In some cases, we also have advertising or affiliate relationships with manufacturers and retailers of products and services we review. For additional information please visit our additional disclosure policies. The USA model is only advertised by its 970 in-lbs (110 Nm) max torque value. The drill feels plenty comfortable to hold, though it is a bit on the heavier side, tipping the scales at about 4 pounds, 7.7 ounces.
For Makita’s flagship 18V LXT brushless drill, the max lock torque is listed as 125 Nm, and the max hard joint tightening torque is 130 Nm. If this new 18V cordless delivers close to a thousand inch pounds of maximum torque, where’s the auxiliary side handle? Our last metric for these drills rated and ranked their makita cordless drill overall user-friendliness and ease of use. We award points based on the convenience features such as an integrated work light, belt clip, or battery indicator. We also consider the ergonomics of each drill, ease of swapping batteries, usable drill bit range, and the number of different gears/speeds available.
Screwing was also not a real problem but after a few screws my arm was a little bit tired due to the weight. The Makita XPH14 has a 2-speed clutch with speeds ranging from RPM on speed one to 0-2,100 RPM on speed two. With 0-3,500 BPM [blows per minute], the hammer drill packs a powerful punch. The new XPH14 is also 1-1/8″ shorter than the earlier models, making it more compact. It bears mentioning that the Makita XPH07T is only rated for a 3″ hole saw. We knew we were going outside the recommended range, and I’ve certainly factored that into my opinion.
This chart shows the differences between max tightening and advertised max torque specs for the models of s and hammer drills discussed above. Let’s take a look at the torque specs for a couple of Makita cordless drills and hammer drills. These specs were sourced from Makita Australia’s product pages for drills with identical designs, features, and max torque values as models marketed in the USA under different model numbers. Many cordless drills have two separate speed ranges, or gear ratios; some newer models have three. The slower speed range peaks at about 400 revolutions per minute (rpm) and provides increased torque (twisting force) for driving large screws. A higher speed range that reaches about 1,500 rpm or more is well suited for rapid drilling.
Most drills I’ve used can handle the 1″ threaded spade bit before being dropped into low speed, so it’s a pretty good benchmark to start with. As expected, the hammer drill bored easily through the 2x material with no issues. Indicates the largest size full-shank tool (twist drill bits on power drills) that a drill’s chuck can hold. Common sizes include .375 inch (3/8 inch) typically for general usage, and .5 inch (1/2 inch) for drill intended for heavy duty jobs. Fixed 1/4 inch hex chucks only accepts 1/4 inch screw bits or special drill bits. It seems that this is why the drill doesn’t ship with an auxiliary side handle, because it doesn’t deliver “a full 970 in-lbs” of max fastening torque.
A small light, located on the body of the drill, to help in low-light job conditions. Includes the drill and battery pack, to the nearest tenth of a pound. Based on the drill’s weight and balance, along with the makita circular saw effort needed to position the head. Reflects how much work the drill can perform per battery charge, as measured on a dynamometer. Check out the all new Makita website just for the Electric Utility industry.
I haven’t opened the drill to compare the internals of the two. Having a well-balanced tool reduces fatigue and the risk of harm during extended periods of use on the job site. Makita’s handle has a great textured rubber over-mold that provides comfort while operating. Makita has been producing high-quality professional tools for more than a century.