MakitaCLX202AJ 10.8 V CXT Combi and Impact Driver with 2 x 2.0Ah batteries in MakPac case- Twin Pack

The media could not be loaded.  This review of the new Makita CXT 10.8V CLX202AJ kit that was bought after I donated my previous Makita 10.8V kit to a family member for their new house. The previous 10.8V kit had the previous generation style batteries and had the HP330D. It’s worth noting this because I’ll draw a few comparisons in this review to show how the product line has been updated but I will try to keep all relevant details for those who are not familiar with the previous generation.At the end of the review I will provide a shorter list of pro’s and con’s that you might want to skip to if you are after a shorter read. But spoiler alert: these tools are absolutely fantastic and well deserving of a 5 star review, just as their predecessors received.Makita are a brand renowned for their quality power tools, and the 10.8V range has suffered no neglect by the Japanese brand. The power tools included in this kit are very similar to the CLX201AJ; the only apparent difference is the HP331D in the ‘202’ is replaced with the DF331D in the ‘201’: for those not in the know the HP331D features the hammer drill functionality, used for masonry, and the style of the function rings differs. I touched upon this in the review of the previous generation; the selection rings on the HP model are easier to use even if you don’t require the hammer drill mode since the HP331D features an independent ring for the function selection separate to the torque / clutch selector ring, which makes switching between drill mode and driver mode with a low clutch setting much easier on the HP331D from this CLX202AJ.The tools all seem to be well made, in China, and there are no apparent defective areas or wobbling bits. If they didn’t feature the information to suggest that they’re manufactured in China, you probably wouldn’t associate them with being made there when you get to feel them.The TD110D Impact Driver feels heavier in the hand than the HP331D, however Makita’s data sheet has them pretty much even in weight. It might be a subjective feeling since the TD110D has a fair bit of exposed metal casing at the very front, so feels heavier in hand due to where the weight is. Both tools feel a lot better, than the previous generation, to hold; likely because of the battery change allowing the newer models to have narrower handles, especially towards the base of the handle where the battery would be in the previous gen, but the new CXT (Compact Extreme Technology) batteries attach to the base of the handle, very much like the 18V LXT models from Makita. The previous gen were very nice to hold still, but this new generation of tools just seems even more refined. The texture on the handles (see attachments) is perfect to provide a nice secure feeling, even through gloves, yet comfort.Focusing on the batteries, one important thing to note is that the included batteries in this kit are the BL1020B 10.8V 2Ah (22Wh) batteries. Some kits (for example if you purchase the HP331DWAE with battery) only include the BL1015 1.5Ah variant. The 2Ah batteries are a nice inclusion over the 1.3Ah batteries included in the kits for the previous generation models. Drawing upon the great design features from the LXT range, these batteries draw upon a good design pattern and they fix very securely in place and have a multiple pin format. Each battery has a convenient battery status indication display where, at the push of a low profile button, up to 4 LED indicators display the remaining charge level. This is a very nice addition to the CXT over the previous generation since you’re able to easily check how your batteries are doing in seconds.Whilst we are talking about the batteries, the DC10WC charger that comes with this kit is a ‘standard’ 10.8V CXT charger that will charge the supplied batteries, from empty, in 70 minutes. This means it should be possible, in very heavy work, to alternate between a battery in use and one in charge throughout the day. The charger has slots in the base for it to be wall mounted onto screw heads, which makes it ideal to put up in the garage, but quickly detachable to pack a way for on-the-go situations. It’s worth noting that Makita offer a fan cooled quick charger for the CXT range of batteries that takes less than 50% of the standard charging time, if you were considering using these tools in real anger.When you’re looking at battery powered power tools, you really should only consider Lithium Ion these days. These CXT offer high performance, even in the cold, and will hold their charge only losing a small percentage over many months.The new design of batteries means that these tools can now, just like their larger LXT brothers, stand upright on their battery. A nice upgrade over the minor quirk of the predecessor where they could not.An area of concern for some people is the 10.8V instead of the 18V range. To clarify here, the actual torque offered by these 10.8V Makita tools are on par with some cheaper 18V tools I have seen, especially those that are not Li-Ion powered. But really you should be thinking about what you need these tools for. My primary use case is home DIY and these are perfectly suited. I’ve seen 10.8V Makita tools being used as backup by trade, meaning they can be relied upon for big jobs. The HP331D is more than capable as a drill, and if the material is quite hard and the hole getting quite wide (over 8mm) then you’ve the option to switch the gears to setting ‘1’ not he top, with that firm clunk you’re then offered much higher torque at a lower speed. The TD110D is even more impressive; offering 110Nm torque (upgraded from 90) for driving screws, I’ve found it to be just as great as its predecessor, the impact and twist being precise enough to make sure those screw heads don’t get damaged. I’ve been driving decking screws direct into, well, decking but also fairly long (2 inch perhaps) screws into hard wood skirting boards with this miniature beast and, whilst it sounds like a machine gun, its an absolutely stunning tool making really light work of heavy screw driving situations.As with the predecessors, both tools offer an LED job light. The HP331D has been updated over the 330 to now have a timer on the LED, just like the impact driver does; meaning the LED is easier to use and you can trigger it and use it to find the mark before continuing to drill.That being said, they are still located just under the ‘barrel’ of the unit which gives them a disadvantage of not being able to light upwards. Some competing brands have their LED work lights either in a “halo” pattern around the barrel or shining up from the top of the battery connector at the base of the handle. If there was one thing about the Makita design that would let it down at all I would say it is the LED placement. Now please don’t get me wrong, I’ve not had issue with the work lights and they’re in the same position on the predecessors which I’ve used for a long time. That said, they could be better placed.Both tools come with belt hooks (not really clips as they don’t really move, very rigid) that are pre-installed on the left side of the tools, but they can be detached and switched to the opposite side, if you decide you need them that way. Versatile as ever.The direction selection on both tools is standard and in a decent position. I’m pretty sure it’s industry standard but the selector can be placed into the “mid” position in order to lock the trigger into a safe position.Also as almost standard now is the variable speed triggers on both tools, these are very smooth and allow precise control of the speed whilst in operation.The new tool kit now comes with Makita’s ‘new’ generic style of packaging called Makpac. These are very robust, plastic based, boxes that come in different heights but the same width and length. Designed with extra side clips and front clips that can extend upwards, these Makpac containers can be stacked one upon another and clipped together so a stack could be carried as one and unpacked at the work site. Each tool kit, including this CLX202AJ, comes with a specific blow moulded plastic tray to it the tools inside the Type 1 case included. The very nice thing to note here is that there appears to be room in the mould for the tools to be stowed away with upgraded 4Ah batteries attached, which are slightly taller. There are also spaces in the mould for a few drill bits and perhaps a magnetic bit holder and some other bits.Thrown in (for want of a better term) with this kit was 2 double ended PH2 head driver bits with locking positions that are useful for the TD110D lock.So now a concise list of pro’s and con’s:Pro’s:- Very well constructed, they don’t feel or look cheap. The Makita ‘teal’ matches throughout the CXT series and all parts seem to be put together very well. No creaks, no gaps, nothing wiggles.- Impressive battery life, and you can monitor this with the on-battery display- Charger has an indicator for “almost charged” so you can take an almost full battery out for use if you’re in a pinch- Makpac container is versatile, extensible and robust as a product line, and comes with a blow mould tray to keep the tools in place and “snug”- The impact driver has very impressive driving ability with 110Nm torque- Standard keyless chuck on the HP331D- LED Job Lights are nice and stay illuminated after releasing trigger- Speed selection on the HP331D is very firm, more so than the predecessor, which is good to stop any accidental switching or half switching- They seem slimmer by comparison to 18V models; perhaps allowing entry into tighter spaces, although the battery now adds extra bulk that the predecessor managed to do without.Con’s:- LED position leaves a lot to be desired same as previously- The Makpac offers some room to take bits with you, but the canvas bag with the previous model offered more room and a comfortable strap- Belt hooks would have been nicer as belt clips perhaps? I’m stretching here, there’s not really much fault I can find with these

Very good starter set. I wanted a set for DIY, wanted an impact driver so got the combined drill as well in the set. I chose the new 10.8v as I have aN Hitachi SDS for heavy duty stuff so didn't need the 18v. Makita with the new 10.8v have lots of other tools that can be added to set and again cost a lot less than the 18v.Pros2 good 2ah batteries with indicator of chargeExcellent quality and constructionLight weight and compact and good weight distributionGood storage case2 impact bits includedCombined drill excellent with 2 torque settingsImpact driver will easily driver 2 \3 inch screws into anythingCharging is quickGood price from amazonConsAs mentioned by some else impact driver is very loud by ear protectorsDrill in masonry up to 8 mm this is fine for most things but 10 mm would have been better ( like I said at the start I use SDS for larger holes)Overall a very good set which will handle pretty much any DIY task with trade quality tools and a very reasonable price from amazon. Just remember to order ear protectors for the impact driver.

These drill sets where a total surprise! When they arrived the build quality was absolutely outstanding. Even better than many household named drills I had bought before in the past.I was not expecting that much from a make I hadn't heard of before, but these shocked me just how well built they were! They are heavy (in a good way) for when you pick them up! You feel you have a serious piece of kit in your hands. They are both hard working, tackle any job, and both have lights which helps you to see into dark places. They hold bits very well, and work well together! So no need to keep changing from drilling to screw driving bits all the time. You can set them up for one to drill, whilst the other acts as a screw driver, cutting task time right down. I'd highly recommend buying these to anyone! You won't be disappointed with these drills, you'll feel the quality within them. A very happy customer! 😊

My husband noticed that all the builders and electricians use these Makita drills during our extension work so of course also wanted some for himself! Bought as a birthday present and I have to say they are brilliant. The case is robust and secured well with 4 tabs. The batteries on the drill last for ages on one charge and have a handy indicator light system to show how much juice is left in them. I've used them multiple times myself and yet to encounter anything they didn't tackle admirably. So far no complaints whatsoever!

So far so good but only used the drill which works fine. Good enough for domestic jobs but probably not substantial enough for professional use.Good value though. I would have given 5x but the box to hold the drills is made of plastic and feels a bit cheap and nasty.

I bought this set to replace an old 18V Black and Decker drill I've had for years - which to be honest has done me proud. Sentimentality aside, the Makita drill and impact driver were a great purchase. I've so far used them to drill and screw in to exterior brickwork to mount a new junction box. This required the hammer mode, which I was really impressed with. You get two identical double ended bits for the impact driver in the box, so I should have purchased a bit set at the same time. The box is very well made and the whole set is very solid and professional. The batteries charged very quickly - I'd estimate 20-30 minutes. I should have bought these years ago.

Ich liebe dieses Set für alle im Haushalt anfallenden Reparaturen. Die schweren 18V Geräte bleiben nun in der Werkstatt. Durch das geringe Gewicht macht längeres Arbeiten Spaß.Verglichen mit meinen 18V Geräten ist es gefühlt 75% der Leistung bei halben Gewicht. Und n 8er Loch in eine Betonwand geht auch problemlos. spart nur nicht an den Bohrern.