Makita XDT16Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Quick-Shift Mode 4-Speed Impact Driver, Tool Only

Product overview

Makita XDT16Z 18V LXT: What to Know

Makita rates the XDT16Z at 1,600 in-lbs of maximum torque, with 4-speed power selection topping out at 3,600 RPM and 3,800 impacts per minute. That torque figure is meaningfully lower than the DeWalt DCF860B (2,500 in-lbs) and Milwaukee 2953-20 (2,000 in-lbs), and it's a good illustration of why torque alone is an incomplete way to judge these tools: rather than chasing peak torque, Makita built the XDT16Z around its Quick-Shift Mode, which automatically balances speed and impact force per fastener, plus an Assist Mode that starts fasteners at low speed to prevent cam-out and cross-threading, and a Tightening Mode (T-mode) that downshifts as a screw seats to reduce stripping and breakage.

The ASIN verified (B07N9JBDK5) is listed as "Tool Only", no battery or charger, consistent with the bare-tool pattern across every driver in this comparison. At 1.9 lbs bare (2.9 lbs with a battery installed), it's also the lightest tool of the five by Makita's own published dimensions, which matters for overhead or repetitive fastening work over a full shift.

The XDT16Z runs exclusively on Makita's 18V LXT battery platform, one of the largest cordless tool ecosystems on the market by tool count, but still completely incompatible with Milwaukee M18, DeWalt 20V MAX, Bosch's 18V system, or Ryobi 18V ONE+ batteries, an LXT battery will not physically fit or electrically connect to any competitor's tool. Makita's brushless motor claims and Pro Tool Reviews' independent coverage of the XDT16 line are broadly consistent with each other; no documented gap was found between Makita's marketing torque figure and third-party test results for this specific model, unlike some competitors in this comparison.

Key Listed Features