At only 6-5/8″ in length, this design is both compact and ergonomic.
With the battery, it weighs only 2.4 lbs., which helps to reduce operator fatigue.
The BL Brushless Motor produces a maximum torque of 280 in.lbs.
Because the BL Brushless Motor does not require carbon brushes, it can operate at a lower temperature and more efficiently, resulting in a longer life.
The energy-efficient BL Brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy consumption, resulting in up to 50% longer run time per charge.
When it comes to drilling, driving, and fastening, the Makita 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3/8″ Hammer Driver-Drill Kit delivers power and speed in an ultra-compact package for fast and efficient results. Users will benefit from the superior balance and ergonomics of Makita 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion slide-style batteries, as opposed to pod-style batteries. The batteries are equipped with an on-board L.E.D. charge level indicator for additional convenience.
Although it is only 2.4 lbs (when equipped with a 2.0Ah battery), the PH05R1 has a maximum torque of 280 inch-pounds. It is the ideal solution for users who require a more compact driver-drill that is lighter in weight and for applications that require a small footprint.
Cordless tools with a maximum voltage of 12V max CXT are also compatible with the 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion 4.0Ah battery, which provides longer run time (BL1041B). CXT Lithium-Ion batteries with a maximum voltage of 12V are designed with a Battery Protection Circuit that guards against overloading, over-discharging, and over-heating during operation. It is a member of the rapidly expanding 12V max CXT series, which combines high performance with superior ergonomics in a small package.
Previously, I owned several Makita 12V max CXT tools (impact driver, drill driver, reciprocating saw, circular saw, jig saw, etc.), and now I own another. I really enjoy using these tools for my home improvement and do-it-yourself projects, and this tool is no exception.
So far, I’ve only used it for one project, which required drilling eight 1/4-inch holes into concrete that were approximately 1.5 inches deep. This drill performed admirably in this situation.
This drill is lightweight and versatile, as it can be used as a driver, drill, or hammer drill, and the build quality and ergonomics are excellent, as with all Makita tools.
Why only 4 stars, you might wonder. It’s not cheap, to put it mildly.
When writing this review, you can get an 18V brushless hammer driver/drill (XPH12Z) for significantly less money than this 12V, and you get a lot more for your money; 1/2″ chuck vs. 3/8″, torque of 530 in.lbs as opposed to 280 in.lbs, and so on. Having said that, the 12V weighs nearly half as much as the 18V. (2.4 lbs vs 4 lbs).
If you’re in the market for a cordless hammer drill and haven’t already invested in the 12V line, I’d recommend the 18V XPH12Z over this 12V because of the cost-to-performance ratio it offers over this 12V.
The 12V line of tools is a good choice if you want something light weight and for light duty tasks, or if you have already invested in the 12V line of tools (like I have).
If it were about $20 less expensive, I’d give it a five-star rating.
