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The right Makita impact driver depends first on whether you already use the 18V LXT or 40V max XGT battery platform, then on the tool’s size and control features. For an adjustable LXT option, XDT20 is a documented candidate, while XDT21T and XDT21Z are current Makita listings whose detailed specifications and relationship to XDT20 need SKU-level verification. For XGT users, GDT04 has the highest published maximum-torque figure among the models covered here. XDT18 is the compact candidate, but its availability should be checked because Makita’s announcement dates to 2021.
Start with your battery platform
Makita’s LXT and XGT are separate battery platforms. Makita says batteries are compatible within their respective platform, so a battery you already own is a practical starting point when choosing a driver. Do not assume an LXT battery fits an XGT tool, or vice versa. Makita reports more than 350 LXT products and more than 170 XGT products system-wide in 2026; those counts describe the breadth of each system, not the quality of a particular impact driver. Makita LXT and Makita XGT
- Already invested in LXT: Compare the XDT20 and the current XDT21T/XDT21Z listings. Confirm the detailed product specifications and exact package before choosing.
- Already invested in XGT: Consider the GDT04 if its speed settings and tightening mode suit your work.
- Starting from scratch: Choose a platform based on the Makita tools you expect to use beyond the impact driver, as well as the driver’s task and package contents.
Compare the Makita candidates
The specifications below come from Makita U.S.A. product announcements or its current latest-products listing, not independent comparative testing. Maximum torque figures are useful for screening, but do not by themselves establish which driver will be faster, more controllable, or better suited to a particular fastener.
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →| Model | Platform and evidence | Published specifications | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| XDT21T / XDT21Z | 18V LXT; appears in Makita’s latest-products listing | Brushless, four-speed impact driver; XDT21T is listed as a kit and XDT21Z as tool-only | The listing does not establish full specifications or how these models relate to XDT20. Check the model detail page and SKU contents before ranking or buying. Makita XDT21T listing |
| XDT20 | 18V LXT; announced by Makita U.S.A. on November 1, 2024 | Brushless, four speeds; 1,590 in-lb maximum torque; 1/4-inch hex shank; 4-1/2-inch length; 3.3 lb with battery | The announcement does not confirm current availability or a specific retailer package. Verify the SKU and whether a battery, charger, and bag or case are included. Makita XDT20 announcement |
| GDT04 | 40V max XGT; announced by Makita U.S.A. on November 4, 2025 | Brushless, four speeds plus a tightening mode; 2,040 in-lb maximum torque; 1/4-inch hex shank; 5-3/8-inch length; 4.0 lb with battery | Choose it as an XGT-platform candidate, not as a drop-in option for LXT batteries. Verify package contents for the exact SKU. Makita GDT04 announcement |
| XDT18 | 18V LXT sub-compact; announced by Makita U.S.A. on August 17, 2021 | Brushless; 1,240 in-lb maximum torque; 5-1/4-inch length | Makita’s announcement describes both kit and tool-only versions, but the release is older. Check whether the desired version is currently available and inspect its contents. Makita XDT18 announcement |
Which model fits your work?
For an adjustable LXT driver: XDT20, with XDT21 details to check
The XDT20 announcement gives concrete specifications for a four-speed LXT driver: 1,590 in-lb maximum torque, a 4-1/2-inch body, and a stated weight of 3.3 lb with battery. That makes it a reasonable candidate for an LXT owner who wants several speed settings and a short tool. Makita’s current listing also identifies XDT21T as a kit and XDT21Z as tool-only, but the available listing information does not provide enough detail to compare them with XDT20 or establish a successor relationship. Before selecting between them, open the exact model’s detail page and confirm its specifications and package.
#1 Best Overall
- High performance: delivers 1,460 in-lbs. Of torque and max 2,800 rpms/3,100 ipms for quick fastening applications
- Quick and easy: quickly release chuck for easy one-handed bit changes
- Improved visibility: LED light helps in dark work areas
- Applications: fastening screws, lag bolts, and large fasteners
- Includes: (1) CMCF800 impact driver; (1) V20 20-volt MAX 1.3-amp hour lithium ion battery; (1) V20 20-volt MAX lithium ion charger
For an XGT owner considering higher published torque: GDT04
Makita lists the GDT04 at 2,040 in-lb maximum torque and gives it four speeds plus a tightening mode. Its published dimensions are 5-3/8 inches long and 4.0 lb with battery. The torque figure is the highest among the cited candidates, but it is not a standardized head-to-head test and does not make GDT04 the right choice for every job. Platform fit, fastener, material, tool dimensions, and the control you need matter alongside the number.
For a compact LXT option: XDT18
The XDT18 is Makita’s sub-compact candidate in this comparison, with a listed length of 5-1/4 inches and maximum torque of 1,240 in-lb. Its announcement is from 2021, so confirm present availability rather than assuming it remains easy to buy. Makita described kit and tool-only versions; compare the exact SKU contents if you find it available.
Rank #2
- Ergonomically Designed: Work in tight areas with a compact design that gets into tough spots
- Compact and Lightweight: Both tools are designed to fit into difficult to reach spaces. The 1/4" impact driver has a length of 5.55 in. and weighs just 2.8 lbs, while the 1/2" drill/driver measures only 7.5 in. and weighs 3.6 lbs
- Both the DEWALT impact driver and electric drill driver feature integrated LED work lights with a convenient 20-second delay, ensuring enhanced visibility in dimly lit or challenging work areas
- One-Handed Loading - Keep one hand free with a 1/4 in. hex chuck that accepts 1 in. bit tips
- Power drill cordless with 1/2" single sleeve ratcheting chuck provides tight bit gripping strength, making bit changes faster and more secure
How to read the speed and size figures
Makita’s announcements provide no-load speed in revolutions per minute (RPM), impact rate in impacts per minute (IPM), maximum torque in inch-pounds (in-lb), overall length, and—in the XDT20 and GDT04 releases—weight with battery. The following figures are manufacturer-published, not results from a common independent test.
| Model | No-load speed settings | Impact-rate settings |
|---|---|---|
| GDT04 | 0–1,200 / 0–2,100 / 0–3,000 / 0–3,900 RPM | 0–1,900 / 0–3,100 / 0–3,600 / 0–3,900 IPM |
| XDT20 | 0–1,100 / 0–2,100 / 0–3,200 / 0–3,600 RPM | 0–1,000 / 0–2,600 / 0–3,600 / 0–3,800 IPM |
| XDT18 | 0–1,300 / 0–3,000 RPM | 0–2,000 / 0–4,100 IPM |
These settings indicate the ranges Makita publishes; they do not guarantee a particular fastening result. For overhead work or tight access, compare the stated length and the balance of the tool with the battery you will use. For fastening control, consider the number of settings and whether the model offers an additional mode, such as the GDT04’s tightening mode. Match the bit and driver to the fastener and material, and use impact-rated bits suited to the job.
Rank #3
- Brushless motor for increased runtime and durability
- Compact and lightweight for hard to reach areas
- LED light with 20 second delay after trigger release
- Includes: (1) DCF787 1/4 in. Impact Driver (1) DCB203 20V MAX* 2Ah Battery (1) DCB107 Charger (1) Belt Hook
Check kit contents before you buy
A model suffix and package listing matter: tool-only and kit versions can differ in whether they include a battery, charger, bag, or case. Makita explicitly described kit and tool-only versions for XDT18, and its current listing distinguishes XDT21T as a kit from XDT21Z as tool-only. The XDT20 announcement provides specifications but does not establish the contents of a current retail package.
- Confirm the complete model number on the listing, including the suffix.
- Read the package contents to see whether a battery and charger are included, and whether the package comes with a bag or case.
- If you already own a compatible battery and charger, compare the tool-only version with the kit; if not, account for the parts you still need.
- Check the live listing for current availability and price. Neither current stock nor pricing is established by Makita’s cited announcements and listing.
What the published numbers cannot tell you
Makita’s specifications do not establish real-world comparative torque, runtime, durability, reliability, warranty experience, service quality, or user satisfaction. The announcements also do not provide a standardized test comparing these models under the same fastening conditions. Treat the figures as a way to narrow options, not proof that a higher torque rating means more productivity or better control for your work.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- CMCD700: Power drill motor provides 280 uwo of power for demanding drilling and fastening tasks
- Electric drill cordless features 2 speed gearbox ranging from 0-350 RPM and 0-1,500 RPM for speed of application
- CMCF800: max torque: provides 1,460 in-lbs. of torque running at 2,800 RPM and 3,100 bpm impact drill for heavy duty fastening tasks
- Easy bit change impact gun : features a drop and load one handed bit change
- Power tool set comes with 3 Year Limited Warranty
Rank #4
- Long Runtime - Drive up to 120 fasteners per charge**
- More Max Torque Vs. Leading Competitor - Complete fastening applications from deck screws to lag bolts with up to 1800 in-lbs. max torque.
- Quick And Easy - Quickly release the chuck for fast one-handed bit changes.
- Tailored To The Job - Customize performance to your application with a variable speed trigger and up to 2,900 RPM (no-load).
- High Visibility - Help illuminate your workspaces with a bright, onboard LED.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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