Makita Vs Dewalt Impact Driver [Full, Must-Read Comparison]

Back in the past, it used to be when you needed a new power tool, you would simply head down to your local hardware store and have a look around and perhaps chat with the salesperson a little bit about that or this, inquire some questions, and then choose out what you needed; what they had in supply was what was available to you.

But presently, in the world of online shopping where everything imaginable is available at a single click of your mouse, the purchasing process can be a tad more compelling.

You’ve got plenty of manufacturers spending millions on big-time marketing, and thousands of consumer reviews to consider – each with different feedback.

We have an idea how it goes, and that’s why we wrote this article – to use our expert knowledge and experience to help make that overwhelming purchasing experience a bit more convenient.

In this article, we will try and answer some crucial questions you might have about the Makita XDT111 and the DEWALT DCF887B.

Which is actually better? Which one is the right tool for your needs?

We’ll try to cover everything from company background and history, to warranty, to durability, tool performance, and everything in between.

Makita vs. DEWALT Impact Driver Review

1. Makita XDT111 3.0 Ah 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver Kit

Reasonable price and premium quality are hard to come by in an impact driver. Thus, if you’re looking for both, the Makita XDT111 cordless impact driver kit is the one for your needs. It does all your fastening and drilling work efficiently and effortlessly.

With Makita’s proprietary four-pole motor design, driving bolts, and sinking screws have just become a non-complex task.

As its reputation suggests, it has more power and works faster compared to other prominent brands out there. Again, one such example is the XDT111. Let’s take a closer look at this impressive impact driver that is packed with excellent features.

Makita is a prominent company that manufactures some of the best impact drivers as well as drill drivers on the market today. The company makes high-performance, heavy-duty, and long-lasting power tools that serve extensive consumers.

The Makita Company are pioneer in the power tools industry and has been at it for a very long time, and practically every professional handyman has a Makita power tool in her or his arsenal. One of their most famous power tools is the Makita XDT111 impact driver kit.

This cordless impact driver provides an 18-volt 3Ah LXT li-ion battery and gives you with 1,460 inch per pound of torque, more than enough for a wide range of applications. It efficiently gives you with more than twice the power of a regular drill driver.

Among many other important features that this model brings are the following:

Makita Proprietary 4-Pole Motor Design

The innovation Makita has made in motor technology have indicated the advancement of the 4-pole motor in this unit. While many motors on the market feature two magnetic poles, this motor on the other hand come with 4 magnetic poles.

The 4-lne magnetic force design takes up less space of low magnetic flux density, unlike the two-pole variety, leading to high-efficiency energy consumption.

In addition, the magnetic force on each pole is smaller, thus making the yoke and magnet thinner while minimizing the total weight.

The new technology is a huge part that contributes to the compact and lightweight nature of the XDT111.

LXT Lithium-Ion Battery

The battery on this impact driver provides you with consistent runtime and power at extreme temperatures.

The included Makita rapid optimum charger works with the battery’s inbuilt chip during charging for optimized battery life by actively controlling current, voltage, and temperature.

An integrated fan in the charger distributes air through the battery while charging, cooling it to reach faster charging times.

Furthermore, this unit features Star Protection Computer Controls that actively monitor communication between the battery and the tool in real-time for extra protection against overloading, over-discharging, and overheating. The top speed of this model is 2,900 RPM with 3,500 impacts per minute.

Flexibility

This unit only weighs about 3.9 lbs. with the battery on and can get quite heavy over the course of a long workday, particularly if you’re working overhead.

All in all, the driver is much lighter compared to a drill and features a sturdy build-in all metal gear housing.

Aside from its power and speed, this 5-3/8 inch model does well in applications where an eighth of an inch matter. The tool also comes with dual LED lights for illuminating your workstation, and they provide you with a couple of seconds of afterglow once you release the trigger.

Another great feature you’d love to see on this power tool is its Makita XPT Extreme Protection Technology. This technology provides you with an extra layer of protection, so water and dust won’t reach the driver’s internals. This professional tool doesn’t have to be babied.

Overall, if you’re seeking the fastest, most powerful impact driver out there, then get the Makita XDT111 impact driver kit. This power tool kit offers you a hardened tool carrying case, a short barrel, and a large-capacity battery.

This power tool would make a starter kit or an extra set of batteries, chargers, and impact drivers for your current collection. It’s also a great gift.

PROS:

• Reaches up to 2,900 RPM and 3,500 IPM
• Includes a sturdy and handy tool case
• Comes with a 3-year limited warranty that covers the charger, battery, and the drill
• Compatible with all Makita 18V li-ion batteries that have a star symbol
• Uses a dedicated Rapid Optimum Charger
• Batteries are engineered with the Star Protection Computer Control technology
• Has Makita’s proprietary hammer and anvil impact mechanism
• Designed to withstand different external conditions
• Made with Extreme Protection Technology
• Incorporated with dual LED lights
• Features the Makita-built four-pole motor design
• Comes with a one-touch ¼ inch hex chuck
• Measures 5 3/8 inches long
• Weighs 3.9 lbs. with the battery installed
• Designed with all metal gear housing
• Incredibly powerful with 1,460 inches per pound of max torque

CONS:

• Comes with only one battery
• Noticeably heftier compared to other Makita impact drill units

2. DEWALT DCF887B 20V MAX XR Li-Ion Brushless 0.25″ 3-Speed Impact Driver

Incorporated with not only application control but also extra screwing features as well as fastener damage, the DEWALT DCF887 model is the ideal addition to any tool lover’s toolbox.

It has great quality and provides a three-LED halo light ring in order to ensure that you can always see what you’re doing when you’re working with the impact driver.

It also comes with the newest brushless technology and 250 Nm of torque, which is quite impressive for the price you’re going to pay. This particular power tool might not be the least pricey option, but it is always better to spend a little bit on a power tool if you’re going to use it frequently.

This DCF887 unit even comes with a three-speed setting so that you can get your project done 3 times as fast, or might be 3 times slower if what’s required. Its lightweight and compact design let users fit into tight spaces without any worry or hassle.

Furthermore, its design also makes it much more convenient to use for long periods of work. Nevertheless, this power tool doesn’t rate so well with regard to the quality of the included batteries as they could be a ton better.

But aside from that, this power tool needs upgrades in the setting strength since there have been problems with changing the setting from the 1^st to the 2^nd or even 3^rd. Despite this, it is still an impact driver that is worth your hard-earned income.

Well, DEWALT is a credible brand that manufactures good quality products for both professionals and beginners out there. No matter where you are currently in your career, you can count on the DEWALT Company to serve you well and for a very long-time.

Not to mention that DEWALT also offers an excellent three-year limited warranty on many of its products. This only implies that if you ever have any problems, they would be able to sort them out easily just for you.

On a side note, brushless technology is the entire trend in the cordless power tools market at the moment and has been for the last few years. This DCF887 unit incorporates this technology impressively, letting to enhanced power and increased efficiency.

The point of incorporating brushless technology is so that power tools can adjust and change according to the project and this model’s brushless technology just works great.

This implies that you can save battery life and still own a high-powered tool without any inconvenience. It is also crucial to note that brushless technology works with resistance.

Meaning, the more resistance the drill-driver senses, the more power it utilizes. It is a great element of the unit and many verified consumers give positive feedback about resistance in their reviews.

All in all, we absolutely recommend trying this power tool out if you have some spare cash and like DEWALT products. The warranty is great and so is its quality. It is one of the best power tools you can purchase and you rest assured that you’re not going to regret investing in one.

PROS:

• Incorporated with 3-speed settings for extra versatility with precision drive
• Lightweight and compact design for tight spaces
• Brushless motor technology
• Very durable and solid construction
• Excellent torque settings

CONS:

• Low setting strength
• Wobbly chuck 

Recommendation

If you’re looking for the most flexibility and power combined together with a brushless motor as well as a compact size, then we recommend you get the DCF887.

Its three-speed transmission can give you lots of control and its optimal torque is the highest out of these three drivers. Though it is a bare tool, the good thing is that it is really a great investment.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more advanced which is also quite pricier then get the Makita XDT111 as it can give you tons of impressive features that a lot of impact drivers can get even those prominent models.

Overall, just make sure that you prioritize your needs so that you can make the wisest decision possible. If you’ve got any suggestions or thoughts, please share them in the comment box below.