So how many of you have an angle drill sitting on your workbench? I would guess not many, seeing as how an angle drill is something you don’t really know you need until you find yourself in tight spot where you could really use one. That’s how I came to the conclusion that an angle drill had to go on my Christmas list. I haven’t bought one yet, but I’ve been looking around at reviews for some help in making a choice. And since my birthday is coming up soon I probably won’t have to wait until Christmas.
One of the drills I’ve looked at is the Makita DA312DWD 12-Volt 3/8-Inch Cordless Angle Drill Kit listed on Amazon. For just over $240, you get not only the angle drill kit with a one-year warranty; you also get the Makita reputation for high quality tools. This particular drill is a 12V tool designed to provide effortless power in a compact unit. Its angling ability allows it to get in places where a standard Makita cordless drill could not go; places like the underside of your deck, in tight corner closets, and even higher spots like those over your window frames. Like I said, you don’t know you need one until you find yourself in one of those tight spots.
Makita DA312DWD 12-Volt 3/8-Inch Cordless Angle Drill Features
Makita tools are always well-known for their excellent features, and this drill is no exception. It’s small and light weight, at just 4-1/8″ and 8lbs. respectively. It’s also a variable speed tool for maximum flexibility over different types of jobs, and it’s specifically designed to be well-balanced for ease-of-use. Yet there are two specific features of the Makita DA312DWD that really impressed me: the electric brake and the overload protector.
The electric brake automatically kicks in when you let go of the trigger, enabling the chuck to stop more quickly than other similar drills. The built-in overload protector monitors motor output and load, making adjustments on the fly to reduce the likelihood of burnout. Coming from a guy who’s put the smack down on quite a few cordless drills in his lifetime, the overload protection is a great feature. And don’t worry about power; the 44 in. /lbs. of torque proves that Makita is not sacrificing anything.
Makita DA312DWD Technical Specifications
What would a Makita cordless drill review be without technical specifications? Just an advertisement. And since we’re not advertising on this site, here are the specs you’re after:
- Power: 12V NiMH, 44 in/lbs. of torque
- Speed: variable; 0-800 rpm
- Chuck: keyless
- Length: 4 1/8″
- Weight: 8lbs.
- Kit Includes: tool, one battery, battery cover, charger, carrying case
In all fairness I would prefer that they include two batteries in the kit rather than just one, but I can understand why Makita packaged it as they did. Angle drills don’t tend to get really heavy workouts so you can get by with a single battery. I’m also not sure if the battery they’ve included gets the same three-year warranty Makita offers on its lithium-ion batteries. If not, at least you still get the one-year warranty on the drill itself.
What Customers Are Saying about the Makita DA312DWD?
I mentioned earlier that I found this drill on Amazon while looking for one for my own purchase. So I think it only fair to give you a sampling of some of the customer reviews I found in my search. Take note of the fact that this drill is rated 4 stars out of 5 on Amazon. Of 26 total customer reviews, 15 were 5-star and five were 1-star. The comments I’ve posted below all come from the 5-star reviews.
- “You just slap a bit in its jaws and go to work. It fits just about anywhere.”
- “I’ve had my Makita angle drill for about eight years. I work with crews of eight to ten men and my angle drill has been popular as a borrow tool.”
- “This is one of Makita’s best products. I use one every day and it has been extremely durable having been dropped and stepped on.”
- “Be wise and buy Makita. The torque of this Makita angle drill is good enough for most work and the motor will not burn even if you abuse it.”
Before you go right out and buy one, you might want to take a swing by Amazon and read all the reviews for yourself. There are a few complaints scattered here and there, but for the most part customers who have purchased the Makita DA312DWD 12-Volt 3/8-Inch Cordless Angle Drill Kit have been happy with it.
