For everyday maintenance and projects, a regular cordless power drill would do just fine, but for tougher materials, you need something a bit more powerful. The choices are endless from impact frills to rotary hammers to hammer drivers. There is no real wrong choice; it all depends on what exactly your needs are for your project and what your preference is. For the hammer drive, there are some unique aspects worth taking into consideration. In this Makita XPH07Z LXT Lithium hammer cordless drill review, I will be determining why this cordless power drill is one of the best options for your next heavy-duty project by reviewing the product’s features and specifications.
Makita XPH07Z Features
- The Makita has a BL brushless motor. The cordless drill is powered by a brushless motor which allows for increased power and speed, extended runtime, and longer tool life. A standard model has brushes that drag across a spinning commutator, but hammer drivers have a small circuit board that delivers energy to the windings. The brushless motor allows for the tool to automatically adjust to the task at hand. It also allows it to run cooler and more efficiently since it eliminates carbon brushes. This makes the maximum amount of torque possible higher; the drill is capable of delivering 1,090in-lbs of max torque.
- 3-stage LED gauge that reads what charge the battery’s at. While the motor makes the drill’s life last longer, it has to run out of power eventually. When it does, you don’t want to be on the job. This tiny but useful feature on the Makita XPH07Z lets you know the life of your battery in a bright LED.
- It has Star Protection Computer Controls. This Makita exclusive feature is for improved tool performance and extended battery life. Its communication technology allows the Star Protection-equipped tool and battery to exchange data in real time, so it knows the status of the device. It also can monitor conditions during use to protect against overuse, overheating, and over-discharge. The Star Protection item is not only able to take Makita 18V LXT but also Lithium-Ion batteries.
- A wide range of applications due to its all-metal variable 2-speed transmission. This feature allows for fastening and hammer drilling applications. It makes the process smoother so that you can work quickly and efficiently to get the job done.
- It has an attached side handle. The Makita XPH07Z model comes with a side handle attached to it and can be easily stored and hung wherever you made need it. It doesn’t hinder its portability either; you can put in your toolbox, hang it in your truck, or keep it in storage.
Product Specifications
- It is compact for maximum portability. Its dimensions are 15 x 6 x 11 inches, and it weighs 5.8 pounds, with the battery attached. Even some of the best cordless drills have the issue of being too clunky and unnecessarily heavy due to bulky battery packs. The Makita XPH07Z, on the other hand, is considerably small which is a relief. Its ergonomic design with a soft rubber grip on the handle also increases comfort during use as a bonus.
- It has all metal gears and parts. The Makita XPH07Z has all metal gears and gear housing to provide maximum durability while on the job site. It also has an all-metal ½” self-ratcheting chuck for improved bit gripping durability and strength.
- Since it is cordless, the machine does require a battery. It takes Lithium Ion battery packs. The battery and charger are not sold with the product so will have to be bought separately. The addition of a couple of batteries and a dual charger does drive the price up to around $500, which is around the norm for a cordless power drill.
- The product is a hammer driver that is best used on tough material. They operate on rotary impulses that adjust to the task at hand. For drilling fasteners, if a hammer drive is used on a light-duty fastener then the model will perform like a standard cordless screwdriver. If used on something more heavy duty then it will be opposing higher levels of torque which will activate its rotary impulses to help drive in the fasteners.
What Can the Makita XPH07Z LXT Be Used For?
Hammer drivers are used primarily for driving into tough materials such as cement, brick, and other similar materials. It is often confused with an impact driver, which is entirely different. Impact drivers use an increase in rotational drive to do their job. Impact drivers are used to driving screws, lags, and nuts but are not powerful enough to go through the type of material that hammer drills go through. Hammer drills have the bonus of accepting a variety of bit types, including both round and hex bits. Hammer drivers operate in rotating motion as well, but they have a forward, hammer-type, movement to help drive through material like concrete.
The Makita XPH07Z LXT Lithium cordless drill breaks new ground with its powerful torque that is the most demanding driving and drilling applications in metal, wood, and masonry. It’s at the top of Makita’s broad lineup of driver drills and is a potent tool engineered with durability features for operations in tougher environments. The product can go through wood, concrete, and metal with ease and without any damage to the material. Its features prevent users from pushing the tool beyond its limits.
Are Makita LXT any good?
The type of drill you buy depends solely on what your needs are and how much power those needs need. While the Makita XPH07Z is not necessary and probably will not work, it can work on jobs that are particularly harsh.
It has a sturdy and compact design that makes it easy to store and take anywhere you could need it. Its powerful torque allows you to complete the job efficiently and quickly. If you do heavy-duty housework or have a job in construction, then definitely look into adding this drill to your toolbox.