The Makita XLS01ZX1 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 9" Drywall Sander, AWS Capable, Tool Only is built for drywall finishers who want cordless reach without dragging a cord around finished spaces. This is a drywall sander designed for smoothing joint compound on walls and ceilings. Model Number: XLS01ZX1. If you already run Makita 18V LXT batteries, this bare tool gives you a mobile sanding setup that is easier to move room to room, especially on punch lists, remodels, and ceiling work.

What matters most here is how the tool balances reach, control, and sanding consistency. The variable speed dial gives you a 1,000 to 1,800 RPM range, so you can slow it down for lighter passes or edge work and turn it up when you need to move through larger areas faster. Constant Speed Control automatically adds power under load to help the pad maintain speed, which matters when you are trying to keep a more even finish across patched areas instead of creating swirls or uneven spots.

Makita put the direct-drive brushless motor at the sanding head, and that is not just a spec sheet talking point. It helps drive sanding efficiency right where the abrasive meets the surface, while the brushless design runs cooler and avoids carbon brush maintenance. For a trade that spends a lot of time with the tool overhead or out in front, the compact build and 10.7 lb weight with battery help reduce fatigue over longer sanding sessions.

The head and handle setup are clearly aimed at real drywall work. The highly flexible swivel head is designed to move across different wall orientations more naturally, which helps when you are transitioning from wide field sanding to awkward angles near corners and ceilings. The adjustable extension pipe collapses for tighter spaces like closets, then extends up to 16-1/2 inches for better reach on high walls and ceilings. The removable dust brush also helps with flush-to-corner edge sanding when you need to get closer to adjoining surfaces.

Dust control is one of the big reasons to look at this model. The round brush design is built for efficient dust extraction with minimal leakage, and that makes a difference when you are sanding inside finished homes or occupied spaces. On top of that, the tool is AWS capable, which means it can wirelessly communicate with a compatible Makita dust extractor through Bluetooth when the optional transmitter is added. In plain terms, squeeze the trigger and the extractor starts, release it and the extractor stops. That cuts down on extra noise and keeps your setup cleaner and more streamlined.

Makita also built in jobsite protections that matter on cordless tools. Soft start helps reduce startup reaction for smoother launches, and the overload sensor is there to alert when the tool is being pushed too hard and protect it from overheating damage. Extreme Protection Technology is designed for improved dust and water resistance in tougher jobsite conditions, and Star Protection Computer Controls work with compatible batteries to monitor load, heat, and discharge conditions during use.

As part of the Makita 18V LXT platform, this cordless drywall sander works with Makita 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries that have the Star symbol. That gives current Makita users an easy fit into an existing battery system, and it is a practical advantage for crews already carrying LXT packs and chargers. Battery and charger are sold separately here, so this version makes the most sense for users who already own the platform and want the bare tool rather than paying again for power sources they already have.

Who should buy it? Drywall finishers, remodelers, general contractors, and serious DIY users doing full-room skim work or repeated patch-and-sand jobs will get the most out of it. If you want maximum mobility, cleaner dust management options, and ceiling reach without being tied to an extension cord, this Makita drywall sander is a strong fit. If you need a complete ready-to-run package, just remember this is tool only and you will need a compatible battery, charger, and extractor setup if you want the full cordless dust-control advantage.

A smart cordless pick for finish crews already on LXT

The Makita XLS01ZX1 hits the sweet spot for drywall pros who want cordless mobility, solid dust-control options, and enough reach to handle walls and ceilings without wrestling a cord.

• Who it's for: Drywall finishers, remodelers, and contractors who already own Makita 18V LXT batteries and want a bare-tool drywall sanding solution.
• Why it stands out: The head-mounted brushless motor, flexible sanding head, adjustable extension pipe, and AWS capability make it feel purpose-built for real finish work instead of just being a generic long-reach sander.
• Worth knowing: This is tool only. To get the full benefit, you will need a compatible Makita battery, charger, and the optional transmitter if you want AWS wireless dust extractor control.

• Is this a corded or cordless drywall sander? It is a cordless 18V LXT drywall sander.
• What speed range does it offer? The variable speed dial adjusts from 1,000 to 1,800 RPM.
• Does it work with Makita AWS dust extractors? Yes. It is AWS capable, and wireless power-on/off communication requires the Auto-start Wireless Transmitter sold separately and a compatible dust extractor.
• How much does the tool weigh? The net weight is 10.7 lbs. with battery, and the battery is sold separately.