The Makita XPH17S1 18V LXT Brushless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill Kit is a cordless hammer drill designed for drilling in wood, metal and masonry and for driving fasteners. The kit includes the XPH17Z hammer driver-drill, one 18V LXT 3.0Ah battery (BL1830B), a charger and a tool bag. Three modes (drilling, driving and hammer drilling) make it the one drill that handles almost everything on a remodel.

The Makita-built brushless motor delivers 580 in-lbs of max torque. A variable 2-speed transmission gives 0-500 RPM for torque-heavy work and 0-1,900 RPM for fast drilling. In hammer mode it hits 0-7,500 BPM in low gear and 0-28,500 BPM in high gear, enough for anchor holes in brick and block. Capacity is 1/2" in steel, 1-1/2" in wood and 1/2" in masonry.

A 20-position clutch lets you match torque to the fastener, and the 1/2" keyless chuck is engineered to prevent bit slippage and improve retention. That matters most in hammer mode, where loose bits are the first thing to slow you down.

The XPH17 is 6-3/4" long and weighs 3.7 lbs with the included 3.0Ah battery. A rubberized soft grip and L.E.D. light make it comfortable for long stretches and easy to aim in dim spaces.

The brushless motor is electronically controlled for up to 50% more run time per charge. Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) improves dust and water resistance, which counts on a hammer drill that lives in masonry dust, and Star Protection Computer Controls guard against overloading, over-discharging and overheating.

Everything runs on Makita 18V LXT, so the battery and charger in this kit power the rest of the lineup.

Who should buy this: remodelers, electricians, plumbers and DIYers who drill into masonry often enough that a driver-drill won't cut it, but don't want a dedicated rotary hammer for small anchor holes.

Makita XPH17S1: One Drill for Every Material

The XPH17S1 is a compact brushless hammer drill kit that handles wood, steel and masonry anchors without switching tools.

• Who it's for: Remodelers and trades who regularly drill small holes in brick, block or concrete.
• Why it stands out: Three modes, 580 in-lbs of torque and 28,500 BPM in a 3.7 lb drill.
• Worth knowing: Hammer mode is for anchor-size holes. For repeated large holes in concrete, use a rotary hammer.

• Can the XPH17S1 drill concrete? Yes, in hammer mode it drills masonry up to 1/2" in diameter. For larger or repeated concrete holes a rotary hammer is faster.
• What's included? The XPH17Z hammer driver-drill, one 18V LXT 3.0Ah battery, a charger and a tool bag.
• What is the difference between the XPH17S1 and XFD17S1? The XPH17S1 adds hammer mode for masonry. The XFD17S1 is a driver-drill without hammer mode.