Welcome to our in-depth review of the Makita XWT17 1/2 Cordless Impact, a powerhouse in the world of 1/2 inch cordless impact wrenches. In the realm of DIY and professional tool enthusiasts, finding the perfect balance of power, versatility, and durability is crucial. The Makita XWT17 has emerged as a frontrunner in this category, boasting an impressive set of features that cater to both demanding tasks and everyday use. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the key aspects of the Makita XWT17, exploring its performance, design, and how it stands out in the competitive landscape of cordless impact wrenches. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a weekend warrior, join us on this journey to uncover why the Makita XWT17 deserves its spot as a top contender in the 1/2 cordless impact realm.

What is The XWT17 1/2 cordless impact?

The Makita XWT17 1/2 Cordless Impact Wrench is one of many offerings in the Makita LXT line up, a series of over 325 products using the same 18 volt lithium-ion batteries. This is the worlds largest compatible battery system allowing the user to have one battery system for all of their cordless needs which is a huge selling point for me an avid DIY enthusiast because having multiple platforms utilizing different batteries and charges is a huge pain to keep track of. Lets take a look at some of the things this tool has to offer.

Features

• BL Brushless Motor delivering 520 ft.lbs of fastening torque and 740 ft.lbs of nut busting torque.
• Weighing in at just 6.0lbs this is one of the more compact offerings on the market with this level of torque.
• 4 speed power selector allows you to limit torque and rpm for a wide range of operations.
• Built in LED light
• Flexible joint isolating the battery from the grip reduces wear and tear on battery contact points.
• 3 year limited warranty.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful Performance: This 1/2 cordless impact wrench boasts extremely impressive torque that outperforms many other offerings I have used making it suitable for many project from home DIY auto repair to heavy industrial construction.
• Brushless Motor: I am a huge fan of brushless motors which have become practically industry standard in the cordless tool market. These motors deliver more efficient power leading to extended runtime and reduced tool wear allowing for less frequent maintenance.
• Variable Speed Control: The variable speed trigger along with power selector switch are paramount to the success of this impact. Allowing you to tailor the amount of torque used to the specific task at hand preventing overtightened, stripped or broken hardware.
• LED Light: The LED light on the tool is conveniently placed and features two extremely bright diodes allowing you to see your workspace in the toughest of spots, and lets be honest they usually are in the toughest places.
• Durable Build Quality: As is the standard in most Makita Tools, this impact driver was built with longevity in mind. The overall feel in hand is that you could run it over with a dump truck and it would carry on performing work. (Please don’t try this at home)

Cons

• Higher Price Point: The XWT17 1/2 cordless impact comes in at a slightly higher price point than some other offerings on the market. However I believe the investment is justified in the quality and performance Makita delivers with this product.

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Personal Experience

The Makita XWT17 has been a tool in my toolbox for the last couple of years giving me ample time to put it to the test. From countless tire rotations and brake jobs to a couple of trailer repairs and even installing a couple of lift kits in pick-up trucks this tool has never let me down. We actually always take it along with us on camping trips to help extend and retract the campers leveling jacks and have on hand in the event of a flat tire. One thing to keep in mind is this tool delivers a lot of torque and it does it very easily making it easy to overtighten nuts and bolts even while using the power selector switch without the user even knowing. I always recommend using a torque wrench or a set of torque sticks when fastening crucial components such as brakes and tires. Here are the ones I like best.

Pricing

The XWT17 1/2 cordless impact is available tool only or offered with battery and charger.

Check the latest prices here on Amazon:

Conclusion/Summary

In conclusion whether you are looking for a reliable tool to perform DIY work in the garage or add to your toolbox for professional automotive repair you can’t go wrong with this mid range offering by Makita. With its industry leading ergonomics, power and versatility its sure not to let you down. Since adding it to my arsenal it has become a staple in the way I go about performing tasks here at home.

If you’re in the market for a cordless brad nailer check our review of Milwaukee’s cordless offering here.