Ever stripped a screw head while working on a project? Frustrating, right? Choosing the wrong drill can turn a quick job into a long, painful one. Today, we’re diving into the world of Makita Brushless Drills. These tools are popular, but picking the perfect one can feel overwhelming. There are many models and features to consider!
Finding the best Makita drill means understanding your needs. You want power, battery life, and a tool that lasts. Knowing the differences between brushless motors, the various models, and the best features will save you time and money. Plus, you’ll avoid the frustration of a drill that can’t handle the job.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know. We’ll explore the benefits of brushless technology, compare different Makita drill models, and help you pick the perfect drill for your projects. Get ready to become a Makita drill expert! Let’s get started and find the right tool for you.
Our Top 5 Makita Brushless Drill Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Makita Brushless Drill Detailed Reviews
1. Makita XPH12Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Hammer Driver-Drill
Rating: 9.4/10
The Makita XPH12Z is a powerful cordless hammer drill. It’s a tool only, meaning it doesn’t come with a battery or charger. This drill is built for tough jobs. It uses a brushless motor, which means it’s more efficient and lasts longer. This drill can handle many different tasks like drilling, driving screws, and hammering.
What We Like:
- The BL Brushless motor gives you a lot of power. It delivers up to 530 in.lbs of torque.
- The brushless motor helps the battery last longer. You can work for up to 50% more time on one charge.
- This motor runs cooler and more efficiently. This makes the drill last longer.
- The drill changes its speed based on the job. It gives you the right amount of power.
- It has two speeds for different jobs. It can drill, drive screws, and hammer.
What Could Be Improved:
- Since it’s a “tool only” purchase, you must already own Makita batteries and a charger.
The Makita XPH12Z is a great drill for many jobs. It’s powerful and efficient, making it a good choice for professionals and DIYers alike.
2. Makita XPH16Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Compact Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Hammer Driver-Drill
Rating: 8.8/10
The Makita XPH16Z is a powerful cordless hammer drill. This tool is designed for tough jobs. It uses a brushless motor. This motor gives you more power and lasts longer. It’s compact, so it’s easy to handle. It’s perfect for drilling, driving screws, and hammering.
What We Like:
- The brushless motor gives you up to 70% more power.
- It runs longer on one battery charge.
- The motor doesn’t have brushes, so it lasts longer.
- It changes speed to match what you are doing.
- It has two speeds for different tasks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “tool only” option means you need to buy a battery and charger separately.
The Makita XPH16Z is a great drill for many jobs. It’s powerful, efficient, and built to last. It’s a good choice for both pros and DIYers.
3. Makita XFD131 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill Kit (3.0Ah)
Rating: 8.5/10
The Makita XFD131 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill Kit (3.0Ah) is a powerful tool. It is great for many jobs. This drill helps you drill holes and drive screws. It has a brushless motor. This motor saves battery power and makes the drill last longer. It has two speeds so you can control how fast it works.
What We Like:
- The drill has a strong brushless motor.
- It has two speeds for different jobs.
- The motor uses battery power very well.
- It can produce up to 440 in.lbs. of Max Torque.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may want more power.
This Makita drill is a good choice for many people. It is a reliable and efficient tool for your projects. You will like how well it works.
4. Makita XFD15ZB 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill
Rating: 9.1/10
The Makita XFD15ZB is a powerful drill in a small package. It’s a sub-compact, cordless driver-drill. It uses an 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery (sold separately). This drill is great for working in tight spaces. It’s made for drilling and fastening. The drill is built to last and easy to handle.
What We Like:
- The drill is very compact. It is only 5-7/8″ long.
- It’s lightweight. It weighs only 2.9 lbs. (without a battery).
- It helps reduce tiredness while working.
- It has a 2-speed transmission. You can choose the speed.
- The drill is built strong. It has a metal jampot design.
What Could Be Improved:
- The battery is not included. You have to buy it separately.
The Makita XFD15ZB is a good drill for many jobs. It is a great pick if you need a small, but strong drill.
5. Makita XT269T 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit (5.0Ah)
Rating: 8.9/10
The Makita XT269T is a powerful cordless combo kit. It includes a hammer driver-drill and an impact driver. Both tools use Makita’s BL Brushless motors. These motors are designed for more power and longer run times. They also help the tools last longer. This kit is great for many jobs around the house or on the job site.
What We Like:
- The BL Brushless motors are efficient. They help save battery power.
- The hammer driver-drill has two speeds. This lets you choose the right speed for your work.
- The impact driver delivers a lot of torque. It can handle tough jobs.
- Both tools are lightweight. They are easy to use for long periods.
- The kit is a good value. You get two great tools for the price.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included battery charger could be faster.
- The kit doesn’t include a carrying case.
The Makita XT269T is a solid choice for anyone needing cordless tools. It is a reliable kit that offers great performance and value. You will not be disappointed with this product.
Makita Brushless Drill: Your Handy Guide to Power Tools
Are you ready to upgrade your toolbox? A Makita brushless drill might be exactly what you need! This guide will help you choose the perfect drill for your projects.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a Makita brushless drill, you need to know what to look for. These features are important:
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Brushless Motor
This is the most important part! A brushless motor means the drill runs smoother and lasts longer. It also uses less battery power. You will like this feature.
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Variable Speed
Most drills have variable speed settings. These let you control how fast the drill spins. This is helpful for different jobs. You can drill slow or fast.
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Torque Settings
Torque is the twisting power of the drill. Many Makita drills have adjustable torque settings. These settings help you avoid stripping screws or damaging materials. You will use this feature often.
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Battery Life
Look for a drill with a good battery life. Makita drills often come with powerful batteries. A longer battery life means you can work longer without stopping.
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Chuck Size
The chuck is the part that holds the drill bit. Common sizes are 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch. Make sure the chuck size fits the bits you need.
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LED Light
Many Makita drills have built-in LED lights. These lights help you see in dark spaces. This is super handy!
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Ergonomics
Choose a drill that feels comfortable in your hand. This helps you work longer without getting tired.
Important Materials
The materials used in a Makita drill matter. Good materials make a better drill.
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Motor Housing: Look for drills with durable motor housings. Strong plastic or metal protects the motor.
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Gears: The gears inside the drill should be made of strong metal. This helps the drill last a long time.
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Battery Housing: The battery housing should be tough. It needs to protect the battery from damage.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a Makita drill better. Other things can make it worse.
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Quality Boosters:
- Brushless Motor: This is a big plus! It makes the drill more efficient.
- Durable Materials: Strong materials make the drill last longer.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the company trusts its product.
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Quality Reducers:
- Cheap Plastics: These can break easily.
- Weak Motor: This means less power.
- Small Battery: A small battery means less work time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Makita brushless drills are great for many jobs. You will find them helpful.
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Home Projects: They are perfect for hanging pictures, building furniture, and doing other DIY projects.
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Construction: Professionals use them for drilling holes, driving screws, and more.
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Carpentry: These drills are great for woodworking tasks.
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Easy to use: They are designed to be comfortable and easy to handle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a brushless motor?
A: A brushless motor is more efficient and lasts longer than a brushed motor.
Q: Why is variable speed important?
A: Variable speed lets you control how fast the drill spins. This helps with different jobs.
Q: What are torque settings for?
A: Torque settings prevent you from stripping screws or damaging materials.
Q: How do I choose the right chuck size?
A: Make sure the chuck size fits the drill bits you need.
Q: What does an LED light do?
A: The LED light helps you see in dark spaces.
Q: Are Makita drills good for beginners?
A: Yes! Makita drills are easy to use and great for beginners.
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: Battery life varies. Check the specifications for the drill you choose.
Q: What is the warranty like?
A: Makita offers a warranty on its tools. Check the details before buying.
Q: Where can I buy a Makita brushless drill?
A: You can buy them at home improvement stores and online retailers.
Q: How do I take care of my Makita drill?
A: Keep it clean and store it in a dry place. Charge the battery properly.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!





