quality.
A quick search shows that many of the 12V Max tools and kits have already popped up at Amazon and other retailers. Bargain-hunters may want to be on the lookout for deep discounts on 10.8V tool kits as retailers update their shelves and displays ahead of Father’s Day.
Makita 12V Max Compact Cordless Tools via Amazon
Makita Cordless Tool Lineup
Most of these tools aren’t that new.
Also, there is an impact wrench:
http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?Name=WT01W
It’s funny how almost every manufacturer had to update their 12v impact to compete with Bosch PS41′s enormous torque.
The impact wrench does look interesting, and I don’t recall seeing it before, thanks for the link! You’re also right that some of tools are not exactly new and are just new to the 12V Max series.
The PS41 is an impact driver while the Makita tool you linked to is a 3/8″ square drive impact wrench, and so the torque specs cannot really be directly compared. For example, Dewalt’s 12V Max impact driver and impact wrench are seemingly identical except for the chucks, but the wrench torque specs are 21% higher than for the driver.
I don’t think that Makita’s 12V Max impact wrench will be designed much differently than their impact driver, but it’s still nice to see.