MakitaDT03Z 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver, Tool Only

I'd like to note that I purchased the Makita DT03 Impact Driver from another online seller to compliment the Makita FD06R1 1/4" Hex Chuck Driver-Drill Kit (purchased from Amazon.com) since it was not available here as a bare tool. (With such a robust design for these latest 12V Max CXT tools, it's a mystery why Makita doesn't offer the DT03 in conjunction with the FD06 as a combo kit as they did with the FD01 / DT01). For the past 5 years I've used the Makita DT01 (and FD01 1/4" Hex Chuck Driver-Drill) to perform about 75-80% of common construction and similar work tasks. That being said, this latest 12V Max tool from Makita is even better than its predecessor, as it offers about 2/3 the torque and the same speed as other mainstream 18V impact drivers offered by Makita and other manufacturers. At 2.3 lb (with battery) it is some 0.5 lb lighter than the most compact 18V (brushed) Makita impact driver currently available (Model XDT11Z) while having strong performance specs. Speaking of performance, for specifics please refer to the table in the attached photos for a comparison of both the older (pod-style battery) and newer (slide-style battery) 12V impact driver models.Considering that the DT03 has a slightly greater height (about 3/4 in.) due to the new battery design and weight (0.3 lb) than the DT01, its ergonomics are somewhat better since the handle is significantly thinner and feels more comfortable to grip, not to mention the improved tool balance.My primary gripe about the DT01 was the limited battery capacity, whereas for this new model it's the battery charging time. For the previous model, my experience was that one of the pod-style 12V Max pod-style batteries could be charged in about 30 minutes (Makita claims 50 minutes). Although the integrated LED battery charge indicator is a nice feature, the new slide-style batteries require 70 minutes for the 2.0 Ah and a whopping 130 minutes for the 4.0 Ah. This seems to be accurate since I recently charged a 50% depleted 2.0 Ah battery that took some 45 minutes (although when you're waiting it seems like forever). When compared to the 30-minute charging time for a similar 18V battery (3.0 Ah), the Makita DC10WD 12V charger is not exactly speedy. From my perspective, Makita really missed the mark on this one; however, the slide battery design does enable the tool to stand vertically just like its bigger 18V cousins.This is really a terrific tool very similar to its bullet-proof predecessor and offers small, but notable improvements, such as increased speed and power, and a greater capacity battery. Highly recommended.

I already had the matching drill so this was awesome. Does what it's supposed to do.

Good performanceGood battery life

I just love this little impact driver. It is very light but packs pretty good power for 12 volt. I have 2 that I use all the time. I punched the 3rd unit for my son who is an electrician and works on cars in his spare time. I hope that Makita doesn't stop making these.

It looks new, thanks. The only thing I might say is that it was advertised to come with a belt clip. And yes, that might seem insignificant, but the thing does not work for me without it. Luckily, I had one on the old drill that I was going to throw away, so I cannibalized it before tossing it.

This driver is so small I thought that it might be wimpy. Not so! It has so much more torque than my bigger driver than I found myself over-driving screws. Batteries seem to last for ever! A great tool. I wish it had a torque adjustment.

I will preface this by saying makitas' cordless line isn't the best on the market in my opinion.BUT the design, reliability, charging speed, and torque make this my favorite compact impact and the best of the market for the price. All of my corded saws are Makita & I've had them for years

I own several Makita power tools and have never been disappointed with any of them. Makita is best for ergonomics IMHO. This tool works exactly as expected and feels good doing it. I also bought the FD06Z 12v driver which works well with this tool. These are part of a series of new 12v tools. Unless you really need the horsepower, this size is the perfect combination of lightness and power. Neat features include battery status indicator, led light, stand up base, and belt clip. For function, both tools work great together; one has power, the other has control (ie clutch). The only problem I had was that it appears that buying the dt03r1 kit with the fd06z tool cost about $30 more than the other way around.