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Deal.ai › Compare

Makita XFD12R 18V Brushless Driver-Drill Kit vs Makita 18V LXT Brushless Drill/Driver Kit

The XFD12R is the better all-around compact drill for most shoppers. It has more torque than the XFD131 (530 vs 440 in-lbs), a shorter body, and two batteries in the kit, so you can keep working while one charges. The XFD131 kit trades that for a single larger battery and a case. Owners of both report the brushless motors hold up well and the LXT batteries are shared across Makita's 18V line.

  • Choose the XFD12R if you want the most torque per pound, a shorter body for tight spots, and two batteries in the kit.
  • Choose the XFD131 if you prefer a single larger battery, a carrying case, and slightly higher top speed for fast drilling.

Prices

  • Makita XFD12R 18V Brushless Driver-Drill Kit: $62.00 at WeBuyTools.com (last seen Nov 12)
  • Makita 18V LXT Brushless Drill/Driver Kit: $179.00 at National Hardware Group (last seen Nov 13)
  • Difference: the Makita XFD12R 18V Brushless Driver-Drill Kit is $117.00 cheaper than the Makita 18V LXT Brushless Drill/Driver Kit at the latest prices (Nov 12 and Nov 13)
Makita
Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Brushless Cordless 1/2-in. Driver-Drill Kit, 2.0Ah (XFD12R)

Makita XFD12R 18V Brushless Driver-Drill Kit

Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Brushless Cordless 1/2-in. Driver-Drill Kit, 2.0Ah (XFD12R)

5(3 ratings)
$62.00at WeBuyTools.comChecked Nov 12
See all prices and details
Visit WeBuyTools.com
Pros
  • More torque than the XFD131 in a lighter, shorter body
  • Two batteries let you keep working through a charge cycle
  • XPT seals resist dust and water on job sites
  • Fast 2-speed transmission up to 2,000 RPM
Cons
  • No carrying case in the kit
  • Compact 2.0Ah batteries run out sooner under heavy load
Makita
Makita 18V LXT 1/2 in. Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit (Battery & Charger)

Makita 18V LXT Brushless Drill/Driver Kit

Makita 18V LXT 1/2 in. Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit (Battery & Charger)

$179.00at National Hardware GroupChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit National Hardware Group
Pros
  • Larger 3.0Ah battery gives longer run time per charge
  • Kit includes a carrying case
  • 21 clutch settings for controlled driving
  • Charger reaches full charge in 45 minutes or less
Cons
  • Less torque than the XFD12R
  • Heavier and slightly longer than the XFD12R
  • Only one battery in the kit

What separates them

Makita XFD12R 18V Brushless Driver-Drill KitMakita 18V LXT Brushless Drill/Driver Kit
Max torque530 in-lbs440 in-lbs
Weight with battery3.4 lbs with 2.0Ah3.8 lbs with 3.0Ah
Overall length6-3/4 in.6-7/8 in.
Batteries in kitTwo 2.0Ah compact batteriesOne 3.0Ah battery
Top speed0-2,000 RPM0-1,800 RPM
Clutch settingsAdjustable torque settings in driver mode21 settings
Dust and water resistanceExtreme Protection Technology (XPT)Not listed
Carrying caseNot includedIncluded

Price history

  • Makita XFD12R 18V Brushless Driver-Drill Kit: lowest $279.00 on Nov 12 at The Home Depot.
  • Makita 18V LXT Brushless Drill/Driver Kit: lowest $180.60 on Nov 13 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Makita XFD12R 18V Brushless Driver-Drill Kit

  • WeBuyTools.comNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $62.00Checked Nov 12
    Visit WeBuyTools.com
  • KPaul IndustrialNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $279.00Checked Nov 12
    Visit KPaul Industrial
  • My Tool StoreNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $279.00Checked Nov 12
    Visit My Tool Store
  • Jobsite Power ToolsNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $279.00Checked Nov 12
    Visit Jobsite Power Tools

Also available at

  • Tool NutCheck price at Tool Nut
All 7 stores and price history →

Makita 18V LXT Brushless Drill/Driver Kit

  • National Hardware GroupNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $179.00Checked Nov 13
    Visit National Hardware Group
  • Mrosupreme.comNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $179.00Checked Nov 13
    Visit Mrosupreme.com
  • Shell Lumber and HardwareNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $179.00Checked Nov 13
    Visit Shell Lumber and Hardware
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $180.60+ $8.20 shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 18 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecMakita XFD12R 18V Brushless Driver-Drill KitMakita 18V LXT Brushless Drill/Driver Kit
Max Torque—970 in.lbs.
Overall Length—6-7/8”
No Load Speed Low—0-550 RPM
No Load Speed High—0-1,800 RPM
Chuck Size—1/2"
Clutch Settings—21
Battery Voltage—18V
Battery Capacity—5.0Ah
Charge Time—45 minutes or less
Battery Model—BL1850B
Charger Model—DC18RC

Questions and answers

Which is better for heavy driving and lag bolts?
The XFD12R. Its 530 in-lbs of torque beats the XFD131's 440 in-lbs, and the compact body fits tighter spaces. For very large fasteners, step up to a Makita impact driver or a higher-torque drill.
Which has longer run time per charge?
The XFD131 with its 3.0Ah battery runs longer on a single charge than the XFD12R with a 2.0Ah pack. The XFD12R kit includes two batteries, so total working time across the kit is comparable.
Is the XFD12R worth stepping up to?
Yes for most buyers. You get more torque, less weight, a shorter body, and a second battery. The XFD131 only wins if you want a case and one bigger battery.
Do both use the same Makita 18V LXT batteries?
Yes. Both run on Makita 18V LXT slide-style batteries, so packs are interchangeable across the line. The XFD12R ships with 2.0Ah compact packs and the XFD131 with a 3.0Ah pack.
Which is better for overhead work?
The XFD12R. At 3.4 lbs with battery it is lighter than the XFD131 at 3.8 lbs, which matters when reaching up. Both have built-in LED lights for dim spots.
Which lasts longer?
Both use brushless motors rated for long tool life, and owner reports on both are positive. The XFD12R adds XPT dust and water resistance, which helps on dusty or wet job sites.

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