Makita XDT13Z Impact Driver Review: Compact, Crazy Strong, and Built to Last

Makita XDT13Z Impact Driver Review: Compact, Crazy Strong, and Built to Last

By Stephen Barnay

Makita’s XDT13Z is one of those tools that looks pretty basic — until you pull the trigger. It’s lightweight, affordable, and somehow manages to punch way above its size. Whether you’re building furniture, wrenching on your car, or hanging deck boards, this thing delivers serious torque without a hint of struggle.

Power That Surprises You

On paper, the XDT13Z hits 1,500 in-lbs of max torque. In reality, it feels stronger. I’ve seen users remove lug nuts torqued to 140 ft-lbs from full-size trucks using this exact driver, which is wild for a compact 18V tool.

The brushless motor is a big part of that magic — it runs cooler, lasts longer, and uses battery power efficiently. There aren’t any fancy multi-speed buttons to fiddle with, just a smooth variable trigger that lets you control power by feel. It’s simple and effective.

Handling and Feel

This thing feels right in your hand. The rubberized grip is classic Makita: comfy, balanced, and grippy even when your hands are sweaty. It’s lightweight, too — around 3.3 lbs without the battery — so you can drive hundreds of screws without arm fatigue.

The LED light is bright, though it shuts off a little too quickly after you release the trigger. Not a dealbreaker, but it’s something I wish Makita would tweak.

Battery Life and Compatibility

Because of that brushless motor, the XDT13Z sips power compared to older models. Even a 3.0Ah battery will last through plenty of work, and if you’re using a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah pack, you’ll be set for a long time.

Already using the Makita 18V LXT lineup? Perfect — your batteries fit right in. If you’re new to Makita, check out our guide to the best Makita 18V battery alternatives for 2025 — you can save a surprising amount and still get great performance.

Real-World Use

For day-to-day work, this impact driver is a dream. It zips through lag screws, deck fasteners, and automotive bolts like nothing. The torque is smooth and consistent, with zero wobble in the chuck and no weird vibration through the handle.

It’s also durable. The all-metal gear housing gives it that solid, “drop-it-and-it’ll-survive” feel Makita tools are known for. The lack of extra settings might turn off folks who like digital modes, but for most people, the simplicity is a plus.

The Real-World Verdict

The Makita XDT13Z is one of those rare tools that manages to be both affordable and pro-grade. It’s powerful, compact, and runs forever on a charge. The few trade-offs — like a short LED timeout and lack of speed presets — are easy to overlook once you start using it.

If you’re already invested in Makita batteries, grab it. If you’re not, it’s still worth building around. This thing’s a keeper.

✅ Verdict: 4.7 / 5

Simple, powerful, and built tough.
A no-frills impact driver that punches way above its price point.