2024’s Best Makita Drills for DIYers and Professionals
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about 2024’s Best Makita Drills for DIYers and Professionals and hope the blog can help you.
Take a close look at Makita’s impressive drill lineup and check out some helpful buying suggestions.
Makita drills are highly regarded for their competitive performance and excellent durability. The collection is also remarkably extensive, with over 60 models available from lightweight drill/drivers to heavy-duty demolition hammers. Having so many Makita drills available is great, but while any model is a solid choice, it can be challenging to decide which offers the optimal mix of power and features.
We tapped Brandon Walker, construction manager at ASAP Restoration LLC in Tempe, Arizona, for advice on how to choose the right drill for the job. We also tested several top picks to make sure they met our demands. Our favorite is the Makita FD07R1 12-Volt Brushless Cordless Driver-Drill Kit, which manages to be powerful enough to handle most jobs around the house while remaining compact and lightweight.
Read on to find out what you’ll want to consider when shopping for the best Makita drills and find out which ones are the brand’s top models.
- BEST OVERALL: Makita FD07R1 12V Brushless Cordless Driver-Drill Kit
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Makita XFD12Z 18V LXT Cordless Driver Drill
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Makita FD09R1 12V MAX CXT Cordless Driver Drill Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COMBO: Makita XT269M 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Combo Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ROTARY HAMMER: Makita XRH04Z 18V LXT Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill
↓ Jump to Review - BEST 1/4-INCH DRILL DRIVER: Makita DF012DSE 7.2V Cordless Hex Driver Drill Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SDS MAX HAMMER DRILL: Makita HM0870C SDS-MAX Demolition Hammer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ANGLED DRILL: Makita XAD02Z 18V LXT Cordless Angle Drill
↓ Jump to Review
How We Chose the Best Makita Drills
Normally, BobVila.com pits products from different tool brands against each other in order to identify our top picks; see the best cordless drills, for example. Clearly, when looking for the best Makita drills, we’re dealing with the same manufacturer. So the tools aren’t in competition as such.
However, as we mentioned, the Makita drills range is huge and it isn’t always easy to differentiate between the models. What we have tried to do is pick out the best performers in a variety of categories, taking into account the criteria discussed in our considerations section above.
Along with comparing specs and scouring through customer reviews, we tested several of the top models to make sure they were up to snuff. For those drills we tested ourselves, we put them through a series of tests, drilling holes of various sizes and driving different types of fasteners.
The resulting top picks are a variety of different Makita drills that offer solutions to all kinds of job challenges and will appeal to a wide range of users.
Our Top Picks
The following are what we feel are the best Makita drills to tackle a wide range of tasks. They include a variety of different drill types that represent the best of what this premium brand has to offer.
Best Overall
Makita FD07R1 12V Brushless Cordless Driver-Drill Kit
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Voltage: 12 volts (V)
- Chuck: 3/8 inch
- Speed: Up to 1,500 revolutions per minute (RPM)
What We Liked
- Brushless motor adds power, battery life, and durability
- Compact size and lightweight
- Surprisingly powerful for 12V drill
What We Didn’t Like
- Pricey for a 12-V drill
Pick up the Makita FD07R1 and you’ll immediately notice its compact size and light weight. It measures just 6.5 inches long and weighs a hair over 2 pounds. This not only made Makita’s 12V drill easy to handle during testing but also allowed us to fit it into tighter spaces than its larger 18V brethren.
No, this 12V drill won’t rival the bigger motors on larger drills, but it’s certainly no slouch. We drilled dozens of holes on a single charge, and we didn’t just stick to small drill bits. Set to a lower speed to maximize torque output, it capably handled a paddle bit and hole saw.
We experienced similar performance with various size screws. We found that as long as we made adjustments to speed and torque settings, the FD07R1 could handle larger fasteners.
We were also impressed with battery life. The Makita didn’t start petering out until after 35 minutes of near continuous drilling and driving. Not bad for such a lightweight drill. This Makita drill set won’t quite match the speed and power of 18V models, but it boasts enough power to handle most household projects.
Get the FD07R1 Makita drill at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Runner-Up
Makita XFD12Z 18V LXT Cordless Driver Drill
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Voltage: 18V
- Chuck: ½ inch
- Speed: 2 speeds: 0 to 500 RPM and 0 to 2,000 RPM
What We Liked
- Renowned build quality and durability
- High-efficiency brushless motor
- 530 inch-pounds (in-lbs) of torque
What We Didn’t Like
- Battery and charger cost extra
- LEDs could be more focused
With so many high-quality tools in the range, picking a single model as the best Makita drill is a challenge, but we eventually chose the Makita 18V LXT drill driver because it is an all-around high-performance tool that suits both DIY enthusiasts and tradespeople.
The Makita XFD12Z is compact for an 18V drill driver, at just 6¾ inches long. It weighs only 3.4 pounds and takes a 2.0Ah battery (not included). The soft grip also makes it comfortable to use and easy to handle. The high-efficiency brushless motor provides two speed ranges for increased versatility, and with 530 in-lbs of torque, it can tackle demanding drilling and driving jobs around the home or job site. Some 20 different clutch settings allow screwdriving power to be adjusted to suit large or small fixings with little chance of damage.
This model includes dual LEDs with afterglow, which means the light stays on for several seconds after the trigger is released so work can be checked. It’s a useful feature, and the LEDs provide decent light, but more focus on the chuck and drill bit area instead of the current wide beam would be an improvement.
Get the XFD12Z Makita drill at Amazon, or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Voltage: 12V
- Chuck: ⅜ inch
- Speed: 2 speeds: 0 to 450 RPM and 0 to 1,700 RPM
What We Liked
- Among the lightest at just 2.4 pounds
- 250 in-lbs of torque
- Kit includes battery, charger, and hard case
What We Didn’t Like
- Professionals will want 18V power
- Could be more compact
Cordless 12V drill drivers lack the outright power of their 18V counterparts and are often seen as the best drill for home use. In this category, the Makita 12V CXT has just the right balance of weight and performance.
At 2.4 pounds, it is among the lightest drills in its class and is easy to maneuver. Somewhat surprisingly, at just 7 inches long, it is actually ¼ inch bigger than the more powerful 18V model. However, it is no larger than most competitors.
The brushless motor provides two speed ranges that are only slightly slower than the 18V Makita and perfect for household tasks. The 20-position clutch offers good versatility for driving. An LED worklight is built in. With an 18V battery, rapid charger, and a hard case included, it adds up to a high value package that is difficult to fault.
Get the FD09R1 Makita drill at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Best Combo
Makita XT269M 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Combo Kit
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Voltage: 18V
- Chuck: ½ inch
- Speed: Drill: 0 to 500 RPM and 0 to 2,000 RPM. Impact driver: 0 to 3,400 RPM and 0 to 3,600 inches per minute (IPM)
What We Liked
- Powerful pro-standard combination
- Efficient brushless motors
- Includes 4.0-amp-hour (Ah) batteries and charger
What We Didn’t Like
- Cloth storage bag
The Makita hammer drill and impact driver combination will appeal to both professionals and keen amateur remodelers. Both are high-performance tools with brushless motors that maximize the battery power available. The kit includes Makita’s rapid charger and two 4.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries so there will be little or no downtime.
The Makita 18V LXT brushless combo drill is based on our runner-up pick, the two-speed Makita XFD12Z, with the addition of a hammer action for drilling brick, block, concrete, and so on. It is slightly heavier but still only 4.2 pounds with the battery attached. With a maximum speed of 3,400 RPM, the impact driver is very fast, with 1,500 in-lbs of torque to drive large screws and heavy-duty fixings with minimal effort. It weighs just 3.3 pounds.This impressive Makita combination of an LXT combi drill and impact driver is a considerable investment, but when compared to leading competitors, they are very competitively priced.
Get the XT269M Makita drill at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or The Home Depot.
Best Rotary Hammer
Makita XRH04Z 18V LXT Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill
Photo: Homedepot
Product Specs
- Voltage: 18V
- Chuck: ⅞ inch that accepts SDS-Plus bits
- Speed: 0 to 1,200 RPM and 0 to 4,000 BPM
What We Liked
- Comparatively light at 7.7 pounds
- Clever clutch prevents gear damage
- Auxiliary handle and depth gauge
What We Didn’t Like
- No battery or charger
- Brush motor
Makita’s 18V rotary hammer drill is largely aimed at professional users, though its competitive price and relatively low weight will also make it of interest to DIY users looking for the best cordless hammer drill for a variety of tasks. It is a versatile tool capable of heavy-duty drilling in concrete and masonry, and because it can accept SDS-Plus bits it can also be used for light demolition.
The drill has three modes: rotation only for drilling in wood or other comparatively soft materials, rotation and hammer for drilling concrete, and hammer only for chiseling. Each is selected via a clear, easy-to-use dial. A torque-limiting clutch can sense if the drill bit binds and will temporarily disengage the drive. This not only protects the gearing from damage but also helps prevent nasty wrist injuries caused by sudden rotation of the tool when a bit jams.
The two-finger trigger has plenty of space for gloved hands. The shock absorber built into the handle both increases comfort and prevents vibration from damaging the battery. An auxiliary handle is provided to allow for a secure hold of this powerful drill, and a depth gauge is included.
Get the XRH04Z Makita drill at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best 1/4-Inch Drill Driver
Makita DF012DSE 7.2V Cordless Hex Driver Drill Kit
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Voltage: 7.2V
- Chuck: ¼-inch hexagonal
- Speed: 2 speeds: 0 to 200 RPM and 0 to 650 RPM
What We Liked
- Use straight or pistol-grip
- 71 in-lbs torque
- 21 clutch settings
What We Didn’t Like
- Uses hex bits
While ⅜-inch and ½-inch Makita drill drivers offer plenty of versatility, there are times a more compact and lightweight tool has advantages. After test-driving the ¼-inch Makita drill driver, we found it to be perfect for many furniture assembly jobs or when maximum control is needed for drilling with smaller bits.
That shouldn’t suggest this drill is underpowered; far from it. The efficient brushless motor offers two speeds and up to 71 in-lbs of torque, which is impressive for a tool that weighs just 1.2 pounds. It won’t rival Makita’s 18V line of cordless drills, nor is it meant to. It’s designed to drill small holes and do the work of a cordless screwdriver. Its 21 clutch settings and two speed settings made it easy to adjust torque settings and RPM for driving in various fasteners.
We also liked the convertible design that allowed us to change the screwdriver from pistol grip for max control to in-line for fitting into tight spots, such as when installing hinges and cabinet slides. The Makita gave us an ample 30 minutes of near continuous use off a single charge. A built-in LED work light was also handy for working in darker confines, such as inside a cabinet.
The Makita 7.2V cordless hex drill driver is pricy given the limits of its power, though it does include a battery, charger, and case.
Get the DF012DSE Makita drill at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best SDS Max Hammer Drill
Makita HM0870C SDS-MAX Demolition Hammer
Photo: Homedepot