Makita 12V CXT 3/8" and 1/4" Ratchet RW01R1

Makita 12V CXT 3/8″ and 1/4″ Ratchet Put Two Cordless Ratchets in One Package

If you’ve ever gotten fatigued, either physically or mentally, from the monotony of swinging around a ratchet, the Makita 12V CXT 3/8″ and 1/4″ Ratchet has arrived to save the day. Able to generate up to 35 ft-lbs of torque, this is a tool that’s particularly effective in tighter spaces. Plus, it’s got one crazy feature that we’ve yet to see on a cordless ratcheting wrench—interchangeable drive sizes.

Super Sexy Features of the Makita 12V CXT 3/8″ and 1/4″ Ratchet

To date, this is the first time we’ve seen an interchangeable anvil on a cordless ratchet. The Makita RW01R1 lets you swap out a 1/4″ anvil for a 3/8″ and use two sets of sockets with one tool. That’s versatility, baby!

Instead of having the forward/reverse switch directly behind the drive, it shifts toward the top of the tool, keeping it in a familiar location.

When you’re ready to switch adapters, it’s a pretty easy process thanks to a friction ring design. You just insert a screwdriver tip in the back and tap to remove an adapter. Push the other adapter in a place and you’re ready to go.

Should you run out of juice in the middle of the job or want to snug up the last turn by feel, the Makita 12V CXT 3/8″ and 1/4″ Ratchet still functions as a ratchet if you’ve got to go at it manually.

Additional Features

LED light

Performance

The brushed motor delivers up to 35 ft-lbs of torque and features a variable speed control (0-800 RPM) for a wide variety of applications.

It’s an interesting choice to go with a brushed motor when brushless is all the rage. However, this type of tool isn’t held back in power and runtime, and a brushed motor helps keep the price a little lower.

Design

It’s also worth mentioning that Makita really went for it on the ergonomics. It has a rubberized soft grip to increase overall comfort and control. With the battery attached, everything weighs in at a trim 2.35 lbs.

The battery is an interesting challenge since Makita uses a slide-style pack for their 12V CXT system. They ended up sliding it parallel to the body. While this might not let you stand it up (we’ll have to see when we get one), it does keep the base area a bit slimmer.

Price

The Makita 12V ratchet, kitted with a 2.0Ah battery, charger, and two anvils, will run you $179 or so. The bare tool (Makita RW01Z) is $129. It comes with a 3-year warranty on the tool, battery, and charger.

Considering Makita is eliminating the need for separate 3/8″ and 1/4″ cordless ratchets, it’s a solid value for mechanics and weekend gearheads.