Which is better for drilling into concrete?

The XT297T. Its XPH14 hammer drill delivers 0-31,500 BPM. The XFD131 has no hammer mode, so it is for wood, metal and driving only.

Is the combo kit worth the extra money?

If you need an impact driver or hammer drilling, yes. You get a second tool, two larger batteries and far more torque for about $299 more. For occasional home drilling, the $120 drill kit covers it.

Which has more torque?

The XT297T. Its drill makes 1,250 in-lb versus 440 in-lb on the XFD131, and its impact driver makes 1,590 in-lb.

Do the batteries work across both kits?

Yes. Both use Makita 18V LXT slide-style batteries, so the 3.0Ah and 5.0Ah packs interchange across the LXT line.

Which is easier to use overhead?

The XFD131. It weighs 3.8 lb with battery, while the combo kit ships at 14.95 lb with two tools and two 5.0Ah batteries.

Which lasts longer per charge?

The XT297T. Its two 5.0Ah batteries hold more charge than the single 3.0Ah pack in the drill kit.

Makita 18V LXT Cordless 1/2" Driver-Drill Kit vs Makita XT297T 18V LXT Lithium Ion Brushless Cordless 2 Tool Combo Kit

Buy the XFD131 drill kit if you need one light drill for home and light trade work; it is $120 at eBay as of November 4, 2026. Buy the XT297T combo kit if you want a hammer drill plus an impact driver and two 5.0Ah batteries; it is $419 at Walmart as of November 4, 2026. The combo kit costs about $299 more and adds a second tool, hammer mode and roughly 2.8x the torque in the drill.

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