What's inside
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
The best Makita 18V hammer drill combo kit for most buyers is a two-tool LXT brushless kit pairing a compact 1/2 inch hammer driver-drill (around 500 in-lbs of torque) with a brushless impact driver, two 3.0Ah batteries and a rapid charger; step up to a kit built around the full-size high-torque hammer drill (over 1,000 in-lbs) only if you regularly bore large holes or drill masonry. The decision really comes down to which hammer drill sits in the box, because the impact drivers and batteries across Makita’s kits are far more similar.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
What we cover
How Makita 18V LXT Combo Kits Are Put Together
Makita’s 18V LXT platform is one of the largest cordless systems available, and every LXT battery fits every LXT tool. Kits are built from three ingredients:
- The hammer driver-drill: brushed or brushless, compact or full-size.
- The partner tool: almost always a 1/4 inch hex impact driver; larger kits add a circular saw, recip saw, light or multi-tool.
- Batteries and charger: commonly 2.0Ah compact, 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah packs with a standard or rapid optimum charger, and a bag or carrying case.
Makita also sells a 40V max XGT platform for heavier work. XGT batteries do not fit LXT tools, so decide which system you are buying into before you compare kits.
Makita 18V Hammer Drills Found in Combo Kits
| Hammer drill model | Motor | Max torque (approx.) | Speeds (approx. rpm) | Max blows per minute (approx.) | Length class | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XPH10 / XPH102 | Brushed, compact | about 480 in-lbs | 0-600 / 0-1,900 | about 28,500 | about 7-8 in | Budget home use, light masonry |
| XPH12 | Brushless, compact | about 530 in-lbs | 0-500 / 0-1,700 | about 25,500 | about 6-7 in | Most homeowners, cabinet and trim work, tight spaces |
| XPH07 | Brushless, full-size | about 1,090 in-lbs | 0-550 / 0-2,100 | about 31,500 | about 8-9 in | Remodeling, decks, larger hole saws |
| XPH14 | Brushless, high-power | about 1,250 in-lbs | 0-550 / 0-2,100 | about 31,500 | about 8-9 in | Self-feed bits, augers, frequent masonry |
Exact figures vary with the battery used and the production year, but the jump between compact and full-size models is consistent: roughly double the torque, at the cost of length and weight.
The Impact Driver and Battery Side of the Kit
Most current two-tool kits include a brushless impact driver rated around 1,500 to 1,600 in-lbs, with higher-end models such as the XDT16 offering several selectable speed and torque modes. That is more than enough for lag screws and structural screws. Older brushed kits use slightly less powerful drivers that still handle deck screws comfortably.
| Battery | Capacity | Energy | Approx. weight | Rough guide to work per charge (hammer drill) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BL1820B | 2.0Ah | 36 Wh | about 0.8 lb | about 15-25 holes, 1/4 in x 2 in in concrete |
| BL1830B | 3.0Ah | 54 Wh | about 1.2 lb | about 25-40 holes |
| BL1840B | 4.0Ah | 72 Wh | about 1.4 lb | about 35-55 holes |
| BL1850B | 5.0Ah | 90 Wh | about 1.5 lb | about 45-70 holes |
The hole counts are rough planning numbers for a compact brushless hammer drill in average-strength concrete with a sharp carbide bit. Hard aggregate, dull bits or larger diameters cut them sharply.
Which Makita Combo Kit Fits Your Work
| Your work | Kit to look for | Battery size | Typical price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture, shelves, picture hanging, occasional anchors in brick | Brushed compact hammer drill + impact driver | 2 x 1.5-2.0Ah | $180-$260 |
| General DIY, cabinets, light renovation | Compact brushless hammer drill (XPH12 class) + brushless impact | 2 x 3.0Ah | $250-$350 |
| Decks, framing repairs, 2-1/8 in door hole saws | Full-size brushless (XPH07 or XPH14 class) + brushless impact | 2 x 4.0-5.0Ah | $350-$500 |
| Whole-house remodeling | Four- to six-tool kit with full-size hammer drill | 2-3 x 4.0-5.0Ah | $550-$1,000 |
| Frequent concrete anchors over 3/8 in | Any kit plus a separate SDS-Plus rotary hammer | 4.0Ah or larger | Add $200-$400 |
What a Hammer Drill Can and Cannot Do in Masonry
A cordless hammer drill vibrates the chuck forward and back tens of thousands of times a minute while spinning, which chips brick and block and lets a carbide bit advance. It is excellent for 3/16 and 1/4 inch holes for concrete screws and plastic anchors, and workable up to about 1/2 inch in brick and block. In cured poured concrete, holes above roughly 3/8 inch become slow and hard on batteries and bits. That is the point where an SDS-Plus rotary hammer, which uses a piston-driven impact mechanism, does the job several times faster.
Technique for faster masonry holes
- Select hammer mode and the high-speed gear.
- Start with light pressure to stop the bit wandering, then apply firm, steady force in line with the bit. Too much force slows the hammer action; too little lets the bit polish rather than cut.
- Pull the bit out every 1/2 to 1 inch to clear dust.
- Let the bit cool between holes; a blue-tinted carbide tip has been overheated and will dull quickly.
- Switch hammer mode off for wood and metal. Hammering in wood ruins hole quality and wears the clutch mechanism.
Ownership Realities
- Chuck wear shows first. Keyless chucks can loosen their grip after years of heavy hammer use. Tightening firmly with the chuck’s ratchet helps; replacement chucks are available for most models.
- Brushed tools need brushes. Carbon brushes in older brushed drills wear out eventually and are inexpensive to replace. Brushless models avoid this entirely.
- Battery care pays off. Makita’s star-protection batteries communicate with the tool to prevent overheating and deep discharge. Store packs at moderate temperature and avoid leaving them on a charger in a hot truck.
- Bare-tool upgrades are cheap. Once you own two LXT batteries, adding a saw or grinder as a bare tool costs far less than another kit.
Verdict
For most homeowners and DIY woodworkers, a Makita 18V hammer drill combo kit built around the compact brushless hammer drill and a brushless impact driver with two 3.0Ah batteries is the sweet spot for weight, power and price. Choose the full-size high-torque hammer drill if you bore large holes in framing or drill masonry often, and add an SDS-Plus rotary hammer rather than expecting any cordless hammer drill to replace one for big concrete work.