Makita is one of the major router brands sold in the UK, and knowing which router bits fit which of their models is essential before you buy. This guide covers every current Makita router — plunge, trim, and cordless — along with the shank sizes each one accepts, recommended bit brands, and where to buy in the UK.
Makita Router Model Compatibility Table
Every Makita router listed below, with its native collet options, speed range, and typical use. Cross-reference with your specific model before buying bits.
| Model | Accepted Collets | Speed (RPM) | Power / Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita RT0700C | 6mm / 8mm / 1/4″ | 10,000–30,000 rpm | Trim/palm router, 710W | Ships with 6mm; 1/4″ and 8mm collets sold separately (763666-4, 763662-2) |
| Makita DRT50 | 6mm / 8mm / 1/4″ | 10,000–30,000 rpm | 18V LXT cordless trim router | Same collet family as RT0700C |
| Makita RP0900X | 1/4″ / 8mm / 6mm | 27,000 rpm | 900W plunge router | Compact plunge — up to 35mm cutters |
| Makita RP1800FX | 1/4″ / 8mm / 1/2″ | 8,000–22,000 rpm VS | 1800W plunge with variable speed | Full professional plunge — accepts all sizes |
| Makita RP2301FCX | 1/4″ / 8mm / 1/2″ | 9,000–22,000 rpm VS | 2100W constant-speed plunge | Flagship plunge — best for router table |
| Makita 3612C | 1/4″ / 1/2″ | 9,000–23,000 rpm VS | 1850W plunge, replaced by RP2301FCX | Legacy but still widely used |
Buy Makita Router Bits on Amazon UK
Collet System Overview
Makita routers use conventional ER-style collets with standard 1/4″, 8mm, and 1/2″ options. All plunge models (RP0900X upward) accept both 1/4″ and 8mm bits with the correct collet. Trim routers (RT0700C, DRT50) max out at 1/4″ / 8mm — no 1/2″ option.
Shank Size Rules
No router bit will safely work in a collet that doesn’t match its shank. Always verify:
| Shank Size | Actual Diameter | Stiffness (relative) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 inch | 6.35mm | 1.0× baseline | Small profiles, trim work, bits under 35mm cutter |
| 6mm | 6.00mm | 0.8× | Metric bits — not interchangeable with 1/4″ |
| 8mm | 8.00mm | 2.5× | Mid-size bits, European standard |
| 1/2 inch | 12.70mm | 16× | Large profiles, production work, router table |
For a deep dive into shank sizes, see our router shank sizes guide.
Best Router Bits for Makita Routers
Router bits themselves are not brand-specific — any TCT bit with the correct shank size will fit a Makita router. These are the bit brands that work especially well:
| Bit Brand | Shank Range | Why It’s a Good Match |
|---|---|---|
| Trend CraftPro | 1/4″ & 1/2″ | Excellent value TCT bits, wide range |
| Freud Diablo | 1/4″ & 1/2″ | Professional-grade, Italian-made |
| CMT Orange | 1/4″ / 8mm / 1/2″ | Premium TCT, good for production |
Buy Trend CraftPro Router Bits on Amazon UK
How to Swap Makita Router Bits Safely
Step 1: Unplug the router or remove the battery. Never change bits with power connected.
Step 2: Engage the spindle lock (usually a button on the router body). Some Makita models need two spanners instead of a lock — check your manual.
Step 3: Loosen the collet nut, typically half a turn counter-clockwise. The bit should release after a partial turn.
Step 4: Clean the bit shank and the inside of the collet with a dry cloth. Any debris causes runout and poor finish.
Step 5: Insert the new bit to the full depth minus about 2mm (don’t bottom it out against the collet taper). Tighten firmly but don’t over-torque — just past snug is enough.
Common Makita Router Bit Problems
Bit Slips or Walks Out
Almost always a contaminated or worn collet. Clean with brake cleaner, inspect for wear, replace if worn. Never try to solve slippage by over-tightening the collet nut — you can damage the collet.
Chatter or Vibration
Check you’re using the right shank size for the bit (1/2″ for anything over 35mm cutter). Also check router speed matches bit rating. Reduce speed for larger-diameter cutters.
Poor Finish on Hardwood
Usually bit dullness or too-fast feed rate. On hardwood, reduce feed, take multiple passes, and consider upgrading to a 1/2″ shank bit for stiffer cutting.
Where to Buy Makita Router Bits in the UK
Makita OEM bits and compatible third-party options are available from Amazon UK, Tooled Up, Axminster, FFX, and direct from specialist router-bit retailers like Wealden Tool.
Buy Makita Profile Bits on Amazon UK
Buy Makita Router Bits at Tooled Up
Related Guides
- Router Bit Compatibility Hub
- 1/4 vs 1/2 Inch Router Bits
- 8mm vs 1/4 vs 1/2 Router Shank Sizes
- Router Collet Compatibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Which router bits fit Makita routers?
Any standard router bit with the correct shank size — 1/4 inch, 8mm, or 1/2 inch depending on your Makita model. See the compatibility table above for which shanks each Makita router accepts.
Are Makita-branded router bits better than third-party bits?
Makita OEM bits are perfectly good but not necessarily better than premium third-party options like Trend CraftPro, Freud Diablo, or CMT Orange. Bit quality depends on carbide grade, grind quality, and balance — not the brand on the router.
Can I use 1/2 inch bits in a Makita trim/palm router?
No. Trim routers (Makita palm routers) only accept 1/4 inch (and sometimes 6mm or 8mm) shanks — physically the 1/2 inch shank is too big to fit. You need a full-size Makita plunge router for 1/2 inch bits.
Do I need a special collet for 8mm bits in a Makita router?
Yes. Most Makita routers ship with a 1/4 inch collet only. An 8mm collet is usually available as an optional accessory — check Makita spare parts for the correct part number for your model.
How tight should the collet nut be on a Makita router?
Firm but not over-torqued. A good rule of thumb is about 10–15 Nm, or — without a torque wrench — as tight as you can get it with one hand on a 150mm spanner. Over-tightening deforms the collet and ruins it.
How often should I clean my Makita router collet?
Every 10–15 hours of use, or whenever you see dust build-up. A quick wipe with brake cleaner or IPA and a dry cloth takes 30 seconds and prevents slippage.