Makita has come out with a new 12V Max CXT cordless drill/driver, FD09.
On paper, the new Makita FD09 12V drill is very much like its predecessor, FD05. They both have the same torque ratings, the same speed, the same weight, and the same features.
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So, what’s different about the new drill?
It’s shorter. You can barely tell from the product photos, but the new Makita FD09 cordless drill is 7″ long, while the FD05 drill is 7-7/16″ long.
From the product photos, the adjustable clutch dial is also a little different, with 20+1 settings instead of 18+1.
Features & Specs
- 3/8″ chuck
- 250 in-lbs max torque
- 0-450/0-1700 RPM
- 7″ length
- Weighs 2.4 lbs with battery
- LED worklight
- Belt clip
The new Makita drill will be available as a bare tool, FD09Z, and also in a kit, FD09R1, with (2) 2.0Ah batteries, a hard case, and a charger.
Price: $74 for the bare tool, $120 for the 2-battery kit
Buy Now(via Tool Nut)
Buy Now(via Tool Nut)
Compare(Previous model drill kit via Amazon)
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There will also be a drill and impact driver kit (CT232), drill and circular saw kit (CT233R), and 4pc tool kit with drill, impact driver, impact wrench, and LED worklight (CT411).
- CT232 drill & impact driver combo kit: $135 via Tool Nut
- CT232RX drill & impact driver combo kit w/ hard case: $150 via Tool Nut
- Compare: CT226 (previous) drill & impact driver combo kit via Amazon
- CT233R drill & circular saw combo kit: $175 via Tool Nut
- CT411 drill & impact driver combo kit: $240 via Tool Nut
First Thoughts
I wouldn’t have guessed that Makita would develop a new 12V-class cordless drill that was nearly identical on paper and in appearances to the previous model, aside from shedding nearly 1/2″ in length. Maybe there’s more to it? Makita is also adding other new tools to their 12V CXT cordless power tool lineup, but more on those later.
Looking at the product images, the two drills are so similar that the FD09 could almost be photoshopped from images of the FD05. That’s not a bad thing, how similar the two cordless drills are, just unusual. Typically, an updated model has other changes, if not in torque or speed, then at least in appearances.
Taking things at face value, I see no reason not to go with the FD09. With the tools weighing the same, a discount on the existing/previous model could convince me to look past its slightly extra length. Maybe the launch of the FD09 means that kits including the FD05 will be discounted until they sell out?
For the past few holiday seasons, Makita’s drill and impact driver combo kit has went on sale for $99. I wonder if we’ll see the new combo kit on sale for Father’s Day (CT232), or the existing/previous combo kit (CT226).
To sum things up, Makita has come out with a new 12V Max CXT cordless drill/driver, and it’s *slightly* different from the previous model. It will also be featured in several new cordless power tool combo kits.
Can anyone see additional differences that might be eluding me?
What’s cool is that Makita provides parts diagrams for their tools, and so you can see the exact differences, assuming the diagrams are drawn to scale. From the parts diagrams, the biggest difference seems to be in the gear assembly, and the housing is shorter to accommodate it.
Parts Diagrams: FD09 | FD05 (PDFs)
I would hypothesize that maybe the FD09 might share parts with the 12V CXT brushless drill/driver, but checking the FD07 parts diagram, the FD09 gear assembly doesn’t look to be as short.
Dave
I’m also a bit lost as to the “why” here. Especially given how much emphasis (at local SoCal HD stores, anyway) is on the 18v sub-compact lineup. I’m curious size-wise where the black drill slots in…
Dave
…aaand I checked the link to your old article and even the new drill is 5/8″ longer than the 18v version, but 0.4 lb lighter. I get there’s a $40ish price difference, but for that I’d think the bigger 18v platform would be a draw.
Stuart
There is going to be a lot of overlap. The 12V CXT is lighter and the kit is less expensive. Promos on the CXT 2-tool combo bring the price down to $99 several times a year. While Makita has promos on 18V drills and impact driver kits, you won’t see a 2-tool combo kit sell for that little.
The short answer is this – the 12V tools exist because people want them. The 18V sub-compact tools exist people want them. Put the tools side by side on the shelf, and users will buy from both lines.
Consider this – would Makita USA be bringing this new 12V Max CXT cordless drill to market if there wasn’t a need or at least prospective demand for it?
Todd
I think that they would.
James Skaar
If they used the DF032 as a base it would be way shorter. Hell, I could probably slap a chunk into mine on my own and get a shorter drill than this. Dumb.
Stuart
The brushless 12V CXT drill is shorter, but pricier. https://toolguyd.com/makita-12v-brushless-drills/
Gordon
Sometimes they update the model with internal changes.
Think of it this way, if they needed new molds for the case, why not make it smaller at the same time?
Stuart
Thanks, I didn’t even consider that!
So you’re saying that maybe the current outer housing injection molds need to be replaced (as such components are wearable), but rather than simply doing so, they saw it as an opportunity to update the tool with the shorter gear assembly and clutch dial? That would be very practical.
Gordon
It’s hard to say much without taking it apart AvE style. It could even be as small as using a different chip on the circuit board.
It does look like the motor and switch have different part numbers. Hard to know if that is a real difference or not.
It seems like the 12v line is a bigger deal in countries where 18v prices are far too high for homeowners. So its very possible that this was designed to a specific price, unlike it’s predecessor.
Matt
Why the push for brushed 12v tools do you think? Affordability?
Stuart
I wouldn’t say it’s a push, but yes, the lower price point is pretty much the main reason a brand would come out with brushed motor power tools.
Matt
A slight shove then? A budge? A jostle?….. A small thrust at the brushed 12v tool market? Where I don’t see many other brands making moves. Makita is also releasing an updated brushed 1/4″ hex screwdriver, this drill and a brushed 1/4″ impact wrench. The CXT line has also seen a 12v string trimmer released, a right angle drill In both a keyless and keyed chuck configuration, a right angle impact wrench, a right angle impact driver. An inflator, shop fan and caulk gun. All brushed. Their 12v pin nailer, hedge trimmer and materials cutter are all brushed too. Seems to me to be an abundance of brushed tools. I mean they may not be pushing the envelope nor will Makita be pushing up the Daisies any time soon but I think I’ll stick with my previous assessment.
Stuart
I’m sorry, I interpreted “push for brushed motor 12V tools” a little too literally.
When looking at Makita’s forward momentum, and I do agree that there’s forward momentum, I don’t think that the motor style is the primary driving factor.
Or rather, I don’t think it’s a decision to go with a brushed motor, but the decision not to go with a brushless one.
There are tools where the brushless premium makes sense, because they either allow for smaller size, appreciably longer runtime, or enhanced performance or capabilities. Brushless motor tech allows for smaller or more powerful drills and impacts, impacts with multiple driving speeds or specialty modes, and circular saws with a bump-up in blade size and cutting capacity.
But for something like an inflator, would users get more when paying a premium for brushless motor tech?
I get what you’re saying, and I don’t think you’re wrong, but I would say that it’s more of a push for expanded 12V-class capabilities and offerings, yes with affordability in mind, accomplished by using cost-efficient brushed motors.
I’m admittedly nit-picky about the phrasing, but I believe I agree with the essence of what you’re saying.
I think that the 12V offerings are designed with compact capabilities and/or affordability (or comparative affordability) in mind, with the main driving factor depending on the tool.
Matt
So, you believe that with the dominance of the m12 line that there is still a market for affordable, brushed Makita tools? I mean obviously Makita sees it this way but I picture the Makita 12v end cap at Home Depot and my eyes start to itch…. Those boxes(at least in upstate NY) are dust covered and haven’t moved since Reagan was in office…. I’m certain they unloaded a bunch of the $99 combo kits during Black Friday Sales but besides that I don’t see a lot of Makita 12v tools anywhere.
I get the logistics behind such a move and I don’t pretend to know much more than face value but it’s just curious to me. Who do you think is buying these? The homeowner? Why would they choose these over the more well known brands? Because of the reputation? The name? Are pros buying these? The 1.5mah batteries lack efficiency and the cost of a 2 or 4ah is on par with some 18v competitors that pro users may already have an established platform with. The drill is, to me, over plastic-y, toy-like and although Makita built, it does not seem overly confident in itself. Maybe light duty pros? MRO and Maintenance staff. Installers? The impact may be one of the more capable 12v brushed impacts out there but does cost override efficiency and performance? Maybe a few years ago I would answer yes.
The market has changed how I look at tools and has perhaps fooled me into believing that Brushless means everything. I kneel, proverbially, at the Brushless alter. I know that this isn’t necessarily true but to convince myself otherwise raises some inner battles that I do not have the energy to wage. So when a company makes a move like this, Bosch did it too with the release of the single speed brushed motor Freak last fall/winter(I’m certain there are others) my first instinct is to view that as a company moving backwards. Why ignore this tech that has ignited a wild fire in the tool industry and fall back on lame 30 year old brushed motor tools? Isn’t that blasphemy? Isn’t there some spiritual rule that is being broken by disgracing all that is Brushless and going with ….. Do I dare say it…. In whispers…. A brushed motor?
I then remember that these are just tools and life will go on with or without a Brushless motor. That variety, affordability and access (brushless Makita tools are hard to find.on physical shelves for me) mean a world of difference and without these tools I would not be beginning my Friday, hands glues to my phone, sipping coffee and exercising my God given right…. Tool talk. It’s a wonderful thing
Stuart
Low demand might be a good reason to be cautious about investing in the 12V-class cordless power tool market. A competitor’s popularity? That *could* be a reason, but shouldn’t be.
There are brand rivalries all the time, and dominance or market share can be shifted.
If I worked at a cordless power tool brand, I would act with two strategies in mind. First, an affordable and compelling path of entry for users. Second, a compelling “solution-based” path of entry.
There are opportunities to appeal to users at the ground floor. A $99 cordless drill and impact kit during a holiday season promotion will satisfy the needs of a wide range of users and potential users. Homeowners. Pros who want a more compact installation kit. etc. It gets customers through the door and into the 12V system.
Other times, a product might target specific needs. “I wish I had a lighter trim saw. I wish I had a lightweight cordless caulk gun. I need a low profile right angle drill.”
Consider how a someone might learn about ToolGuyd. Maybe there was a referral somewhere, either word of mouth, or a link on a forum, website, reddit, or a social media hashtag. Much of the time, the discovery is made when someone is looking for very specific information, and a review, preview, or other post comes up in a Google search.
There might be other sources of information on the new Makita FD09, so should I not try my best to offer a unique ToolGuyd take on the matter?
Dewalt gave up on 12V Max expansion, and other brands such as Bosch have also been slow to press forward. Milwaukee maintained their momentum, which is what led to their current level of popularity. The popularity has in part been due to other brands’ absence from the market.
Brushless motors are indeed wonderful. But do all tools need it?
Let’s consider steaks for a moment. Tenderloin is a fantastic cut of beef. But if you’re making chili, whether with chunks or ground beef, tenderloin is not the best cut. Sure, you could use it, but you’re not going to get much taste benefit out if it compared to say sirloin.
One of my goals, or at least the intent behind some of my analysis, is to understand the tool industry, learning more about the WHY behind how some of these brands operate. Deeper insights, even if speculative, help to make sense of things when there’s a hole in the pattern, such as when asking “what comes next?”
6 years ago, I wrote “Where are the 12V brushless drills and drivers?” https://toolguyd.com/where-are-the-12v-brushless-drill-drivers/
In hindsight, I wouldn’t change any part of that editorial. My concluding paragraph say:
“Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think we’ll see any 12V brushless drills or drivers by the major brands until either engineers figure out how to design the tools without an appreciable cost increase, or the tools are redesigned to incorporate additional groundbreaking features.
My expectation is that brushless 12V tools will trickle to market after users are more familiar with 18V models. Once users see and feel the advantages brushless motored tools bring, they may be more inclined to spend more on 12V upgrades.”
That’s still every bit as accurate.
To convince someone to spend more on a brushless tool, there has to be clear-cut benefits.
At Craftsman’s launch event last year, they showcased the new brushless drill and impact driver, and over in a corner by the tool boxes they had all of the other new brushed motor V20 releases. What do you think has been better selling, the brushless or brushed motor drill (reviewed here: https://toolguyd.com/craftsman-black-friday-2018-cordless-drill-kit-cmcd700c1-review/ )?
There’s a balancing act when it comes to brushless. How much are users willing to spend for the benefits that come with brushless motor tech? If a brand can’t stack enough benefits on the scale, users won’t pay the premium. Even with a balance between what you pay and what you get, if a 12V tool is priced too high, users might be more inclined to jump to 18V options, especially with the difference in tool sizing getting smaller and smaller. In some cases, 12V and 18V tools are similarly sized, which takes away some of the benefits and appeal of going with the lower voltage system.
blocky
I’ve taken the old brushed CXT apart. There’s about 1/2″ dead space at the back of the housing that serves not much purpose. I’ve tried to swap the chuck assembly on the 1/4 hex driver with the brushless drill and they are not interchangeable. However, the CXT BL drill chuck does interchange with the LXT subcompact, bringing the tip to tail length down on the subcompact, and giving a 1/2″ chuck option for the CXT series. I ran it this way for awhile before changing it back.
I really just wanted the stubby pocket driver in brushless bc the battery life and additional torque is that much better. Also the plastic ratcheting chucks on these tools are kinda poor. Ended up picking up a Bosch PS22, which, TBH is a more precise tool.
Everytime I think I’m going to clear my CXT gear, I pickup something niche that really suits me – like the tire inflator or the mini rotary hammer on clearance. I don’t mind having a few extra tools. Especially if I need to leave gear on site. Hey, I’ve got 8 or 10 hammers.
MarylandUSA
I use Milwaukee M18 for my outdoor power equipment and lights, Milwaukee M12 gear in my car (flashlight, inflator, Rover light, and DC charger). But Makita CXT lineup has carved out room in my home and my heart, mostly for use by my wife. I’ve bought the grass shear and the hedge shear. I plan to buy the string trimmer and the little fan So lightweight! So compact! And the 4AH batteries are downright cute.
MarylandUSA
OK, I’ve cracked the code that explains how the FD09Z (DF333DZ) improves on the FD05Z (DF331DZ):
– Improved durability under load due to change in bearing type ( https://www.makitauk.com/product/df333dz.html )
– improved design reduces run out, resulting in less wobble on drivers and drill bits.” ( photo 2 at https://www.amazon.com/Makita-FD09Z-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Driver-Drill/dp/B07QHM2BTR/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Makita+FD09&qid=1579706615&sr=8-2 )