Makita GWT10 Impact Wrench Brings More Power for Tough Jobsites
While Makita has no shortage of impact wrenches in its battery-powered repertoire, the brand is taking things up a notch with its newest 40V model. The GWT10 is Makita’s most powerful high-torque impact wrench to date, and I’m taking a closer look to see how it stacks up to the competition.
Makita 40V High-Torque Impact Wrench Performance
- Model: Makita GWT10
- Max speed: 1200 RPM
- 4 speed modes
- Max impact rate: 1750 IPM
- Nut-busting torque: 2,950 ft-lbs
- Fastening torque: 2,320 ft-lbs
- Variable speed trigger
The Makita GWT10 High-Torque Impact Wrench is Makita’s most powerful impact wrench on the 40V platform to date. It reaches top nut-busting torque levels of 2,950 ft-lbs, and fastening torque levels up to 2,320 ft-lbs.
This tool has a 1-inch square drive, which is a first in Makita’s cordless lineup. Previous models sporting 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch drives.
As usual, this higher level of power correlates to reduced top speeds compared to smaller impact wrenches. The GWT10 reaches top speeds of 1200 RPM and 1750 IPM, with 4 speed modes to choose from. A speed selection switch lets you toggle your speed to the task at hand, and a variable speed trigger dials your speed in even further when you need more control.
Note: Learn more about speed vs torque in impact wrenches.
Makita 40V High-Torque Impact Wrench Design
- Length: 22.5 in
- Weight: 26.8 lbs (with battery)
- 360° D-handle
- 6-inch extended anvil
- Reinforced gear housing
- LED ring light
- Tethering ring
Makita’s first cordless 1-inch D-handle impact wrench launches with an extended anvil. At the moment, there’s no standard length option, but if you’re only going to have one, extended is the way to go.
The GWT10 is among the most powerful cordless impact wrenches on the market, but that title comes with some trade-offs. The main one with this model is size. It’s more than triple the weight of Makita’s other 40V high-torque models (GWT01, GWT02, and GWT03), weighing 26.8 pounds with the battery.
We expect that from these heavy-duty D-handle models, and Makita’s weight isn’t out in left field. In fact, it’s within a couple of ounces of Milwaukee’s 2869, and it’s a couple of pounds lighter than Ingersoll Rand’s W9691.
Also worth noting is Makita’s LED ring light, which casts an even beam onto your working surface. We prefer this style of light over something like Milwaukee’s tri-beam LED since ring lights cast fewer shadows.
Cordless 1-inch D-Handle Impact Wrench Quick Comparison
| Makita GWT10 | Milwaukee 2869 | Ingersoll Rand W9691 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Source | 1 x 40V max XGT battery | 1 x M18 RedLithium battery | 2 x 20V Max IQV20 batteries |
| Max Speed | 1,200 RPM | 1,200 RPM | 890 RPM |
| Modes | Four | Four | Four |
| Max Impact Rate | 1,750 IPM | 1,440 IPM | 1,170 IPM |
| Nut-Busting Torque | 2,950 ft-lbs | 2,000 ft-lbs | 3,000 ft-lbs |
| Fastening Torque | 2,320 ft-lbs | 1,950 ft-lbs | 2,200 ft-lbs |
| Weight | 26.8 lbs (5.0Ah battery) | 26.6 lbs (12.0Ah battery) | 29.1 lbs (2 x 5.0Ah batteries |
Makita 40V High-Torque Impact Wrench Price
This impact wrench retails for $999 as a bare tool or $1399 as a kit, including two 40V 5.0Ah batteries and a charger. Makita backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.
Should You Buy It?
For diesel, fleet, and heavy equipment mechanics or tradesmen who need a ton of torque for heavy-duty fastening jobs, the Makita GWT10 is a compelling solution. Its performance is legitimately high enough to replace your air tools. Compared to the cordless competition, it’s near the top in torque and has higher speed, yet its working weight is on the lighter side. Even the price is competitive in the cordless class. It’s something to keep in mind the next time you’re wasting time setting up your air compressor and tripping over hoses.
