Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Rotary Hammer

Expanding the 18V LXT Sub-Compact line, which includes a driver-drill, hammer driver-drill, and impact driver, Makita releases the new 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless 11/16” Rotary Hammer. An ideal tool for use in tight spaces and overhead applications, the Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Rotary Hammer gives contractors an 18V compact rotary hammer with the size and handling of a 12V tool. This new rotary hammer provides a welcome solution to contractors who are considering the drop down to a 12V line for the lighter weight and smaller size of the tools for light-duty masonry work.

What Makita Has To Say About It

“18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless tools give contractors the compact size of a 12-volt tool while remaining in the 18-volt battery platform, and they deliver the performance to cover most applications on the job site. The expansive breadth-of-line of the LXT System means an 18-volt battery from any LXT tool will power 18-volt Sub-Compact tools including the new 11/16” Rotary Hammer.”
Carlos Quintana, senior product manager, cordless, Makita U.S.A.

As far as how this rotary hammer stacks up next to its 12V counterparts, Quintana continued,

“The 18-volt Sub-Compact Rotary Hammer drills 30% faster than leading 12-volt rotary hammers. With the XRH06RB, contractors get a more compact solution with less weight, more speed, and the run time and compatibility of 18 volts.”

More Power In A Smaller Frame

The Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Rotary Hammer houses a Makita BL Brushless Motor, providing up to 50% longer run-time, increased power and speed, and longer tool life than brushed motors. It features 2-mode operation for “rotation only” or “hammering with rotation” settings. You lose the chiseling mode with this model. A variable speed trigger allows the rotary hammer to operate at 0-680 RPM and 0-4,800 BPM. For impact energy, the new Makita produces .88ft. lbs/1.2 Joules for light-duty applications.

As part of the Sub-Compact line, its lightweight and compact size combine for a more comfortable user experience at the heart of the design. It includes a vibration-absorbing handle that moves independently of the motor and hammer mechanism. Built-in L.E.D. lights illuminate the work area. Plus, the Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Rotary Hammer utilizes a one-touch sliding chuck for quick changing out of SDS-PLUS bits. It can also be fitted with a dust extraction cup for overhead applications, and vacuum attachment, both of which are sold separately.

Like the rest of the Makita 18V LXT battery platform tools, this model also features Star Protection Computer Controls. Makita has made this tool available for purchase by itself, or as part of a kit that includes batteries, a charger, and a bag. The Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Rotary Hammer comes with a limited 3-year warranty.

Final Thoughts

The Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless 11/16” Rotary Hammer seems like a relatively low power option in the cordless rotary hammer market. But when you think of it as a 12V alternative, it’s on par with the concept of lighter weight and smaller size when the application doesn’t require all the power an 18V battery can produce.

The size of this rotary hammer makes it ideal for electricians, cabinet installers, iron workers, or anyone that might need to drill small holes into concrete. The biggest deal about this sub-compact rotary hammer, like all the tools Makita’s Sub-Compact line, is that the user gets all the benefits of 12V size and weight, but also the superior capacity of an 18V battery. You get the benefits of 12V with no need to buy into a separate battery platform. At 11/16″, this rotary hammer drills small holes, but will almost certainly be more efficient than using a hammer drill in the same applications.