Introduction
When it comes to cordless drills, Makita is a leading brand renowned for its innovation, reliability, and top-notch performance. In Europe, Makita’s 12V and 18V drill models, particularly the LXT and CXT series, are highly favored among both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. The 18V LXT range is known for its impressive power, long battery life, and rugged durability, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications. Meanwhile, the 12V CXT series offers a more compact, lightweight alternative that doesn't sacrifice performance, making it perfect for tight spaces or lighter tasks. Whether you're looking for an all-rounder tool for general drilling, or a specialized drill for specific tasks, Makita’s drills are built to handle a wide array of needs. In this guide, we’ll delve into the best 12V and 18V Makita drills, from budget-friendly options to high-performance models, helping you find the perfect drill for your projects.
Quick Overview
Makita offers a diverse selection of drills to suit a variety of tasks, ranging from budget-friendly options for light DIY projects to powerful models designed for heavy-duty professional use. Below, you'll find a quick overview of some of the best Makita cordless drills currently available in Europe. We've selected three models that represent the top choices in different categories: Best Overall, Best Budget, and Best Mid-Range.
For those seeking the best performance and versatility, the Makita DF032D is a standout, offering excellent power, compactness, and long battery life. On the more affordable end, the Makita DF033D is an ideal choice for those who need a reliable drill without breaking the bank. Finally, the Makita DF333D sits in the mid-range category, providing a balance of power and value for those who need a bit more performance for more demanding tasks.
Explore the following models to find the one that best fits your needs:
Quick List
Each of these drills offers great performance for its category, so whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional, Makita has a solution that will help you complete your projects with ease. Let’s dive deeper into each of these models to understand their features and benefits.
Overall Best Makita Cordless Drill/Driver in Europe
The DF032D stands out for its 12V brushless motor with 35 Nm torque, offering higher performance in tight spaces. It also has two speed settings (0-450 RPM and 0-1500 RPM), making it versatile for a variety of tasks. The brushless motor ensures longer life and better efficiency. While it's a bit heavier than some others at 0.9 kg, its overall power, performance, and features make it the best option for most users.
Best Overall
Drill Driver CXT #
- Brushless motor: Offers longer life and more efficient power usage compared to brushed motors.
- Strong torque: Delivers 35 Nm torque, making it suitable for heavier tasks.
- Noisy operation: With a 71 dB(A) noise level, it might be a bit loud for extended indoor use.
- Higher price: At €89.99, it might be considered a bit expensive for users who need a drill driver for lighter tasks.
In terms of ergonomics, the Makita DF032D is designed with user comfort in mind. Its slim handle and lightweight construction make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces or for extended periods without causing strain. The two-speed gearbox allows you to adjust the drill’s power to match your task, whether you need high torque for driving screws or higher speeds for drilling.
Additionally, the drill features LED lighting to illuminate your workspace, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. This small but significant feature makes it easier to work in dimly lit areas, ensuring that you can see exactly where you're working and reducing the chances of mistakes.
Overall, the Makita DF032D excels in its category as the best overall cordless drill. Its combination of power, ergonomics, durability, and efficiency makes it a standout tool for a wide range of applications, making it a great investment for anyone seeking a reliable and versatile drill.
Best Budget Makita Cordless Drill/Driver in Europe
If you're looking for a budget-friendly cordless drill/driver that doesn't compromise on quality, the Makita DF033D is an excellent choice. This drill delivers impressive performance at a price point that makes it accessible to both DIYers and homeowners who want reliable tools without breaking the bank.
The DF033D is the best budget option with a 12V brushed motor offering 30 Nm torque and a two-speed setting (0-450 RPM, 0-1700 RPM). It’s lightweight (1.1 kg) and offers great value at 42.99 € for its price range. While it lacks the brushless motor of higher-end models, it still performs excellently for general drilling tasks, making it ideal for users on a budget.
Best Budget
Drill Driver CXT #
- Compact: Weighing 0.9 kg, it is easy to handle for prolonged use.
- Affordable: At €49.99, it’s a great value for a 12V drill driver with brushless performance.
- Limited drilling capacity: Max drilling capacity in wood (21 mm) and steel (10 mm) may be restrictive for larger projects.
- No advanced features: Lacks features like a keyless chuck or advanced ergonomics, compared to higher-end models.
In addition, the DF033D features a two-speed gearbox that lets you adjust between lower speeds for high torque and higher speeds for drilling. This versatility is useful when switching between different materials and tasks, such as driving screws and drilling holes. It also comes with a reliable LED light to help illuminate your workspace, ensuring you can work even in dimly lit areas.
While it doesn’t have the advanced features of pricier models, the Makita DF033D offers excellent value for money. It provides the essential functionality you need in a cordless drill at a very affordable price, making it a solid option for anyone on a budget who still requires dependable performance.
In conclusion, the Makita DF033D stands out as the best budget cordless drill/driver in Europe, offering great performance, ease of use, and an unbeatable price point. Whether you’re a novice DIYer or just need a reliable drill for occasional tasks, this drill provides the essential features needed without the hefty price tag.
Best Mid-Range Makita Cordless Drill / Driver in Europe
For those who want a balance of performance, quality, and price, the Makita DF333D stands out as the best mid-range cordless drill/driver in Europe. With more advanced features than budget models but without reaching the premium price tag, this drill is perfect for both serious DIY enthusiasts and light professional use.
The DF333D offers 30 Nm torque, a brushed motor, and two-speed settings (0-450 RPM and 0-1700 RPM), making it suitable for both light and moderate tasks. With good ergonomics and reasonable weight (1.1 kg), it delivers strong performance for its price range (42.99 €). Although it's similar to the DF032D in specs, it’s a better choice for users needing consistent power without the premium price of higher-end brushless models.
Best Mid-Range
Drill Driver CXT #
- Brushless motor: More efficient, ensuring longer tool life and better battery performance.
- 30 Nm torque: Ideal for a wide range of tasks like drilling in wood and steel.
- Limited power output: May not be ideal for heavy-duty projects or industrial use.
- Noise level: With a noise rating of 70 dB(A), it can be louder than some other compact models.
Another notable feature of this drill is its 16 torque settings, which allow for fine control when driving screws, preventing overdriving and ensuring that screws are driven perfectly without damaging the material. This is especially useful when working with delicate surfaces or when accuracy is essential.
In terms of value for money, the Makita DF333D delivers exceptional performance, durability, and versatility in a mid-range price bracket. Whether you're a DIYer looking to upgrade your toolset or a tradesperson who needs a dependable tool for light to medium-duty tasks, this drill offers the perfect balance of features and price.
In conclusion, the Makita DF333D is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a mid-range cordless drill/driver. Its advanced features, ergonomic design, and solid performance make it a versatile and reliable tool that can handle a wide variety of tasks, all while staying within an affordable price range.
Comparison
The Makita DF032D, DF033D, and DF333D are all excellent cordless drill/drivers, each catering to different user needs, from DIY enthusiasts to professional tradespeople. Each model offers a unique set of features, power levels, and price points, making it important to select the one that best fits your specific requirements. The DF032D stands out for its compact design and suitability for light-duty tasks, while the DF033D offers the best value for those on a budget without compromising on essential performance. The DF333D strikes a balance, offering solid power and advanced features for a range of applications.
Here's a quick comparison of the three models to help you make an informed decision based on their key specifications and features.
In conclusion, the DF032D is ideal for those who need a lightweight, compact drill for basic tasks and occasional use. The DF033D provides an affordable option with a solid performance for more demanding DIY projects, offering good value for money. Meanwhile, the DF333D is the best choice for users looking for a balance between power and features, suitable for a variety of tasks, from drilling to driving screws. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your needs—whether you're after portability, budget-friendliness, or a more powerful, feature-rich tool for versatile use.
Other Models
While we've highlighted some of the best Makita cordless drill models, there are several other options worth considering. Each drill is designed with specific features and capabilities to suit a variety of user needs. The Makita DF010D, for instance, is a compact and lightweight drill that is perfect for smaller tasks, offering excellent maneuverability in tight spaces. This model is ideal for DIY enthusiasts or professionals who need a reliable drill for light-duty applications.
For users seeking a slightly more powerful option, the Makita DF012D offers a balance of performance and size, making it versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor projects. Its ergonomic design and smooth operation ensure that it can handle a wide range of drilling and screwdriving tasks with ease.
The Makita DF332D, on the other hand, is designed for users who need a bit more power without stepping into the higher-end categories. With a higher torque and longer battery life, it’s a great choice for those working on mid-range projects or who need a drill that can take on more demanding tasks while remaining easy to handle.
Each of these models caters to different needs, whether you're looking for a compact drill, a versatile mid-range option, or a power-packed tool to handle tougher jobs. When choosing the right drill for your projects, consider the type of tasks you'll be working on, and select a model that best fits your needs in terms of power, portability, and battery life.
Other Tested Models
Pencil Drill Driver #
- Compact and lightweight: Weighs only 0.56 kg, perfect for precision work in tight spaces.
- Ideal for light-duty tasks: Great for small projects due to its 5.6 Nm torque.
- Low torque: At 5.6 Nm, it’s less suitable for tougher, heavier drilling tasks.
- Limited power output: With just 30W, it's not ideal for more demanding jobs.
The Makita DF010D is a versatile compact drill that comes in multiple configurations, including the DF010DZX (bare unit) and the DF010D with 2x 2.0Ah batteries. This flexibility gives users the option to choose the configuration that best fits their needs—whether you're looking for just the drill itself or a complete kit with the necessary batteries for convenience. The DF010D's small size and lightweight design make it ideal for precision work in tight spaces, and it offers excellent portability for light-duty tasks.
Other Tested Models
Pencil Drill Driver #
- Compact and lightweight: Weighs just 0.54 kg, great for precision in tight spaces.
- Improved value: At €89.99, offers good flexibility and performance for its class.
- Limited drilling capacity: Not ideal for larger or tougher tasks due to its 5.6 Nm torque.
- Shorter battery runtime: The 7.2V battery may not last as long during extended work sessions.
The Makita DF012D is another compact and efficient drill from Makita, available in various configurations, including the DF012DZX (bare unit) and the DF012D with 2x 2.0Ah batteries. This model is designed for users who need a lightweight, easy-to-handle drill for smaller projects and light-duty tasks. Whether you choose the bare unit or the full kit with batteries, the DF012D is a reliable option that offers both convenience and versatility, making it ideal for DIY enthusiasts and professionals who need a compact tool for tight spaces.
Other Tested Models
Drill Driver CXT #
- Brushless motor: Increased power efficiency and longer battery life.
- Precise drilling: 30 Nm torque is perfect for most light to medium drilling tasks.
- Lower torque compared to competitors: At 30 Nm, it may struggle with more challenging materials.
- Higher price: At €129.99, it’s more expensive than other models with similar torque.
The Makita DF332D is a powerful and versatile drill/driver designed for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. It is available in various configurations, such as the DF332DZX (bare unit) and the DF332D with 2x 2.0Ah batteries. This model provides a great balance of power and portability, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you're working on light-duty tasks or need a reliable drill for general-purpose use, the DF332D offers excellent performance and durability. With its compact design and efficient brushless motor, this drill ensures that users can tackle both drilling and screw-driving jobs with ease and precision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Makita's range of cordless drills offers something for everyone, from professionals seeking maximum performance to DIY enthusiasts in need of a budget-friendly option. Whether you're looking for a high-power, high-durability tool like the DF032D, a budget-conscious model such as the DF033D, or a solid mid-range drill like the DF333D, Makita ensures reliability and quality across the board.
Each model has its own unique features, from compact sizes to longer battery life and advanced motor technology, providing versatility for various tasks. Ultimately, the choice of which Makita cordless drill to invest in will depend on your specific needs—whether you need a lightweight drill for lighter tasks or a powerful model for heavy-duty work.
By evaluating your requirements and considering the specifications of each model, you can confidently select the right Makita drill to suit your projects and help you get the job done efficiently.
