The Makita XAG16Z 18V LXT Brushless 4-1/2 in. / 5 in. Cordless Cut-Off/Angle Grinder with Electric Brake is a cordless grinder built for cutting and grinding metal, tile, concrete, pipe, and conduit without dragging a cord around the jobsite. This is a cordless angle grinder designed for grinding and cut-off work across multiple materials. Model Number: XAG16Z. It is sold as a tool only, so battery and charger are not included.

The big selling point here is control. The variable speed dial gives you a no-load speed range from 3,000 to 8,500 RPM, which lets you slow the tool down for more controlled work or turn it up when you need faster stock removal. Makita's Automatic Speed Change technology adjusts speed and torque during operation, so the grinder responds better when the load changes instead of feeling like it bogs down at the wrong moment.

For anyone doing repetitive cut-off work, the electric brake is more than a checkbox feature. Makita states it stops the grinding or cut-off wheel in 2 seconds or less. That means less waiting between cuts, faster repositioning, and less time setting the tool down while the wheel spins out. On a grinder, that adds up over the course of a day.

The brushless motor is another real advantage on a cordless platform. By eliminating carbon brushes, the motor runs cooler and more efficiently, which helps with runtime and long-term durability. Makita also pairs that motor with electronic controls that match torque and RPM to the demand of the application, so the tool uses battery energy more intelligently instead of just pulling hard all the time.

Makita built in several features that matter in actual jobsite conditions. Active Feedback-sensing Technology turns the motor off if the wheel rotation is suddenly forced to stop, helping reduce the drama when a wheel binds up. Soft start keeps startup smoother, anti-restart protection helps prevent accidental startup when a battery is installed with the switch locked on, and the slide switch with lock-on is a familiar setup for longer grinding passes.

From a design standpoint, this grinder is compact for its class. Makita lists an overall length of 15 inches, with a body-grip slide switch layout, rubberized soft grip, side handle, tool-less wheel guard adjustment, and wire mesh intake covers to help keep debris out of the motor. Extreme Protection Technology is also built in for improved dust and water resistance in harsher conditions, which is exactly where a cordless grinder tends to earn its keep.

The Makita XAG16Z runs on the Makita 18V LXT battery platform and is compatible with Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries with the Star symbol. That matters if you are already on LXT, because this becomes an easy add without starting over on batteries and chargers. It also includes a 3-stage LED battery gauge on the tool, so you are not guessing at charge level mid-task.

This is a smart buy for metal fabricators, electricians, plumbers, HVAC crews, general contractors, remodelers, and serious DIY users who need a cordless cut-off and grinding tool that does more than one job well. If you want one grinder that can handle fast cut-off work, controlled grinding, and a mix of material types while staying on the Makita 18V LXT system, this one makes a lot of sense.

Makita XAG16Z 18V LXT Brushless 4-1/2 in. / 5 in. Cordless Cut-Off/Angle Grinder with Electric Brake is the right call for guys already on LXT

This is the kind of grinder that earns a spot in the truck because it is fast, controlled, and set up for real work instead of just checking feature boxes.

• Who it's for: Pros and serious DIY users who need a cordless angle grinder for cut-off work, grinding, conduit, pipe, tile, and concrete, especially if they already run Makita 18V LXT batteries.
• Why it stands out: The variable speed range, electric brake, brushless motor, and AFT shutoff give it a better mix of control and jobsite safety than a basic one-speed grinder.
• Worth knowing: This is a bare tool. If you are not already on Makita LXT, factor in the cost of a battery and charger before you hit checkout.

• Is this a corded or cordless grinder? It is a cordless angle grinder powered by Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries.
• What wheel size does it use? It is designed for 4-1/2 in. and 5 in. cut-off and grinding applications, with a listed wheel diameter of 5 in.
• Does it have variable speed? Yes. The speed dial adjusts no-load speed from 3,000 to 8,500 RPM.
• Does it have a brake? Yes. Makita states the electric brake stops the wheel in 2 seconds or less.
• Which battery system does it fit? It is part of the Makita 18V LXT platform and is compatible with Makita 18V LXT batteries, including batteries with the Star symbol for Star Protection.