We’ve learned that Makita is soon coming out with several new 18V brushless impact wrenches. The one quite a few readers emailed in about is the Makita XWT08, a 1/2″ square drive impact. Thank you to everyone who sent in tips!
The new Makita XWT08 brushless impact wrench will be joined by a 3/4″ square drive impact wrench (XWT07), and a 7/16″ hex chuck impact driver (XWT09).
See Also: What are 7/16″ Hex Impact Tools Used For?
All 3 of the new Makita brushless impact wrenches will be available as bare tools (add a Z to the model numbers), and kits (add an M to the end of the model numbers).
The new impacts feature 3-speed power selection and an electric brake. Makita says that their new 18V brushless impact wrenches have the highest torque in their categories.
The 1/2″ drive XWT08 delivers up to 740 ft-lbs of torque. This is the max tightening torque – Makita hasn’t said what the max reverse breakaway torque might be. The 3/4″ impact delivers up to 780 ft lbs of torque, and the 7/16″ hex chuck driver drivers up to 590 ft-lbs of torque.
Additionally, all 3 models will feature dual LED worklights with “afterglow” function.
Specs (XWT08)
- 1/2″ drive chuck
- 740 ft lbs max tightening torque
- Weighs 3.7 kg (8.1 pounds!) with battery
- 9″ long x 3-5/8″ wide x 11-3/8″ tall
- Speeds: 0-900, 0-1000, 0-1800 RPM (no load)
- Impact Rate: 0-1800, 0-2000, 0-2200 IPM
- Torque Levels:???
It looks like the 1/2″ square drive has a hog ring for socket retention.
These aren’t Makita’s only brushless impact wrenches. Last year they came out with the XWT02, a compact 1/2″ impact wrench.
Also Available Now: Dewalt 20V Max Heavy Duty Impact Wrenches
Pricing information isn’t available. The new impacts are estimated to hit the market in February of 2016.
If you don’t quite need lug-busting torque (which the new Makita should be capable of), also look at Milwaukee’s new feature-rich M18 Fuel 2nd-generation impact wrenches.
Dewalt’s DCF899 20V Max brushless impact is another option (price check), and delivers up to 700 ft-lbs of torque. It also weighs nearly a full pound lighter, at 7.2 lbs. Dewalt offers both pin detent and hog ring models.
I am much more a fan of Milwaukee cordless power tools, and Dewalt as well – sometimes my preference for the two goes back and forth – and bought into Bosch’s 18V lineup for my personal needs. But there’s no denying that the new Makita impact definitely has some appeal.
Will you be buying into Makita’s 18V lineup just to get this impact?
Makita is also coming out with a new 6Ah battery pack (so has Bosch, and so will Milwaukee), and it’ll feature an on-board battery charge level indicator that they finally decided to offer.
We’re still waiting on Makita USA to provide more details and information, but in the meantime we’ll keep an eye out on international release info to fill in the blanks.