Makita’s XPT03 is a new 18V hybrid impact hammer drill driver with 4 separate modes. Hybrid tools aren’t a new concept for Makita, and other brands have also come out with multi-functional drills and drivers, such as Bosch’s 3-mode impactor and combination impact driver and wrench.
The new XPT03 isn’t actually a new tool, but is actually just a model number update to the Makita 18V BTP140 hybrid 4-function impact drill. Still, we haven’t discussed the BTP140 before, making now as good a time as ever to talk about the XPT03.
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The XPT03 is built with a 1/4″ hex chuck, and has 4 modes of operation:
- Impact driver
- Hammer Drill
- Drill
- Screwdriver
It’s actually fairly compact for such a versatile tool, measuring 7-3/8″ long and weighing just 4.1 pounds with battery.
In impact mode, the hybrid drill driver can deliver up to 1,240 in-lbs of torque. The 2-speed gearbox (0-700 and 0-2,300 RPM) allows the hybrid to be used for a wide range of drilling applications, and 16 clutch settings is useful for various fastening tasks. In all other modes, the speed setting is fixed at 0-2,300 RPM.
Specifications
- Drill mode: 0-700, 0-2,300 RPM
- Drilling capacity: 3/8″ in steel, 13/16″ in wood
- Hammer drill mode: 0-2,300 RPM, 0-27,600 BPM
- Masonry drilling capacity: 5/16″ in concrete
- Impact mode: 0-2,300 RPm, 0-3,200 IPM
- Impact driver fastener sizes: 5/32″ – 5/16″ machine screws, 3/16″ – 9/16″ standard bolts, 3/16″ – 1/2″ high tensile bolts
- Screwdriver mode: 0-2300 RPM
- Screwdriver maximum fastener size: M4 machine screw (~#8)
Multi-functional versatility doesn’t come cheap. Expect to pay ~$222 for the bare tool (XPT03Z), and $441 for the 2-battery kit (XPT03). The kit comes with (2) 3.0Ah Li-ion battery packs.
Aside from the price, another downside is that the hybrid is only built with a 1/4″ hex chuck. If you want to use regular drill bits or hammer drill bits, you will have to buy a separate removable chuck.
In general, I dislike hex-shank drill bits. There are a few exceptions, such as impact-ready hole saws and the such, but for drilling holes I strongly prefer standard twist drills with cylindrical or 3-flat shanks.
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If you’re the type of person that frequently needs to shift between drilling holes in masonry and non-masonry materials, and driving a wide range of fastener sizes and styles, and you dislike juggling multiple cordless tools, this hybrid impact drill might be worth looking into.
Buy Now(Kit via Amazon)
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Amazon)
Since the XPT03 is essentially the BTP140 with a new name, be sure to check out older reviews (via Amazon or elsewhere), until reviews of the XPT03 start appearing. Most reviews of the BTP140 are quite positive, but there aren’t as many reviews as one would expect given the tool’s age, indicating it’s not a very in-demand type of tool. Thus, don’t expect to see it given the brushless treatment anytime soon.
Ping-lun Tsai
It does have a brushless version but not sold in US. TP141DRMX with 4.0A Battery and TP141DRFX with 3.0A Battery Link is here http://www.makita.co.jp/product/li_ion/tp141d/tp141d.html
Stuart
I completely forgot about that version! According to my notes, a little over one year ago I asked Makita USA as to whether they will bring the TP141D brushless Hybrid impact drill to the USA. Their in-house PR guy skirted around the question and responded by saying the BTP140 is available in the USA, and has been since 2006.
Ping-lun Tsai
The brushless version comes with much more belt and whistle. Especially, it comes with electronic torque control.
This model has been on the Japan market for at least a year. I think Makita will update it with APT (water and dust resistant) soon.
joe
“APT (water and dust resistant)”
I like the dust resistant idea….some type of a filtering option in the intake ports of the motor case.
After working with drywall, the ports (and inside of the motor case) is covered with drywall dust in my drill/s.
Ping-lun Tsai
Hitachi made their impact driver waterproof IP56 link http://www.hitachi-koki.co.jp/powertools/pro/drill/wh18dbal2/wh18dbal2.html
since is waterproof so it is easy to cleaning. Also, Makita and Hitachi is working reduce the noise of power tools. link http://www.hitachi-koki.co.jp/powertools/pro/drill/wm10dbl/wm10dbl.html
You gonna love these tools
Greg
I like the concept but that is a lot of $. I’m all about keeping good tools that serve multiple functions. Brushless is the way to go if I’m going to drop that amount of coin on one tool. Would be nice in a 20V line but Makita has not gone there yet.
Phil
Makita are actually there already, as the difference between 18 and 29 volt LiIon platfiorms is simply marketing. The cell numbers for the corresponding 18 and 20V packs are the same, the only difference is how the voltages are specified. 18 volt tools rate their batteries in use, the 20V rating comes from the open-circuit voltage of the pack as it is freshly removed from the charger. Slide the pack on a drill, pull the trigger, and the voltage will drop to the 18 volt nominal. This is why packs with a 20V rating are called “Max.” If you look for DeWalt tools in Europe, you will find the 20VMax series is labeled 18V per E.U. marketing regulations. In the US, manufacturers have badgered regulatory agencies to let them use the peak voltage as a means to sell something that really has no benefit other than looking better plastered on tools and marketing materials. People see the bigger number and think they are getting a higher voltage system. They’re not.
Curiously, all the major manufacturers here selling a 12 volt LiIon tool system are using the “Max” rating. The working voltage is 10.8 volts, but that doesn’t roll off the tongue or even look so hot on the tools themselves. It was the 10.8 volt battery systems that first got gussied up with the “12V” (with a diminutive “Max”) labeling, mostly to better compete with the already existing 12 volt NiCD tools, which had “true” ratings to start with. Every 12 volt Max tool system, be it from DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch, etc. are 10.8 volts in use, and are also sold with the “true” ratings abroad. Don’t be fooled by 18V vs. 20V. There is no practical difference, and the higher rating is actually dishonest. But that is the nature of marketing.
Phil
Argh, make that “29” a “20.” Damn these big paws.
Dan
They are all sold as 10.8 volt here in the UK except the Milwaukee ones which are sold as 12v, don’t know how they are getting away with it though.
4theposter
well said i was waiting for someone to post the TRUTH
John K.
I just ran across this and you make a Very Good Point!
Logan J
I like the Idea but this would never work for me with a 1/4 inch hex chuck. A 1/2 inch drill chuck, yes. 1/4 inch shank drill bits are fairly limited to drilling smaller holes and quite frankly, I have never seen of or heard of a hex shank masonry bit…
Tim K
i completely disagree hex shank is the only way to go if your a pro. everything is avalible in 1/4 hex, milwaukee drill bits are my favorite and bocsh makes masonary 1/4 hex bits and spade bits are basicly all 1/4 hex. Such a time saver! And never have to worry about it not being tight, and if you really need a traditional chuck for that odd ball, adapters from 1/4 hex to jacobs keyless chuck are reasonably priced.