Carry one power tool instead of two. These three hammer drills from Makita will help you complete tasks in plastic, wood, and metal and masonry. You can turn on the hammer function as you need it for tough jobs. These are just bare tools—no batteries and no charger—so you only spend money on what you want.
Makita XPH01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Hammer Driver-Drill
The “Z” in a Makita model name means that this is a bare tool. It doesn’t come with accessories or a battery or charger. The XPH01Z is part of the 18-volt LXT lineup, so it’s compatible with all the LXT batteries that have the Star Protection Computer Controls.
With 480 inch-pounds of torque, Makita’s LXPH01 works smoothlyto drill wood, plastic, and metal. It can handle up to ½-inch bits in metal and 1-1/2-inchbits in wood. It’s compatible with a wide range of accessories like sanding pads and hole saws.
Turn the ring to the hammer setting to add extra power for working in stone. The XPH01Z puts out up to 6000bpm (blows-per-minute) in low gear and up to 22,500bpm in high gear.
The two-speed all-metal transmission ranges up to 400rpm in low gear, while high gear spins up to 1500rpm. Just press the variable-speed trigger to control how fast you go once you select high or low. You can also control how much power you use by choosing one of the 16 clutch settings.
The drill by itself weighs only 4 pounds and measures 8-1/8” long. With the battery mounted, it can stand on its foot independent of other support. The handle has a pleasant ergonomic design so the drill’s weight is evenly balanced unlike a corded pistol-grip drill.
Makita also placed an LED work light just above the trigger under the chuck. It turns on when you press the trigger and turns off a few seconds after you release it. The light runs off the same battery that the drill uses.
More features of the Makita XPH01Z hammer drill:
- Makita offers a 3-year warranty on the drill
Makita XPH06Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Hammer Driver Drill (Tool-Only)
The Makita XPH06Z has a few upgrades from the earlier model XPH01Z. For one, it’s more powerful, offering up to 530 inch-pounds of torque. The top speed in high gear is also a little bit faster at 1550rpm. The increase in power and speed comes with a reduction in weight and size. This drill weighs a little less at only 3.9 pounds, and measures only 7-7/8” long.
How did Makita do these upgrades without making the drill larger and heavier? They made one important change. The XPH06Z has a brushless motor.
Brushless motors are typically more powerful and efficient than brushed motors. They run cooler and quieter, which is important in a hammer drill. Their lifespan is longer than a brushed motor and they don’t require maintenance. Professionals that depend on their tools prefer brushless motors.
But there’s even more behind the scenes inside this drill. It has Makita’s XPT Extreme Protection Technology that seals out moisture and dust. You cake this drill to work in harsh conditions and not have to baby it. Plus, since it runs off a lithium-ion battery pack, it can handle freezing temperatures and still run well.
Although it doesn’t come with a battery, the XPH06Z has a fuel gauge built into its foot. That way you can check the amount of charge you have left. The Makita 18-volt battery packs with a star symbol are compatible with the XPH06Z. The star means both the batteries and the tool have protection against overloading, over-discharging, and overheating.
The same battery pack you need for the tool will also power the built-in LED work light located above the trigger. It has afterglow, so it shines for a few seconds after you stop using the drill.
More features of the Makita XPH06Z hammer drill:
- Makita offers a 3-year warranty on the drill
- This tool comes with no accessories
Makita XPH07Z LXT Lithium Ion Brushless Cordless Hammer Driver Drill with Tool, 1/2-Inch
For the final drill in this review, we’re taking a huge leap up in power. The XPH07Z has 1090 inch-pounds of torque. Its capacity in masonry has grown to 5/8-inches and up to a whopping 3-inches in wood. This is the top of Makita’s 18-volt line.
The brushless motor allows this monster drill to keep its size down to just 8-1/8” long and its weight to 5.9 pounds without the battery. It’s a good thing it comes with a side handle and a depth gauge. You’re going to want them when you work at full power.
Don’t plan on taking all day to complete a task with the XPH07Z. The two-speed all-metal transmission offers up to 550rpm in low gear and 2100rpm in high gear. It won’t take long to sink all those TapCons or finish that deck now.
This is the tool you want for all-around drilling and fastening. The 21 clutch settings and variable-speed trigger help you do precision work. Turn off the hammer function when you don’t need it and then turn it on for tough jobs. It pounds out up to 31,500bpm (blows-per-minute) to help you drive fasteners into very hard materials. Just make sure you use bits that can handle the pressure.
Since the XPH07Z has a ½-inch chuck, you can use this drill for a lot more than making holes. It’s compatible with a wide range of accessories like sanding pads and wire brushes. The brushless motor has protection against overload so you don’t need to worry about burning it out.
Like the XPH06Z, this drill has a built-in-fuel gauge in its foot. The work light above the trigger has been upgraded to dual LEDs to cast fewer shadows. Although it doesn’t come with a battery pack, the drill is compatible with Makita’s 18-volt batteries that have the star symbol.
More features of the Makita XPH07Z hammer drill:
- Makita offers a 3-year warranty on the drill
- This tool comes a side handle and depth gauge
Recommendation
If your job depends on a reliable, powerful drill, get the XPH07Z. It’s the top of the 18-volt line in power and speed. The brushless motor is efficient and made to last.
If you occasionally need a hammer drill at your worksite, consider getting the XPH06Z. It’s lighter than the other two drills in this review but still powerful enough for the occasional task in masonry. It also has a brushless motor.
If you’re a homeowner, or person who like to take care of your own repairs, consider getting the XPH01Z. It’s a tried and true tool that’s satisfied a lot of users since it came on the market. It can handle ordinary drilling into wood, metal, and masonry with good speed and power for the investment you’ll make buying it.
Click here to purchase Makita XPH01Z on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase Makita XPH06Z on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase Makita XPH07Z on Amazon.com!