Makita XAD01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8 Inch Angle Drill, Tool Only

The Makita XAD01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8 Inch Angle Drill is a cordless angle drill built for drilling and driving in close quarters where a standard drill simply takes up too much room. Model Number XAD01Z. This is a right angle drill designed for close-quarters drilling and driving in wood and steel. It is a bare tool, so it is aimed at users already on the Makita 18V LXT platform who need reach, clearance, and control more than raw size.

What makes this tool matter is how it balances access with usable power. Makita's 4-pole motor delivers 121 in-lbs of maximum torque and a variable speed range of 0 to 1,800 RPM, which gives it enough capability for a wide range of drilling and fastening work. Makita rates it for up to 3/8 inch in steel and up to 1 inch in wood, so this is not just a specialty access tool that sits in the truck waiting for one odd job. It is built to handle everyday drilling and driving when space gets tight.

The head design is the big selling point here. The compact 2-5/8 inch angle head height helps the drill work between framing members, inside cabinet runs, around ductwork, and near installed hardware. Overall length is 12-3/8 inches, and that longer body gives you over a foot of extension to reach deeper into places that would force a standard drill into a bad angle. If you do electrical rough-in, garage door installation, assembly work, steel framing, or punch-list drilling in finished spaces, that geometry is the reason to buy this tool.

The chuck setup is another practical detail. Makita uses a 3/8 inch keyed metal chuck instead of a keyless chuck here because stronger bit grip matters on an angle drill that will often be used one-handed or in awkward body positions. If the bit slips, the job slows down fast. The keyed metal chuck helps hold onto the bit better during tougher drilling and driving work, especially when you are leaning into steel or using longer accessory shanks.

For day-to-day use, Makita kept the tool straightforward. The large paddle switch is easier to work from different hand positions than a small trigger, and the soft grip helps when you are stretched out overhead or reaching into a stud bay. The built-in LED light with afterglow adds a real benefit in utility rooms, under sinks, attic work, and service calls where the work area is not well lit. Those are small details until you are using the tool in the exact kind of cramped spaces this drill is made for.

On the system side, the XAD01Z runs on Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries and is compatible with Makita 18V LXT and compact lithium-ion batteries that carry the Star symbol. Star Protection Computer Controls are built in to help protect against overloading, over-discharging, and overheating. That matters for tool life and battery life, especially when the drill is being pushed in dense material or used repeatedly in service work. Battery and charger are sold separately, which makes sense if you already own Makita LXT packs and just need the tool.

Who should buy it? Anyone who regularly drills where clearance is the problem. Electricians, remodelers, garage door installers, cabinet installers, maintenance techs, and serious DIY users working in confined spaces will get the most out of it. If your work is mostly open-area drilling, a standard drill may be faster and cheaper. But if access is what slows you down, the Makita XAD01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8 Inch Angle Drill is the kind of specialized tool that quickly turns into a regular grab.

Small Head, Big Time Saver

The Makita XAD01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8 Inch Angle Drill earns its keep the first time a standard drill cannot fit and this one does.

• Who it's for: Electricians, remodelers, installers, and maintenance pros who drill and drive in cramped spaces on a regular basis.
• Why it stands out: The compact 2-5/8 inch angle head, keyed chuck, and 0 to 1,800 RPM range make it more useful than a one-trick access tool.
• Worth knowing: This is a bare tool, and it is built around access, not heavy open-area drilling. If tight clearance is your problem, that is exactly why this tool makes sense.

• Is this a standard drill or a right angle drill? It is a cordless 3/8 inch angle drill designed for drilling and driving in tight spaces.
• What battery platform does it use? It runs on Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries and supports batteries with the Star symbol for Star Protection compatibility.
• What materials is it rated to drill? Makita lists drilling capacity up to 3/8 inch in steel and up to 1 inch in wood.
• Does it have variable speed? Yes. The drill has a variable no-load speed range of 0 to 1,800 RPM.