When you have a lot of screws to drive, pick up an impact driver. A driver combines high rotational speed with percussion to sink large fasteners more quickly and with less effort. One of these two Makita impact drivers may be just what you need. Let’s look at them both to help you decide.
Makita XDT08Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Impact Driver (Tool Only, No Battery)
The word “brushless” written on the side of the XDT08Z means just one thing: this is a pro tool. Brushless motors run more quietly, efficiently and cooler than brushed motors. They get up to twice the work done on a charge, and they outlive brushed tools, too. Combine this bare tool impact driver with a high capacity Makita battery and you may never have to stop working.
The XDT08Z has a single gear with variable speed up to 2500rpm. It provides 3200ipm (impacts per minute) and 1420 inch-pounds of torque. Yes, you can build your deck with this. It won’t twist your wrist offor wear you outbecause it weighs just 3.4 pounds. It’s also 5-7/8” long so it fits in tighter places than your pistol-grip drill.
An electric brake stops the driver when you release the trigger. This is important because it helps avoid stripped screws. This driver is powerful enough to break cheap bits. Because of its ¼” hex chuck, it can only take hex shank bits. But bits are simple to swap, even with only one hand. Pull back on the sleeve and pop in the bit. Do the same to remove it.
The built-in LED light above the trigger helps you see where you’re working. It turns on when you press the trigger, and shuts off when you release it. Another handy feature is the included tool belt clip.
If you want an impact driver with even more power and precise control, check out the XDT09Z described below.
More features of the Makita XDT08Z impact driver
- Makita offers a 3-year limited warranty
Makita XDT09Z 18V LXT Brushless 3-Speed Tool Only Impact Driver
If you liked the XDT08Z, let’s take it up a notch with this XDT09Z. Instead of just one gear, it has a 3-speed transmission. This gives you even more control when combined with the variable-speed trigger.
The brushless motor on this driver puts out a top torque of 1550 inch-pounds. Lucky for you, it has a mode called “Quick-Shift” that slows and stops the driver once the screw is in place.
But let’s go back for a moment to the gears. The selector switch at the foot of the driver lets you choose between four options. “Hard” is for the highest speed and power. “Medium” is for work in more fragile materials like finished wood and sheetrock. “Soft” is for small screws or when you need to be careful about not breaking a delicate fastener. And the “T” mode has medium speed specifically for self-tapping or self-drilling screws.
Overall, the maximum speed of the XDT09Z is 3600rpm and impacts per minute top out at 3800ipm. It won’t take you long to drive all those lag screws now.
There are some nice design details to mention. The body of the XDT09Z has Makita’s XPT protection against dust and moisture. The ergonomic handle has a pleasant rubbery grip and a balanced feel to it. The motor housing has a couple of protective rubber bumpers, too.
This driver measures 4-11/16” long and weighs just 3.3 pounds without the battery. The built-in LED light under the barrel that turns on and off as you use the trigger, and the battery fuel gauge lights up as well. The XDT09Z is compatible with any of Makita’s 18-volt LXT lithium-ion packs.
More features of the Makita XDT09Z impact driver
- Makita offers a 3-year limited warranty
Recommendation
Either of these brushless drivers is a great addition to your tool collection. The many positive reviews gush with praise for both of them.
If you are new to impact drivers and want a good one to try, the XDT08Z will be a big step up from using your drill to fasten big projects.
If you’re a pro looking for an advanced impact driver with top precision and power, the XDT09Z is your tool.
Click here to purchase Makita XDT08Z on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase Makita XDT09Z on Amazon.com!