Makita 18V LXT Impact Drivers
Makita LXT impact driver kits are for driving fixings fast, all day, without chewing heads or burning your wrist on kickback.
When you're sinking hundreds of screws into timber, hanging doors, fixing studwork, or running coach screws into joists, a Makita 18V LXT impact driver is the bit of kit that keeps pace. Compact bodies get into tight corners, the impact action shifts stubborn fixings, and the LXT battery platform keeps everything on one charger. Pick the right torque and speed for the fixings you actually use, and get yourself sorted.
What Jobs Are Makita LXT Impact Drivers Best At?
- Driving long wood screws and structural fixings into studs, joists, and roofing timbers without constantly camming out and rounding heads.
- Fixing sheet materials and first-fix timber work where you want fast run-down speed and controlled final tightening without snapping screws.
- Installing coach screws and heavy fixings for brackets, ledger boards, and fencing hardware when a combi drill starts struggling and twisting your arm.
- Kitchen and second-fix work in tight spots where the shorter head length and one-handed control makes life easier around units and carcasses.
Choosing the Right Makita LXT Impact Driver
Match the driver to the fixings you use most, because too much torque is just snapped screws and ruined heads.
1. Torque and speed control
If you are mainly running 4mm to 5mm screws and doing second fix, go for a model with multiple modes so you can back it off and keep control. If you are regularly on coach screws and structural fixings, pick the higher torque options so it does not stall halfway in.
2. Size and access
If you are working in kitchens, lofts, and tight stud bays, the more compact body is worth it because it gets square onto the screw without fighting the corner. If access is easy and you want maximum drive, a slightly bigger unit is fine.
3. Kit vs body
If you are already on Makita 18V LXT, a body makes sense and keeps the cost down. If you are starting fresh or your batteries are tired, buy a kit with decent capacity packs so you are not swapping batteries every hour.
Makita LXT Impact Driver FAQs
Can I use a Makita LXT impact driver for drilling holes as well?
You can drill small pilot holes with hex drill bits, but it is not a proper replacement for a combi drill. For clean holes in timber, metal, or masonry, use the right drill with the right chuck and clutch.
Will it snap screws or wreck heads if it is too powerful?
Yes, if you run full power into small screws or cheap fixings. Use the lower speed or assist modes where fitted, keep the bit square, and do not lean on it like a breaker.
Do I need impact-rated bits, or will standard bits do?
Get impact-rated bits if you are using it daily. Standard bits work for light use, but under impact they round off and snap quicker, which costs you time and chews fixings.
Are Makita 18V LXT batteries interchangeable across the range?
Yes, Makita 18V LXT batteries are designed to swap across the LXT platform, so your drill, impact driver, saws, and lights can all run on the same packs. Just make sure you are buying LXT, not a different Makita system.
Is an impact driver the same as an impact wrench?
No. An impact driver is for screws and smaller hex fixings using a 1 4 inch hex bit holder. An impact wrench is for nuts and bolts with a square drive and is the right tool when you need serious torque on fasteners.
Who Are Makita LXT Impact Drivers For on Site?
- Chippies and joiners doing first fix and second fix, because an impact driver will run screws all day without wrecking bits and wrists.
- Roofers and timber framers driving long fixings into dry or treated timber, especially when you are working off ladders or in awkward positions.
- Maintenance and fit-out teams who need a compact driver in the bag for quick fixings, brackets, hinges, and snagging without dragging bigger kit around.
The Basics: Understanding Impact Drivers
An impact driver is not just a drill with a different chuck. It drives screws using rotational impacts, so it keeps turning under load without trying to twist your arm off.
1. Impact action vs drilling
When the screw starts biting and resistance ramps up, the tool delivers short impacts to keep the bit moving. On site that means fewer stalled screws, less cam-out, and less wrist strain compared with leaning on a combi drill.
2. 1 4 inch hex bits and proper screwdriving
Impact drivers take 1 4 inch hex bits, so you can swap quickly and keep a couple of spares in your pocket. Use impact-rated bits for the daily abuse, because standard bits will shatter or round off faster under impact.
Impact Driver Accessories That Save You Time on Site
The driver is only half the story. The right bits and holders stop chewed heads, snapped tips, and constant trips back to the van.
1. Impact-rated bit sets
If you are burning through PZ2 and PH2 tips, get proper impact-rated bits and keep spares in the case. They last longer under hammering, so you are not rounding screws and fighting every fixing by mid-morning.
2. Magnetic bit holder and extension
A decent holder gives you reach into corners and keeps the bit stable, which matters when you are driving screws one-handed up a ladder or into a tight stud bay.
3. Socket adaptors for hex shank
Handy for running small hex head screws and light fixings without swapping tools, but be realistic and do not use it as a replacement for an impact wrench on heavy bolts.
Shop Makita LXT Impact Drivers at ITS
Whether you need a compact body for second fix or a higher torque Makita LXT impact driver for heavier structural screws, we stock the full range to suit real site work. It is all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery, so you can order today and be driving fixings on tomorrow's shift.
