Makita XDT16 Impact Driver
The XDT16 is the Makita 18V driver many people still find on shelves and in resale listings. Makita has since moved on, so here is what it does, what replaced it and whether it is still worth buying.
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The Makita XDT16 is a strong, compact 18V LXT 4-speed impact driver: 1,600 in-lbs, 0-3,600 RPM, 4-9/16 inches long, with Assist Mode, two tightening modes and reverse auto-stop. Makita USA now lists the XDT16Z as discontinued. Buy it only at a clear discount; otherwise buy the current XDT20Z, which has the same feature set, is rated at 1,590 in-lbs and is shorter at 4-1/2 inches.
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Makita XDT16 specs
The XDT16 is Makita's 18V LXT brushless Quick-Shift Mode 4-speed impact driver. The figures below are Makita's published specs. This site does not run its own tests. It researches from manufacturer data, manuals and patterns in owner feedback.
| Spec | Makita XDT16 |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 1,600 in-lbs (about 133 ft-lbs) |
| Top speed | 0-3,600 RPM |
| Speed settings | 4-speed |
| Special modes | Assist Mode, 2 tightening modes, reverse auto-stop |
| Length | 4-9/16 in |
| Weight | About 3.4 lb with battery |
| Battery | 18V LXT |
| Tool-only model | XDT16Z |
| Status | Listed as discontinued by Makita USA |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Torque ratings are measured differently by each brand. Use 1,600 in-lbs to compare Makita models with each other, not to rank the XDT16 against Milwaukee or DeWalt.
XDT16 status: what replaced it
Makita USA's page for the XDT16Z now shows it as discontinued. Its direct follow-up, the XDT19, has also been discontinued, and Makita lists the XDT20Z as the replacement for the XDT19. The XDT20Z is the current 4-speed LXT driver with the same headline features.
| Spec | XDT16 (discontinued) | XDT20 (current) | XDT14 (current, 3-speed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max torque | 1,600 in-lbs | 1,590 in-lbs | 1,550 in-lbs |
| Speeds | 4 | 1,100 / 2,100 / 3,200 / 3,600 RPM | 1,100 / 2,100 / 3,600 RPM |
| Impact rate | Check the current listing | Up to 3,800 IPM | Up to 3,800 IPM |
| Length | 4-9/16 in | 4-1/2 in | 4-5/8 in |
| Weight with battery | About 3.4 lb | 3.3 lb | 3.3 lb |
| Assist / T-modes / reverse auto-stop | Yes / 2 / Yes | Yes / 2 / Yes | Check the current listing |
The XDT20 is essentially an XDT16 refined: a hair shorter, with a 360-degree LED ring, a speed button under the chuck and a dual ball bearing chuck that Makita says reduces bit wobble. The 10 in-lb difference in rated torque does not matter in use.
The modes on the Makita 4-speed impact driver
The XDT16's modes are the reason to buy it over a cheaper 2- or 3-speed driver.
- Four speed settings: From gentle to full power. Low for small screws and hardware, high for lags and long screws.
- Assist Mode (A-mode): Drives at low speed until the tool senses tightening, then speeds up. It helps start screws without cam-out or cross-threading.
- Two tightening modes (T-mode): For self-drilling screws in thin or thicker gauge metal. The tool slows once the screw seats, which prevents stripping the threads.
- Reverse auto-stop: In reverse, the tool stops once the fastener is loose, so nuts and bolts do not fly off the end.
The speed button is on the back of the handle, which some owners find easy to reach and others bump by accident. Our guide to impact driver speed settings explains when to use each type of mode.
Which XDT16 setting for which job
Makita's manual gives the exact speed for each setting. As a practical starting point:
| Job | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hinges, drawer slides, cabinet hardware | Speed 1 | Low power avoids snapped and stripped screws |
| Starting screws in finished faces | Assist Mode | Slow start prevents cam-out and walking |
| Drywall and 1-5/8 to 2-1/2 inch wood screws | Speed 2 or 3 | Fast enough without overdriving |
| 3-inch deck screws, ledger screws, lags | Speed 4 | Full torque and speed |
| Self-drilling screws in sheet metal or studs | T-mode (thin or thick) | Slows as the screw seats to protect the threads |
| Removing nuts and bolts | Reverse auto-stop | Stops before the fastener drops |
Owner feedback is consistent on two points. First, people who learn the modes say they snap fewer screws than with a single-speed driver. Second, people who never touch the button tend to leave it in speed 4 and find it aggressive on small fasteners. Spend ten minutes with scrap wood and a few screw sizes before a real job.
Strengths and weaknesses
Makita 18V LXT Brushless Quick-Shift Mode 4-Speed Impact Driver (XDT16Z)
Best for: LXT owners who find one at a real discount and want a full-featured driver for wood, metal and general construction.
- Torque
- 1,600 in-lbs
- Speed
- 0-3,600 RPM
- Length
- 4-9/16 in
- Speeds
- 4 + modes
It has one of the most complete mode sets of any 18V driver, a short head and Makita's smooth trigger.
Strengths
- Assist Mode, two T-modes and reverse auto-stop in one tool
- Short 4-9/16-inch head
- Owners often praise trigger control and balance
- Runs on Makita's large 18V LXT battery line
Weaknesses
- Discontinued; new stock is shrinking
- Rated lower than flagship Milwaukee and DeWalt drivers (different test methods)
- Mode button on the rear can be bumped
- Older design than the XDT20 (no light ring, no front speed button)
Batteries and buying advice
Any 18V LXT battery fits. A 2.0 Ah pack keeps the tool near the 3.4 lb figure Makita quotes and suits overhead and cabinet work. A 4.0 or 5.0 Ah pack adds runtime for decks and framing at the cost of weight. Makita's 40V max XGT batteries do not fit LXT tools.
- Already own LXT packs: Buy the bare tool (Z suffix). See bare tool vs kit for when a kit makes sense.
- Found an XDT16Z well below the XDT20Z: Fine to buy new from an authorized seller.
- Prices are close: Buy the XDT20Z.
- Used units: Check that the anvil has no play and the chuck holds bits tight.
If you are not yet on any platform, do not choose Makita because of one driver. LXT is one of the largest 18V lines, with strong outdoor and woodworking tools, but battery cost and the tools you will want next matter more than a single model. Our guide to choosing a cordless tool platform walks through that decision.
Use impact-rated bits, wear eye and hearing protection, and finish critical fasteners with a torque wrench.
How the XDT16 compares
- Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2953: Rated at 2,000 in-lbs and 4.47 inches long, with 4-Mode Drive Control. Read Milwaukee vs Makita impact driver.
- DeWalt DCF845: Rated at 1,825 in-lbs, 5.1 inches long, 3 speeds. See DeWalt vs Makita impact driver.
- Makita 40V XGT: More power for heavy users who already run XGT tools. See the Makita 40V impact driver.
Rated torque differs across brands because each tests its own way. In practice, the choice is usually about which battery platform you already own or want. The full Makita range is on our Makita impact driver page.
Verdict
The Makita XDT16 is still an excellent impact driver, with one of the best mode sets in the 18V class. But Makita lists it as discontinued, and the XDT20Z offers the same features in a slightly shorter body. Buy an XDT16Z only if it is clearly cheaper from an authorized seller. Otherwise buy the XDT20Z.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Z in XDT16Z mean?
Makita uses Z for tool only, with no battery, charger or case. Kit versions carry other suffixes, such as R or T, which indicate the included batteries. Check the listing to see which packs come with a kit.
Is the Makita XDT16 brushless?
Yes. The XDT16 uses a Makita-built brushless motor, as do its successors in the 4-speed LXT line. Brushless motors run cooler and give more runtime per charge than brushed ones.
Is the XDT16 discontinued?
Makita USA's product page lists the XDT16Z as discontinued. You can still find new stock at some retailers and on resale sites. Makita's current 4-speed LXT driver is the XDT20Z.
Will Makita 40V XGT batteries fit the XDT16?
No. The XDT16 runs on 18V LXT batteries only. XGT 40V max packs use a different design and do not fit LXT tools. If you want to stay on LXT, any Makita 18V LXT pack works.
Does the warranty still apply to a discontinued XDT16?
Makita's 3-year limited warranty is tied to the purchase from an authorized dealer, not to whether the model is still in production. Buy from an authorized seller and keep the receipt. Used tools may not transfer coverage.