What Is the Makita 12V Max Driver Drill Kit?

The Makita 12V Max (also known as “12V CXT” in many markets) is a compact cordless drill/driver system that combines portability with enough power for many light-to-medium tasks. The “driver drill kit” typically includes:

• The drill/driver (body or “skin”)
• One or two 12V batteries (often 1.5 Ah)
• A charger
• A carrying case or bag

This kit gives you everything you need to get going in one package.

One example: Makita Tools ‑ 12V Max Driver Drill Kit — includes the DF333DZ driver drill, battery, charger, and more.

You’ll also see variants like brushless models, hammer driver kits, or versions with hex chucks.

---

Key Specifications & Features

Here are typical specs and useful features you’ll find (and should compare) in Makita’s 12V Max driver drill kits:

Spec / Feature	Typical Value	Why It Matters
Voltage	12V (CXT / Max)	Compact size; lower weight vs higher voltage tools
Torque / Lock Torque	~28 Nm (lock torque) / ~30 Nm (max tightening)	Enough for wood, light steel, fastening
Speeds / RPM	Two mechanical speeds (e.g. 0–450 / 0–1,700 rpm)	Gives you control between precision & speed
Chuck Size / Type	10 mm (3/8″) single sleeve keyless	Accepts common drill & driver bits
Drilling Capacities	Wood: ~21 mm; Steel: ~10 mm	Useful benchmarks for everyday tasks
Weight	Around 1.3 kg with 4 Ah battery (or lighter with 1.5 Ah)	Portability in tight or overhead work
Battery / Kit	Often 1.5 Ah Li-ion, with charger & case	More batteries or higher Ah increase runtime
Gearing / Controls	Mechanical 2-speed gearing + variable speed trigger	For adapting to different tasks

What You Can Use It For

The 12V Max driver drill is versatile and well suited to:

• Fastening and drilling in wood (decking, timber frames)
• Light metal drilling and pilot holes
• Installing fixtures, cabinets, shelves
• DIY home renovations, furniture builds
• Tight or constrained spaces where a full-size drill is too bulky
• As a companion tool for tradespeople who already use 12V ecosystems

It’s not meant for heavy concrete drilling (unless you have the hammer-drill variant) or demanding industrial tasks, but for day-to-day usage it’s quite capable.

---

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

• Compact & lightweight — easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces
• Good torque for its size — handles common tasks without overkill
• Kit convenience — comes with necessary batteries & charger
• Battery compatibility — if you already have Makita 12V tools, you can share batteries
• Control — two gears + torque settings make it versatile

Limitations

• Battery runtime — smaller batteries (1.5 Ah) may not last long under heavy use
• Not for heavy masonry / concrete work — standard models lack hammer mode
• Lower throughput vs higher voltage tools — for large construction tasks, 18V+ tools deliver better efficiency

---

Buying Tips & What to Check Before Purchase

• Check battery count and capacity — kits with two batteries or higher Ah are better value if you’ll use it a lot.
• Brushless vs brushed — brushless models are more efficient, generate less heat, and last longer.
• Hammer mode (if needed) — if you expect to drill masonry, get a model with hammer function (e.g. HP333 variants).
• Accessory compatibility & availability — ensure spare batteries, chargers, and parts are available locally.
• Weight & ergonomics — pick a model you’re comfortable holding for extended periods.
• Warranty & support — check that the kit is sold by an authorized dealer.
• Future expansion — if you intend to grow your 12V tool range, getting the system alignment now helps.

Example Models & Kits

Here are some actual Makita 12V Max driver drill kits (and variants) currently available.