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8 Best Makita 18 V Drill 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Makita CT225SYX 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit (1.5Ah)

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,135
Battery Capacity
Additional Features

Most important from
864 reviews

Battery Capacity
Long battery life and the batteries are interchangeable with older Makita models, adding extra convenience.
Additional Features
Dependable with lots of power and quick charging, this set is perfect for contractors.

The Makita CT225SYX 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and lightweight drill and impact driver set. With an 18V battery voltage, it provides a solid power output for various tasks. The combo kit includes two lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 1.5Ah, which are suitable for light to medium-duty applications but may require more frequent recharging for heavy-duty tasks.

The driver-drill delivers a maximum torque of 480 in-lbs and features two-speed settings (0-600 and 0-1,900 RPM), offering flexibility for different drilling needs. The impact driver, on the other hand, offers an impressive 1,460 in-lbs of max torque and variable speed (0-2,900 RPM and 0-3,500 IPM), making it highly effective for driving screws and bolts efficiently.

Both tools are compact and lightweight, with the driver-drill weighing only 3.3 lbs and the impact driver 2.8 lbs, reducing operator fatigue during extended use. Additional ergonomic features, such as rubberized soft grips, enhance comfort and handling. The kit's design, power, and comfort make it a strong contender for home improvement enthusiasts and professionals looking for reliable and portable tools.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,135
Battery Capacity
Additional Features

Most important from
864 reviews

Battery Capacity
Long battery life and the batteries are interchangeable with older Makita models, adding extra convenience.
Additional Features
Dependable with lots of power and quick charging, this set is perfect for contractors.
#2

Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill, Tool Only

Rating
9.6
Weight

Most important from
875 reviews

Weight
The tool is a bit on the heavier side, suited more for frequent or professional use rather than occasional DIY tasks.

The Makita XPH14Z is a compact and powerful 18V cordless hammer drill designed for a variety of tasks like drilling, fastening, and hammer drilling in masonry. Its brushless motor produces a strong 1,250 in-lbs of torque, which is suitable for most home and light professional jobs. You get two-speed settings (up to 2,100 RPM) and a hammer action speed of up to 31,500 blows per minute, making it versatile for different materials. The 1/2-inch (13mm) metal chuck is durable and grips bits firmly, adding to the tool's reliability.

One standout feature is its size—at just 7 inches long, it’s easier to handle in tight spaces compared to older models. It weighs around 6 pounds with battery, which is reasonable and should not cause much fatigue during use. The 5Ah lithium-ion battery capacity means decent runtime. However, the battery and charger are sold separately, so this should be considered when purchasing.

This drill works with Makita's 18V LXT battery system, which is popular and compatible with many tools if you already own or plan to build a collection. Its ergonomic design and solid build quality make it a good choice for DIYers and professionals who need a dependable, cordless hammer drill for medium-duty work. For heavy-duty drilling or longer continuous use, drills with higher torque or those that include batteries might offer better value.

Rating
9.6
Weight

Most important from
875 reviews

Weight
The tool is a bit on the heavier side, suited more for frequent or professional use rather than occasional DIY tasks.
#3

Makita XFD131 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Driver-Drill Kit (3.0Ah)

Rating
9.4
Torque
Chuck Size
Weight

Most important from
2207 reviews

Torque
Very impressive drill with great torque and power, making it easy to handle and maneuver.
Chuck Size
The 1/2 inch chuck firmly holds the bits, adding to the drill's versatility and reliability.
Weight
An excellent tool for DIY enthusiasts, offering a perfect balance of power and lightweight design.
Additional Features
Ideal for tight spaces, this drill fits where others can't and works effortlessly in both old and new wood.

The Makita XFD131 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Driver-Drill Kit is a robust and efficient tool, well-suited for a variety of drilling and fastening tasks. With its 18V battery voltage and 3.0Ah battery capacity, it provides ample power and extended run time, aided by an electronically controlled BL Brushless Motor which optimizes energy use for up to 50% longer performance per charge.

The mechanical 2-speed transmission offers flexible speed settings (0-500 and 0-1,900 RPM), making it versatile for different applications. The maximum torque of 440 in.lbs ensures it can handle tough jobs with ease. The 1/2" chuck size accommodates a variety of bit sizes, adding to its versatility.

This product is an excellent choice for professionals or serious DIY enthusiasts who require a reliable and powerful drill for frequent use.

Rating
9.4
Torque
Chuck Size
Weight

Most important from
2207 reviews

Torque
Very impressive drill with great torque and power, making it easy to handle and maneuver.
Chuck Size
The 1/2 inch chuck firmly holds the bits, adding to the drill's versatility and reliability.
Weight
An excellent tool for DIY enthusiasts, offering a perfect balance of power and lightweight design.
Additional Features
Ideal for tight spaces, this drill fits where others can't and works effortlessly in both old and new wood.

Buying Guide for the Best Makita 18 V Drill

Choosing the right drill can make a significant difference in your DIY projects or professional work. When selecting a Makita 18V drill, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these key specs will help you make an informed decision and ensure that the drill you choose will meet your requirements effectively.
Battery VoltageBattery voltage, measured in volts (V), indicates the power output of the drill. An 18V drill is a good balance between power and weight, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks from light to medium-duty drilling and driving. Higher voltage means more power, which is useful for tougher materials, but it also means a heavier tool. For most users, an 18V drill offers a versatile and manageable option.
Battery CapacityBattery capacity, measured in ampere-hours (Ah), determines how long the battery will last on a single charge. Higher Ah means longer runtime. For occasional home use, a 1.5-2.0 Ah battery might be sufficient. For more frequent or intensive use, consider a 3.0 Ah or higher battery to avoid frequent recharging. Choose based on how long you typically need to use the drill without interruption.
TorqueTorque, measured in Newton-meters (Nm), indicates the drill's twisting force. Higher torque is essential for driving screws into tough materials or drilling larger holes. For light tasks like assembling furniture, lower torque (around 30-40 Nm) is adequate. For more demanding tasks like drilling into masonry or heavy-duty construction, look for higher torque (60 Nm or more). Match the torque to the toughest job you expect to handle.
Speed SettingsSpeed settings, measured in rotations per minute (RPM), determine how fast the drill spins. Most drills have multiple speed settings for different tasks. Lower speeds (0-500 RPM) are ideal for driving screws, while higher speeds (up to 2000 RPM) are better for drilling. Consider a drill with variable speed control to give you flexibility for various applications.
Chuck SizeThe chuck size, typically 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch, determines the maximum diameter of the drill bit that can be used. A 1/2 inch chuck is more versatile and can handle larger bits, making it suitable for heavy-duty tasks. A 3/8 inch chuck is lighter and more compact, ideal for lighter tasks and tight spaces. Choose based on the size of the bits you plan to use most frequently.
WeightThe weight of the drill affects how comfortable it is to use, especially for extended periods. Lighter drills (around 3-4 pounds) are easier to handle and reduce fatigue, making them suitable for overhead or prolonged use. Heavier drills (5 pounds or more) may offer more power but can be tiring to use for long durations. Consider your physical strength and the nature of your projects when choosing the weight.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features like LED lights, belt clips, and brushless motors can enhance the usability and convenience of the drill. LED lights help illuminate dark work areas, belt clips provide easy access, and brushless motors offer better efficiency and longer lifespan. Think about which features will make your work easier and more efficient based on your typical use cases.

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