Makita has come out with a new 12V Max CXT oscillating multi-tool, MT01. Most of the other tools in Makita’s 12V CXT tool lineup are adaptations of their previous 12V max designs, but this looks to be an all-new model.
Features include an adapter that works with most other brands’ oscillating multi-tool accessories, a 3.2° oscillating angle, and hex wrench-required blade change mechanism.
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- 3.2° oscillation angle
- 6,000 to 20,000 OPM
- Variable speed control dial (at rear of tool)
- On/Off slide switch (on top of tool)
- Compact size for working in tight spaces
- Small ergonomic barrel grip
- On-board hex wrench storage
- LED worklight
The non-tool-free blade change mechanism is a slight disappointment, but the advantage is that it helps to keep the tool compact.
There will be a bare tool (MT01Z) and kit version (MT01R1) of the multi-tool. The kit comes with (2) 2.0Ah Li-ion CXT battery packs, a charger, an adapter, a starter blade, and a tool case.
Price: $110 for the bare tool, $186 for the kit
Buy Now(Kit via Amazon)
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Amazon)
First Thoughts
Yay, Makita is actively expanding their 12V CXT product family. These days, it seems like Milwaukee is the only brand interested in expanding their 12V-class compact cordless power tool offerings. It’s nice to see Makita not just staying alive in this market segment, but trying to grow.
Boo, a hex key blade clamp mechanism. But it seems that this keeps the tool smaller and more compact.
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Travis
I am sorry but to redesign and bring out a new tool and new lineup but not provide a tool free blade change is a huge fail. That alone makes me not want to use the tool as it is a pain and time consuming to change blades as you frequently tend to do on OMTs. The new Fein 12v OMT has tool free blade change.
Not to mention, once you have used a tool free blade change on an OMT, you do not want to go back. I have not used my Bosch 12v OMT since I acquired the 20v DeWalt unit.
Austin
Agree. Bosch’s next 12v will have starlock. Same thing with there 12v jigsaw it’s not tool free as well. Big fail
Travis
Bosch has shown its new 12v OMT with starlock and yet again it does not have a tool free blade change. SMH. The 18v sitting right next to it does though.
Arthur G
You get what you pay for mate.
The 18v has tool free blade release because it’s made for serious tradesmen who will be using the tool frequently for a variety of tasks. The quick release system is necessary on the professional range because time is money.
The 12v range is and always will be for DIY enthusiasts, hobby crafters and infrequent use. No need for that level of innovation on a budget, civilian product. If I were to use a 12v in the way I use my 18v it would be dead, and it would die much quicker if it had a quick release blade change shortening the cooling time.
Frank D
18v or bust?
Funny how handy the 12v for delicate tasks in confined spaces …
https://www.bosch-professional.com/de/de/12v-cordless-system/
Matt J
I’ve gotta admit that the hustle Makita has shown for the CXT system has been impressive. I get that it’s just updating a previous 12v system but still. They must have put out more tools for it in the last year than Dewalt 12v and Bosch 12v combined
Josh
In the interest of keeping a tool as small and lightweight as possible, I think I can forego tool-free blade change. How much runtime are you getting out of a 12v OMT that you need frequent blade changes?
Nathan
so it the tool smaller – and lighter. specifically is it smaller on the attachment end.
looks like it is in the pictures.
considering the weaker battery system – IN terms of WATTS output – then any additional weight that a tool free change system would bring – is all that more power lost due to oscillation.
As Josh says up there – how much cutting do you expect to do on the device before changing batteries? Hell I have the dewalt cordless and I have to say I don’t change blades so much as I remove them for storage. more often than not one blade is the job at hand. even using the wrench and bolt removal what does that take another 3 seconds.
for a 12 volt tool this makes quite a bit of sense to me. at the 18 standard is does not.
Toolpig
The CXT tools all look similar to the old 12vmax tools but hey have all been improved in the power department. They have higher speeds and more power across the board. I do agree that lack of a tool free blade change is kind of a letdown
Fernando
I just don’t understand Makita. If they are a leading tool mfg. why are they realseing new tools and not making the brushless, they have the technology. I think they are playing a game with there customer, everything will go brushless eventually they just want to string there customers along for as long as they can. I am tired of waiting for Makita to makes a brushless OMT. And I think all of the CXT should have been brushless from the start.
JD
I don’t mind if a tool is not “tool free” because the tool free stuff usually adds bulk or complexity. We all have like a gazillion allen wrenches. Just keep an allen wrench/driver in the bag.
MarylandUSA
Actually, the Makita 12V multitool includes a nice, secure onboard holder to stash your Allen wrench. If you must make your users carry a tool, this is the way to do it.
Alphonse Modha
Equipped with Bluetooth class 2 to wirelessly connect your mobile device for playing music with a range up to . There are still three 12 volt max makita tools that existed in their old line that Makita could revise in the CXT line. A flashlight, right angle drill and a vacuum cleaner.