Makita XPH12Z 18V Compact Brushless Hammer Driver Drill Review
Editor Rating: 4.0/5
Good
Makita 18V Compact Brushless Hammer Driver Drill Review
Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson
Published on: January 9, 2019
Last modified:
January 9, 2019 @10:13 am
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Makita XPH12Z Review Summary:
Driver drills are an essential part of every toolbox. In fact, you can’t do much work without a quality hammer drill. The reason behind this is not the fact that you can’t work on a project without a driver drill but the fact that it saves an enormous amount of time and effort. Whether you’re looking to pierce through hard materials like brick or perhaps drill holes in a piece of wood, a hammer driver drill is a must-have tool.
We have reviewed Makita’s Brushless Hammer Driver Drill so that you don’t have to question its advantages and shortcomings. Finding a decent drill isn’t an easy task, especially if it’s your first time purchasing battery-powered tools. There are a couple of factors you should keep an eye on, and if you’re not familiar with those, stick around and you’ll get a better insight into the do’s and don’ts by reading this review.
XPH12Z Specifications:
- Power – 530 in.lbs. of max. torque
- Motor – BL Brushless
- Speed – Variable speed design 0-500 RPM and 0-2000RPM (0-7500BPM – 0-30000BPM)
- Dimensions – 7-1/8” long
- Weight – 4 lbs.
- Battery type – 18V LXT Li-ion
Makita XPH12Z Hammer Drill – The Basics
This is a pretty nice tool for both professionals and hobbyists alike. The fact that it’s battery-powered may be an obstacle for some professionals due to relative runtime, but that aspect is easily solvable with an extra battery. The ‘wow’ factor of this particular model is that it features a brushless motor. In other words, not too many units in this price range offer a brushless motor in the first place, let alone a well-known brand such as Makita.
The variable speed design allows you to fine-tune the model according to your needs and preferences, meaning it’s relatively adjustable and customizable. The motor is efficient, long-lasting, and most importantly – electronically controlled to optimize battery use.
The Features
Design
As far as the design goes, it’s everything you can expect from Makita. The unit is ergonomic, lightweight, and features rubberized parts that ensure a firm grip. The trigger control is pretty good and the front part of the unit is made of highly-durable materials (all-metal) to prevent damage and ensure longevity. Another noteworthy thing about the design is the XPT (Extreme Protection Technology) which prevents dust and residue from piercing through the filters and jeopardizing the integrity of the motor itself. Given that this unit is only 7-1/8” long and weighs just above 4 pounds, we can safely say it’s designed to alleviate operator fatigue and prevent exhaustion. In case you’re planning on using the hammer for a certain application, you can find a neatly positioned button for that on the top part of the unit. Switch it to position-2 and you’re ready to go!
Battery
This unit is compatible with 18V LXT batteries meaning you can use one battery with multiple tools from the same line. Therefore, if you already own one, there is no need to buy another. However, in case you don’t have an LXT battery, you’ll have to purchase one separately because this tool doesn’t come with one included. Some users even reported that they are using the older line of BL batteries and that they are working well.
Pros:
Easy to use
Lightweight
Good trigger control
Cons:
Can struggle to remain consistent depending on the charge level
Things we liked about it
The compactness and efficiency are the two main advantages of this model. It’s a great tool for small to mid-sized projects because it fits almost everywhere and it doesn’t cause clutter and other accompanying nuisances. The fact that it’s battery-powered is a decent advantage because it allows you to work anywhere, regardless of whether there’s an electric outlet nearby. However, make sure you monitor the battery charge levels or else you might find yourself with an empty battery in the middle of nowhere.
The other thing we liked is the affordable price. Contrary to popular belief, these tools don’t have to be expensive per se, especially if you’re getting one without a battery included.
Things we didn’t like
This drill can struggle to remain consistent. Now, that doesn’t mean it’s not capable of drilling through hard materials, but it all depends on the battery level. If you’re facing low battery levels, you shouldn’t expect consistent performance. Some people reported that their drills got stuck in the hammer mode, but that’s probably due to a production mishap instead of being an inherent flaw.
The general chuck quality isn’t at the highest level. If supreme chuck quality is one of your requirements, we would recommend looking into some other quality cordless models as this one isn’t foreseen for exceptionally serious projects.
General Impressions
People seem to like this tool’s compactness and ease of use. It’s more of a home tool than it is a contractor tool, you should keep that in mind. If you’re facing a massive project that requires consistency, battery-powered tools probably aren’t the best choice. On the other hand, if you’re facing home repairs or perhaps want to make a new patio, this model will do the job and it’ll do it well. As far as our opinion goes, it’s a decent hammer driver drill with a good design and an even better price. If you’re looking for something budget-friendly and yet functional and effective, take a moment and consider looking into this particular model.
Conclusion
Makita is a well-known brand and they rarely disappoint with their products. This particular one isn’t any different; it’s everything one can expect from Makita and more. The ergonomics allow you to use the tool for extended periods of time without worrying about fatigue and exhaustion. On top of that, good trigger control and easy mode and speed switching make it a perfect tool for both beginners and experts. While it isn’t the best thing on the market, it certainly offers more than enough features and functionality for most users.
The great thing about it is that you can use any battery from the latest Makita line of products with this tool, meaning you don’t have to buy one if you already have a Makita tool.
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