The Makita CX205SRB 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless 2-Pc. Combo Kit pairs a 1/2" hammer driver-drill (XPH15ZB) and an impact driver (XDT18ZB) with two 18V LXT 2.0Ah batteries, a charger and a tool bag. This is a cordless combo kit designed for drilling, driving and fastening in tight spaces where full-size 18V tools are too long or too heavy. Think of it as 12V handling with 18V performance, and it runs on the same batteries as the rest of the Makita 18V LXT lineup.

The hammer driver-drill is the workhorse. A mechanical 2-speed transmission gives you 0-500 RPM for high-torque work like hole saws and spade bits, and 0-1,700 RPM for fast drilling in wood and metal. Flip it to hammer mode and it delivers up to 25,500 blows per minute for drilling anchor holes in brick and block. The brushless motor puts out 350 in-lbs of peak torque, and a metal jampot (the gear housing at the front of the tool) adds durability.

The impact driver handles fasteners. It has two speeds (0-1,300 and 0-3,000 RPM, 0-2,000 and 0-4,100 IPM) and delivers 1,240 in-lbs of max torque. Assist Mode (A-mode) starts the screw at low speed and only ramps up once impacting begins, which cuts down on cam-out and cross-threading when you're driving small screws or starting a fastener on a ladder.

Size is the reason to buy this kit. At 6-1/2" long the drill and 5-1/4" long the impact driver fit between studs, inside cabinets and under sinks. With a battery installed, the drill weighs 3.1 lbs and the impact driver 2.6 lbs, which makes a real difference on overhead installs and all-day punch lists.

Both tools use electronically controlled brushless motors that match torque and speed to the load and stretch run time up to 50% per charge. Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) improves dust and water resistance, and Star Protection Computer Controls let the tool and battery talk to each other to prevent overloading, over-discharging and overheating.

The two included 2.0Ah compact batteries keep the kit light. Makita rates the charge time at 55 minutes, and with two packs in the kit you can keep one on the charger while you work. Because everything runs on 18V LXT, the batteries also work with hundreds of other Makita tools.

Who should buy this: remodelers, electricians, cabinet and trim installers, HVAC and maintenance techs, and anyone who wants a compact drill and driver set that still carries 18V muscle. If you already own Makita 18V LXT and want a lighter pair for finish work, this kit fits right in.

Makita CX205SRB: Full-Size Muscle, Pocket-Size Footprint

The CX205SRB gives you a real 18V hammer drill and impact driver that are short and light enough to live on your belt all day.

• Who it's for: Remodelers, electricians and installers who spend more time in tight spaces than on heavy framing.
• Why it stands out: Hammer mode in a sub-compact drill, A-mode on the impact driver, and brushless motors on both.
• Worth knowing: The 2.0Ah batteries are about weight, not marathon run time. Add a larger 18V LXT pack if you plan to run hole saws all day.

• Does the CX205SRB come with batteries? Yes. It includes two 18V LXT Compact 2.0Ah batteries (BL1820B) and a charger.
• Can the drill go into masonry? Yes. The XPH15 is a hammer driver-drill with up to 25,500 BPM for drilling into brick and block.
• Will my other Makita 18V LXT batteries fit? Yes. Both tools accept any Makita 18V LXT slide-style battery.