Makita has just come out with a new 7.2V cordless screwdriver. It has a removable Li-ion battery and comes with a charger and 2 battery packs.
While I would like to think this is the start of a brand new cordless power tool platform for Makita, it probably isn’t. Dewalt’s 8V Max tool lineup is limited to just cordless screwdrivers – such as the Dewalt gyroscopic pivoting handle screwdriver we reviewed – and an LED flashlight.
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Update: Is this new after all? I have NEVER seen this one before, but I have seen their clutched non-impact version ($167 via Amazon).
Update 2: So this isn’t new – it was previously sold in white, and for less money – $156 via Amazon. Right now it only looks to be available from 3rd party sellers importing it from Japan.
Similarly, Milwaukee’s M4 lineup consists of just a single tool – also a pivoting handle screwdriver.
This new Makita cordless screwdriver, model TD021DSE, features a pivoting handle, reverse switch, and variable speed trigger.
Oh, and this is a cordless impact screwdriver. This could very well be the world’s first 7.2V-class compact cordless pivoting handle impact screwdriver.
The handle can lock into 2 positions for your choice of straight or pistol-grip configurations, whichever the application calls for.
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Specifications
- 195 in-lbs max torque
- 0-2,300 RPM
- 0-3,000 IPM
- Electric brake
- Weighs 1.2 lbs
Price: $201
Buy Now(via Amazon)
First Thoughts
I find myself thinking two things about the new Makita TD021DSE cordless impact screwdriver.
On one hand, I’m thinking woohoo, that’s an interesting and potentially useful innovation right there!
On the other hand, I’m looking at the 195 in-lbs torque rating, and thinking it to be overpowered for how these types of cordless screwdrivers are normally used.
Lower voltage cordless screwdrivers, of the 3.6V, 4V Max, 7.2V, and 8V Max classes, are often used for repetitive lower-torque tasks, such as installing light switches, outlets, finish screws, and other such things. They’re sometimes used in industrial applications as well.
But regardless of what they’re used for, the common theme is that they’re used for light duty work.
195 in-lbs without a clutch? that could be a good thing, if the trigger switch allows for somewhat precise speed control.
The impact mechanism could also potentially lead to problems for users who are seeking to replace their older 7.2V NiCd cordless screwdrivers, or even more recent lower powered Li-ion models. Aside from a few exceptions, impact drivers are loud.
That means that users will want to wear hearing protection, which isn’t always necessary when using a non-impact cordless screwdriver, and it also means that the driver might not be suitable for use in certain environments where noise.
Think of a maintenance guy, installer, or tradesman that’s doing an upgrade or assembling new equipment in an office building during the day. A cordless screwdriver might be a mild nuisance to those near the work area, but an impact screwdriver could disrupt the entire office. Maybe this one’s quiet?
With those 2 hesitations aside, this new Makita impact screwdriver will likely be well received by anyone who has ever complained about their pivoting-handle screwdriver being underpowered.
Mike
I had one of these 5 years ago, I would hardly call it new
Stuart
Thanks! I have NEVER seen this one before, or if I did I didn’t pay it much notice.
Does yours have a clutch, or does it impact?
Ah, it was previously white and imported, and cheaper too – $156 at Amazon via 3rd parties.
Lassi Ryöti
I can confirm what Mike said. Been on the retailers here atleast 4 years.
Mike
I had the impact version but a co worker of mine had one with a clutch, mine was green/ blue, and his was white.
Mike
How loud is it, and what kinds of things do you use it for?
I don’t see myself ever using it to assemble or install anything, but being able to rip out screws in the blink of an eye without damaging fastener heads would be neat.
Mike
I’m an electrician and I use it for putting wires on plugs and switches and for screwing them into electrical boxes. It’s not as loud as an 18 volt but still a little noisy
Joe
I had one also. It was white and I bought it at Home Depot for less than $100.
Hans
http://www.amazon.com/Makita-TD021DZW-cordless-rechargeable-impact/dp/B0041PKT7O/
It still there.. sub 100$!
cody
Hitachi also has one that is identical to this. And its also been out for a couple of years.
Nathan
the fact that it’s impact and shown as 195 in-lbs of torque potential is rather significant. I personally would perfer a more compact unit without impact as I think it would be more useful.
when I need impacting – I’ll pull out the 18/20V impactor.
mike aka Fazzman
Not sure why id ever ditch my Bosch 12v of anykind for something like this. My PS21 can do everything this thing could and then some and it has a clutch. I can see maybe if you needed it to be straight instead of pistol grip,but id rather use a little longer bit or something.
Miss Franciene
I’m putting it on my list, 20 dollars a month I should have one by this time next year!!!…
Pete
Ive never seen this- an impacting 4v. Pretty cool and with nice tourque! Pretty expensive when i can buy a m12 fuel kit with drill and impact for $179.
What i want in a 4v class driver is speed! I hate that they 4v’s are often slow( granted i havent tried all of them) they need a double speed driver- first gear is FAST, then once 40lbs of resistance is reach it should auto shift to 2nd gear and be geared real low to apply tourqe
magic
I’m glad to see this beast has an electric brake. Who knows what kind of injuries could result otherwise
tim
This is why this site needs a like button in the comments.
julian
I had an earlier version of Makita’s impact screwdriver and found it to be a tool without a use. It’s loud, but not powerful – so what’s the point?
Annoying to use and not worth the noise. I only paid maybe $75 for the version I bought, it was a white one.
JT
Jay
If I needed a small cordless screwdriver I’d probably give the Kawasaki 840889 4-Volt Dual Angle Li-Ion Screwdriver a try first. 200 RPM and maximum torque at 27 in/lb sounds just about right for changing out lock sets, wall switches, duplex outlets and cabinet door hinges especially for only $30 buckaroonies. Had a Skil years ago when they were still all gray in color and found it to be better than twisting a screwdriver all day long but it wouldn’t work on the big stuff so there was still a place in the toolbox for a good old yankee screwdriver and a bar of wax. Snagged an impact driver as soon as they came out and that was all she wrote for the yankee.
Never did like those North Carolina screwdrivers.
Julian. Tracy
I’ve got the dewalt auto sensing screwdriver and it’s actually pretty handy. Lots of control, plenty of power and quite a lot of finesse over the auto rotation speed.
John
Just to be clear, this Makita TD021DSE is an “impact screw driver”. An update of the old version which was white it appears. I have the sister product the Makita DF010DSE which is the “driver” with no impact and adjustable electric stop clutch. I never saw the need for the impact screwdriver at this size, however I will say the Makita DF010DSE is the best cordless screwdriver I’ve ever used. It was a hard decision between that one and the M4 Milwaukee but given that the Milwaukee has no led and Milwaukee hasn’t made a single other tool for that m4 battery line up edged the Makita out for me.
By the way, the charger, not sure about the Makita TD021DSE, with my Makita DF010DSE is a muti-battery charger (part number DC10WA) which is about $60 dollars on its own. That plus 2 spare batteries in the kit drive up this cost. Whereas the Milwaukee only had one battery included and that charger was specific only to the M4 lineup. So it is worth the price mark up (got mine about $110).
The clutch is amazing on it, it appears to be geared much lower for more delicate work like industrial computer server work, auto interior, electrical plates, etc:
1 – Approx. 0.2 ft lbs / Approx. 0.3 N m
5 – Approx. 0.6 ft lbs / Approx. 0.82 N m
9 – Approx. 1.0 ft lbs / Approx. 1.35 N m
13 – Approx. 1.4 ft lbs / Approx. 1.88 N m
17 – Approx. 1.8 ft lbs / Approx. 2.41N m
21 – Approx. 2.1 ft lbs / Approx. 2.9 N m
where you want need much more delicate handling than a 12 volt would give you. When it hits that clutch resistance setting the whole driver shuts off immediately not completely unlike the normal slipping grinding sound and continued spinning you’d normally have on a regular drill when it reaches that setting.
Given my arthritis from working so much with computer hardware this is a wonderful help for those long long tiny screws. Just use your head and some common sense as it will can damage really sensitive screws, and it isn’t going to drive wood screws through your deck.
Love that driver.
John
Sorry should say “When it hits that clutch resistance setting the whole driver shuts off immediately completely unlike the normal slipping grinding sound and continued spinning you’d normally have on a regular drill/driver when it reaches that setting.”
Richard G.
I was looking for a good electric screwdriver for a couple of months, checked all in stores, even this new flashcel one… none was up to my preference. I did buy however this Flipout for $25 at Lowe’s on BF(normally $49).. ehh, the only reason I am keeping it is because of it’s flex head, with which I can get in to some really tight spots, occasionally. I was eyeing Makita 7.2v but price tag $167 is not justified for that much time I will be using it. Dewalt was also an interesting variant but still, not that comfortable in hand. Milwaukee M4, 4v was also an option but $100 … well, I finally bought one off eBay for $67 total. (right now you can buy one: eBay item number:262180947919) What a sweet buy! I was playing with it for about 20 minutes, till my wife got it from my hands, as she became annoyed by the noise I was making with it 🙂 Love it! I wish it would have a light, but in case I will ever use it when it will be dark, I always have another light options.
This new Makita impact screwdriver however, will find its customers, I would think mostly professional electricians would buy it, who can spend extra $200 for a light weight convenience.
Derek
This tool should be in every electricians pouch. I first bought one roughly 5 years ago, and loved it, until I dropped it one too many times, and after 2 -3 years of service, she gave out. So I looked around and found out it’s no longer available, so I bought the DeWalt 8V gyro one…which was okay, but I really missed the impacting, because I’m not a huge fan of stripped screws. So I used the DeWalt one for a little over a year until I was bored one day browsing on Amazon, and found out Makita now makes a newer version of the 7.2V impact, and it was variable speed. So I bought it, came from Japan, took about a month to get, and I’ve had it now for 6-7 months now, god I love this thing. If it ever breaks I will order another one ASAP, and re-use my Dewalt 8V until it arrives.
If your on a fence, then get the f*ck off it and just buy it! lol
Eric
Sounds ideal for either an electrician or a furniture assembler with small long winded screws like outlets and switches. And that is only if size and weight is an issue for a small job tool pouch or something. I hate to say it but I have used a impact for so long that I can pulse the trigger lightly and virtually never strip anything. I am not bragging, you can too.
Bob C
I owned one of the Makita 7.2v impacts for about two weeks and hated it so much I sent it back to Amazon. I found it way too difficult to use with any small delicate screws, and even with the variable speed I would always over drive them. I striped a lot of screw heads and broke a lot of plastic electrical plates. It has some power and can drive 2 1/2″ deck screws, but it slows way down when the impact kicks in. And the noise…way too loud. I’ll use my Milwaukee 12v for that type of things.
I ended up buying a Panasonic 3.6v screwdriver, with a clutch and an awesome carrying case which works wonderfully. The clutch is fantastic and can be set extremely low, and when engaged the tool stops no ratcheting. It has an LED light, two batteries, about 40 lbs of torque, two speeds (200, 600) and a dual fast charger. Weighs about a pound. It’s a very nice cordless screwdriver and I would highly recommend it.
Panasonic EY7410LA2S
Sean
Any maker who adds a product like this to their product line has made a very good decision! These things sell like hot cakes. I am amazed at the number of comments related to these (specifically, the Dewalt pivoting driver, Makita, Hitachi) and everyone is looking for the perfect model.
These screwdrivers also hit a segment of the market that doesn’t buy many other power tools but will when it fits their habits (tearing down computers, etc.)
My dad gave me his Dewalt pivoting driver, and I still have it, but rarely use it. I own the B&D gyroscopic screwdriver, and I do use that a lot because it sits in my hand bag tool that is my go-to bag around the house, and I don’t keep any regular sized drills in that bag.
I’m actually kind of suprised that the little gyro ones didn’t sell better (or even the similarly shaped ones without gyro). People seem to really like the larger inline “heavier duty” looking models. I can see why people think that B&D is a joke because it certainly looks like one, but I’d rather buy that for $30 vs. $150 for some of these inline, pivoting ones (although I do see the appeal).
Paul
Hey Stuart just an fyi you have a typo I believe where you say price instead of precise?
To weigh in on the conversation I didn’t see much love for the Milwaukee M4 driver, as an installation technician it is the answer in almost every situation, especially the one-handed bit change so I can hold the fixture, drill it, then mount it without it moving a bit. But I DO wish Milwaukee would go ahead and make an M4 beanie to go with the M12 jacket.
Stuart
Thanks, fixed!
K2
M4 beanie! Would it be heated, or is the battery for the propeller on top? !
Paul
Why would you have to choose? I say both.
glenn
hitachi makes one too. 7.2v impact. via ebay as im not sure its available stateside. i think its purple too from the photos. and im not talking about their 4v green and black pivot clutched driver either.