Makita PH05R1 12V max CXT Brushless 3/8-in Hammer Driver-Drill Kit (2.0Ah, Earlier) review

Makita’s PH05R1 is the earlier battery-included kit version of its 12V max CXT brushless 3/8-in hammer driver-drill family. The exact U.S. PH05R1 page now labels the kit discontinued, so this assessment is for historical comparison—not a statement that a seller has stock, that a used unit is complete, or that its batteries remain serviceable. The exact model flyer documents the kit contents; the shared PH05 instruction manual describes the drill body. No ownership or performance testing is claimed.

What the earlier kit actually contained

The PH05R1 flyer lists the PH05 hammer driver-drill, two BL1021B 2.0Ah CXT batteries, a DC10WD charger and a tool case. The exact product page separately identifies the model as PH05R1 and marks it discontinued. These are package-specific facts: the kit is not the PH05Z tool-only SKU, and the PH05Z page’s exclusion of a battery and charger does not describe PH05R1. For any particular secondhand or old-stock offer, the written seller list, package suffix, both battery labels, charger and case need their own verification.

Makita’s flyer product image also shows the kit equipment, but the written standard-equipment list is the source for what was included. The PH05 manual says the hook is a separately installed accessory and does not establish that a hook was in the PH05R1 carton. Do not infer additional bits, a bag, a side handle or other accessories from a photograph or a family parts diagram.

The drill’s three documented operating modes

The PH05 manual describes rotation-only drilling, hammer drilling and screwdriving with a clutch. It lists two no-load ranges—0–450 and 0–1,500 rpm—and hammer rates up to 6,750 and 22,500 blows per minute. Makita’s model flyer says the brushless motor is rated at 280 in-lb maximum torque and has an 18-position clutch. Those are manufacturer specifications, not measured output or a head-to-head test.

The exact PH05 chuck is keyless and rated for a 3/8-in shank. The manual separately lists 3/8-in steel, 1-1/8-in wood and 5/16-in concrete capacities; a chuck opening is not a promise of a matching hole size in every material. For hammer drilling, Makita directs users to a tungsten-carbide-tipped bit and cautions about sudden twisting force when a hole breaks through, clogs or encounters reinforcing rod. It says not to force a blocked hole and to keep a firm grip. For wood-screw work the manual calls for a correctly set clutch and recommends a pilot hole; it warns against using the tool for tasks that require excessive force. Check the exact manual and workpiece rather than extending the listed capacities to another bit or material.

Battery, weight and clearance are package-specific

The PH05R1 is a 12V max CXT slide-battery kit, not an LXT or other brand’s 12V tool. The manual identifies BL1016, BL1021B and BL1041B as PH05-family battery cartridges and says to use genuine Makita batteries. The exact kit flyer names the two BL1021B 2.0Ah packs and DC10WD charger. Do not substitute these included items for the contents or compatibility statements of another Makita package.

The 2.4-lb figure is with a battery, not bare-tool weight. The manual lists 2.4 lb with BL1016/BL1021B and 2.8 lb with BL1041B. Its 6-5/8-in dimension is overall length; the sources do not state a tool-head measurement. That means this kit cannot be confirmed against a ≤6-in tool-head requirement, and the whole assembly may need more room for the installed battery, bit and hand than an overall body measurement suggests.

Earlier kit versus the PH05Z package

The current exact PH05Z manufacturer page describes the same PH05 body as tool-only, with no battery or charger included, while the PH05R1 flyer is the source for the earlier kit contents. The manual is shared because it covers the PH05 model family; kit equipment is not shared by assumption. The maker’s discontinued banner applies to PH05R1. The PH05Z page checked on November 1, 2026 did not carry that banner, but neither page proves current seller availability. A buyer comparing an old PH05R1 offer with a PH05Z search result should treat them as different retail configurations and inspect the exact model mark and supplied equipment.

Other CXT arrangements answer different needs. FD09R1 is a current-reference 3/8-in driver-drill kit with no documented hammer mode; FD10R1 uses a 1/4-in hex interface; CT232 is a separate drill/impact-driver combo. The PH05R1 adds hammer action but is the discontinued package in this group. If a buyer specifically needs a battery-included CXT hammer drill, enabling earlier packages is necessary for this reviewed library to surface PH05R1—but that filter is not evidence of stock, condition or an offer. If current-only status matters, PH05Z is the tool-only hammer option, so battery and charger must be sourced separately.

Fit verdict and buying checks

On paper, PH05R1’s useful distinction is a documented three-mode 3/8-in hammer driver-drill body with two 2.0Ah batteries, charger and case in the earlier package. Its limits are equally specific: 3/8-in rather than 1/2-in chuck capacity, a 5/16-in maker-listed concrete capacity, no confirmed tool-head length and a discontinued status. Before considering a particular listing, check for the exact PH05R1 suffix, both correct BL1021B packs, the DC10WD, case, visible damage, charger condition, battery age and return terms. Confirm that the manual’s instructions and stated capacities suit the intended task. The assessment does not claim to locate a live offer or verify any individual used package.

Primary references: Makita PH05R1 U.S. product page; PH05 instruction manual; PH05R1/PH05Z package flyer.