Best Makita Drills of 2026: 18V LXT, Compact & Hammer

The Makita XFD131 delivers 480 inch-pounds of torque in a brushless 18V LXT package weighing 3.8 pounds with battery — one of the lightest full-torque drill-driver kits available. The brushless motor improves runtime by roughly 50 percent over comparable brushed motors on the same battery, meaning more fasteners and more holes before stopping to recharge. The included 3.0Ah battery charges in 30 minutes with the provided rapid charger, minimizing downtime during projects. The 2-speed gearbox switches between 0-550 and 0-1,900 RPM for precision screw driving at low speed and rapid drilling at high speed. A complete kit for new Makita LXT users — battery, charger, and case included.

The Makita XDT131 impact driver kit provides 1,460 inch-pounds of fastening torque in a complete kit including two batteries and a charger. The impact mechanism delivers rotational blows rather than continuous torque, reducing cam-out on large fasteners and driving lag screws without pre-drilling in most framing lumber. The two included 3.0Ah batteries and 30-minute charger provide a full starting point for buyers new to the LXT platform — one battery charging while the other works. Smooth operation and strong vibration damping distinguish the XDT131 from budget impact drivers that transmit more force to the hand. For new tool buyers, the complete two-battery kit provides the best entry-to-value ratio in the Makita cordless lineup.

The Makita HP2050 is an 8-amp corded hammer drill designed for 3/4-inch masonry work — anchoring structural hardware into concrete foundations, drilling through CMU block, and setting rebar anchors in poured concrete. The 8-amp motor provides sustained power that 6-amp and 7-amp units cannot maintain under load, which matters when drilling multiple 3/4-inch holes without heat-related power reduction. The two-speed gearbox (0-1,100 and 0-2,700 RPM) optimizes between low-speed high-torque drilling in hard concrete and faster drilling through softer masonry materials. Compared to the HP1641K at $127, the HP2050 costs $92 more and handles 3/4-inch holes in concrete versus the smaller model's 5/8-inch limitation. For occasional concrete anchoring, the HP1641K is adequate at significantly lower cost. For contractors regularly drilling 3/4-inch through-bolts or structural anchors, the HP2050's sustained 8-amp output prevents the power fade smaller motors show under sustained load. The meaningful alternative at this price is an SDS rotary hammer, which uses electropneumatic action rather than cam-driven mechanism. An entry-level SDS hammer at $150-200 drills concrete faster with less user fatigue and longer bit life than any cam-drive unit at comparable price. If 3/4-inch concrete drilling is frequent, an SDS rotary hammer is the more efficient investment. The HP2050 earns its recommendation for users who need occasional 3/4-inch capacity without the additional bit system and learning curve of SDS tooling.

The 18V LXT hammer driver/drill adds impact function to standard drilling, making it capable of driving through masonry and concrete in addition to wood and metal. Within the Makita 18V LXT ecosystem, this is the dual-purpose option: one tool for wood framing, metal drilling, and light masonry work. Running on LXT 18V batteries means no additional platform investment for existing Makita 18V users — the same battery that runs the circular saw and recip saw runs this drill. Variable speed trigger provides precise control from slow start to full power — essential when transitioning between delicate pilot holes and full-speed production drilling. The brushless motor delivers longer battery life and more consistent torque output across the discharge cycle, important for sustained masonry work where resistance is higher than wood. The 1/2-inch chuck accommodates a wider range of bit shanks than 3/8-inch alternatives, making it compatible with larger hole saws and spade bits. On this page, the XFD131 (rank 2) is the standard 18V LXT drill without hammer function at lower cost. The HP1641K (rank 1, $126.99) is the corded hammer drill for maximum sustained power without battery concerns. This 18V LXT hammer drill fills the cordless-plus-hammer niche: users who need standard drilling versatility and occasional masonry capability in a single LXT-platform tool. The specialized-function choice for the contractor who does mixed-material work regularly.