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Bosch GSB18V-535CN Hammer Drill/Driver vs Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Drill Kit

Pick the Bosch if you drill masonry or want the strongest torque and a safety brake. Pick the Makita if you want the lightest, shortest drill for cabinet and assembly work. The Bosch GSB18V-535CN brings 535 in.-lbs, KickBack Control and a 20+1 clutch, but it is a bare tool with no battery in the box. The Makita XFD13R1 is a sub-compact at about 2 lb with dual LEDs and all-metal gears, but it is a drill driver only, with no hammer mode.

  • Choose the Bosch if you need hammer drilling into brick or concrete and want the most torque and a kickback safety system.
  • Choose the Makita if you want the lightest, most compact 18V drill for driving screws overhead and in tight cabinets.

Prices

  • Bosch GSB18V-535CN Hammer Drill/Driver: $62.04 at eBay (last seen Nov 10)
  • Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Drill Kit: $180.60 at Amazon (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Bosch GSB18V-535CN Hammer Drill/Driver is $118.56 cheaper than the Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Drill Kit at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 10)
Bosch
Bosch 18V Compact Cordless 1/2 In. Drill/Driver Kit

Bosch GSB18V-535CN Hammer Drill/Driver

Bosch 18V Compact Cordless 1/2 In. Drill/Driver Kit

2(3 ratings)
$62.04at eBayChecked 10 h ago
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Pros
  • Hammer mode handles brick and light concrete
  • Highest torque in this pair at 535 in.-lbs
  • KickBack Control reduces injury risk on bind-up
  • All-metal keyless chuck and 20+1 clutch
  • Bluetooth-ready with the optional module
Cons
  • No battery included in the kit
  • Heavier and longer than the Makita
  • Only 0-600 RPM in high-torque gear
  • Bluetooth needs an extra module
Makita
Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Drill Driver Kit (XFD13R1)

Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Drill Kit

Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Drill Driver Kit (XFD13R1)

$180.60at AmazonChecked Nov 9
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Pros
  • Very light and short for overhead work
  • One 3 Ah battery included
  • Dual LEDs light the work area
  • All-metal gears and gear housing
  • Fast 0-1,900 RPM for small bits
Cons
  • No hammer mode for masonry
  • Lower torque at 440 in.-lbs
  • No kickback brake
  • Plastic body housing

What separates them

Bosch GSB18V-535CN Hammer Drill/DriverMakita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Drill Kit
Hammer modeYes, 0-28,500 bpm for masonryNo, drill and drive only
Max torque535 in.-lbs440 in.-lbs
Top speed0-600 and 0-1,900 RPM0-1,900 RPM, 2-speed
Weight2.7 lb bareAbout 2 lb bare
Length7.25 in6-5/8 in
Clutch20+1 precision clutch21-position clutch
SafetyKickBack Control cuts rotation on bind-upNo kickback brake
Battery in kitBare tool, charger onlyOne 3 Ah battery included

Price history

$186.25$62.04
Oct 28Nov 11
  • Bosch GSB18V-535CN Hammer Drill/Driver: lowest $62.04 on Nov 9 at eBay; $62.04 on Nov 11.
  • Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Drill Kit: lowest $180.60 on Nov 9 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Bosch GSB18V-535CN Hammer Drill/Driver

  • MC Tool & SafetyNew

    In stock

    $106.24+ $40.00 shippingChecked 10 h ago
    Visit MC Tool & Safety
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknown

    $62.04Checked 10 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • littlewoods.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $116.55Checked Oct 31
    Visit littlewoods.com
  • InstacartNew

    Availability unknown

    $119.00Checked Nov 10
    Visit Instacart

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All 17 stores and price history →

Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Drill Kit

  • eBayOpen box

    In stockSold by polari_6016 (100% positive, 347 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $55.00+ $14.17 shippingChecked 14 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $180.60+ $8.20 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Amazon
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by bigupspirit3 (99.5% positive, 2,100 ratings)Ships from Japan · duties may applyReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $138.41+ $80.00 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay

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Specs compared

SpecBosch GSB18V-535CN Hammer Drill/DriverMakita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Drill Kit
Tool TypeHammer Drill/DriverDrill Driver, Basic Drill, Basic Drill
Power TypeCordlessBattery Powered
Power Voltage18V18V
Chuck Size1/2 in1/2 inch
Max Speed0-600 RPM1900 RPM
Torque535 In.-Lbs.440 Inch Pounds
Battery Voltage18V18V
Battery Capacity8 Ah3 Ah
Battery IncludedNoNo
Battery TypeLithium IonLithium Ion
Number Of Batteries Included01
Motor TypeEC BrushlessBrushless
Show all 32 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBosch GSB18V-535CN Hammer Drill/DriverMakita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Drill Kit
Height7.9 in6.06" (Packaged)
Length7.25 in6-5/8"
Weight2.7 lb930 g
Width3 in15.08" (Packaged)
Functionality HighlightsKickBack Control, Hammer Drill/Driver2-Speed Transmission
Number Of Speed Settings22
Built In FeaturesDrill-area LED with feedbackDual LED lights
Design HighlightsCompact design, Longer belt clip, Upgraded all-…All metal gears and gear housing
MaterialAll-metal chuck

What reviewers say

Bosch GSB18V-535CN Hammer Drill/Driver

Owners of this Bosch 18V line generally rate the compact hammer drills highly for power-to-weight and control. The KickBack Control and metal chuck draw the most praise. The main complaints are the bare-tool packaging and the extra cost of the Bluetooth module.

What people mention
  • WeightPraisedOwners like the 2.7 lb body for one-handed and overhead use.
  • TorquePraisedReviewers say 535 in.-lbs. drives long screws and auger bits without bogging.
  • KickBack ControlPraisedUsers report the tool shuts down when a bit binds, sparing the wrist.
  • Bare toolCriticisedBuyers note the kit ships without a battery or charger, adding to the real cost.

Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Drill Kit

Owners of Makita's sub-compact drill line generally praise the light weight, short body and smooth brushless trigger, and many use it as their go-to for assembly and cabinet work. The recurring complaints are limited torque for big bits and hole saws, and the single small battery in the kit.

What people mention
  • WeightPraisedOwners like how light and short it is, especially for overhead and one-handed work.
  • TorqueCriticisedReviewers say it bogs down on large hole saws and big auger bits.
  • BatteryMixedThe 18V LXT platform is liked, but the kit's single 3.0 Ah pack is seen as limiting.
  • ChuckPraisedThe 1/2-inch metal chuck is reported to hold bits firmly with little runout.

Questions and answers

Which is better for drilling into brick?
The Bosch. It has a hammer mode at 0-28,500 bpm and more torque. The Makita is a drill driver only and will stall in masonry.
Which is better for cabinet and assembly work?
The Makita. It is shorter and about 0.7 lb lighter, so it fits between studs and is easier to hold overhead. The Bosch's extra torque is rarely needed for screws.
Does the Bosch come with a battery?
No. The kit is a bare tool with a charger, so you need an 18V Bosch battery. The Makita kit includes one 3 Ah battery.
Which has better safety features?
The Bosch. KickBack Control shuts the tool down when the bit binds, which lowers the risk of a wrist injury. The Makita has no kickback brake.
Is the Makita worth stepping up to over the Bosch?
Only if size and weight matter most. The Makita is smaller and includes a battery, but you give up hammer mode, torque and kickback protection.
Which lasts longer?
Both use brushless motors. The Bosch adds an all-metal chuck and KickBack Control that protects the tool in a bind-up. The Makita uses all-metal gears but a plastic housing.

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Plastic
Amperage2 Amps18 Amps
Included AccessoriesChargerBare-Tool
Chuck TypeKeyless, All-metal—
Impact Rate0-28,500 beats per minute (bpm)—
Grip TypeSoft grip—
Battery Charging Time63 minutes (for a 2-amp-hour battery)—
Lithium-Ion BatteryYes—
Drill SetYes—
Brushless MotorYes—
Voltage18 volts—
Capacity—0.5 Inches (wood)