Choosing the right tool for the job can be a challenge, especially when you’re forced to choose between power and comfort. Makita has tried to land right in the middle of this dilemma with its sub-compact drill/driver and impact driver combo kit. These tools run on the 18V LXT platform but, at 2.8 lbs. and 2.6 lbs. respectively, they look and feel more like their 12V cousins. Although not quite as powerful as traditional 18V models, they still pack a punch: the ½” drill driver has a no-load speed of 0–500 and 0–1,700 RPMs, while the ¼” impact driver clocks in at 0–1,300 and 0–3,000 RPMs while delivering 1,240 in.lbs. of torque.
This is an excerpt from “Power to the People,” our annual compilation of top new power tools for 2017 in the February/March issue.