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Makita has introduced the TD023DSE Cordless Pen Impact Driver Kit, the replacement for the long-running TD022D. It is a 7.2V tool built for one specific problem: driving fasteners in places where a normal impact driver simply will not fit. Here is an honest look at what is good and what is not.

The Good

• Two-position handle — the body converts from a straight barrel to a pistol grip without tools. Straight for reaching into a duct, a ceiling void or the back of a cabinet; pistol for overhead work and for putting your weight behind the fastener.
• It actually fits where nothing else does — 229mm long as a pistol, 285mm as a straight barrel, and 42mm across. That is the whole reason this tool exists.
• Light enough to hold all day — 0.58kg with the battery fitted, which is roughly a third of a typical 18V impact driver.
• Enough torque for its job — 25Nm, 0–2,450rpm and 0–3,000ipm. That handles self-tapping screws, trunking, DB panel work and cabinet hardware without complaint.
• Standard 1/4" hex quick-change chuck — takes the same bits as the rest of your kit. No proprietary accessories to buy.
• The kit is better value than the bare tool — see the maths below.

The Not-So-Good

• 7.2V is an island — the BL0715 battery does not fit anything else you own. If you run 12V CXT or 18V LXT, this tool brings its own battery, its own charger and its own charging spot on the bench.
• 25Nm is not much — fine for fasteners, useless for anything structural. This does not replace an 18V or 40V impact driver; it sits alongside one.
• The kit costs 18V money — at $273.61 it is priced above a full HP330D hammer driver drill kit. You are paying for the form factor, not the performance.
• 1.5Ah batteries only — there is no larger pack on this platform, so heavy days mean swapping.
• Newly released — no long field record yet, unlike the TD022D it replaces, which has been on sites here for years.

Kit or Bare Tool? The Maths

Both versions are on our catalogue, and this is one of the rare cases where the kit is clearly the better buy.

• TD023DSE kit — $273.61. Includes two BL0715 1.5Ah batteries, a DC10WA charger and a carry case.
• TD023DZ bare tool — $116.66. Tool only.

Buying the bare tool and adding the parts separately comes to $334.66 — $116.66 for the tool, $136.00 for two BL0715 batteries at $68.00 each, and $82.00 for the DC10WA charger. The kit saves you $61.05 and throws in the case.

The bare tool only makes sense if you already run 7.2V Makita and have spare BL0715 packs on the shelf.

TD023DSE or the Older TD022D?

The TD022DSE kit is $256.76, about $17 less. Both are 25Nm, both convert between straight and pistol, both run the same BL0715 battery and DC10WA charger. If you want the current model with the newer body, take the TD023DSE. If you are replacing a tool on a site that already runs TD022Ds and you want everything matching, the older kit is still a sound buy and we hold it in stock.

Who It's For

This is a specialist's tool, not a general one. It earns its place for electricians working inside DB boards and trunking, air-conditioning installers fixing into tight plenum spaces, lift and panel technicians, cabinet and furniture fitters driving into carcass backs, and anyone who spends the day with their hand inside something. If you mostly work in open space, buy an 18V driver instead.

Specifications

• Max fastening torque: 25Nm
• No load speed: 0–2,450rpm
• Impact rate: 0–3,000ipm
• Chuck: 6.35mm (1/4") hex, quick-change
• Overall length: 229mm pistol style, 285mm straight style
• Net weight: 0.58kg with battery
• Battery: 7.2V 1.5Ah Li-ion (BL0715) x 2
• Charger: DC10WA
• Supplied in a carry case

Availability

The TD023DSE is available to order from A.C.T. Hardware. Stock moves quickly on a tool this specialised, so call either showroom to confirm before you make the trip — if the kit is between shipments, we hold the TD022D kit and can usually get the TD023DSE in on a short lead time.

View the Makita TD023DSE Pen Impact Driver Kit →

Prefer to handle it first? Both showrooms are open to the trade and the public:

Geylang showroom
645 Geylang Road, Singapore 389575
+65 6546 7446

Nordcom Two
2 Gambas Crescent #03-19, Nordcom Two, Singapore 757044
+65 6255 3446