A Review of Makita’s Best Impact Drivers
This Makita brushless impact driver review will look at some of the company’s best, in the form of these cordless 18 volt hand held power tools. These include the LXDT06, LXT DTA152Z, DTD170Z, and the XDT12Z.
For each we will look at the specifications and consider what its pros and cons are. It is hoped that this review will help those individuals currently looking to purchase a new or replacement impact driver; a power tool that is continually growing in popularity.
Another popular power tool that Makita manufacturers several models of are cordless drills. This helpful guide identifies the best cordless drills of 2019, including the Makita XFD131 18V Battery Cordless Drill-Driver Set.
Makita LXDT06 Impact Driver
Table of Contents
For those that require a high amount of both power and torque, without having to use an impact driver that is overly heavy and cumbersome should take a look at the LXDT06. It is powered by an 18 volt battery and boasts 3 different speed settings, which it can easily be switched between.
Alternatively, there is an automatic speed mode that saves you the effort of having to switch between the different settings. With this is place you will never give too much power to those smaller jobs, and vice versa on those larger jobs. The downside of delivering too much power when it is not needed is that it could damage the materials.
The powerful battery has a gauge on it that allows the user to see how much life it has left. This enables you to keep on track and should mean that you never run out of charge half way through an important job.
With the impact driver’s compact and lightweight design (weighs just 2.3 lbs.) it is very easy to handle, making it perfect for a variety of applications. The LXDT06 is manufactured in Japan using high quality materials.
This model is a real hard working power tool and will make even the toughest of jobs feel completely effortless, without reducing the quality of the output you and it deliver.
Check out the price of the Makita LXDT06 Impact Driver
Specifications
- An 18 volt battery
- 3 speed settings
- A total weight of 2.3 lbs.
Pros
- Speed is easily adjusted
- Compact and lightweight design
- Built in battery gauge
Cons
- Charging the battery takes a while
Makita LXT DTD152Z Impact Driver
This particular model is able to deliver 165Nm of torque, which should always be enough for any jobs involving driving screws into soft woods, such as pine. However, when working on hardwoods, such as Maple the LXT DTD152Z may struggle slightly.
Despite the large size of the 18 volt battery that comes with the impact driver it is still relatively lightweight at 3.4 lbs. Along with the rubber grip, this model is comfortable to use even though it does feel slightly bottom heavy.
If the weight of the battery is an issue, Makita do produce compatible ones that are a little bit lighter. However, these do have a shorter running time than the 4.0mAh battery that comes as standard.
The LXT DTD152Z comes with a variable speed trigger that enables you to easily adjust the speed of the impact driver. However, the mechanism is not very smooth or sophisticated compared with that of the other models. Handily it comes with two built in LED lights, which aids working in any places that are either dimly lit or completely dark.
Check out the price of the Makita LXT DTD152Z Impact Driver
Specifications
- 165 Nm of torque
- An 18 volt 4.0mAh battery
- A variable speed trigger
- LED lights
- A total weight of 3.4 lbs.
Pros
- Comfortable to use
- Highly reliable
- Built in LED lights
Cons
- Heavy weight of the battery
Makita DTD170Z Impact Driver
The DTD170Z has a slim and compact design. The good design is extended to the motor, which becomes evident upon pressing the trigger as it produces a smooth and quiet experience. This is why this particular model is liked by professional tradesmen.
It has 4 different speed settings, which makes it ideal for numerous different applications. It also has a number of different modes, including two tightening modes that help to prevent the stripping or breakage of fasteners, as well as a bolt mode and a wood mode. This makes performing repetitive tasks much easier and will provide more consistent results.
The ergonomic design of the DTD170Z’s handle, along with the rubberized grip means that it is comfortable to use. The rubber works to absorb any vibrations that are created when in use. The fact that it only was 3.3 lbs. adds to its usability and means you will not be feeling fatigued after a long day of use.
It comes with two LED lights built in, which helps to make working in dimly lit and dark works spaces much easier, as you are able to actually see what you are doing. The variable speed trigger gives you a high level of control.
Check out the price of the Makita DTD170Z Impact Driver
Specifications
- A 20 volt battery
- Up to 3,600 RPM of speed
- 160 Nm of torque
- 4 speed settings
- Various modes
- LED lights
- A total weight of 3.3 lbs.
Pros
- Smooth and quiet
- Can be used for numerous different applications
- Built in LED light
Cons
- Modes and setting confusing at first
Makita XDT12Z Impact Driver
This is a fast and high torque impact driver. Thanks to the XDT12Z’s highly precise fastening application it does not damage either the screw or the surface that it is driving it into. This is particularly useful for any novices who lack experience in using such a highly powerful impact driver.
The impact driver weighs approximately 3.3lbs. and is capable of generating 155 Nm of torque. It has 4 different speed settings, which range between 0 – 1,100 RPM, 0 – 2,100 RPM, 0 – 3,200 RPM, and 0 – 3,600 RPM. This means it can be used for a variety of different applications.
The 4.0mAh battery that comes with the XDT12Z as standard has an indicator light that displays how much charge it has left in it. This means that there is no excuse for ever letting it run out of charge half way through an important job.
Its compact design means that it can fit into the tightest of spaces, which is helpful when working on those fiddly jobs. It’s good balance makes it very easy to use.
Check out the price of the Makita XDT12Z Impact Driver
Specifications
- 4 speed settings
- A total weight of 3.3 lbs.
- 155 Nm of torque
- Up to 3,600 RPM
- A 4.0mAh battery
Pros
- Compact design
- Can be used for a variety of different applications.
- Does not damage screws or work surfaces
Cons
- Not very light weight
What to Look For in an Impact Driver
Any good impact driver should comfortably be able to drive an 8 inch screw into soft wood without even breaking a sweat. To stop the screw from driving the screw too deep, many impact drivers come with various different speed settings.
This feature is useful to ensure that too much power is not delivered when it is simply not needed. Some, such as the DTD170Z come with different mode setting such as bolt mode and wood mode. These are useful for those individuals that perform repetitive tasks, as it helps to deliver consistent results.
As is the case with many of the best power tools out there, a brushless motor is always best. This allows for a more compact impact driver, as well as a longer life span (practically infinite) and considerably more power. However, this is likely to increase the price of an impact driver, but we, and many others, would say that it is worth the price.
Practically all power tools nowadays, including impact drivers, have batteries that are compatible with all other products from the same manufacturer. This is something to consider when thinking about which brand of impact driver to purchase.
If you already own some Makita power tools and batteries then it may be cost efficient to purchase one of their impact drivers rather than one from another different brand.
Conclusion
So that is it, the review has come to an end. We have taken a look at the best of what Makita have got to offer in terms of impact drivers and it has been impressive.
From the LXDT06’s adjustable speed, and the LXT DTD152Z’s built in LED lights, to the DTD170Z’s smooth and quiet running, and the XDT12Z’s compact design, they all offer a wide range of functions and features that lend themselves to a variety of different applications.
This is the main thing, along with those we mentioned in the last section, which should be considered when deciding on which of these impact drivers is the right one for you. For us, it is the Makita LXDT06 Impact Driver that was our favourite. This is because it is an all round great power tool that will never fail to deliver.
Check out the price of the Makita LXDT06 Impact Driver
