5 Best Makita Impact Drivers to Buy In 2020
Makita makes one of the best impact drivers and drill drivers on the market. They make heavy duty, long-lasting and very performing power tools for a wide market range. Of course, Makita is not a new company. They are pioneers in making power tools for the masses and has been doing that for a long time. Every professional handyman we know of has at least one Makita power tool in their workshop. You may already own a few Makita tools yourself.
However, if you have been researching about drill drivers, you most likely have encountered a Makita impact driver. But one other thing you may have noticed, there are many models to choose from. It can be a little bit confusing, especially if you have never owned a Makita impact driver before. To help you with your choice, our Makita impact driver review will showcase 5 of the best Makita impact drivers available on the market. This will definitely help you make a buying decision quicker but above all, allow you to get the best impact driver for your need.
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5 Makita Impact Drivers - Reviews
#1. Makita XDT111 Cordless Impact Driver Kit
Editor's Rating: 
(4.7 / 5)
This Makita impact driver is a popular model that we personally use often. It sports a 18V 3 Ah LXT lithium-ion battery. At this voltage, the XDT111 can deliver a solid 1,460 in. lbs. of torque which is more than enough for almost anyone. This model is definitely the most powerful impact driver in this Makita impact driver review. This is easily 2 times more power than your average drill driver. You can use this model to fasten screws in very hard material like hardwood, or use it as a regular drill driver when fitted with the appropriate drill bit.
Additionally, the motor inside this model is a 4-pole 4-brush design which means that it is much more energy-efficient and will consume less battery power while delivering 26% more speed at the spindle.
Furthermore, you can purchase this model in three variants, either as the impact driver only. Or, get to other variants that contain a holder and a 38 pieces drill bit set. For more versatility and convenience, you can get the more expensive set that contains a 70-piece drill bit. Although, we recommend this option only to professionals who need this type of drill bit versatility.
What we also like is the presence of a variable speed that allows this impact driver to do a speed of 0-2,900 RPM 0-3,500 RPM. As expected, you can quickly and easily change this variable speed preset with the push of a button. It is very easy to operate.
However, what we like the most about this Makita impact driver is definitely its price. It is very affordable, especially considering that this 18V Makita impact driver is also the most powerful in this review with a solid 1,460 in. lbs torque force. You definitely get a lot of worth for your money with this purchase.
Pros
- Excellent price to performance ratio
- Very powerful with a 1,460 in. lbs. torque. Can be used for any type of drilling or fastening work on very tough material
- 2 variable speed of 0-2,900 RPM 0-3,500 RPM. Can adapt to the material easily
- Soft rubber material on the handle. With limited hand fatigue and can be operated in awkward positions easily
- You get a tool case with this purchase
Cons
- Not the lightest Makita impact driver at 3.9 lbs.
Who Should Buy?
If you are looking for a professional Makita impact driver, the XDT111 is definitely one of the best Makita impact drivers on the market. It is very powerful and it has an excellent price to performance ratio.
#2. Makita XDT042 Cordless Impact Driver Kit
Editor's Rating: (4.7 / 5)
The Makita XDT042 is another excellent cordless Makita impact driver that is worth a consideration. It equally has a powerful motor that can deliver 1,420 in. lbs. of torque. Although, a little bit less powerful than the XDT111 reviewed previously. However, it is still more than enough power for most people.
It contains a 1/4” keyless chuck that can accommodate 1/4” shank drill bits. Those are available almost everywhere, whether you will be working on metal or wood. We also noted the presence of a 2-preset variable speed control. You can quickly and easily change the speed in this Makita impact driver from 0-2,300 RPM to 0-3,200 RPM. This will allow you to fasten screws in different types of material, and offers more versatility on the job.
In terms of weight, the XDT042 is not the lightest as it still weighs 3.3 lbs. However, this is considerably lighter than the 3.9 lbs of XDT111 reviewed above. It should be quite comfortable to hold and very maneuverable, even if you tend to work in an awkward position. Furthermore, the slim and compact form factor will allow you to work in tight areas very easily.
This model even has a belt hook that can prove to be convenient when working in high and awkward positions. We like the fact that Makita ships this unit with a carry tool case. You can easily and discreetly carry your impact to the job. Additionally, we like the slim and ergonomic form factor of this impact driver. It fits well in the hand and you do not need a lot of muscle power to operate this unit. Very handy, especially if you have a small build.
Pros
- Powerful. Can fasten screws or drill easily in any material
- 2-preset variable speed control delivers a lot of versatility
- Presence of a belt hook for work convenience
- A free carry case
Cons
- More expensive than the XDT111 and a little bit less powerful too
Who Should Buy?
We recommend the XDT111 over this model as it is cheaper, has better speeds, and more powerful. Don’t get us wrong. If you still like this model, you can safely purchase it as it is still a beast.
#3. Makita XDT08Z Brushless Cordless Impact Driver
Editor's Rating: 
(4.8 / 5)
The Makita XDT08Z has been designed to be slimmer and more compact in the hand. In fact, this particular Makita impact driver is reputed for its excellent ergonomics and handling.
It contains a brushless motor that is powered by a heavy duty 18V lithium-ion battery. It is still quite powerful and can directly compete with the other models above with its 1,420 in.lbs of torque. The brushless motor in this impact driver has been redesigned by Makita to deliver more performance and consume less battery power. Bottomline, it means that you will be able to use this impact driver longer without requiring a recharge. As we can see, this is a powerful and heavy-duty impact driver. It will very easily drill or fasten screws in hard and high density materials.
We note the presence of a 2-preset variable speed of 0-2,500 RPM and 0-3,200 RPM. This is a recurring feature in most Makita impact drivers in this review. But you have to agree, it is very practical especially for those who constantly need to drill in different material types.
However, what differentiates this Makita impact driver from others is the absence of a battery and charger. Indeed, you will need to purchase a battery and charger separately to operate this 18V Makita impact driver. This is nothing big if you already own a compatible battery and charger, but if you do not, then we definitely do not recommend this model especially that it has a fairly steep price.
Pros
- Slim and excellent ergonomic form factor
- Powerful with 1,420 in.lbs of torque
- Presence of a 2-preset variable speed allows you to work with different materials
Cons
- Does not come with a 18V battery or charger. You will need an additional purchase
- Quite expensive, especially considering that you do not get a battery and charger with this purchase
Who Should Buy?
If you already own a compatible 18V Makita battery and charger, go ahead and get this unit. It is one of the best Makita impact drivers and performs exceptionally well especially when used in tight areas.
#4. Makita DT01W Cordless Impact Driver Kit
Editor's Rating: 
(4.6 / 5)
The Makita DT01W is a more entry-level 12V cordless impact driver. Due to the low voltage lithium-ion battery in this model, it is better suited for beginners or those who are looking forward for only light weight and casual drilling or screw fastening use.
However, the DT01W still has a few decent features. It has a 2-speed variable control of 0-2,400 RPM and 0-3,000 RPM for drilling versatility, as well as a built-in LED light. This light allows you to work in tight and dark areas more easily. But what we really like about this Makita impact driver is definitely its weight. Indeed, it weighs only a tiny 2 lbs. which means that it is extremely maneuverable on the job. With this kind of weight, you can work in awkward positions without having any hand fatigue. In fact, one of the biggest problems many people face when working with an impact driver is the weight. This will not be a problem with this products.
Furthermore, we like the fact that this Makita impact driver it is very small and compact and will fit easily in the hands of a small or medium size person. Indeed, almost anyone can operate this impact driver without worry. The ergonomic handle, which is coated with a soft rubber material will help promote usability in the long run as well.
All in all, if you are an absolute beginner and looking for a lightweight Makita impact driver for lightweight and casual use, the DT01W it is definitely worth the consideration.
Pros
- Variable speed of -2,400 RPM and 0-3,000 RPM. You can easily work with different material with this model
- Very lightweight at only 2 lbs. Extremely maneuverable and will not cause hand fatigue
- Slim and ergonomic form factor. Can be used in tight areas quickly
Cons
- A little bit expensive considering it has low performance
- Cannot be used as a heavy-duty impact driver all drill in high density material as metal
Who Should Buy?
This is mostly a lightweight Makita impact driver for wood drilling and screw fastening. It lacks the power to drill in very tough materials, but it is extremely lightweight and we will not cause hand fatigue in the long run. We recommend this model for those looking for a lightweight impact driver for general purpose and casual use only.
#5. Makita LCT209W Cordless Combo Kit
Editor's Rating: (4.7 / 5)
Lastly, we have the Makita LCT209W. This is a combo kit that is delivered with both a Makita impact driver and a Makita drill driver. It is still fairly low and as it has the same 800 in.lbs torque power as the model reviewed above. Therefore, this combo kit from Makita is mostly for beginners and semi professionals who do not need a heavy-duty impact driver on the job.
However, what you get with this combo kit is versatility. Indeed, you can perform both screw fastening and wood drilling very easily with this kit. Additionally, both comes with a 1/4” and keyless chuck that will allow you to quickly and easily replace drill bits in both models. This is a very handy and practical, especially for home use.
Despite it is low-power, we were quite surprised to see the presence of a variable speed control in both units as well. They have a 2-speed setting that allows you to go from 0-2,400 RPM or 0-3,000 RPM with the push of a button. The speed changing button is located right right next to the trigger button, which means that you can quickly and easily activate it with your thumb. This is an excellent position that we wish all impact driver manufacturers would implement.
Lastly, both the impact driver and the drill driver of the LCT209W combo kit can be recharged in 30 minutes or less. Very handy, as you do not have to waste a lot of time with your recharges.
Pros
- Delivered as a 2-in-1 combo kit
- Lightweight an easy to maneuver
- Battery in both models can be recharged in 30 minutes
- Comes in a metal carry bag
Cons
- Small motor with 800 in.lbs torque can only work on soft material. For lightweight use only
- A little bit on the expensive side
Who Should Buy?
If you are a lightweight user and do not already own a drill driver and an impact driver, you get a lot of value with this 2-in-1 combo kit as it comes with both. We recommend this model only for beginners because of its excellent ease-of-use and versatility. For performance, there are better models above.
Conclusion
As we have seen, there is a Makita impact driver for everyone. Those are very high quality power tools that are dependable and will last you a long time. In fact, any of those 5 models reviewed are value for money and brings a lot to the table. Whether you are a spender, or on a strict budget, you will definitely find the best Makita impact driver for your need and budget. In case you still have not, we recommend that you go through this Makita impact driver review one more time.
Last Updated on August 15, 2020 by