Makita DT04R1 Impact Review
Our verdict
The Makita DT04R1 is a 12-volt CXT compact impact driver kit rated 4.5 stars by 129 owners, delivering 3000 RPM at $173.82. It targets Makita CXT users who want a fast compact driver in a kit format, though the premium pricing for the 12V class warrants careful comparison against 18V LXT alternatives.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Makita CXT 12V platform users who need a fast, compact kit for tight-access installation and light-duty repetitive fastening
Skip if
You need heavy-duty torque for structural fastening, or the $173.82 price makes more sense spent on an 18V kit with greater long-term versatility
- Power Source Battery Powered
- Voltage 12 Volts
- Amps 2 Amps
- Speed 3000 RPM
- Weight 6.4 Pounds
- Priced 37% above the category median ($127.00 across 77 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.5/5
4.5 average across 129 owner ratings
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Popularity0.6/5
129 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other power tools and workshop machinery we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Makita DT04R1 achieves 3000 RPM from a 12-volt CXT battery, which is a high speed figure for the compact voltage class. At $173.82 the R1 suffix typically indicates a two-battery kit with charger, making this a ready-to-use package rather than a bare tool. The 4.5-star rating from 129 reviews reflects a smaller owner sample than higher-volume Makita models, but the feedback is positive within its niche.
The listed 2-amp figure and 12V platform place the DT04R1 on the lighter end of the torque spectrum. For tasks where the tool fits easily into the work environment, such as overhead electrical work, HVAC access panels, or cabinetry in confined spaces, the high RPM and compact body make it genuinely capable. For heavy structural or production fastening, the 12V ceiling is a real limitation.
The published weight of 6.4 pounds almost certainly reflects the full kit weight including batteries, charger, and carrying case rather than the bare tool, which in the 12V compact class would typically weigh under 2 pounds. Buyers focused on tool-body weight should reference Makita's standalone tool specifications.
Pros
- 3000 RPM is a high no-load speed for a 12V compact impact driver, enabling fast cycle rates in confined spaces
- Kit format at $173.82 includes batteries and charger for immediate use out of the box
- 4.5-star rating across 129 reviews reflects positive owner experience in the compact CXT category
- 12V CXT platform is well supported within Makita's lineup of compact tools
Cons
- 12V platform cannot match the torque ceiling of 18V or 20V alternatives for heavy-duty tasks
- At $173.82, the price is high for 12V; a Makita 18V LXT kit can often be found at comparable or lower cost
- 129 reviews is a modest sample, meaning the consensus is less established than higher-volume models
- 6.4-pound listed weight is clearly the kit total, not the tool; bare tool weight is not separately specified
Specifications
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Amps | 2 Amps |
| Speed | 3000 RPM |
| Weight | 6.4 Pounds |
Performance notes
Battery-powered on the 12V CXT platform at 3000 RPM no-load speed with a 2-amp draw. The listed 6.4-pound weight reflects the full kit including batteries, charger, and case rather than the tool body alone. At 3000 RPM this driver is at the fast end of the 12V compact category, best applied to light electrical work, cabinetry hardware, outlet installation, and any fastening task in tight or overhead spaces where a full-size 18V tool is unwieldy. Not suited for sustained lag bolt driving, self-tapping metal fastening, or high-torque structural applications.
What buyers say
Owners of the DT04R1 respond positively to its compact form factor and the quality of the included CXT batteries. The high RPM for a 12V tool is a noted positive. Criticism most often targets the price relative to 12V output, with some owners noting they could approach a Makita 18V LXT kit at a similar cost point and gain significantly more versatility.
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Frequently asked questions
What batteries come with the Makita DT04R1?
The R1 suffix in Makita model numbers typically indicates a kit with two 12V 2.0Ah CXT batteries and a charger. Confirm the exact kit contents on the product listing, as kit configurations can vary.
How does the Makita DT04R1 compare to Makita 18V LXT impact drivers?
The DT04R1 runs at 3000 RPM from 12V for $173.82 as a kit. For comparison, the Makita XDT11Z bare tool runs at 2900 RPM from 18V for $99.99. If you need more torque and battery versatility, stepping up to the 18V LXT platform delivers meaningfully more capability, often at a lower cost per tool once batteries are already owned.
Unsure whether 12V CXT fits your needs? Email hello@toolgalaxy.com.
Our team can help you decide between the 12V CXT compact class and Makita's 18V LXT platform based on your job type and existing battery inventory.