Makita 18V LXT Brushless 1/2" Driver-Drill Kit (XFD131) review

The Makita XFD131 is a compact brushless drill built around Makita's 18V LXT battery line. Makita rates it at 440 in.lbs. of max torque with a mechanical 2-speed transmission (0 to 500 and 0 to 1,900 RPM), and the tool is 6-5/8 in long. Makita says the electronically controlled brushless motor gives up to 50% longer run time per charge, and Star Protection Computer Controls let the tool and battery exchange data to protect against overloading and overheating. The kit includes a single 18V LXT 3.0Ah battery, which is a larger pack than the 2.0Ah batteries in most kits here, plus a charger and tool bag. Weight is listed as 3.6 lbs with battery in the feature list and 3.8 lbs in the overview, so expect something in that range. The XFD131 makes most sense if you already own Makita LXT tools. For new buyers, its 440 in.lbs. trails the Ryobi HP and Milwaukee 3601, and Makita publishes no price on its own page.

Who it is for

owners of Makita 18V LXT tools

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• 440 in.lbs. of max torque from a Makita-built brushless motor
• Mechanical 2-speed transmission at 0 to 500 and 0 to 1,900 RPM
• 6-5/8 in long
• Star Protection Computer Controls between tool and battery
• Kit includes an 18V LXT 3.0Ah battery, charger and tool bag

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 3.0Ah battery is the largest single pack among the compact kits here
• Strength: Makita says the motor gives up to 50% longer run time per charge
• Strength: Star Protection monitors the tool and battery to guard against overloading
• Weakness: Makita's page shows no price and links to retailers
• Weakness: 440 in.lbs. trails the Ryobi HP, Milwaukee and Worx hammer drill
• Weakness: Makita lists 3.6 lbs and 3.8 lbs with battery in different places on the same page

Key facts

• Torque: 440 in.lbs.
• Speed: 0 to 500 / 0 to 1,900 RPM
• Length: 6-5/8 in
• Weight: 3.6 to 3.8 lbs with battery (Makita lists both)
• In the kit: 3.0Ah battery, charger, tool bag

Where it ranks

Makita 18V LXT Brushless 1/2" Driver-Drill Kit (XFD131) is No. 6 in our Best Cordless Drills verdict.