Makita XPH16Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Brushless Cordless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill, Tool Only is a cordless hammer drill built for drilling, driving, and hammer drilling in wood, steel, and masonry. This is a hammer driver-drill designed for drilling anchor holes, boring through framing material, driving large fasteners, and handling general jobsite fastening. Model Number: XPH16Z. If you already run Makita 18V LXT batteries, this bare tool gives you a compact drill with real torque instead of a stripped-down light-duty option.

The headline spec here is 970 in-lbs of max torque, and that matters because this tool is built for more than light cabinet screws and pilot holes. It gives you the extra force needed for larger self-feed bits, lag screws, masonry drilling, and harder materials that can stall lower-output drills. Makita pairs that with a 2-speed transmission rated at 0 to 550 RPM and 0 to 1,800 RPM, plus hammer speeds of 0 to 8,250 and 0 to 27,000 BPM. In plain terms, low speed gives you control and pulling power for driving and larger bits, while high speed covers faster drilling and hammer drilling work.

What makes this drill easier to live with on the job is that Makita kept it compact at only 6-7/8 inches long. That shorter head length matters when you're drilling between studs, reaching into mechanical spaces, or working around installed cabinets and electrical rough-ins. It is still a 1/2 inch hammer driver-drill with a full-size chuck, so you are not giving up accessory flexibility just to get a shorter body. The all-metal 1/2 inch self-ratcheting chuck is designed for improved bit gripping strength and durability, which helps when you are switching between drilling and driving tasks all day.

The brushless motor is a big part of why this model stands out. Makita states the electronically controlled motor is designed to optimize battery energy use for up to 50% longer runtime per charge, while also running cooler and with less wear than a brushed motor. On a real jobsite, that means less wasted battery, less heat build-up under repeated heavy use, and better long-term durability. The tool also electronically matches torque and speed to the demands of the application, which helps keep the drill from feeling jumpy or inefficient when the material changes.

Makita also built this drill with jobsite durability in mind. The all-metal gear housing is there for a reason: it holds up better when the tool gets knocked around in a truck, gang box, or rough framing environment. Extreme Protection Technology is engineered to provide increased dust and water resistance in harsh conditions, which is important if you work outdoors, in concrete dust, or during remodel work where tools do not stay clean for long. Dual LED lights help when you're drilling in dark corners, mechanical rooms, basements, and under sinks, and the rubberized soft grip helps keep the tool comfortable during longer stretches of overhead or repetitive use.

Compatibility is straightforward. This model is part of the Makita 18V LXT platform and is designed to run on Makita 18V LXT lithium-ion slide-style batteries. Makita also notes Star Protection Computer Controls, which allow the tool and battery to communicate and monitor conditions like overload, over-discharge, and overheating when paired with compatible batteries. For buyers already invested in LXT, that makes the XPH16Z an easy add-on. For first-time Makita users, remember this is tool only, so battery and charger are sold separately.

This is a strong fit for remodelers, electricians, plumbers, maintenance crews, general contractors, and serious DIY users who need one cordless hammer drill that can cover a wide range of work without getting oversized. If your work regularly includes Tapcon-style masonry holes, drilling through wood framing, boring steel, and driving structural fasteners, this model hits a useful middle ground: compact enough to carry all day, but strong enough that you do not feel like you brought the wrong drill to the job.

A Compact Hammer Drill That Still Means Business

The Makita XPH16Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Brushless Cordless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill, Tool Only is the kind of drill that makes sense for guys who want one everyday cordless hammer drill that can actually pull its weight.

• Who it's for: Pros and serious DIY users already on Makita 18V LXT who need a compact drill for drilling, fastening, and light-to-medium masonry work.
• Why it stands out: You get 970 in-lbs of torque, a real 2-speed range, hammer mode, brushless efficiency, and a short 6-7/8 in. body that is easier to use in finished spaces and tight rough-ins.
• Worth knowing: This is a bare tool, so battery and charger are not included. Also, the listed 4.9 lb weight is with a 5.0Ah battery installed, not the naked tool by itself.

• Is this a hammer drill or a standard drill driver? It is a 1/2 in. hammer driver-drill, so it can handle standard drilling and driving plus hammer drilling in masonry.
• What battery platform does it use? It is designed for Makita 18V LXT lithium-ion slide-style batteries.
• Does it have multiple speed settings? Yes. It uses a 2-speed transmission with 0 to 550 RPM on low and 0 to 1,800 RPM on high.
• How much drilling capacity does it have? Makita lists capacity up to 2 in. in wood, 1/2 in. in steel, and 5/8 in. in masonry.