Choosing between a Dewalt and a Makita impact wrench can feel like standing on a highwire. It’s a balancing act of power, performance, and price.
Impact wrenches, those mighty titans of torque, are the linchpins of any serious toolkit. They’re the muscle that drives large fasteners and the finesse that ensures each job is done right.
But when it comes to choosing between a Dewalt and a Makita, how do you decide?
The answer lies not just in the specs, but in the nitty-gritty details, the nuances that set each brand apart. It’s about understanding the DNA of Dewalt and the mechanics of Makita. It’s about dissecting, comparing, and getting the inside scoop on what each brand brings to the table.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive headfirst into this Dewalt Vs Makita Impact Wrench showdown. It’s time to separate the wheat from the chaff and find out which impact wrench truly packs a punch. Let’s get this show on the road!
About Impact Wrenches
Impact wrenches are the titans of torque, that allow you to remove stubborn nuts and bolts.
But how does an impact wrench actually work?
Essentially, it generates rotating mass that’s accelerated and then abruptly decelerated to deliver a high-torque blow to the fastener.
This process repeats rapidly, allowing the wrench to apply a level of torque that would leave a manual tool in the dust.
The beauty of an impact wrench is its ability to deliver this immense torque while keeping the user’s effort to a minimum.
The thing is that when it comes to choosing one of these impacts wrenches, Dewalt and Makita are the names that often steal the spotlight.
Both are renowned for their quality and performance, but each has its unique flavor. In the upcoming sections, we’ll dissect what each brand brings to the table in their impact wrench offerings. So, strap in and let’s get this show on the road!
Dewalt Impact Wrenches
Dewalt is a brand that’s synonymous with robust and reliable tools, and their impact wrenches are no exception.
I mean, DeWalt tools are designed to deliver impressive torque and a host of features that make your work easier and more efficient.
Here are some key features and benefits of Dewalt impact wrenches that will give you a better idea of what the brand is about:
- High Torque: Dewalt impact wrenches deliver up to 1400 ft-lbs of max fastening torque, making them ideal for a variety of heavy-duty applications where you would normally cross paths with stubborn nuts and bolts.
- Precision Wrench Control: This feature helps prevent overtightening and fastener runoff, providing additional user control.
- Multiple Speed Settings: Feature that allows you to increase control in a variety of applications.
- Battery Technology: Dewalt’s battery system provides extended runtime and optimized power thanks to its revolutionary pouch cell technology.
Now that we’ve explored what Dewalt brings to the table, let’s take a look at one of its most popular impact wrenches:
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench
Features
- Torque: 1030 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 1400 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque
- Weight: about 7.2 pounds
- Type: Cordless
The moment I unboxed the Dewalt 20V MAX impact wrench, I knew I was in for a treat.
With a staggering 1030 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 1400 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque, it tackled every task I threw at it with ease.
But what really sets this wrench apart is the control it offers.
The 4-mode speed settings and variable speed trigger put me in the driver’s seat, allowing me to adjust the power to suit the task at hand. Whether I was delicately tightening a small bolt or wrestling with a stubborn lug nut, I knew this tool had my back.
The precision wrench control is a godsend, helping to prevent overtightening and fastener runoff.
One feature that really won me over was the BatteryGuard as it reduces wear and tear on the battery, extending its lifespan and ensuring I get the most out of my investment.
And let’s not forget the on-tool LED work light. It’s a small feature, but it makes a big difference, illuminating dark workspaces and allowing me to work with precision, no matter the lighting conditions.
Makita Impact Wrenches
Now, let’s see how Makita’s offering stacks up.
Makita is a brand that’s synonymous with precision and innovation. Their impact wrenches are engineered to provide superior performance, with advanced features that put control right at your fingertips.
Here are some key features and benefits of Makita impact wrenches that will give you a better idea about what the brand is all about:
- High Torque: Makita impact wrenches deliver up to 1,220 ft-lbs of fastening torque, which makes them ideal for a variety of heavy-duty applications, from automotive repair to construction.
- Convenient Speed Settings: Makita impact wrenches come with a multiple speed power selection switch, allowing you to increase control in a variety of applications, which is key to ensuring precision and preventing damage to fasteners from over-tightening.
- Extreme Protection Technology (XPT): This is a series of integrated seals engineered to channel away dust and water for increased durability and tool life
Now that we’ve explored what Makita brings to the table, let’s take a look at one of its most popular models of impact wrenches it has to offer:
Makita XWT15Z 18V Cordless Impact Wrench
Features
- Torque: 240 ft-lbs of fastening and 430 of nut busting torque
- Weight: About 7 pounds
- Type: Cordless
The first thing I noticed with this Makita impact wrench was its the power:
With a maximum torque of 240 ft-lbs and a nut-busting torque of 430 ft-lbs, it was clear that this tool was built for heavy-duty tasks.
I mean, I put it to the test on a variety of jobs, from automotive repair to construction, and it didn’t disappoint.
But power isn’t everything as a tool needs to be easy to control… and the Makita impact wrench excelled in this area as it comes with 4-speed power selection switch allowed me to adjust the power to suit the task at hand, giving me the flexibility to work with precision.
One of the standout features for me was the brushless motor designed to optimize battery energy use, providing up to 50% longer run time per charge, which is highly convenient to avoid interruptions during work and to increase productivity.
Last but not least, the Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) was another feature that impressed me, making the tool more resistant to dust and water. It’s clear that this tool is built to last.
Dewalt vs Makita Impact Wrenches
When it comes to the showdown between Dewalt and Makita impact wrenches, each brand has its loyal fans and unique strengths.
But, here, we’ll try to cut through the noise and look at the facts, by comparing their two most popular models: the DEWALT 20V MAX cordless impact wrench vs the Makita XWT15Z 18V cordless impact wrench.
We’ll break it down into five main categories: Torque output, Price, Battery, Durability, and Price.
Torque Output
In the red corner, we have the Dewalt 20V MAX impact wrench, delivering a staggering up to 1030 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 1400 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque. This is the kind of power that can tackle the toughest jobs, from stubborn lug nuts to rusted-on bolts.
In the blue corner, we have the Makita XWT15Z 18V LXT impact wrench, with a respectable up to 240 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 430 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque. While it may not match Dewalt’s raw power, it’s more than enough for most tasks, and the lower torque output can actually be a benefit when working with smaller or more delicate fasteners.
So, who wins the torque output round? Well, I’d say it depends on your needs. If you’re regularly dealing with heavy-duty tasks, Dewalt’s higher torque might be the deciding factor. But if you’re looking for a more versatile tool that can handle a wide range of tasks, Makita’s lower torque output could be just what you need.
Price
When it comes to price, it’s a delicate balancing act.
On one hand, you want a tool that’s going to deliver the performance you need. On the other hand, you don’t want to blow your budget on a single tool.
The Dewalt 20V MAX and the Makita XWT15Z 18V LXT impact wrenches can be a significant difference in price. In fact, we can confidently say that at the time of writing Dewalt’s impact wrench is about $150 more expensive than Makita’s impact wrench.
However, it’s important to look beyond the initial price tag and consider what you’re getting for your money.
I mean, does the tool come with a battery and charger, or will you need to purchase them separately? What about extras like a carrying case or additional accessories? All these questions will significantly influence the overall cost and value you get from your purchase.
Battery
The battery is the heart of any cordless tool, and Dewalt and Makita both offer impressive battery technology.
The Dewalt 20V MAX XR® battery system is designed to provide extended runtime and optimized power, meaning you can work longer, with less downtime for charging. Plus, the batteries are compatible with all other Dewalt 20V MAX tools, so you can expand your toolkit without needing to buy new batteries and chargers.
Makita’s 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery offers fast charging and long run time. This means less time waiting for your battery to charge, and more time getting the job done. Plus, Makita’s batteries have a built-in memory chip that communicates with the charger to maximize battery life.
So, who wins the battery round? It’s a close call, and it really depends on your needs. If you’re already invested in one brand’s battery system, it might make sense to stick with that brand.
Durability
When you’re investing in a tool, you want to know it’s going to last. That’s why durability is such a crucial factor.
The Dewalt 20V MAX impact wrench is built to withstand the rigors of heavy-duty work. Features like BatteryGuard™, a shock-absorbing battery-to-tool connection, reduce wear and tear on the battery, extending its lifespan.
On the other hand, the Makita XWT15Z 18V LXT impact wrench is also built to last as it features Extreme Protection Technology (XPT), a series of integrated seals engineered to channel away dust and water for increased durability.
So, who wins the durability round? Both Dewalt and Makita have a strong reputation for building durable tools, so it’s a close call. But if you’re working in harsh conditions, Makita’s XPT could give it the edge.
Comparison Table
| Dewalt 20V MAX impact wrench | Makita XWT15Z 18V LXT impact wrench | |
| Torque | Up to 1030 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 1400 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque | Up to 240 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 430 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque |
| Battery | 20V MAX XR® battery system for extended runtime and optimized power | 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery for fast charging and long run time |
| Durability | BatteryGuard™, a shock-absorbing battery-to-tool connection for enhanced durability | Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) for increased durability against dust and water |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Makita good quality?
Absolutely. Makita is a well-respected brand in the power tools industry, known for its high-quality products that deliver reliable performance.
To get a better idea, I can confidently tell you that the Makita XWT15Z 18V LXT impact wrench (one of its most popular models) is no exception to this rule. With its powerful torque output, multiple speed settings, and durable construction, it’s a tool that’s built to last and designed to perform.
Is Makita a Russian company?
No, Makita is not a Russian company.
It’s actually a Japanese brand, founded in 1915. Over the years, Makita has built a reputation for producing high-quality, durable power tools that are used by professionals and DIY enthusiasts all over the world.
Is DeWalt made in USA?
I’d say yes, many DeWalt tools are made in the USA with global materials (not all of them, though).
The company has seven manufacturing facilities in the USA that produce some of their most popular tools, including the Dewalt 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench. However, it’s worth noting that not all DeWalt tools are made in the USA. Some are produced in other countries, including Mexico, Brazil, China, Italy, and the UK.
