Makita hopes to push the boundaries of the power-to-weight/size ratio of 18V tools with the introduction of the Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Drill-Driver and Impact Driver. These two new tools are in a new class as they are smaller and lighter than any of Makita’s premium offerings. The drill-driver and impact driver aim to embody a 12V form factor without sacrificing the power of higher voltage.
Featherweights
Both Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Drill-Driver and Impact Driver have dual LED worklights, rubberized soft grip handles, and Makita’s BL brushless motors. The 1/2-inch drill-driver is 6-3/8-inch long, boasts a mechanical variable 2-speed transmission of 0-500 and 0-1,700 RPM, and weights 2.8 pounds including the 18V battery.
The 1/4-inch hex impact driver is 5-5/16-inch long, features variable speed of 0-1,300 and 0-3,000 RPM and 0-1,600 and 0-3,900 IPM, and 1,240 in-lbs. of max torque. There’s also an Assist Mode (A-mode) that helps eliminate cam-out and cross threading.
Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Drill-Driver and Impact Driver
Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless 1/2-inch Driver-Drill Features
Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless 1/2-inch Driver-Drill FeaturesMakita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless 1/2-inch Driver-Drill Specifications
- Model: XFD11ZB
- Power Source: Makita 18V battery pack
- Capacity (steel): 1/2″
- Capacity (wood): 1-7/16″
- No Load Speed: 0 – 500 / 0 – 1,700 RPM
- Maximum Torque: 350 in.lbs./40N•m
- Overall Length: 6-3/8″
- Net Weight (with battery): 2.8 lbs.
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: $109
Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Impact Driver Features
- Compact and Ergonomic Design at only 5-5/16″
- Weighs only 2.6 lbs. with battery (battery not included) for reduced operator fatigue
- Ideal for working in tight spaces
- Variable speed (0-1,300/0-3,000 RPM & 0-1,600/0-3,900 IPM) for a wide range of fastening applications
- Assist Mode (A-mode) feature helps eliminate “screw cam-out” and “cross threading” by driving at low speed until tightening begins
- BL Brushless Motor delivers 1,240 in.lbs. of Max Torque in an ultra compact design
- Dual L.E.D. lights illuminate the work area
- Ergonomically designed handle with rubberized soft grip provides increased comfort
- Efficient BL Brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for up to 50% longer run time per charge
- The BL Brushless Motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL Motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life
Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Impact Driver Specifications
- Model: Makita XDT15ZB
- Power Source: Makita 18V battery pack
- Hex Shank: 1/4″
- No Load Speed: 0 – 1,300 / 0 – 3,000 RPM
- Impact Rate: 0 – 1,600 / 0 – 3,900 IPM
- Maximum Torque: 1,240 in.lbs./140N•m
- Overall Length: 5-5/16″
- Net Weight (with battery): 2.6 lbs.
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: $109
Makita 18V LXT Sub Compact Kit Specifications
- Model: Makita CX200RB
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: $229
- Included in Kit: impact driver, drill-driver, (2) Compact 2.0 amp hour, charger, soft case, manuals
Our Take
The big deal with the new Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Drill-Driver and Impact Driver kit is clearly the fact that they made an incredibly compact tool on Makita’s 18V line. Essentially what has been created are tools with 12V size on an 18V platform. The benefit to you as the end user is that you have lightweight, compact tools that will handle 80% to 90% of your everyday tasks without forcing you to switch to a 12V platform to get those features.
I’ve already been working with these tools for a couple of weeks and our review is well underway. I don’t want to give away too many spoilers too soon, but I will tell you that Makita fans have a really good reason to be excited about this launch.
