The Makita XWT20Z 18V LXT Brushless Compact 1/2" Sq. Drive Impact Wrench is a cordless impact wrench, sold as a bare tool, designed for automotive, installation and fabrication work. It's built for removing and installing lug nuts, automotive and equipment fasteners, and anchor bolts where a full-size impact wrench is too long or too heavy.

The Makita-built brushless motor delivers up to 300 ft-lbs (400 N·m) of nut-busting torque. Running speed is 0-2,300 RPM with 0-3,200 IPM, so nuts spin on and off quickly once they break free. Makita lists the fastening torque at 180 ft-lbs (250 N·m), which keeps you in a controllable range on most automotive and equipment fasteners.

Size is the selling point. The XWT20 is only 5-1/8" long and weighs 3.2 lbs with a 3.0Ah battery. The center-handle design puts the weight directly over the grip for better balance and control, which you'll notice when you're working above your head or reaching into a wheel well.

Convenience features include an L.E.D. job light with pre-glow and afterglow, so the work area lights up before you pull the trigger and stays lit after you release it. A rubberized soft grip adds comfort.

Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) uses an internal seal to channel water and dust away from key components. The brushless motor runs cooler and longer than a brushed motor, and Star Protection Computer Controls protect against overloading, over-discharging and overheating with star-marked 18V LXT batteries.

Who should buy this: mechanics, tire and fleet techs, equipment installers and fabricators who already run Makita 18V LXT and want a compact 1/2" impact wrench that fits where a full-size gun won't.

Makita XWT20Z: Small Gun, Real Bite

The XWT20Z packs 300 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque into a 5-1/8" impact wrench that goes where full-size guns can't.

• Who it's for: Mechanics, fleet and tire techs, and installers on Makita 18V LXT.
• Why it stands out: Compact length, center-handle balance, L.E.D. pre-glow and XPT protection.
• Worth knowing: It's a compact wrench, not a high-torque breaker. For heavy truck or rusted suspension bolts, step up to a high-torque model. Tool only: battery and charger sold separately.

• Does the XWT20Z come with a battery? No. It's tool only. Battery and charger are sold separately.
• How much torque does it have? Up to 300 ft-lbs (400 N·m) of nut-busting torque, with 180 ft-lbs (250 N·m) of fastening torque per Makita's spec table.
• Will it remove lug nuts? Yes. It's designed for automotive work including lug nuts, and its compact size fits into wheel wells.