Makita launched a new 18V dual-port cordless power tool battery charger back in 2014, model DC18RD, and aside from simultaneously charging 2 batteries, it also had a USB charging port.
The USB port was capable of charging electronic devices at a rate of up to 1.5A.
This wasn’t innovative at the time – Dewalt launched a dual-port charger with USB port months earlier – but it was still an interesting value-add to a premium-priced accessory.
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I recently realized that Makita removed the USB charging port from their DC18RD 18V dual-port charger.
The model number is the same, but the USB charging port appears to have been removed. The USB port is no longer visible in Makita’s marketing imagery or product description.
I noticed this recently, around the same time Makita started introducing new cost-cutting 18V cordless power tool kits, where tools historically bundled with 5Ah batteries are now being bundled with lower capacity (and less expensive) 4Ah batteries.
Makita has been aggressively pricing and promoting 18V X2 cordless power tools for several years now. Frankly, I would not be surprised to see them downgrade the dual-port charger included in these kits.
However, there’s only one DC18RD SKU; Makita’s dual-port charger no longer has a USB charging port whether purchased by itself or as part of an 18V X2 tool kit or bundle.
When was this change made? We don’t know, and Makita USA is unlikely to shed any light on this, given their habitual inability to answer press inquiries.
Was this a recent cost-cutting measure, or did Makita drop their dual port charger’s USB charging port a long time ago, but nobody noticed?
Makita USA’s online user manual, parts diagram, and tool flyer all still reference the now-missing USB charging port feature. Does this mean that this was a recent change, or did Makita USA simply neglect to update these downloadable resources when they made the features change?
Online imagery seems to have been updated, but some online retail listings still reference the USB port in product descriptions or specs.
Here’s a tough question – does anyone care that Makita seemingly quietly removed the USB port from their 18V dual-port charger?
This seems like a good-to-have feature on any power tool battery charger. Have Makita users not noticed this change, or do they simply not care? Or, are users unaware that the dual-port charger originally featured a USB charging port?
Hon Cho
Cost cutting or supply chain issues are my likely guesses for the change. Supply chain seems more likely since there’s still a place for the USB port. Some companies are better than others at documenting configurations when it comes to running changes. Usually, that’s an issue with startups and small companies with limited resources
Bonnie
It’s not unusual to just make a little insert to avoid having to re-tool the entire mold.
Phranq
I use it all the time. Charger stays plugged in in the shop, with a USB cord permanently hanging out of that port. Still wouldn’t be a make or break deal when deciding to purchase though.
Jared
That’s how I feel about the situation. I don’t have this one, but if I imagine buying a charger for one of my platforms, I would appreciate the USB plug. However, It is probably not a reason I would buy it or not.
Seems a bit sneaky to subtract a feature without changing the model number though.
Robert
Not just sneaky. It’s poor configuration management to remove a feature without a model number revision, at least a date of effectively. It falls within Form, Fit, FUNCTION, change. Japanese companies usually have a good reputation for configuration management and following the ISO standard.
MM
Agreed, it’s bad form not to update the model number.
Personally I don’t use many devices which charge off USB so I doubt I’d ever use the USB power. But, it rubs me the wrong way that they’d delete that feature from the charger as I suspect that many people would get a lot of use out of it.
John
I think I have 5 of the original double chargers with USB from buying X2 36V tool kits. Some chargers I have never removed from the blister pack. Maybe they will be worth something now.
Ben
I sell the chargers I get in combo packs all the time. $20 for the singles (Makita, Milwaukee or Ryobi). Would easily charge $50 for the doubles as that’s what people want. Easy money.
Stacey Jones
It probably wasn’t worth the trouble to upgrade it. Phone chargers usually have special circuitry to get max charging speed. It may also have increased transformer size for the extra current. That or it slowed the Makita battery charging.
Enzo
Who cares. Used mine a few times, cut whatever… I have a phone charger that’s faster.
Mac
I use mine all the time charging my Harbor Freight lights. Too cheap to buy Makita ones.
-Mac
Jim Felt
I only care that Makita USA has no one on staff or even outside to answer your or logically anyone’s questions.
Reminds me of our long ago business relationship with them and their ad agency.
Always waiting for overseas/headquarters for decisions.
BabyHuey
Well that sucks, I really have learned to appreciate that little addition of the USB port on my dual charger.
Chuckey
Firstly,…..Well done on pointing this out – what else have Makita done to ‘devalue’ and ‘cheapen’ their products.
Secondly,…..it is completely unacceptable for Makita to retain the original reference on a product that has changed – ffs ! = without the usb it is a different spec’ so must have a different ref’.
Does not inspire confidence in the company, and such a shame that Makita does this = it takes decades to obtain a reputable reputation, but only a few bad decisions to destroy it.
I am based in UK – the DC18RD is currently available on Amazon UK for £72. (Approx 85 USD). The description highlights the USB port as a prominent feature of the unit. If I ordered, I would return it if no usb.
Makita really does need to provide an explanation imo ?
bj
Wow, I had no idea about the USB port. This is not the first time I’ve seen this from Makita – the two examples that I can remember (off the top of my head) were improvements like the dust port on the rear handle and the on/off switch on the cordless USB power source. I believe they typically state, “Manufacturer reserves the right to change specifications without notice,” in the instruction manual.
Jonas
I recently ordered this charger in Sweden and i noticed the usb was gone cause i wanted to charge my phone. And i had these chargers in the past but with usb port.
Mickey
Without knowing their reasons, I’ll be charitable and suggest that maybe theUSB circuitry was not compliant with isolation and other requirements in that type of trade/commercial operating environment. splash, earthing etc.
Mike
Unfortunately, I can say that Makita treats its consumers with disdain. the thirst for profit drives them. I know it from the inside.
TomD
Does Makita has USB-chargeable batteries like the new M12 thingies? If so, maybe this didn’t work so hot with them.
SteveP
I soured on Makita many years ago now – when their batteries started self-destructing (actually, commiting suicide is more accurate) and they offered no warranty. I still have a few older Makita tools and keep them running using knock-off batteries (actually more reliable than the originals) but they motivated me to change platforms. Nice work