Tool Box Buzz

Makita 40V MAX XGT 1/2″ Mid and 3/4″ High Torque Impact Wrench Review

The 40V MAX XGT  tools are Makita‘s flagship professional-grade cordless tools. This tool review will examine the 1/2″ Mid-Torque Model GWT07Z and 3/4″ High-Torque Model GWT01Z impact wrenches. The Makita XGT impact wrenches are powerful but refined and comfortable to use. They build upon the already excellent Makita 18V LXT impact wrenches.

During the ToolBoxBuzz Best Cordless Mid-Torque Impact Wrench Head-2-Head, the XGT was not included due to its specs exceeding the selection criteria. The high-torque model is also only currently available in a 3/4″ anvil version, making it difficult to include in future comparisons. That is why these tools are being featured in their own standalone article.

Makita XGT Impact Wrench Specs

GWT07Z Mid-Torque

• Max Breaking Torque: 810 Ft./Lbs.
• Max Fastening Torque: 560 Ft./Lbs.
• Anvil Size: 1/2″
• Anvil Type: Friction Ring or Detent
• Modes: 3 Forward / 3 Reverse Auto-Stop Modes
• Speed Settings: 4
• RPM Range: 600-2300 RPM
• IPM Range: 1200-2900 IPM
• Weight (Bare Tool): 4.98 Lbs.

GWT01Z High Torque

• Max Breaking Torque: 1510 Ft./Lbs.
• Max Fastening Torque: 1330 Ft./Lbs.
• Anvil Size: 3/4″
• Anvil Type: Friction Ring Only
• Modes: 3 Forward / 3 Reverse Auto-Stop Modes
• Speed Settings: 4
• RPM Range: 950-1800 RPM
• IPM Range: 1900-2500 IPM
• Weight (Bare Tool): 8.53 Lbs.

Controls and Ergonimics

Makita’s switching system is intuitive and fast to use. It offers a degree of speed settings and options that is unmatched. The speed modes feature an auto stop to prevent the tool from throwing fasteners once they break loose. Additionally, there is a Full Speed mode which will bring the tool to max RPMs and impacts as soon as the trigger is pushed.

The grip of both the Mid and High torque versions of the XGT are comfortable with generous rubber over-molding. The variable speed trigger on both models is also very responsive. There are zero delays when activating the trigger switch. This makes feathering with the tool or carefully breaking hardware loose with the tools very easy to do without snapping. For when you need some, but not all of the Ugga-Duggas.

Weight and Balance

The Mid-Torque GWT07Z pairs very well with a 2.5 Ah 40V MAX XGT battery. This smaller pack creates a more comfortable and lightweight package that is more than capable of handling the majority of tasks with no loss in performance. With the bigger brother, the GWT01Z, a larger battery pack is recommended. I found a 4.0 or 5.0 Ah battery pack provided better balance and kept the tool upright easier. The extra power also better supports the output and performance of the tool.

Tested Torque Performance

To quantify the breaking torque force of both XGT models, I used a B-RAD Select BL cordless torque system. This is a highly calibrated cordless torque applier that allows the user to dial a fastener to a computer-controlled torque value. This tool was featured in our Head-2-Head and I used a similar testing protocol.

The bolts in our testing rig were torqued to a specific value and then each impact wrench was set to its highest speed and power setting. The tools are used for ten seconds to attempt to break the bolts loose. If unsuccessful, the bolts are lowered by ten pounds and the process is repeated.

The Mid-Torque’s max breaking force is published as 810 Ft./Lbs. However, during testing, the XGT was only able to break loose a bolt at 510 Ft./Lbs. The High-Torque, while published at 1510 Ft./Lbs., was capable of breaking loose at 1450 Ft./Lbs. Our testing rig requires the use of very large 1 1/4″ diameter Grade 8 bolts with a 1 7/8″ head. Adapting the 1/2″ Mid-Torque tool to a 1 7/8″ impact socket results in a loss in applied torque. However, the bigger brother High-Torque model with a 3/4″ anvil is far better suited to a task like this. As a result, the High-Torque’ tested value was far more consistent with the published value.

Makita XGT Battery Protection

Batteries are not getting any less expensive. Correspondingly, Makita included some excellent design features to protect the 40V MAX XGT batteries from the abuse that a tool like an impact wrench is susceptible to. Both models of XGT impact wrenches feature a flexible joint at the base of the tool’s grip. This joint absorbs felt vibration for the user as well as prevents it from reaching the battery pack.

In addition to this, Makita maintains its practice of including two white silicone buffers in the construction of its tools. These buffers keep the battery packs snug when inserted and prevent movement. Less movement results in less wear on the battery contacts, which results in a longer lifespan for the tool and the batteries.

Overall Impressions of the Makita XGT Impact Wrenches

My first summer working on an underground construction crew was a huge learning experience. One of my first responsibilities was to set up the trench shoring jacks using the right spacers. The only tools available were a breaker bar and a mismatched socket set. I would have traded anything for the XGT impact wrenches back then!

The Makita XGT impact wrenches are very impressive. They feature outstanding power and performance with exceptional ergonomics and technology. Equally as impressive are the professional-grade features that both tools tout. The battery protection features and vibration and impact reduction technologies are intended for all-day professional use.

The Makita GWT07Z Mid-Torque is currently retailing for $369.00 and the GWT01Z High-Torque retails for $439.00 as bare tools. Overall this is a heavy price tag for a bare tool, but you always get what you pay for. I would recommend either model to professional users who need a high-performing tool that will last. Whether you need a Mid-Torque or a High-Torque will depend on your daily needs. Follow the Buy Now links below to purchase either model from our friends at ACME Tool and Ohio Power Tool.

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