Makita 12V Cordless Handheld Vacuum CL117FD
£125.95
Makita CL117FD 12V Cordless Vacuum Cleaner — Lightweight (1.0 kg), bagless capsule vacuum with built‑in 2.0Ah 12V Li‑ion battery, 3 suction modes, LED worklight and a 0.65 L dust capsule. Fast 2‑hour charge and includes charger, telescopic pipe and nozzles — perfect for quick cleanups and tight spaces.
Description
The Makita CL117FD is a compact 12V cordless capsule vacuum aimed at quick pick-ups, car cleaning and small‑space upkeep rather than whole‑house deep cleaning. It’s light and simple to use — a practical choice if you need a handheld that’s easy to carry, store and get out for fast jobs.
Who this suits
- Small flats, student digs or anyone who wants a lightweight tool for crumbs, dust and surface dirt.
- Car owners who need a portable cleaner for interiors and boot areas.
- People who value a very light, one‑handed device rather than a full‑size upright or cylinder vacuum.Not ideal as a primary cleaner for large homes, very soiled carpets or long continuous cleaning sessions because of its modest tank size and 12V power.
Key specifications that matter
| Spec | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Voltage / Battery | 12 V, built‑in 2 Ah lithium‑ion — a low‑voltage system intended for short, intermittent use. |
| Dust capacity | 0.65 litre capsule — small; expect frequent emptying in regular household use. |
| Suction / Airflow | Max sealed suction 5.0 kPa; max airflow 1 m³/min (1,000 litres/min) — typical of compact handhelds and suitable for light debris. |
| Speed modes | 3 speeds (Normal, High, Max) — lets you balance suction and battery use for different tasks. |
| Weight | Net weight 1.0 kg — notably light and easy to manoeuvre one‑handed. |
| Charging | Charger included; charging time listed as 2 hours — relatively quick recharge. |
| Design/features | Capsule (no paper bags), LED worklight, pipe locking mechanism, bevelled pipe end, indication/warning light, one‑touch button. |
| Included | Integrated 2 Ah battery, charger, telescopic pipe, nozzle, sash nozzle; no storage case. |
Practical use and everyday implications
- The 0.65 litre capsule is convenient (no bags) but small: for a typical household you’ll empty it frequently if you use it for kitchen crumbs or pet fur. For car interiors it’s a sensible size.
- The 3 speed settings give flexibility: Normal for light quick jobs, High or Max for more stubborn bits. Expect shorter usable runtime at higher speeds because this is a 12V/2Ah battery.
- The LED worklight and bevelled pipe end help with tight corners, under seats and along skirting boards, improving usefulness in cars and dim areas.
- At 1.0 kg the unit is genuinely lightweight; however note that handling with the telescopic pipe fitted will feel different from using the bare handheld unit.
Setup, battery and charging
- The battery is integrated (built‑in) and supplied as a 2 Ah cell. That means you should not expect to swap in your own Makita 12V batteries — it’s designed as a single bundled unit.
- A charger is supplied and charging time is given as 2 hours. The fast recharge is convenient for repeated short sessions, but the small battery capacity limits total runtime between charges.
- As a cordless device, there are no plumbing or fixed installation needs — just a mains outlet to recharge the vacuum.
Maintenance and accessories
- Capsule (bin) maintenance: empty the dust capsule regularly; capsule designs avoid bag costs but require you to handle the dust and check the filter(s).
- The product listing doesn’t specify filter type or washability; follow the user manual for filter care and replacement parts.
- Accessories included are a telescopic pipe, a general nozzle and a sash nozzle. There is no storage case included, so consider where you’ll store the unit and accessories between uses.
Things to know before buying
- The built‑in battery means you won’t be able to swap in spare or existing Makita 12V batteries — plan around the quoted 2 Ah capacity and charging time for your cleaning needs.
- Small dust capacity (0.65 L) and 12V power make this a tool for quick, targeted jobs rather than whole‑house deep cleaning or heavily soiled carpets.
- The listing does not state filter type or noise figures; if you need washable filters or a particularly quiet model, check the manual or ask the retailer for those specifics.
- No storage case is included — if you want neat storage or transport for tools and accessories, budget for a bag or box.
If you mainly want a light, easy‑to‑store handheld for short, frequent cleans or car work, this Makita model is worth considering; if you need extended runtimes or a vacuum for large areas, a larger cordless cylinder or mains model will suit better.
