Intro
Anyone who works on renovation or construction sites knows that the jobs that take the longest are rarely the big obvious ones — it is the awkward cuts, the tight-corner sanding, and the flush trimming in spaces where no standard saw or sander fits. An oscillating multi-tool excels at exactly these tasks, but not all multi-tools are created equal. The width of the oscillation angle determines how fast you cut versus how much control you have. The vibration level determines how long you can work before your hands go numb. The accessory mounting system determines how quickly you can swap between cutting, sanding, and scraping — and whether you can use blades from multiple brands. And on cordless models, the motor technology dictates how much work you get from each battery charge. If you use a multi-tool daily on professional jobs, spending more on a model that excels in all of these areas is not a luxury — it is a genuine productivity investment that pays for itself in faster work, less fatigue, and fewer blade-change interruptions.
Generalities
Makita's DTM52 is the latest generation of their 18V LXT cordless oscillating multi-tool, replacing the well-regarded DTM51 with meaningful upgrades across the board. The most significant changes are a wider oscillation angle (3.6 degrees versus 3.2), improved Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT) that brings vibration down to just 2.5 m/s² across all applications, and full StarlockMax compatibility — meaning it accepts the largest, most aggressive blades in the Starlock ecosystem. The tool also features a 360-degree rotating head with 12 indexed positions at 30-degree intervals, letting you orient the blade at any angle without twisting your wrist. This DTM52ZJX2 kit version includes the bare tool plus a MAKPAC accessory kit, making it a comprehensive package for professional users. At around €322, it sits at the very top of the multi-tool market in terms of both features and price.
This review examines how the wider oscillation angle affects real-world cutting speed, whether the AVT system makes a genuine difference during extended use, how the 360-degree head rotation changes the way you work in practice, and what the MAKPAC accessory kit adds to the package. We also compare it to key rivals — particularly the Bosch GOP 18V-34 — to help you decide whether the Makita's extra features justify its higher price.
Description
The Makita DTM52ZJX2 is the brand's flagship cordless oscillating multi-tool, powered by an 18-volt brushless motor on the LXT battery platform. It delivers an oscillation angle of 3.6 degrees (split as 2 × 1.8° left and right) — noticeably wider than the 2.8 degrees found on most competing multi-tools, including Bosch's GOP range. The result is faster material removal per oscillation, especially noticeable when cutting through timber and plasterboard. The tool weighs 2.0 kg with a standard BL1850B 5.0 Ah battery fitted and measures 322 × 95 × 126 mm (L × H × W). It is compatible with all three tiers of the Starlock system — Starlock, StarlockPlus, and StarlockMax — giving it access to the widest possible range of professional accessories. The kit includes the bare tool, a MAKPAC stackable carry case, and an accessory set for cutting, sanding, and scraping.
The standout design feature is the 360-degree rotating tool head. The entire front section of the tool — blade mount, motor interface, and locking mechanism — can be rotated through a full circle and locked at any of 12 indexed positions (every 30 degrees) using a quick-release lever. This means you can orient a saw blade horizontally to cut under a skirting board, angle a scraper to follow a curved moulding, or position a sanding pad to work along a narrow edge — all without twisting your wrist into an uncomfortable position. The AVT (Anti-Vibration Technology) system uses a counterbalance mechanism inside the tool to cancel out much of the oscillation force before it reaches the handle, bringing vibration down to a measured 2.5 m/s² — significantly lower than the 5.5–7.0 m/s² of the previous DTM51 generation and among the lowest in any oscillating multi-tool.
In daily professional use, the wider oscillation angle is immediately noticeable. Cutting through 18 mm plywood or plasterboard happens perceptibly faster than on a 2.8-degree tool, and the extra bite is especially welcome when plunge-cutting into dense materials like hardwood flooring. The StarlockMax compatibility is another practical advantage — StarlockMax blades have a larger contact surface and transfer more power, which combined with the wider oscillation angle makes the DTM52 one of the fastest-cutting multi-tools on the market. The tool-free blade change uses Starlock's press-and-lock system with a lever, and the blade release is positioned so you can operate it with a gloved hand. The brushless motor runs efficiently — a 5.0 Ah battery delivers good runtime for a morning's intermittent cutting, and the motor protection circuitry prevents overheating during sustained heavy use.
The MAKPAC accessory kit included in this bundle adds real value. Makita's MAKPAC system is a modular stacking case range similar to Bosch's L-BOXX and DEWALT's TSTAK, and the included case holds the tool plus a starter selection of blades, sanding pads, and scrapers. The exact accessory inventory varies by kit, but typically includes multiple saw blades for wood and metal, a rigid scraper, a sanding pad with abrasive sheets, and sometimes a depth-stop attachment. The MAKPAC case clips onto other Makita cases for organised transport and van storage. The tool itself has a rubberised over-mould grip, a variable-speed dial (not a trigger), and an LED job light. It lacks a battery fuel gauge on the tool body — you rely on the battery's own indicator lights.
At €322.00 on Amazon.fr, the DTM52ZJX2 MAKPAC kit is a premium investment. However, the included accessory kit and MAKPAC case offset some of that cost compared to buying a bare tool and accessories separately. The tool holds a 4.2 out of 5 stars rating from 51 customer reviews and ranks #83,300 in DIY & Tools and #123 in Rotary Tools on Amazon.fr. The product is manufactured to Makita's specifications (country of origin not listed in the database). The warranty terms are not explicitly stated in the product listing — Makita typically offers 3 years on professional tools when registered, but buyers should confirm with the seller.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Widest oscillation angle in its class at 3.6 degrees — cuts faster than standard 2.8-degree multi-tools, especially noticeable when plunging into hardwood or cutting through thick plasterboard
- AVT vibration control brings vibration down to just 2.5 m/s² — among the lowest of any oscillating multi-tool, meaning you can work for hours without the hand numbness that plagues cheaper models
- Fully compatible with Starlock, StarlockPlus, and StarlockMax accessories — the widest blade compatibility of any multi-tool, letting you use the most aggressive professional blades available
- 360-degree rotating head with 12 indexed positions at 30-degree intervals — you can orient the blade at any angle without twisting your wrist, a genuine advantage when working in tight or awkward spaces
- Brushless motor runs more efficiently, stays cooler, and has electronic overload protection — combined with LXT battery compatibility, it delivers reliable all-day performance for professional use
- MAKPAC accessory kit included in the bundle provides a starter set of blades, pads, and scrapers plus a modular stacking case — better value than buying a bare tool and sourcing accessories separately
- Compared to the outgoing DTM51, this model is lighter (2.0 kg vs 2.2 kg), more compact, has a wider oscillation angle, dramatically lower vibration, and adds StarlockMax compatibility — a comprehensive generational upgrade
Cons
- At €322, it is one of the most expensive multi-tools on the market — even with the MAKPAC kit included, this is firmly premium pricing that puts it out of reach for casual DIY users
- No battery fuel gauge on the tool body — you have to check the battery's own indicator lights, which is less convenient than having an on-tool LED display showing remaining charge
- At 2.0 kg with a 5.0 Ah battery fitted, it is heavier than the Bosch GOP 18V-34 (1.05 kg bare) — the wider oscillation angle and AVT mechanism add mass, which helps dampen vibration but makes overhead work more tiring
- Only 51 customer reviews on Amazon.fr at time of writing — while the 4.2 star rating is positive, the sample size is small compared to competitors with hundreds of reviews, making long-term reliability harder to assess
- The variable-speed dial rather than a progressive trigger means you cannot adjust cutting speed on the fly by varying finger pressure — you must stop and turn the dial, which interrupts workflow on jobs requiring frequent speed changes
Use cases
The Makita DTM52ZJX2 is built for professional tradespeople who demand the fastest cutting, lowest vibration, and most versatile blade compatibility in a cordless multi-tool — and who are already invested in the Makita 18V LXT battery platform.
Heavy-Duty Renovation and Structural Work
When you are cutting through multiple layers of flooring, notching joists, or trimming structural timbers, the 3.6-degree oscillation angle and StarlockMax blade compatibility provide the fastest material removal of any cordless multi-tool. The AVT system keeps your hands comfortable even during long sessions of aggressive cutting.
Cutting in Confined and Awkward-Angle Spaces
The 360-degree rotating head is a game-changer when you need to cut under a low skirting board, trim a pipe behind a toilet, or make a horizontal cut against a ceiling. Instead of contorting your wrist, you rotate the head to the right angle and hold the tool naturally — reducing strain and improving cut accuracy.
Professional Flooring and Trim Installation
Undercutting door casings and architraves for new flooring is faster with the wider oscillation angle, and the 360-degree head lets you orient the blade perfectly flush with the subfloor. The MAKPAC case keeps all your multi-tool accessories organised and stacks with other Makita cases in the van.
Extended Sanding Sessions on Multiple Materials
The 2.5 m/s² vibration level is low enough for comfortable all-day sanding — critical when refinishing staircases, window frames, or furniture where you spend hours with the tool in hand. The brushless motor runs efficiently, giving consistent runtime from a 5.0 Ah battery.
Full Makita 18V LXT Ecosystem Integration
If you already own Makita 18V LXT tools, the DTM52 slots straight into your existing battery and charger setup. No new battery platform to buy into, no additional chargers cluttering the van. The MAKPAC case stacks with your other Makita storage, keeping everything organised and transportable.