Makita FD07R1 12V MAX CXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Driver-Drill Kit
0
Editor’s Conclusion
The 2-speed Makita FD07R1 is a 12-volt cordless drill that attacks projects with the vigor of 18- or 20 volt models due to its brushless motor. At just 6" and two pounds, the drill performs well on tests done in labs and, what's more important, passes necessary user tests for durability, endurance, and ease of use.
Professional testers compare drills for power and longevity by counting the number of holes bored and screws driven at high and low torque on a single battery charge. They also determine whether the drill can be used in tight spaces. Of eight 12-volt drills tested, the Makita FD07R1 was in the top three or four on all tests.
DIYers who want a drill for lighter tasks such as assembling furniture, hanging pictures, or doing repairs will be well-pleased with this Makita model, which is small enough to fit anywhere, lightweight, and a good performer. It comes with two batteries which will assure an ongoing amount of power.
The Makita FD07R1 drill works as is if it has more volts behind it, and so it will be a worthwhile purchase even for occasional more rigorous tasks.
Professional testers compare drills for power and longevity by counting the number of holes bored and screws driven at high and low torque on a single battery charge. They also determine whether the drill can be used in tight spaces. Of eight 12-volt drills tested, the Makita FD07R1 was in the top three or four on all tests.
DIYers who want a drill for lighter tasks such as assembling furniture, hanging pictures, or doing repairs will be well-pleased with this Makita model, which is small enough to fit anywhere, lightweight, and a good performer. It comes with two batteries which will assure an ongoing amount of power.
The Makita FD07R1 drill works as is if it has more volts behind it, and so it will be a worthwhile purchase even for occasional more rigorous tasks.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
The BL Brushless Motor eliminates carbon brushes, so the BL Motor runs cooler and more efficiently for longer life
Mechanical 2-speed transmission (0-450 & 0-1,500 RPM)
12V max CXT slide battery design enables the tool to stand on its own for user convenience
Built-in LED. light illuminates the work area
Convenient 3/8" keyless chuck for quick bit change
2V max CXT cordless tools are also compatible with the 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion 4.0Ah battery (BL1041B)
Cons
Drill needs 15 minutes resting time between battery changes
Drill bits may not stay in place
Makita FD07R1 12V MAX CXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Driver-Drill Kit
KEY FEATURES:
Power
The Makita FD07R1 is a 12-volt cordless driver-drill that delivers 280 in. pounds of maximum torque. Its brushless motor runs cooler and more efficiently than its brushed counterparts.
Speed
This tool is a variable two-speed driver drill that operates at 0 - 450 / 0 - 1,500 RPM, which is an advantage depending on what you want to drill. Its adjustable clutch gives you versatility for drilling different softwood, hardwood, metal, and masonry materials. Harder materials and larger bits require different, bits lower speeds, and more torque. Lower speeds are better for driving screws, while high spreads excel at drilling holes.
To prevent driving a screw in too deep, stripping it, or snapping it off, you can vary the speed by setting the clutch and pressing the drill trigger. Another switch on the body reverses the position for easy screw removal as well as insertion.
Performance
The importance of a drill's torque and speed is that they reflect the amount of work completed in a period of time. Speed (the revolutions per minute or how fast the drill turns) x torque (the force the drill produces to turn an object) = power. The performance capabilities of the FD09R1, as noted earlier, are excellent when drilling holes and driving screws.
Length of Charge
One major advantage of the drill's brushless motor is that the run-time per charge is 5% longer. This may not matter if you use a drill occasionally to hang a picture, but if you use it for heavier ongoing work, you want the tool to remain charged throughout the project.
When purchased in the kit, the drill comes with two batteries, offering plenty of ongoing power. Suppose you like to keep a battery charging while working. In that case, you won't overcharge the extra battery as the drill has a Battery Protection Circuit to prevent overload, over-discharging, or overheating.
While the drill comes with 2.0Ah batteries, it can use 4.0Ah batteries for an even longer run time.
Handling and Ease of Use
At just over 6" long and 2.3 pounds with the battery, this compact drill easily works in small spaces and is easy to hold without tiring out your hand, even if you are using it continuously. The main shaft has a comfortable ergonomic handle that perfectly positions the hand to put the trigger. When you are done using the drill, it stands on its end. It also has a removable hook for hanging.
As with most modern drills, the Makita does not require a chuck key. Turning the sleeve on the chuck with open it and then close it around the bit.
Extras
There are several conveniences built into the tool. An LED light illuminates the work area, and the battery life indicator takes the guesswork out of how much power you have left. On the base, there is a place to install an optional bit holder.
The Makita FD07R1 has plenty of extras to make it worth its price that is currently $180 for the kit at Amazon. The drill comes with two 2.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a hard case. The batteries are interchangeable with other Makita tools. If you have a good supply of batteries on hand, you can get the drill alone for $129, but you'll be missing out on a handy case and well-priced extra batteries.
COMPARISON TO OTHER PRODUCTS
The Makita name makes this drill a competitor to Bosch, DeWalt, and other top tool brands; 95% of Amazon buyers give it 4- or five stars with minimal complaints. The drill is on the high end of 12-volt cordless drills, but the price was never a complaint among verified buyers.
Verdict
If you are a tradesman who uses a cordless drill all day long to drive and drill fasteners, you might opt for an 18-V drill in the Makita LXT series that has higher speed and torque. But the versatile FD07R1 will serve most users well.
- Size: 6 -1/16"
- Weight: 2.3 pounds
- Variable 2-speed design (0-450 & 0-1,500 RPM) covers a wide range of drilling and driving applications
- 12V max CXT® Lithium-Ion 2.0Ah Battery (BL1021B) with charger
- 3/8" chuck
- Built-in LED to illuminate work area
- Improved design
- Makita-built motor delivers 280 in. lbs of max torque
- Rubberized soft grip ergonomically designed for comfort
- 3-year warranty
Power
The Makita FD07R1 is a 12-volt cordless driver-drill that delivers 280 in. pounds of maximum torque. Its brushless motor runs cooler and more efficiently than its brushed counterparts.
Speed
This tool is a variable two-speed driver drill that operates at 0 - 450 / 0 - 1,500 RPM, which is an advantage depending on what you want to drill. Its adjustable clutch gives you versatility for drilling different softwood, hardwood, metal, and masonry materials. Harder materials and larger bits require different, bits lower speeds, and more torque. Lower speeds are better for driving screws, while high spreads excel at drilling holes.
To prevent driving a screw in too deep, stripping it, or snapping it off, you can vary the speed by setting the clutch and pressing the drill trigger. Another switch on the body reverses the position for easy screw removal as well as insertion.
Performance
The importance of a drill's torque and speed is that they reflect the amount of work completed in a period of time. Speed (the revolutions per minute or how fast the drill turns) x torque (the force the drill produces to turn an object) = power. The performance capabilities of the FD09R1, as noted earlier, are excellent when drilling holes and driving screws.
Length of Charge
One major advantage of the drill's brushless motor is that the run-time per charge is 5% longer. This may not matter if you use a drill occasionally to hang a picture, but if you use it for heavier ongoing work, you want the tool to remain charged throughout the project.
When purchased in the kit, the drill comes with two batteries, offering plenty of ongoing power. Suppose you like to keep a battery charging while working. In that case, you won't overcharge the extra battery as the drill has a Battery Protection Circuit to prevent overload, over-discharging, or overheating.
While the drill comes with 2.0Ah batteries, it can use 4.0Ah batteries for an even longer run time.
Handling and Ease of Use
At just over 6" long and 2.3 pounds with the battery, this compact drill easily works in small spaces and is easy to hold without tiring out your hand, even if you are using it continuously. The main shaft has a comfortable ergonomic handle that perfectly positions the hand to put the trigger. When you are done using the drill, it stands on its end. It also has a removable hook for hanging.
As with most modern drills, the Makita does not require a chuck key. Turning the sleeve on the chuck with open it and then close it around the bit.
Extras
There are several conveniences built into the tool. An LED light illuminates the work area, and the battery life indicator takes the guesswork out of how much power you have left. On the base, there is a place to install an optional bit holder.
The Makita FD07R1 has plenty of extras to make it worth its price that is currently $180 for the kit at Amazon. The drill comes with two 2.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a hard case. The batteries are interchangeable with other Makita tools. If you have a good supply of batteries on hand, you can get the drill alone for $129, but you'll be missing out on a handy case and well-priced extra batteries.
COMPARISON TO OTHER PRODUCTS
The Makita name makes this drill a competitor to Bosch, DeWalt, and other top tool brands; 95% of Amazon buyers give it 4- or five stars with minimal complaints. The drill is on the high end of 12-volt cordless drills, but the price was never a complaint among verified buyers.
Verdict
If you are a tradesman who uses a cordless drill all day long to drive and drill fasteners, you might opt for an 18-V drill in the Makita LXT series that has higher speed and torque. But the versatile FD07R1 will serve most users well.
Best Deal