Customer Reviews for Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 1/4 in. Oil-Impulse Brushless Cordless 3-Speed Impact Driver (Tool-Only)

Title: Protect your hearing with the low noise Oil-Impulse Driver I’ve been using Makita impact drivers for more than 10 years, even before the cordless industry switched to 18V L-Ion batteries. Their high noise level has always been a concern for hearing loss, but their advantages for efficiently driving a wide variety of construction fasteners has overridden that concern. When Makita introduced their XST01 oil-impulse driver with its claimed sizable noise reduction, I was interested, but its maximum torque rating of only 355 in-lbs prevented my purchase. Makita did not explain how the torque delivered by the oil-impulse driver differed from that of a standard impact driver. Fortunately, recent on-line review videos of the similar Milwaukee M18 FUEL SURGE Hydraulic driver included torque vs impulse rate plots for the SURGE and for a standard impact driver. The standard driver has a high (typically >1500 in-lbs) but very brief torque impulse that lasts a small fraction of the impulse repetition time (low duty-cycle). In contrast, the SURGE has flat sustained torque for most of the impulse repetition time (high duty-cycle), although at a lower maximum torque of 450 in-lbs. Because of its delivery of sustained torque, the SURGE can typically drive fasteners quite fast, provided the required torque is below its maximum output, which is the case for many commonly used construction screws. With this understanding of how an oil-impulse driver delivers torque, I decided to order the Makita version, and I am very pleased with its performance. First, at around 75 db, it generates MUCH less noise, regardless of the type of fastener being driven. But it also drives mid-sized construction screws very fast. I have tested it with a variety of self-drilling screws that I might typically use: FastenMaster LedgerLOKs, HeadLOKs, and 8” ThruLOKs, and 1/4” dia. screws by Simpson (SDS) and SPAX. It drives all of these screws without a noticeable reduction in speed, and also considerably faster than my older Makita BTD 141 standard impact driver. For me the major advantage of the Makita oil-impulse driver is its much lower noise operation. Its ability to efficiently drive the vast majority of fasteners that I am likely to use is, of course, also important. With more use, I think the two lower speed/torque ranges will prove very useful for smaller fasteners. I don’t do much sheet-metal work, but the T-mode may prove useful for driving smaller wood screws with more precision. Based on a limited amount of use so far, I am glad that I made the investment in this improved driver.

This is the Makita LXT 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Oil-Impulse Brushless Cordless 3-Speed Impact Driver but it does not include the necessary 18v lithium ion battery nor the charger. Keep in mind the battery and charger will cost you a bit more if you are not already invested in the Makita battery powered tool eco-system. Out of the box the driver is very compact and easy to handle so getting into tight spaces shouldn't be too difficult. The unit is very quite when in use compared to other impact drivers I have used. This is probably due to it being oil driven instead of mechanical impact. Power is more than sufficient for nuts and bolts that you would use with a 1/4" ratchet. Makita seems to list a max torque spec of 15 ft/lbs but my seat of the pants test feels like it is higher. Also, the manual seems to prefer listing bolt sizes instead of torque specs. Without test equipment I can't test this so I just have to go by what the manual states. The manual is very well written and detailed overall aside from that. There is a single button located in front of the grip that allows you to turn the led light on and off as well adjust the speed of the driver. The light is handy when working in dark spaces and it will auto shut off after a few seconds of releasing the trigger. The ring collar is very sturdy and holds the bits well if you are using the correct ones. Most bits will have the correct neck cut into the shank so that they can be secured. Unfortunately, my bit set did not have the correct design so I had to buy new ones to work with this driver. My old set is still usable but they are not secured into the driver and pull right out. This is a well designed product and I wouldn't expect anything less from Makita, especially at this price point. It handles well, is quiet, and does the job. I honestly can't find anything to complain about with this product.

Very cool torque mode which automatically decreases torque as the bolt or screw reaches its fully seated position

The main selling point on this for me was a quieter impact. At full speed this impact is almost twice as loud as XDT13. The variable speed is nice but I already have that in my current impact.

Very nice tool, relatively quiet and drives very fast . Maintains better bit to screw engagement than a drill and almost no drive back-torque. Also quiet light and compact.

Wish i would of purchased it sooner. i had both of Milwaukees surge drivers previously because they were on sale. Could never justify the price for this makita, but decided to just try it. One of the best investments I have made, well worth the price. things thing is smoother, quieter and more comfortable than others. Has plenty of power for most tasks out there.

I have been in the Collision repair Business for about a half a century. I have used various impact tools on a daily basis for as long. About the time cordless impact tools came out, I started switching over to them for certain applications simply because ‘no cords’ was a most convenient option. First the Cadmium battery models… Then the Nickel metal hydrides….and now up to the Lithium models. As the battery technology advanced, advances were also apparent in the more durable construction and functionality of the tools. This Mikita 18 volt cordless hex drive impact is my latest acquisition. The oil in the case idea intrigued me. I had been using a Milwaukee 18 volt cordless hex drive impact. But I accidentally left it in the engine compartment of a vehicle I was working on. Since I already have a Milwaukee 36 volt Concrete wet saw(2x18) I had batteries. So I bought the bare Makita tool. The very next day I had to break down the entire side of a school transit bus. All the rub rails were attached with square drive screws. <> A Great test run for the Makita. It got even better. One of the guys in the shop was assigned the same vehicle I had been working on as I was put on something more critical. He found my Milwaukee and returned it to me at the very moment I was starting to remove the side rails. ……. Perfect time for a side by side comparison. Knowing very well how the Milwaukee performed, I decided to start with the Makita. <> INSTANTLY AMAZED! The Makita was: Smoother, more ergonomic, more powerful and much quieter. The oil drive makes the tool really buffers the feel of the impact transmission to the hand. As much as I had used the Milwaukee and felt comfortable with its’ performance, the Makita was better in every respect No doubt all the major cordless tool makers take turn outdoing each other as their engineers are endlessly looking for that ultimate tool. I have not tried ‘every’ cordless hex drive impact tool. But from my experience, this Makita is easily the Best. And if I find out somebody makes one even better, I would have no hesitation buying it also..

It’s so much quieter, wife and and kids don’t notice when I’m working in another part of the house. Chuck is easy to quickly change bits. Highly recommend

These drivers are a litte bit quieter but not worth the extra money. For contractors who use them really hard they are somewhat slow and weak compared to Makita’s new 3 and 4 speed impact drivers. Not worth the extra money in my opinion

I use this on a daily basis, working counter at an outdoor supply store. Repairing recoil starters, replacing carburetors and such. Wouldn’t want to do it any other way.

kind of weak than my first one 3 years ago but its ok gets job down could have more power and quietness as that is the point of this gun its alright

After 1.5 years of using this in a preschool, granted I’m not doing much heavy duty stuff, I can say without a doubt this is one of the best impact drivers in the market. I went with it because I needed something quiet. And this did not disappoint. It’s lightweight, powerful enough, and very quiet. It’s my go to for everything. I love it

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The light on this driver stoped working already so im goin to return the impact this week!

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This is a very refined impact driver. Excellent for what I do- cabinet build and install. Very quiet, even quieter than my M12 Surge. I wouldn't use it for driving lag bolts but for the smaller hardware it is perfect.

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Love the drill, feels good in hand, great three speed adjustments for drilling or screwing. I would recommend this tool to a friend.

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light weight, quick tool change and reliable

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I love it The power is awesome and the quiet it's so quiet works wonderful I wish you could find it in the stores and people knew more about it they would sell a lot more

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