Makita Impact Wrenches

Makita is one of the most well-known and respected power tool brands in the world. Founded in 1915 in Japan, Makita has over 100 years of experience designing and manufacturing professional-grade power tools that are made to withstand the demands of everyday use.

As an innovator in the power tool industry, Makita is responsible for many firsts - including creating the first nickel cadmium cordless tool in 1978. Today, Makita offers a wide range of power tools including impact drivers, impact wrenches, drill drivers, saws, sanders, grinders, and more.

Makita power tools are known for their innovative technology, durability, power, and performance. They are the preferred brand of many professional contractors and tradespeople who rely on their tools every day to get the job done.

When it comes to impact wrenches specifically, Makita has a reputation for making some of the best models on the market. Their impact wrenches provide outstanding fastening torque, variable speed control, and ergonomic design - making tough jobs like loosening rusted bolts or working in tight spaces much easier.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at Makita's impact wrench models, technology, power, durability, accessories, pricing, and reviews. Whether you're a professional or a DIYer, Makita has an impact wrench to suit your needs and budget.

Makita's Impact Wrench Models

Makita offers a wide range of impact wrench models to suit different needs. Their key models include:

• Makita XWT11Z - Makita's flagship 18V LXT brushless impact wrench. It delivers up to 740 ft-lbs of max torque and 0-400/0-1,600 RPM. Key features include a compact size, variable speed trigger, and bluetooth connectivity. Ideal for automotive and truck repair.

• Makita XWT15Z - A high power 18V LXT brushless wrench with up to 1,220 ft-lbs max torque and 0-400/0-2,000 RPM speed. Has three power modes and is great for heavy duty bolt removal.

• Makita TW03Z - A 12V max cordless impact wrench with up to 330 ft-lbs max torque. It's lightweight at just 2.8lbs and designed for tight spaces. Has built-in LED lighting.

• Makita TW1000 - Makita's top corded impact wrench with 1,180 ft-lbs max torque. It has a sturdy aluminum housing and extra-large torque dial for precision control. Ideal for automotive repair shops.

• Makita 6213D - A budget-friendly pneumatic impact wrench with 550 ft-lbs max torque. It has a durable cast aluminium housing and is a great affordable option.

Makita makes both cordless and corded electric impact wrenches, as well as pneumatic models. They offer options suitable for automotive repair, heavy equipment maintenance, construction sites, and home DIY use.

Makita Impact Wrench Technology

Makita is known for using innovative technology in their power tools that improves performance, durability and user experience. This is especially true for their impact wrenches. Here are some of the key technological features of Makita impact wrenches:

Brushless Motors - Makita uses brushless motors in most of their 18V and higher voltage impact wrenches. Brushless motors have several advantages over brushed motors. They are more efficient, delivering more power from the same battery. Brushless motors also generate less heat and have a longer lifespan with less maintenance required.

Lithium-Ion Batteries - Makita impact wrenches run on Makita's 18V or higher lithium-ion battery packs. Compared to older NiCd batteries, lithium-ion packs are lighter, store more power, and have a longer runtime before needing to be recharged. Makita's batteries use advanced cell technology to deliver efficient power transfer.

Variable Speed Triggers - Makita impact wrenches allow the user to control speed and torque via the variable speed trigger. This allows for precision control when driving fasteners. Users can match the speed to the application.

Torque Settings - Many Makita impact wrench models have built-in torque settings that electronically control the torque output. This prevents over-tightening and makes it easy to consistently tighten fasteners to the correct torque spec. Higher-end Makita models have up to 4 torque settings to choose from.

Overall, Makita's industry-leading motor, battery and electronic torque technology makes their impact wrenches powerful, convenient, and highly productive power tools. These technological advantages allow users to get jobs done faster with less fatigue.

Makita Impact Wrench Power

Makita impact wrenches are known for their impressive power and performance. Many professional mechanics and DIYers choose Makita for the exceptional torque output of their impact wrench models.

The flagship Makita impact wrench is the Makita XWT11Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Impact Wrench, which delivers a maximum fastening torque of 740 ft-lbs with a super-compact size of only 5-3/8" long. This makes it one of the most powerful cordless impact wrenches in its class while still being maneuverable in tight spaces. The XWT11Z has a variable speed trigger that allows the user to dial in the perfect amount of power, with 0-2,600 RPM and 0-3,600 IPM.

Other powerful Makita impact wrenches include:

• Makita XWT08Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3/8" Impact Wrench with 420 ft-lbs max torque

• Makita XWT15Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench with 800 ft-lbs max torque

• Makita XWT09Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Impact Wrench with 610 ft-lbs max torque

Makita uses innovative brushless motor technology to deliver more power and run time compared to standard brushed motors. The electronically controlled BLTM brushless motors provide 50% more runtime and are more efficient, so the batteries last longer between charges.

Overall, Makita impact wrenches provide best-in-class power while still being compact and ergonomic. From lug nuts to concrete anchors, Makita has the right impact wrench to get the job done efficiently.

Makita Impact Wrench Ergonomics

When using an impact wrench for extended periods, ergonomics become an important consideration. Makita designs their impact wrenches with the user experience in mind.

Tool Weight

Makita impact wrenches are engineered to be as lightweight as possible without compromising durability. For example, the popular Makita XWT11Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Impact Wrench weighs only 2.8 lbs with the battery. This makes it easy to handle and reduces fatigue during prolonged use.

Grip

The grips on Makita impact wrenches are made of soft rubber which provides a comfortable, non-slip hold. The shape contours to your hand for maximum control and stability. Some models have a protective bumper guard on the base to prevent abrasion if the tool is set down.

Balance

Makita designs their impact wrenches to be well-balanced for ease of operation. The battery location, handle design, and motor housing are optimized so the tool doesn't feel front or rear heavy. This distributes the weight evenly and makes the impact wrench feel natural in your hand, reducing strain.

Overall, Makita impact wrenches are engineered for superior ergonomics. Key factors like low weight, comfortable grip, and proper balance make them easy and non-fatiguing to use for extended periods. This contributes to the popularity of Makita impact wrenches among professional users who rely on them every day.

Makita Impact Wrench Durability

Makita is known for making incredibly durable and long-lasting power tools. Their impact wrenches are built to withstand tough job site conditions and last for years of heavy use.

Materials

Makita uses high quality materials in their impact wrenches like all-metal gear housing and impact mechanisms. The housing is made from a durable alloy metal that protects the inner components. The anvil and hammer mechanism is constructed from hardened steel to prevent wear over time.

Weatherproofing

Most Makita impact wrenches have weatherproof construction to prevent issues when used outdoors. They have sealed housings to keep out moisture, dust and debris. Models like the WT01W have a waterproof design that can operate fully submerged for 30 minutes without issues.

Lifetime

With proper care and maintenance, a Makita impact wrench can easily last 10-15 years or more of consistent professional use. The all-metal drivetrain allows for hundreds of thousands of impacts over the tool's lifetime. Many contractors have Makita impact wrenches that have lasted for decades without significant repairs needed. The tools are built for the long haul and extreme durability.

Makita Impact Wrench Accessories

Makita offers a wide range of accessories for their impact wrenches to enhance performance and usability. Some of the key accessories include:

Batteries

Makita impact wrenches run on the 18V Lithium-Ion battery system. Higher capacity batteries like the 5Ah and 6Ah models allow for longer run times. The 18V LXT batteries feature Makita's advanced battery technology for improved performance and durability.

Chargers

Makita offers several charger options like the dual port rapid optimum charger that can charge two batteries at once in just 30 minutes. There are also wall and car chargers available. The auto-start wireless charger turns on automatically when a battery is placed on it.

Cases

The impact wrench cases from Makita provide secure storage and transportation for the tool, battery, and accessories. The cases have customizable foam interiors and durable outer shells. Some also have built-in storage for bits.

Makita Impact Wrench Prices

When it comes to Makita impact wrenches, you get what you pay for in terms of power and performance. Makita offers impact wrenches at various price points to meet different needs and budgets.

The most affordable Makita impact wrench is the Makita TW0350F which costs around £80. This lightweight, compact impact wrench delivers 330 ft-lbs of max torque. It's a great budget-friendly option for automotive repair and home DIY projects.

In the £150-£200 range, Makita offers higher power impact wrenches like the Makita TW0360F which provides 420 ft-lbs of max torque with just 2.6lbs weight. The Makita TW0300 is another excellent mid-range choice at 1,600 RPM and 330 ft-lbs torque.

Stepping up to the £200-£300 range provides professional power for heavy duty tasks. The Makita TW0350F delivers an impressive 930 ft-lbs max torque with variable speed control. The similar Makita TW0370F boosts torque to 1,180 ft-lbs.

At the top end, Makita's most powerful impact wrenches cost £350+ and deliver up to 1,740 ft-lbs torque for the toughest jobs. The Makita TW1000 is a favourite 1,500 ft-lbs model, while the Makita TW4000 provides incredible power at 1,740 ft-lbs max torque.

Overall, Makita impact wrenches range from around £80 for DIY models up to over £350 for heavy duty professional use. Makita's leading technology and renowned reliability make their impact wrenches a sound investment at any price point.

Makita Impact Wrench Reviews

Makita impact wrenches consistently receive high praise from both experts and customers for their power, durability, and performance.

Expert Reviews

Professional tool reviewers consistently rate Makita impact wrenches as top choices in the industry. Leading publications like ProToolReviews, ToolGuyd, and BobVila have tested Makita models extensively and given them glowing reviews.

Experts highlight Makita's innovative brushless motor technology that provides more power, runtime, and speed. They also praise the improved ergonomics and lightweight but durable housing on newer Makita models. Reviewers agree that Makita impact wrenches deliver best-in-class power in compact, ergonomic packages.

Customer Reviews

Everyday users who have purchased Makita impact wrenches also give very positive reviews overall. On home improvement sites like Amazon and Home Depot, Makita models maintain high average ratings of 4+ stars out of 5.

Customers consistently mention the "workhorse" power and reliability of Makita impact wrenches for automotive and construction jobs. They highlight the tools' comfortable grip and convenient features like built-in LED lights. Users say Makita impact wrenches make quick work out of tasks like lug nut removal and deck building.

While some customers note the higher price tag of Makita, most agree the premium quality and performance justify the cost. Overall, customer reviews confirm Makita's reputation for outstanding, durable impact wrenches.

Conclusion

Makita impact wrenches are highly regarded tools known for their power, durability, and innovative technology. Makita offers a wide range of impact wrench models to suit both DIYers and professionals, with power outputs ranging from 50 ft-lbs to over 1,000 ft-lbs of torque.

Key features of Makita impact wrenches include the proprietary brushless motor technology that provides more power, runtime, and speed. Makita impact wrenches are also designed for user comfort with rubberized soft grip handles. The impact mechanisms utilize advanced materials and heat treatment to ensure long-lasting durability.

When shopping for a Makita impact wrench, consider the power output needed for your tasks, as well as form factor and weight. Battery powered impact wrenches provide cordless convenience while AC models offer continuous operation. Makita impact wrenches consistently receive high praise from both professionals and homeowners for their performance, quality, and reliability.