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Makita 18V Impact Driver Model XDT20Z

Makita 18V Impact Driver Model XDT20Z

4/5

Manufacturer: Makita
Model number: XDT20Z
Price: 144.00- bare tool
Power source: 18 volt
Motor size: Bruahless
Weight: 2.29 lb

This Makita impact driver is a high-performance tool designed for professionals combining power, control, and efficiency. This driver is ideal for contractors, HVAC techs, mechanics, and anyone who frequently uses an impact driver for heavy-duty but also needs it for precision work.

Key Features and Specifications

The Makita XDT20Z is powered by a brushless motor, which delivers an impressive 1,590 in.lbs. of max torque, providing ample power for a wide range of fastening applications. With a maximum speed of 3,600 RPM and 3,800 impacts per minute (IPM), it ensures fast and efficient performance, whether you’re working with wood, metal, or masonry. The tool also features a four-speed power selection, offering precise control over fastening tasks with settings ranging from 0-1,100 RPM to 0-3,600 RPM. This versatility allows users to adapt the speed for both light and heavy-duty applications. Additionally, the Quick-Shift Mode™ utilizes electronic controls to intelligently balance speed and torque, ensuring optimal performance for each specific task and enhancing the overall efficiency of the tool.

Specifications

• Hex Shank : 1/4″
• No Load Speed (var. 4 spd.) : 0 – 1,100 / 0 – 2,100 / 0 – 3,200 / 0 – 3,600 RPM
• Impacts Per Minute (var. 4 spd.) : 0 – 1,100 / 0 – 2,600 / 0 – 3,600 / 0 – 3,800 IPM
• Maximum Torque (in.lbs.) : 1,590 in.lbs.
• Speed power selection : 4
• Battery : 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion
• Form Factor (LXT) : 18V LXT®
• Power Type : Cordless
• Motor Type : Brushless
• Overall Length : 4-1/2″
• Net Weight (with battery, sold separately) : 3.3 lbs.
• Packaged Depth (in) : 3.82″
• Packaged Height (in) : 5.51″
• Packaged Width (in) : 8.39″
• Shipping Weight : 2.29 lbs.

LED Light Ring

I love the 360° LED light illumination. It is superior to other brands when working in low-light conditions, helping eliminate shadows and illuminating a larger area.

Assist Mode (A-mode) and Tightening Modes (T-mode)

The Makita XDT20Z features an Assist Mode (A-mode), this is a feature that is nice to have.  It’s designed to help prevent common issues like screw cam-out and cross-threading. This mode starts at a lower speed and gradually increases as tightening begins, providing more control and reducing the risk of damaging the screw or work piece.

Additionally, the Tightening Modes (T-mode) are specifically designed for faster tightening of self-drilling screws in both thick and thin gauge metal. These precision modes help prevent damage to the screws and the workpiece, ensuring a more efficient and secure fastening process, particularly in metal applications. HVAC technicians love this feature.

Reverse Rotation Auto-Stop Mode

Just when you think that they can’t add anything more to these tools, the Makita XDT20Z impact driver is also equipped with a Reverse Rotation Auto-Stop Mode, which enhances its performance and protects both the tool and the work piece. When the fastener is sufficiently loosened, this mode automatically stops both rotation and impact, preventing unnecessary wear on the tool and reducing the risk of over-loosening the fastener. This feature helps ensure that the job is completed efficiently while minimizing the potential for damage to the fastener, surrounding materials or spinning the fastener loose and loosing it!

Design & Build

The Makita XDT20Z is designed with both comfort and durability in mind. Its compact size, measuring just 4-1/2 inches in length, makes it an excellent choice for working in tight or confined spaces where larger tools may not fit. Additionally, the lightweight design, weighing only 3.3 lbs. with the battery, helps reduce user fatigue, allowing for extended use without discomfort. The tool is built for durability, featuring an all-metal gear housing that enhances its toughness on the job site. Coupled with a rubberized soft grip, it offers added comfort and improved handling, ensuring better control and less strain during long or repetitive tasks.

Performance

The Makita XDT20Z excels in both power and speed, offering an impressive 1,590 in.lbs. of max torque and four-speed settings that allow for precise control across a variety of tasks. Whether you’re driving screws into wood, metal, or masonry, the tool’s variable speed settings provide fine-tuned power for both light and heavy-duty applications. With a high RPM of up to 3,600 and an IPM of up to 3,800, it delivers fast and efficient performance, making it ideal for a wide range of fastening jobs.

In terms of torque and control, the Makita XDT20Z is highly capable, delivering ample torque while maintaining excellent control. During testing on materials like hardwood, softwood, and metal, the impact driver proved consistent in its performance. The inclusion of the Quick-Shift Mode™ allows for seamless transitions between different torque and speed settings, making the tool highly adaptable to various tasks and fastener types.

The tool’s versatility is another standout feature, making it ideal for a broad array of applications, from general contracting and woodworking to metalworking and automotive repair. With specialized modes like A-mode (Assist Mode) and T-mode (Tightening Mode), the XDT20Z offers superior control over a wide range of materials and fasteners, ensuring efficient and precise results regardless of the job at hand. 

Build Quality and Durability

The Makita XDT20Z is built with high-quality materials, including a metal gear housing that provides long-lasting durability. The rubberized grip ensures comfort while helping to prevent hand fatigue.

Ease of Use

The Makita XDT20Z is designed for easy handling and comfort, weighing just 3.3 lbs with the battery, making it ideal for long hours of use without causing fatigue. Its compact size of 4-1/2 inches allows for excellent maneuverability, even in tight spaces, enhancing control during detailed work.

In terms of ease of control, the tool features a four-speed power selection dial and an additional one-touch power selector button, allowing users to easily adjust the speed and torque for a variety of tasks. The ergonomically designed handle further contributes to user comfort by reducing strain on the hand and wrist, especially during extended work sessions

Price

The Makita 18V Impact Driver Model XDT20Z sells as a bare tool online for $144.00

Overall Impression

The Makita XDT20Z is an excellent impact driver that combines power, versatility, and a compact design, making it a top choice for professionals. It’s a durable impact driver for a variety of applications, but its compact size and feature set are where it shines.

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