The Makita LXDT01 18V Brushless Impact Driver Kit is a lithium-ion cordless 3-speed tool built by Pros, for Pros. On top of that, it utilizes a new brushless motor – and that really brings the level of build quality and power capability to a different level. Brushless motor technology has proven to provide a ton more usable torque in tools like hammer drills and impact drivers and wrenches. While brushless technology isn’t new, even for Makita, the company’s new LXDT01 impact driver is built to be both powerful and efficient. So efficient, in fact, that it gets up to 20% longer battery life per charge.
Makita LXDT01 18V Brushless Impact Driver Features
One unusual feature is the 3-speed power selection switch that lets you vary the blows per minute. In Hard mode you get the full 3400 blows per minute. Medium delivers 2800/minute and Soft gives 1300/minute. But each of these modes also varies the maximum torque, so it’s far more significant than just varying the hammer/anvil mechanism. The 3-step control makes it easy to use the tool for a variety of fastening applications from driving cabinet screws to sinking lag bolts.
Here is how the 3-Speed Power Control and Brushless Motor Technology breaks down:
- Soft impact setting: 0-1,300 RPM, 0-1,300 IPM, and 220 in.lbs. of Max Torque
- Medium impact setting: 0-2,000 RPM, 0-2,800 IPM, and 490 in.lbs. of Max Torque
- Hard impact setting: 0-2,600 RPM, 0-3,400 IPM and 1,460 in. lbs. of Max Torque
Soft is perfect for more detail fastening jobs and smaller fasteners. Medium is your drywall setting along with general duty fasteners, and Hard would be the mode you’d use on larger/longer screws and lag bolts. With 1,460 in. lbs.of torque, this is one of the most powerful impact drivers in its class.
Because of the new design, Makita was also able to shorten the length of the LXDT01 into a more compact design. It now measures just 5-1/2” in length (a 1/4″ reduction) and weighs only 3.3 lbs. when loaded with an 18V LXT Lithium-ion battery. At the base of the tool, you can switch on or off the built-in LED light, but it’s not a full on/off function. Instead, the button activates the LED to work in conjunction with the trigger. To us, this is far more preferable than having the LED lamp activated like a standalone-but-connected work light.
To let you know when the battery needs recharging, both a warning light and the built-in LED will flash. Those who would prefer a three-LED indicator should realize that it’s actually a three-stage system. ‘Off’ indicates a primarily full battery, ‘Flickering’ means that you’re at 20%, and ‘Solid’ means you’re pretty much out of juice. The included Rapid Optimum Charger is improved over older models and is actually pretty efficient (and Energy Star rated). It will charge an 18V LXT Li-ion battery in about 30 minutes and a Compact Li-ion battery in just 15. That’s super-fast. During the charging process, a memory chip located within the battery talks to the Charger for a more efficient charge, extending the battery life. In addition, built-in shock absorbing features help protect the battery, and sixteen firm-holding contact terminals deliver constant high power.
The Makita LXDT01 Cordless LXDT01 uses a 1/4″ hex chuck that allows easy one-handed insertion and removal of bits. The tool also comes with a tool hook so you can sling it on your belt and use it on a ladder or any other time you need your hands free. We also liked the positioning and makeup of the rubber overmold on the grip and backside of the tool.
Model LXDT01 kit comes with two 18V LXT Li-ion batteries, the 15/30-minute Rapid Optimum Charger, removable tool belt clip, and a hard tool case. The 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver is also available as a tool-only product as model LXDT01Z.
Makita LXDT01 Brushless Impact Driver Specs
- Capacity (bit shank): 1/4″ hex
- No Load Speed (RPM): 0-1,300/0-2,000/0-2,600
- Impacts/Min (IPM): 0-1,300/0-2,800/0-3,400
- Max. Torque (in. lbs.): 220/490/1,460 in. lbs.
- Lithium-Ion battery: 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 18V
- Overall length: 5-1/2″
- Net Weight: 3.3 lbs. (with battery)
- Includes: Tool, 2 x 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries, Rapid Optimum Charger, Tool Belt Clip, Tool Case (LXDT01Z is bare tool only)
