Makita FD02W Review
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Makita FD02W 12V Max Li-Ion 3/8" Compact Drill Driver 3/8" Chuck Price Level: $$ |
Torque 200 Max In-Lbs |
Speed 1300 Max RPM |
Weight 2.2 Lbs w Batt |
Battery 1.3 Ah Capacity |
Warranty 3 Year |
| Ratings Guide | Best | Better | Good | Fair | Poor |
| KEY STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES | ||
| POWER | The FD02W is 10% more powerful than average and ranks in the top 40% of Compact-class drills for torque and power. It generates 17 in-lbs more maximum torque than the average 183 in-lbs drill in its class. | ✔ |
| SPEED | This Makita cordless drill is 20% faster than average and ranks in the top 40% of Compact-class drills for maximum RPM. It can run at speeds that achieve 215 RPM more than the average 1085 RPM drill in its class. | ✔ |
| WEIGHT | It is 12% lighter than average and ranks in the top 40% of Compact-class drills for lower weight. It weighs 0.3 lbs less than the average 2.5 lb cordless drill in this class and should decrease operator fatigue. | ✔ |
| BATTERY | This Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery ranks about average for capacity and run-time with an amp-hour (Ah) rating that is considered standard for Compact-class batteries. The average battery capacity for this class is rated at 1.25 Ah. | |
| WARRANTY | Makita's 3-year limited tool warranty is a little longer than average for the cordless drill industry where the standard is about 2-3 years. Longer warranties can often indicate improved durability with fewer repairs. | ✔ |
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| PERFORMANCE RATINGS | ||
| Power | 200 in-lbs - The FD02W is 10% more powerful than average and ranks in the top 40% of Compact-class drills for torque and power. It generates 17 in-lbs more maximum torque than the average 183 in-lbs drill in its class. | ✔ |
| Speed Settings |
2 Settings 0-350 / 0-1,300 RPM - Fitted with both Low and High speed settings that come standard on most cordless drills. Speed selection is an important feature to match drilling or driving RPM to each unique job. | ✔ |
| Max Speed |
1300 RPM - This Makita cordless drill is 20% faster than average and ranks in the top 40% of Compact-class drills for maximum RPM. It can run at speeds that achieve 215 RPM more than the average 1085 RPM drill in its class. | ✔ |
| Clutch | 18 Settings - The Makita FD02W has a below average number of clutch settings, but is probably still adequate for many DIY jobs. The clutch helps you to avoid stripping a screw with too much torque. | |
| Power Ratio |
91 P/W - The Makita FD02W has an 9% higher than average power-to-weight ratio and ranks in the top 40% of efficiently designed Compact-class drills. The P/W ratio is 7 higher than the 84 average ratio for this class drill. | ✔ |
| Hammer | This cordless drill is not equipped with a hammer function that can deliver several thousand impacts per minute. Hammer drill drivers are usually a little heavier and costlier, but they are effective on tougher jobs such as drilling into concrete. | |
| DURABILITY RATINGS | ||
| Gear Case |
Non-Metal Parts - Some of the Makita FD02W transmission components are made of non-metal materials that are more susceptible to failure. Gears spin at high RPMs and experience large rotational forces. | |
| Chuck | Plastic Sleeve - Chuck sleeves made of tough plastic materials save on weight, but they are more prone to cracking than metal sleeves. It generally won't withstand repeated drops onto hard surfaces. | |
| Motor | No Brush Access - The entire drill usually has to be taken apart in order to access the motor brushes. Motor brushes wear-out and must be replaced periodically, but repair costs can sometimes be prohibitive. | |
| Warranty | 3-Year - Makita's 3-year limited tool warranty is a little longer than average for the cordless drill industry where the standard is about 2-3 years. Longer warranties can often indicate improved durability with fewer repairs. | ✔ |
| BATTERY RATINGS | ||
| Type | Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) BL1014 - Newer technology rechargeable battery that provides higher capacity and longer run-time with less weight, but are more expensive than the older NiCd and NiMH batteries. | ✔ |
| Capacity | 1.3 Ah - This Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery ranks about average for capacity and run-time with an amp-hour (Ah) rating that is considered standard for Compact-class batteries. The average battery capacity for this class is rated at 1.25 Ah. | |
| Charge Time |
30 min DC10WB Charger - Battery charge-time is quicker than average. Nice feature for those times when you don't have a charged replacement battery ready to go and you're in the middle of a job. | ✔ |
| Fuel Gauge |
No Battery Fuel Gauge - Not equipped with a battery charge indicator that alerts you to remaining battery life or if the batteries are running low. Sudden battery failure during the job is a common frustration. | |
| Backup | 2 Batteries Included - It's important to have a second back-up battery for the Makita FD02W that's charged and ready to go. Makes it easy to swap-out batteries during the job with minimal down-time. | ✔ |
| CONVENIENCE RATINGS | ||
| Weight | 2.2 lbs Tool Plus Battery - It is 12% lighter than average and ranks in the top 40% of Compact-class drills for lower weight. It weighs 0.3 lbs less than the average 2.5 lb cordless drill in this class and should decrease operator fatigue. | ✔ |
| Length | 7-7/16 in - Cordless drill length is a personal preference, but shorter is generally better to help you in close quarters such as under a sink, or drilling in-between studs. Torque is harder to handle if the drill is too short though. | |
| Spindle Lock |
One-Hand Bit Change - This single-sleeve chuck has auto spindle lock. The drill bit can be changed with only one hand by simply spinning the chuck open to release the bit, and counter-spinning it to tighten. | ✔ |
| LED Light |
Integrated LED Light - The Makita FD02W illuminates your work area and allows you to clearly see your bit position and depth while you're drilling or driving. Great feature that's now available on many cordless drills. | ✔ |
| Belt Hook |
No Belt Hook - There is no provision to hang the drill on your belt and free-up both hands to perform other tasks. You may be able to purchase a separate belt clip that can be attached to the drill. | |
| Side Handle |
No Side Handle - Side handles are a great safety feature and should be considered if you plan to drive at higher torque levels. They can help prevent injury by providing increased stability and control. | |
| Bubble Level |
No Bubble Level - This feature is only available on a few drills and can be helpful in situations where precision holes are critical for alignment. Most projects can be performed with just visual sighting. | |
| Keyless | Keyless Chuck - Nearly all cordless drills are now equipped with keyless chucks that can be tightened with both hands (double-sleeve) or just one hand (single-sleeve) without the use of a key. | ✔ |
| VSR | VSR - Most cordless drills are equipped with variable speed capability that can be controlled with simple trigger pressure. Reverse is usually performed with the push of a side-to-side button. | ✔ |
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