Suitable for a wide range of fastening applications with variable speed (0-2,900 RPM and 0-3,500 IPM) and 1,460 in.lbs. of torque.
The use of all-metal gear housing increases the durability of the unit on the job site.
At only 5-3/8 inches in height, this design is both compact and ergonomic “a long tim.
With the battery, it weighs only 2.8 lbs., which helps to reduce operator fatigue.
1/4-turn operation is simple and convenient “for quick bit changes, hex chuc.
Power and speed are delivered in a compact package by the Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver (model XDT11SY), which is ideal for a wide range of driving and fastening tasks. It has a fast-charging 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Battery, which means less downtime. The 18V Lithium-Ion series, powered by an 18V Lithium-Ion slide-style battery, is part of Makita’s growing 18V Lithium-Ion product line, which includes the world’s largest cordless tool line-up. With the fastest charge times in their respective categories, Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries allow users to spend more time working and less time waiting for their batteries to charge. Makita developed Star Protection Computer Controls in order to improve tool performance while simultaneously extending battery life. Star Protection is a type of communication technology that allows a tool and battery that are both equipped with Star Protection to exchange data in real time and monitor conditions while in use in order to prevent overloading, over-discharging, and overheating from occurring. The tool can also be powered by Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Batteries, which have a star symbol on the battery to indicate that the battery contains Star Protection. This provides greater versatility. Makita built the XDT11SY, which is equipped with a 4-pole motor that operates at variable speeds (0-2,900 RPM and 0-3,500 IPM) and produces 1,460 in.lbs of maximum torque. Given its small size and weight (2.8 pounds with battery), it has an ergonomic and compact design that reduces operator fatigue while also providing a rubberized soft grip for increased comfort on the job. It is available in black or blue. Because of the built-in LED light, it is possible to work in dark areas and close quarters with this tool. Makita’s entire line-up of impact drivers, including the XDT11SY, is engineered with a proprietary hammer and anvil impact mechanism that is manufactured using the best raw materials and the highest quality steel, as well as a unique heat-hardening process, to provide maximum fastening and driving power for the most demanding applications. The XDT11SY is equipped with Extreme Protection Technology (XPT), which improves its water and dust resistance, allowing it to operate in harsh job site conditions.
My favorite brands of power tools include Makita, which is one of my personal favorites. Makita tools are known for being well-designed and durable in construction. When compared to other Makita 18V impact drivers, this one is considered a “entry-level” model. There are some obvious trade-offs, but this is still a very useful tool in its own right.
However, because it uses a brush-type motor, it is a little more power-hungry and the brushes will need to be replaced at some point in the future. Is this a “big deal” in your opinion. The majority of the cordless tools I purchase today are brushless, whereas only a few years ago, none of us had ever heard of brushless tools. For years, I’ve relied on a variety of tools with brush-type motors, and I still have a large collection of them. Unless you use the tool frequently in high-demand applications, it is unlikely to make much of a difference to your experience.
Another obvious compromise is the use of rechargeable batteries. To be sure, the kit includes two batteries and a charger; however, the batteries have a low capacity (1.5Ah) and do not have a charge indicator, which is a disappointment. While this will not be an issue if you are only using the tool to drive a few screws, perhaps as part of a larger project, if you are using the tool on a regular basis — for example, when building a deck — you will need a couple of higher-capacity batteries to accommodate your needs. At the time of writing this review (late 2020), the going price for a Makita-brand 3Ah battery is approximately $100 dollars. (I’ve had a lot of success with third-party batteries that are significantly less expensive..
So far, this tool has performed admirably in terms of functionality. It’s comfortable in my hand, and I’d be happy to use it as my “everyday” impact driver in the future.
The tool, charger, and batteries are all contained in a zip-up bag that is included in the kit. A hard-case that protects the tool when it is not in use is my personal preference, but many tools come with a tool bag or no container at all, which is acceptable.
In comparison to my DeWalt chargers, the Makita charger is slightly larger in size, and it does not have a provision for mounting on the wall. A wall mount can be extremely useful for organizing your space.
Overall, this kit represents excellent value, and unless you plan on using an impact driver frequently, you will most likely be pleased with this purchase.
