Makita XDT16z Review – Is it the Best Cordless Impact driver?

Makita XDT16z Review – Is it the Best Cordless Impact driver?

There’s no doubt about it; Makita is a leader in the power tools world. With over 100 years of experience, they’ve achieved the art of making high-quality, durable tools that can handle any job.

Makita has everything you need to get the job done right, from impact bits and saw blades to batteries and chargers. And because they’re always innovating, you can be sure that their products will only get better with time.

If you’re a contractor, carpenter, or a homeowner looking for an impact driver that’s both powerful and affordable, then you need to give a try to Makita xdt16z 18v brushless impact driver kit. Because, in my opinion, the Makita 18V xdt16z might be just what you’re looking for.

In this guide, I’ll take a look at some of the features that make this machine stand out from the competition.

This tool has some impressive features that can make your work easier. So, if you’re ready to learn more about one of Makita’s newest impact drivers, keep reading this exclusive Makita xdt16z Impact Driver Review!

Review Summary – Makita XDT16z Cordless Impact Driver

This Cordless Makita impact driver is one robust little tool. According to the specs, it can deliver up to 3,600 max RPM, 3800 IPM, and 1,600 in-lbs of torque.

Makita xdt16z review
Makita XDT16z (Image credit: Reddit.com)

That’s a lot of power for such a small tool. And it’s not just powerful; it’s fast too. It can maintain its speed better than most of its competitors in the same class.

I like the 4-speed one-touch power selector button placed smartly under the chuck on this impact driver. It’s so convenient and allows you to change speeds with one hand.

And the reverse rotation auto-stop is another handy feature that prevents over-loosening and dropped fasteners.

I have analyzed other impact drivers that didn’t have all these efficient features, and some other differences I observed that others were a lot harder to use. This one is my favorite.

However, a few things make this machine not the best choice for hardwoods. First off, the tool’s lightweight can make it difficult to control when driving nails into hardwoods.

Additionally, the runout on the Makita cordless impact driver is slightly higher than other impact drivers on the market, making it difficult to control when driving nails.

If you have an older version of the Makita impact driver, let’s say XDT13z, you will feel a significant difference in this latest Makita impact driver when it comes to controlling.

However, if you’re looking for an impact driver that’s lightweight and easy to use, then the Makita is still one of the best choices on the market, and I will explain it in this detailed Makita xdt16z Impact Driver Review.


Makita xdt16z impact driver
Makita xdt16z (Image credit: Amazon)

Makita xdt16z Cordless Impact Driver

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Makita | Model: XDT16z Power: 1600 inches per pound | Motor: Brushless | Torque: 3600 RPM | Battery Required: Yes | Battery Included: No

REASONS TO BUY

Exceptionally compact and lightweight.

Advance features and controls.

Incredibly maintains its speed and power.

Suitable to remove lug nuts.

REASONS TO AVOID

Not ideal for hardwoods.

The bit holder doesn’t come with the tool.

What is in the Box (3 variants available)

Makita XDT16Z Tool Only

Makita xdt16z makita impact driver bare tool
Makita XDT16z Impact driver
Belt Clip
Instruction manual

Makita XDT16Z Kit

Makita xdt16 impact driver kit
Makita XDT16z Impact driver
Charger
Battery
Bag
Belt Clips
Instruction manual

Makita XDT16Z Tool with Driver Bits

Makita xdt16z tool with driver bits
Makita XDT16z Impact driver
50 Piece Impact Driver Bit Set
Belt Clips
Instruction manual

What is Makita XDT16z designed for?

The Makita XDT16 brushless impact driver is one of the lightest, most compact drivers in its class, making it a dream to use.

Makita xdt 16z review

Even though its advanced controls can be confusing at first, they’re helpful once you get the hang of them. This impact driver is best for driving larger timber, lag, or ledger screws the majority of the time.

All in all, this is an excellent tool and the best Makita impact driver on the market right now.


Makita xdt16z easy to handle

Makita’s XDT16Z is my go-to driver for so many different projects around the house. I’ve never seen another tool that offers many options for fastening, and loosening fasteners or even some basic level drilling.

The controls on this Makita are really simple to use, and the fact that it won’t overtighten fasteners is amazing. I recommend using it on sheet metal and wood materials, and you will never see stripping or damage.

In addition, the four different torque settings let you dial in exactly how much torque you want to apply, which is helpful.

Overall, I absolutely love this Makita driver and would highly recommend it to anyone for moderate construction work and all sorts of home uses. We would also recommend it for swinging doors/framing/automobile works


Complete Guide on Makita xdt16z:

Value for Money

As someone who likes to stay on the cutting edge of technology, I was very excited to upgrade my impact driver. I did a lot of research, looking at various models and comparing features and prices. In the end, I decided on the Makita XDT16z.

It was a little more expensive than some of the other options, but I knew it would be worth it. And I have not been disappointed.

As mentioned above in this xdt16z review, this compact impact driver is incredibly powerful and has a wide range of settings that make it perfect for any project. It’s also very lightweight and easy to use, a huge bonus.

Good Battery life

We all know that Makita makes great tools. But we were curious to see how their impact driver stacked up. So, we put it to the test.

And we were impressed! Not only does it work with 5-amp batteries, but the battery life is also very good. Even with heavy use, the battery recharge was fast. We could see ourselves using these tools all day without any issues.

Overall, we were very impressed with the Makita impact driver. If you’re in the market for a new impact driver, we highly recommend checking this one out!

Variable Speed

One of my favorite features of this impact driver is the variable speed function. With four different speeds and three assist modes, I can easily adjust the speed to match the task at hand.

Makita xdt16z variable speed settings (1)

Another great feature is the ability to change the speed with my index finger. This is handy when I’m in a tight spot and need to precisely control the speed.

Overall, the Makita impact driver is an extremely impressive tool that I would highly recommend to anyone and all driving tasks.

Chuck Size

There’s nothing worse than fumbling around with a drill, trying to change the bit while precariously balancing whatever you’re trying to drill into.

Makita has designed the XDT16z with ease of use in mind. The 1/4 chuck and one-handed insertion operation make it a breeze to change bits – just put the hex shank into the driver, and it will automatically and firmly lock into place.

If you want to remove the bit, take out the collar, and it comes out. So, no more dropped bits or mangled screws. With the XDT16z, Makita has once again raised the bar for power tools.

The XDT16Z is a powerful driver that can handle any task you throw at it. With its high torque, you can easily remove lug nuts torqued at 100 ft/lbs.

Using the XPS impact adapter set, you can also use this impact driver to quickly remove screws. The improved torque makes this impact driver perfect for all sorts of uses.

Whether you’re doing DIY projects around the house or working on a professional construction site, the XDT16Z is the perfect tool for the job.

Can be used in low light with Built-in LEDs:

The built-in LED light is just one of the many features that make Makita’s drivers the most versatile and user-friendly on the market.

Makita xdt16z led lights

Makita’s built-in LED light is a bright spot in any dark work area. The light is located on both sides of the driver, providing ample illumination for even the darkest corners.

With this handy feature, operators can extend their workday into the evening hours or start their workday earlier in the morning.

Compact and Lightweight Design

The Makita xDT16z impact driver is one of the best drivers on the market. It features a compact and lightweight design and is perfect for those who want full control while working.

Weighing in at only 2.43 pounds, this impact driver is perfect for anyone who wants full control while working. The handle is the typical Makita handle with the rubber over-mold grip, which gives you full control while working.

Easy to Use

The Makita impact driver is a powerful tool that can make quick work of driving screws and other fasteners. However, it can be a bit tough to get used to for those new to using it.

The key is to take your time and get familiar with how it works before you try to tackle any big projects.

Once you get the hang of it, though, you’ll find that it’s quite simple to operate. And, thanks to its compact size, you can easily take it with you wherever you go – no more lugging around a heavy toolbox!

Reasonable Price

$150 seems like a lot of money for a “bare tool,” – especially when you can find other impact drivers on the market for less. But trust me, this Makita impact driver is worth every penny.

It’s incredibly powerful and makes light work of even the most stubborn screws and bolts.


Do Makita xdt16z Offer any Warranty?

You will be glad to know that Makita XDT16z provides a 3-year limited warranty.


How to use Makita xdt16z

Here is how to use Makita XDT 16z impact driver

Conclusion

So, should you buy the Makita xdt16z? If you need a powerful impact driver that is easy to use and versatile, this model might be perfect.

It’s also backed by a great warranty so that you can feel confident in your purchase. Thanks for reading our Makita xdt16z review!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Makita batteries be interchanged?

As an experienced handyman knows, having a good set of tools is essential to getting the job done right. But even the best tools are useless without a reliable power source.

That’s why many people choose to use Makita’s 18V batteries, which are known for their high quality and durability. But what happens when you need to replace your Makita battery? Can you simply swap it out for another brand?

The answer is a resounding yes – as long as you make sure that the new battery has the same voltage as your Makita driver. Otherwise, you risk damaging your driver and/or injuring yourself.

What does LXT mean on Makita tools?

LXT on all Makita Tools stands for Lithium-ion Xtreme Technology. This term is used for batteries in Makita tools. LXT batteries are super powerful than their counterparts and more durable.

Is an 18v 2.0 battery enough to power Makita 16z?

Yes, you can use it, but it is not recommended. The voltage will be the same, but you need to know that the bigger and recommended battery will give you more amps than the smaller ones, and you won’t have to deal with power shortages.

Do I need different screwdriver bits for Makita xdt16z?

If you’re using a Makita XDT 16z impact driver, you need to make sure you have the right kind of bits. Regular bits are not designed to withstand the stress of the torque an impact driver outputs, so you’ll need to invest in some special bits.

Makita makes a variety of impact-rated screwdriver bits that will stand up to the rigors of your tool, and they come in handy when you need to loosen or tighten screws quickly and easily. With the right bits on hand, your Makita impact driver will be able to handle any job you throw at it.

Bahram Shahab
Bahram here! A certified Electrical Engineer who knows his way around using power tools like a professional. My journey of using these robust tools started back when I graduated. Since then, I have finished almost a dozen DIY woodworking jobs. Apart from that, I have developed this habit of jotting down my personal experience about using a specific tool. So, I write on them to help the community in the best possible way.