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If you are shopping for a makita cordless drill 9.6 volt, you are probably looking for something light, easy to handle and good for small jobs rather than heavy framing or masonry. The 9.6V class sits at the compact end of the cordless lineup. It is easier to hold for long stretches, fits into tight spaces and tends to suit tasks like hanging shelves, assembling flat-pack furniture, driving screws into soft wood and tightening fixtures. The trade-off is less torque and shorter run time than 12V or 18V tools, so the right pick depends on what you plan to drive and how often. This guide focuses on the criteria that matter most for a 9.6V Makita: torque and clutch settings, battery type and charge time, chuck style, weight and balance, and whether the drill comes as a bare tool or a kit with a charger and batteries.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Makita 9.6V Ni-Cd Cordless Drill Driver Kit | Budget-minded home users | Lightweight compact body with two-speed gearbox |
| Makita 9.6V Ni-MH Cordless Drill Driver Kit | Occasional DIY and furniture assembly | Nickel-metal hydride batteries with less memory effect |
| Makita 9.6V Drill Driver with Charger | Buyers who want a ready-to-use kit | Included charger and battery pack |
| Makita 9.6V Compact Drill Driver (bare tool) | Users who already own a charger | Lower-cost bare tool option |
| Makita 9.6V Right-Angle Style Drill | Tight cabinet and under-sink work | Compact head for confined spaces |
| Makita 9.6V Two-Battery Drill Kit | Longer sessions without waiting | Spare battery for continuous work |
| Makita 9.6V Keyless Chuck Drill | Quick bit changes | Keyless chuck for fast swaps |
| Makita 9.6V Drill with LED Work Light | Dim cabinets and closets | Built-in LED light |
| Makita 9.6V Heavy-Duty Compact Drill | Harder screws and light metal | Higher-torque clutch setting |
The order below runs from the most general-purpose choices to more specialized ones. Check the current listing for exact specifications, since Makita sometimes revises kit contents and battery chemistry.
Makita 9.6V Ni-Cd Cordless Drill Driver Kit
Who it’s for: Homeowners who want a light, inexpensive first drill for hanging pictures, assembling furniture and light repairs, and who don’t mind a Nickel-Cadmium battery.
Key specs
- Voltage: 9.6V
- Battery chemistry: Nickel-Cadmium
- Chuck: Keyed, 3/8 inch class
- Two-speed gearbox
Pros
- Light and easy to hold for long screwing sessions
- Simple controls for beginners
- Budget-friendly entry into the Makita system
Cons
- Ni-Cd packs are heavier for their capacity and must be fully discharged to avoid memory effect
- Limited torque for larger screws or hardwood
Makita 9.6V Ni-MH Cordless Drill Driver Kit
Who it’s for: Occasional DIYers who want a 9.6V drill with a newer battery chemistry and fewer memory concerns than older Ni-Cd packs.
Key specs
- Voltage: 9.6V
- Battery chemistry: Nickel-Metal Hydride
- Two-speed gearbox with adjustable clutch
- Keyed chuck
Pros
- Ni-MH generally holds up better to partial top-off charges than Ni-Cd
- Good balance of weight and grip for overhead work
- Clutch settings help prevent stripped screw heads
Cons
- Self-discharges faster when stored unused for long periods
- Run time is modest for multi-room projects
Makita 9.6V Drill Driver with Charger
Who it’s for: Buyers who want everything in the box, with a charger and battery ready on day one, and who don’t already own Makita batteries.
Key specs
- Voltage: 9.6V
- Includes charger and battery pack
- Two-speed gearbox
- Keyed chuck
Pros
- No separate purchase needed to start working
- Good first kit for a new Makita owner
- Charger matches the included pack
Cons
- Single battery means a pause while it charges
- Kit contents can vary by listing, so confirm before buying
Makita 9.6V Compact Drill Driver (bare tool)
Who it’s for: Owners who already have a compatible Makita 9.6V battery and charger and only need the drill body.
Key specs
- Voltage: 9.6V
- Bare tool, no battery or charger included
- Two-speed gearbox
- Keyed chuck
Pros
- Lower total outlay if you already own 9.6V packs
- Same grip and balance as the kit versions
- Good for adding a second drill to a workstation
Cons
- Requires a compatible battery and charger you may not have
- Not suited to buyers starting from zero
Makita 9.6V Right-Angle Style Drill
Who it’s for: Anyone working under sinks, inside cabinets or in wall cavities where a straight drill body won’t fit.
Key specs
- Voltage: 9.6V
- Compact right-angle or low-profile head design
- Keyed chuck
Pros
- Reaches fasteners in tight corners
- Reduces wrist strain in confined work
- Compact body stores easily
Cons
- Less torque than a full-size drill
- Specialized use, so not ideal as a only drill
Makita 9.6V Two-Battery Drill Kit
Who it’s for: Users who run through a battery in one sitting and want to swap packs instead of waiting on a charge.
Key specs
- Voltage: 9.6V
- Two battery packs included
- Two-speed gearbox
- Keyed chuck
Pros
- Continuous work with a charged pack always ready
- Good for multi-step projects like cabinet assembly
- Spare pack doubles as backup
Cons
- Heavier setup than single-battery kits
- Both packs age over time, so storage habits matter
Makita 9.6V Keyless Chuck Drill
Who it’s for: Users who switch between driver bits and drill bits often and want to skip the chuck key.
Key specs
- Voltage: 9.6V
- Keyless chuck
- Two-speed gearbox
Pros
- Fast bit changes with one hand
- Helpful for repetitive screw driving
- No key to lose
Cons
- Keyless chucks can loosen under heavy reversing use
- Typically lighter-duty grip than keyed heavy models
Makita 9.6V Drill with LED Work Light
Who it’s for: Anyone drilling in closets, basements or dim crawlspaces where a built-in light makes the aim easier.
Key specs
- Voltage: 9.6V
- Integrated LED work light
- Two-speed gearbox
Pros
- Lights the hole location without a separate flashlight
- Helpful for pilot holes in dark cabinets
- Useful for low-light assembly
Cons
- Light runs off the same battery and shortens run time slightly
- Light is a convenience, not a substitute for proper work lighting
Makita 9.6V Heavy-Duty Compact Drill
Who it’s for: Users who want the most torque available in the 9.6V class for driving longer screws or working light metal.
Key specs
- Voltage: 9.6V
- Higher-torque clutch setting
- Keyed chuck
Pros
- More driving force than basic compact models
- Stays compact for confined work
- Good step up for users outgrowing light tasks
Cons
- Still less torque than 12V or 18V drills
- Not a substitute for an impact driver on long lag screws
Buying Guide
Selection criteria
The most useful way to compare 9.6V Makita drills is by the jobs you plan to do. Torque matters most for driving screws into hardwood or lag screws. Battery chemistry and capacity determine how long you can work between charges. Chuck style and weight determine how comfortable the drill is for overhead and repetitive work. Because the 9.6V class is small, check each feature against what your typical project requires rather than assuming the most powerful option is always best.
Important features
- Clutch settings: Adjustable clutch collars help prevent stripped screws and overdriven fasteners. Look for a clearly marked range.
- Two-speed gearbox: A low-speed setting gives more torque for driving, and a high-speed setting is useful for drilling.
- Chuck type: Keyed chucks grip bits firmly. Keyless chucks change bits faster.
- Grip and balance: A drill that sits in the hand without tipping forward is easier to control for long sessions.
Specs to check
- Voltage (9.6V nominal for this class)
- Battery chemistry: Nickel-Cadmium or Nickel-Metal Hydride
- Battery capacity in amp-hours, when listed
- Number of batteries and whether a charger is included
- Maximum torque setting and number of clutch positions, as specified by the manufacturer
- Chuck size and type
Choosing by need
- General home use: A two-speed kit with a clutch and keyed chuck covers most jobs.
- Furniture assembly: A clutch-equipped model with a comfortable grip reduces cam-over and stripped heads.
- Tight spaces: A right-angle or compact-head drill makes under-cabinet work practical.
- Long sessions: A two-battery kit keeps you working while one pack charges.
- Driving longer screws: A heavy-duty compact model gives the most torque in this class, but a 12V or 18V drill may be a better choice for lag screws.
Things to watch out for
- Battery type: Older Ni-Cd packs need occasional full discharges to limit memory effect. Ni-MH packs self-discharge faster in storage.
- Kit contents: Listings differ. Confirm whether a battery and charger are included.
- Platform compatibility: Makita batteries and tools are sold in separate families. Make sure your pack matches the drill’s voltage and connector.
- Torque expectations: A 9.6V drill is not built for heavy masonry or large-diameter holes. Consult a professional for structural work.
For a deeper look at evaluating a drill before purchase, see How to Evaluate a Cordless Drill Before You Buy. If you are choosing a drill for general home projects, How to Choose a Cordless Drill for Home Use walks through the same criteria in more detail. Battery and charger compatibility is covered in Choosing a Cordless Tool System: Voltage, Platform and First Tools and 12V vs 18V/20V Max vs Higher-Voltage Cordless Tools.
FAQ
Is a 9.6V Makita drill strong enough for furniture assembly?
Yes, for most flat-pack furniture and cabinet assembly. Use a low-speed setting and a clutch to avoid stripping screw heads. For hardwood or large lag screws, a higher-voltage drill is usually a better fit.
Should I choose Ni-Cd or Ni-MH batteries?
Ni-MH is generally the more modern choice and tends to tolerate partial charges better than Ni-Cd. Ni-Cd packs can still work well, but they should be discharged fully from time to time. Check the battery chemistry in the listing before you buy.
Can I use a 9.6V drill for drilling into masonry?
Light drilling into soft masonry with a suitable bit is possible, but a hammer drill is better for concrete and brick. See How to Drill into Tile, Brick and Concrete and Hammer Drills: When You Need Hammer Mode (and When You Need a Rotary Hammer).
What is the difference between a drill and an impact driver?
A drill applies steady rotational force and is best for holes and general screw driving. An impact driver delivers rapid rotational bursts and is better for long fasteners. See Drill vs Impact Driver: Which Do You Need? for a fuller comparison.
Do I need a keyless chuck?
Not necessarily. Keyless chucks are faster for bit changes, but keyed chucks grip bits more firmly. If you change bits often, a keyless model is convenient. Otherwise, either style works.
How do I stop a 9.6V drill from stripping screws?
Set the clutch to a lower number, start with a pilot hole in hardwood, and drive at low speed. Stop when the screw head is flush. Clutch behavior and recommended settings vary by model, so check the manufacturer’s guidance.
Which drill bits work with a 9.6V Makita?
Standard 3/8 inch shank drill and driver bits fit most keyed-chuck models. For specific materials, see Drill Bit Types: Which Bit for Wood, Metal, Masonry and Tile and How to Evaluate Drill Bits, Saw Blades and Tool Batteries.
Conclusion
A makita cordless drill 9.6 volt is best suited to light home projects, furniture assembly, small repairs and tight-space work. For a first drill with everything included, the kit with a charger and battery is the simplest starting point. Buyers who already own compatible batteries can save by choosing a bare tool. If you work in cramped spaces, a right-angle style model is worth considering. Users who run long sessions should look at a two-battery kit, while anyone driving heavy fasteners or working in masonry should consider a higher-voltage drill instead. Match the drill to your most frequent task, check the battery chemistry and included accessories, and the 9.6V class can handle a wide range of everyday jobs.
