An impact driver exists to make driving fasteners easy. Don’t settle for using a bulky drill on a big job. These two drivers from Makita are cordless for maximum portability and brushless for superior durability. They have multiple speeds and driver modes for precision work. Let’s look at them both to see which one will be the best for you.
Makita LXDT01 18V Cordless Brushless Impact Driver
The LXDT01 is a 5-star tool that Makita discontinued. Get one while you still can because it’s an impact driver worth having.
First off, the LXDT01 has a brushless motor that runs quieter, delivers more power, and uses batteries more efficiently than a brushed motor can. Your charge will last longer, and your tool will, too. The maximum torque rating is 1460 inch-pounds–impressive for such a small, lightweight driver.
The ¼-inch hex chuck makes changing bits quick and easy. There are 3 driving speeds available: 0-1,300rpm with 0-1300ipm (impacts-per-minute), 0-2,000rpm with 0-2800ipm, and 0-2,600rpm with 0-3400ipm. These ranges gives excellent precision so you don’t strip screws.
The LXDT01 weighs 3.3 pounds (the same as the LXDT06 below) and is 5.5-inches long. It has a handy LED work-light under the chuck that flashes when the battery is getting low on charge. The battery status indicator at the foot of the driver will also flash.
The two lithium-ion batteries that come in this kit have a capacity of 3Ah, so they will run a lot longer than any Ni-Cd or older Li-Ion battery with a smaller capacity. They refill in 30 minutes on the included rapid charger. Both the charger and the battery communicate to keep the battery from being damaged by too much heat or current while charging. The charger has also received the ENERGY STAR rating for efficiency.
More features of the Makita LXDT01 impact driver
- Makita offers a 1-year limited warranty on the battery and charger, and a 3-year limited warranty on the LXDT01 driver
- Comes with two 18V lithium-ion batteries, one charger, a tool belt clip, and a tool case
Makita LXDT06 3-Speed Impact Driver
The LXDT06 offers the same impacts per minute with faster rotational speeds than the LXDT01. It also has XPT protection, which comes from internal seals that protect against worksite moisture and dust.
The Quick-Shift Mode on this driver automatically downshifts rotational speed and impacts just before a fastener sinks into its resting place. That way you won’t have many stripped screws or damaged work-pieces.
The three speeds available range from 0-1,400rpm with 0-1300ipm (impacts-per-minute), 0-2300rpm with 0-2800ipm, and 0-2800rpm with 0-3400ipm. You have all of that control with a variable-speed trigger and a speed selector at the foot of the driver. It has a maximum torque of 1500 inch-pounds, slightly more than the LXDT01.
Of course, the LXDT06 also has a brushless motor for efficiency and power. It runs cooler and quieter than a brushed motor can. Your batteries will last longer and so will your tool.
The 18V lithium-ion batteries that come in this kit have a capacity of 3Ah. You can check their charge with the built-in gauge at the foot of the driver. The charger and the batteries communicate while charging so that the batteries aren’t damaged by heat or current. If needed, the built-in fan on the charger will run to cool down the batteries. The charger takes about 30 minutes to refill them. Li-ion batteries run well in the cold, but they can be damaged by excessive heat.
The LED light mounted under the chuck helps illuminate where you are working. It has an independent on-off switch.
More features of the Makita LXDT06 impact driver
- Makita offers a 3-year limited warranty on the LXDT06 driver, batteries, and charger
- Comes with two 18V lithium-ion batteries, one charger, and a tool case
- Weighs 3.3 pounds and measures 5-1/8” long
- ¼” hex chuck
Recommendation
These two drivers from Makita have similar specifications and a few key differences.
The LXDT01 has slightly less power, but it has a handy feature that warns you if the battery is getting low. While you can check the battery status on the LXDT06, it doesn’t warn you by flashing any lights. If that is a useful feature for you, consider getting the LXDT01.
The LXDT06 has slightly more power than the LXDT01 and it’s a tiny bit more compact. It’s also resistant to dust and moisture. You can check the battery status simply by pressing a button. If you want the most power and durability, get the LXDT06.
Click here to purchase Makita LXDT01 on Amazon!
Click here to purchase Makita LXDT06 on Amazon!