Makita
Makita XPH14 18V LXT Hammer Drill
The XPH14 is Makita's flagship 18V LXT hammer driver-drill, released in 2021 as the XPH07's successor with 1,250 in-lbs of max torque in a body 14% shorter (7.0 in). It runs a 2-speed all-metal transmission (0-550/0-2,100 RPM, up to 31,500 BPM) with an all-metal self-ratcheting 1/2 in chuck. It remains the torque king of the LXT drill lineup, though it predates the newer 40V XGT models.
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓Delivers 1,250 in-lbs of max torque - the most in Makita's 18V LXT drill lineup and enough for large self-feed bits, hole saws, and lag work.
- ✓The 7.0 in head is 14% shorter than the XPH07 it replaced, making it unusually compact for a flagship-torque drill.
- ✓ToolGuyd commenters consistently praise Makita's build quality, calling out the Japan-made chuck engineering as superior to Milwaukee's.
- ✓The all-metal 2-speed gearbox and self-ratcheting chuck grip bits strongly, and owners report minimal slippage under load.
- ✓Home Depot buyers rate it 4.6/5, repeatedly praising its power, balance, and excellent battery life on 5.0Ah packs.
- ✓One owner summed up common sentiment: 'You won't find a better drill for the price - lots of power, small and compact, and just well balanced.'
- ✓It runs on Makita's enormous 18V LXT ecosystem (280+ tools), so batteries and chargers are cheap and probably already in your shop.
- ✓At roughly $175 bare it undercuts the street prices of DeWalt's and Milwaukee's flagship hammer drills.
Cons
- ✗No anti-kickback protection - ToolGuyd and multiple readers flagged this as a significant omission at 1,250 in-lbs, and bind-ups can wrench your wrist hard.
- ✗Heavy in the hand at 6.0 lbs with a 5.0Ah battery; ToolGuyd noted it weighs far more than Milwaukee's flagship for only slightly more torque.
- ✗Only a 2-speed transmission with a 550 RPM low gear - no middle gear, unlike DeWalt's 3-speed flagship or Makita's own newer GPH03.
- ✗Its 2021-era torque crown has been eclipsed - the Milwaukee 2904 (1,400 in-lbs) and Makita's XGT models now out-spec it.
- ✗A Home Depot reviewer raised durability concerns about the handle after jobsite use.
- ✗ToolGuyd's launch coverage advised buyers to wait, arguing the value proposition was weak versus lighter competitors at similar kit pricing ($319 vs $299).
- ✗The bare tool includes only the side grip handle - no belt clip or bit holder in the box.
- ✗No smart features at all - no kickback-sensing electronics, no tracking chip, and no app connectivity that DeWalt and Milwaukee flagships offer.
Compare the Makita XPH14 18V LXT Hammer Drill
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