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Makita 18V LXT Brushless Driver Drill (XFD131)

★★★★★ 4.6/5 · 1,998 reviewsby Makita
9.2OUT OF 10
The ToolHollow verdict

The Makita 18V LXT Brushless Driver Drill is an excellent choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts who need a compact, reliable, and efficient tool. Its brushless motor technology extends battery life and durability, while the lightweight design makes it easy to handle for extended use. Although it lacks hammer drilling capability, it excels at everyday drilling and driving tasks with precision and power.

Key Features

Full Specifications

Voltage18V
Motor TypeBrushless
Speed Settings2-speed (0-600 / 0-1900 RPM)
Chuck Size1/2 inch
Weight3.3 lbs (bare tool)

What we liked

  • Extremely lightweight and compact for tight spaces
  • Long runtime thanks to brushless motor efficiency
  • Fast and precise speed control
  • Durable metal gear transmission
  • Wide compatibility with existing Makita 18V battery ecosystem
  • LED light greatly improves visibility in dark areas

Worth noting

  • Battery and charger sold separately in bare tool version
  • No brushless hammer function for masonry work
  • Slightly less torque than premium heavy-duty models
  • Chuck can loosen slightly under extreme torque loads

The Full Review

The Makita 18V LXT Brushless Driver Drill is an excellent choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts who need a compact, reliable, and efficient tool.

The Makita 18V LXT Brushless Driver Drill stands as a benchmark in the cordless power tools category, engineered for professionals and serious DIY users who demand reliable performance on the job site. Powered by Makita's proven 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery platform, this driver drill pairs seamlessly with the broader LXT ecosystem, allowing tradespeople to share batteries across dozens of compatible tools. At its core lies a brushless motor, a feature that eliminates carbon brushes entirely, resulting in longer motor life, reduced maintenance, and more efficient energy transfer from battery to chuck. This efficiency translates directly into extended runtime per charge, meaning fewer battery swaps and more uninterrupted work whether you're driving screws into framing lumber or boring holes through dense hardwood. Beyond raw power, the Makita 18V LXT Brushless Driver Drill is built around precision and control. The tool features a variable two-speed transmission that lets users toggle between high torque for demanding fastening tasks and higher RPM for faster drilling applications. An electronically controlled clutch system offers multiple torque settings, protecting screws, materials, and the user's wrist from over-driving or stripping fasteners. The keyless single-sleeve chuck accepts a wide range of bit sizes and allows for quick, tool-free bit changes, which keeps workflow moving on active job sites. Ergonomically, the drill is designed with a compact, lightweight body and a rubberized soft-grip handle that reduces fatigue during extended use, while an LED job light illuminates dark work areas so users can maintain accuracy in low-light conditions like crawl spaces, cabinets, or unlit interiors. Durability and job-site readiness are also central to this driver drill's design philosophy. Makita constructs the tool with a magnesium gear housing in many models within this line, which resists wear and dissipates heat more effectively than standard plastic housings, extending the tool's operational lifespan. The drill is also engineered to work within Makita's extreme protection technology in certain configurations, guarding against dust and water intrusion on tougher outdoor or construction environments. Combined with its compatibility with the extensive 18V LXT battery and charger lineup, the Makita 18V LXT Brushless Driver Drill delivers a dependable, versatile solution for framing, remodeling, cabinetry, and general contracting work, making it a staple addition to any cordless power tool collection.

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