The best Makita tool deal for most people right now is the Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT Brushless 1/2″ Hammer Driver-Drill. It is a bare tool, but it sits in the budget tier, carries a brushless motor, adds a hammer mode for light masonry, and runs on the same 18V LXT batteries that power every other tool on this page — so the money you save on the tool goes straight into packs you will reuse for years. It suits anyone starting an LXT platform, anyone replacing a tired brushed drill, and anyone who wants one cordless tool that can drill, drive and hammer.
If your work is mostly fastening rather than drilling, the 18V LXT Brushless Quick-Shift Mode 4-Speed Impact Driver is the stronger buy. If you already own LXT packs and want something compact for cabinet and overhead work, the XPH16Z is the smarter shape. And if you are breaking down framing lumber all day, the 36V (18V X2) rear-handle saw is the premium pick that justifies its price. Everything below is organised so you can find your situation and skip the rest.
Our Top Picks
Makita XDT11Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver5-3/8" long"3.62 x 6.18 x 8.82 inches0 poundsCheck on Amazon
Makita 18V Lxt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Quick-Shift Mode3.82 x 8.39 x 5.51 InchesCheck on Amazon
Makita XMT03Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Cordless Multi-ToolPack of 13.9 x 12.2 x 4.9 inches4 poundsCheck on Amazon
Top 3 picks at a glance
Quick Comparison
Every tool here is a Makita 18V LXT bare tool unless the platform column says otherwise. “Bare tool” means no battery and no charger in the box — you buy those once and share them across the whole platform. Price tiers are relative within the Makita cordless range, not absolute, because listing prices move daily.
| Product | Best for | Key specs | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita XFD10Z Driver-Drill | First LXT tool, light drilling and driving | 18V LXT, 1/2″ keyless chuck, two-speed gearbox, brushed motor, tool only | Budget |
| Makita XDT11Z Impact Driver | Fastening-heavy work on a tight budget | 18V LXT, 1/4″ hex quick-change, variable speed, brushed motor, tool only | Budget |
| Makita 18V LXT Brushless Quick-Shift Mode 4-Speed Impact Driver | High-volume driving and precision fastening | 18V LXT, brushless, 4-speed selector, Quick-Shift mode, 1/4″ hex, tool only | Mid-range |
| Makita XMT03Z Multi-Tool | Tight-space cutting on a budget | 18V LXT, variable speed oscillation, OIS blade interface, tool only | Mid-range |
| Makita DTM52Z Brushless Multi-Tool | Low-vibration precision cutting and renovation | 18V LXT, brushless, anti-vibration design, Starlock-family blade interface, tool only | Premium |
| Makita XPH14Z Hammer Driver-Drill | Heavy drilling and light masonry | 18V LXT, brushless, 1/2″ chuck, two-speed gearbox, hammer mode, tool only | Budget |
| Makita XPH16Z Compact Hammer Driver-Drill | Overhead, cabinet and confined-space work | 18V LXT, brushless, 1/2″ chuck, compact body, hammer mode, tool only | Budget |
| Makita XSH03Z Circular Saw | Trim, sheet goods and one-handed cuts | 18V LXT, brushless, 6-1/2″ blade, bevel capability, tool only | Premium |
| Makita XNB04Z Brad Nailer | Trim, casing and punch-list work | 18V LXT, brushless, 18 gauge, drives brads up to 2″, tool only | Premium |
| Makita XSR01Z Rear Handle Circular Saw | Framing and heavy sheet cutting | 36V (18V X2), brushless, 7-1/4″ blade, rear handle, tool only | Premium |
| Makita XRJ04Z Recipro Saw | Demolition, pruning and rough cutting | 18V LXT, variable speed, tool-less blade change, adjustable shoe, tool only | Mid-range |
| Makita XBU03Z Blower | Yard cleanup and job-site dust | 18V LXT, brushless, variable speed trigger, high-CFM hand-held class, tool only | Mid-range |
How We Chose
These twelve tools were selected on four criteria. First, spec class fit: each one has to be genuinely competitive for its job — a hammer drill that can actually drill masonry, a multi-tool that takes blades you can buy anywhere, a saw whose blade size matches a real cutting task. Second, category fit: whether a bare tool is the right answer at all, or whether the reader is better served by a kit that includes batteries and a charger. Third, use case: the picks are spread deliberately across drilling, fastening, cutting, trimming, demolition and cleanup so that most readers find one clear match rather than six overlapping ones. Fourth, upgrade path: everything listed runs on the same 18V LXT platform, so a budget purchase today still contributes batteries and chargers to a premium purchase later. Rankings lean on published manufacturer specifications, the platform’s battery ecosystem, and the way these tool classes are normally used on job sites and in home workshops. No tool here is ranked on hands-on measurement.
1. Makita XFD10Z Driver-Drill — Best for a First 18V LXT Tool
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The XFD10Z is the cheapest honest way into the Makita 18V LXT platform. It is a straightforward 1/2″ cordless driver-drill with a two-speed gearbox, a variable-speed trigger and a keyless chuck, sold as a bare tool. Nothing about it is exotic, and that is exactly the point: it does the two jobs most people actually have — drilling holes and driving screws — without asking you to pay for a hammer mechanism or a brushless motor you may never need.
It suits renters, first-time cordless buyers, and anyone who wants a second drill to leave permanently loaded with a countersink bit or a pilot bit. It also suits buyers who already own LXT batteries from a mower, a blower or an older drill, because the bare tool price is where the value sits.
- Platform: 18V LXT Lithium-Ion
- Chuck: 1/2″ keyless, single sleeve
- Gearbox: two mechanical speeds — a slower range for driving and a faster range for drilling
- Controls: variable-speed trigger, forward/reverse, clutch collar for screw depth control
- Motor class: brushed
- In the box: tool only — no battery, no charger, no case
Its strengths are simplicity, low weight and the fact that it accepts every standard 1/2″-shank bit and every common hex-shank driver bit through an adapter. The clutch collar lets you set a torque limit so you stop stripping screw heads in softwood, and the two-speed gearbox means you are not forced to choose between slow, controlled driving and fast drilling. Because it shares LXT packs with the rest of this list, it is the least expensive way to end up with a working cordless drill and a battery you will keep using.
Pros
- Lowest entry cost of any drill on this page
- Light enough for overhead work and long assembly sessions
- 1/2″ chuck takes standard bits with no adapters
- Shares the 18V LXT battery platform with every other tool here
Cons
- Brushed motor — shorter service life and lower efficiency per charge than brushless
- No hammer mode, so it will not drill brick or block
- Less torque than the XPH16Z or XPH14Z in the same price neighbourhood
Against the XPH16Z, the XFD10Z is the cheaper and lighter tool, but it gives up the brushless motor and the hammer function. If you ever drill into masonry, the XPH16Z is worth the small step up. If you only ever drill wood, drywall and light metal, the XFD10Z is the smarter spend and you can put the difference into a second battery.
2. Makita XDT11Z Impact Driver — Best for Fastening-Heavy Work on a Budget
The XDT11Z is the fastening counterpart to the XFD10Z: an 18V LXT impact driver with a 1/4″ hex quick-change chuck, a variable-speed trigger and a built-in LED, sold bare. Impact drivers deliver rotational blows rather than steady torque, which is why they drive long screws into hardwood far faster than a drill and why they cam out far less often. If most of your work is screws — decks, fences, framing, cabinets, furniture — this is the tool that earns its keep.
It suits deck builders on a budget, DIYers assembling flat-pack and garden structures, and anyone who wants a dedicated driver so their drill can stay set up for hole-making. It is also the natural second purchase for someone who bought the XFD10Z first.
- Platform: 18V LXT Lithium-Ion
- Chuck: 1/4″ hex quick-change, one-handed bit swaps
- Speed control: variable-speed trigger with forward/reverse
- Motor class: brushed
- Extras: integrated LED work light
- In the box: tool only — no battery, no charger, no bit set
The strengths here are speed, low weight and cost. An impact driver of this class drives structural screws that would stall a compact drill, and it does so with less wrist torque, which matters over a long day. The 1/4″ hex chuck means bit changes take a second and need no chuck key. Because it is brushed and single-range, it is also one of the cheapest ways to add genuine fastening capability to an LXT kit.
Pros
- Drives long screws far faster than a drill-driver
- Compact and light — easy to carry on a belt all day
- Very low bare-tool cost for the capability it adds
- Runs on the same 18V LXT packs as everything else here
Cons
- Brushed motor and a single speed range — less control in delicate material
- No assist modes, so seating small screws without stripping takes trigger discipline
- No battery or charger included, and no bit set in the box
The nearest alternative in this list is the brushless 4-speed Quick-Shift impact driver. That tool costs more but adds a speed selector with a slow range for precision work and a Quick-Shift mode that eases the driver into and out of the screw — genuinely useful for cabinet hinges and small trim screws. If your fastening is mostly big screws into framing, the XDT11Z is enough. If you mix sizes and materials, the 4-speed model pays for itself in fewer stripped heads.
3. Makita 18V LXT Brushless Quick-Shift Mode 4-Speed Impact Driver — Best for Precision Fastening at Volume
This is the impact driver to buy when screw stripping, not screw speed, is your problem. It is an 18V LXT brushless impact driver with a four-speed selector and Quick-Shift mode, sold as a bare tool. Quick-Shift works by sensing the load and easing the driver into the fastener as it seats, then backing off — the practical effect is that small screws stop snapping and soft material stops cratering. The four-speed selector gives you a genuinely slow, controlled range that a single-speed driver cannot offer.
It suits cabinet installers, trim carpenters, furniture builders, and anyone who fastens a mix of #6 trim screws and #10 construction screws in the same afternoon. It also suits buyers who already own an entry-level brushed driver and have discovered its limits.
- Platform: 18V LXT Lithium-Ion
- Motor class: brushless
- Speed control: four-position selector plus variable-speed trigger
- Assist mode: Quick-Shift for controlled start and finish
- Chuck: 1/4″ hex quick-change
- In the box: tool only — no battery, no charger
The brushless motor is the second half of the value story. Brushless drivers convert more of each battery’s watt-hours into turning force and generate less heat, which shows up as more screws per charge and a longer motor life. Combined with the four-speed selector, that makes this tool usable across a much wider range of fasteners than a single-speed brushed driver — one tool instead of two.
Pros
- Four speeds plus Quick-Shift make it safe on small and delicate fasteners
- Brushless motor — more work per charge and less heat
- Handles everything from trim screws to structural screws
- Shares 18V LXT packs with the rest of this list
Cons
- Noticeably more expensive than the entry brushed impact driver
- Bare tool only — the true cost depends on batteries you already own
- More modes than an occasional user will ever learn
Compared with the XDT11Z, this driver is the one you buy once. The XDT11Z wins on price and weight; the 4-speed brushless model wins on control, runtime and the ability to seat a small brass screw without destroying it. For trim and cabinet work, that difference is not a luxury — it is the reason the tool exists.
4. Makita XMT03Z Multi-Tool — Best for Tight-Space Cutting on a Budget
The XMT03Z is Makita’s 18V LXT oscillating multi-tool in its more affordable form, sold bare. An oscillating tool cuts by vibrating a small blade side to side rather than spinning, which means it can start a cut in the middle of a board, flush-cut a protruding nail or dowel, undercut door casing to fit flooring, and sand into corners no orbital sander will reach. It is the tool that solves the problems nothing else in the box solves.
It suits flooring installers, renovators, and homeowners tackling one specific awkward job — a door that needs trimming, a baseboard that needs a relief cut, grout that needs removing. It also suits anyone who wants oscillating capability without paying the premium tier.
- Platform: 18V LXT Lithium-Ion
- Motion: variable-speed oscillation, controlled by trigger pressure
- Blade interface: OIS-style mount — accepts blades from a wide range of third-party makers
- Motor class: brushed
- Accessories: blades and sanding pads sold separately
- In the box: tool only — no battery, no charger
Its biggest strength is the OIS blade mount. Because that interface is widely licensed, replacement blades — wood, metal, bi-metal, carbide grout, scraper, sanding pad — are available almost anywhere, often for very little. That matters more than motor spec on a tool you will use in short bursts. The variable-speed trigger lets you start slow on brittle material like tile or laminate and speed up once the blade is engaged.
Pros
- Cutting, sanding, scraping and grout removal from one bare tool
- OIS blade interface means cheap, widely available accessories
- Mid-range price rather than premium
- Runs on the 18V LXT packs you already own
Cons
- Brushed motor and more vibration through the hand than the brushless DTM52Z
- Slower cutting progress in hardwood than a premium oscillating tool
- No blades included — budget for a starter assortment
Its nearest alternative is the DTM52Z brushless multi-tool. The DTM52Z cuts faster, vibrates less in the hand and takes the Starlock-family blade system, which holds blades more rigidly and makes tool-free changes easier. The XMT03Z counters with a lower price and a blade mount that accepts the widest, cheapest accessory pool. If you use a multi-tool a few times a year, the XMT03Z is the value pick; if it is a daily tool, the DTM52Z is worth the premium.
5. Makita DTM52Z Brushless Multi-Tool — Best for Low-Vibration Precision Work
The DTM52Z is the premium end of Makita’s 18V oscillating range: a brushless multi-tool with anti-vibration design and a Starlock-family blade interface, sold without batteries or charger. Oscillating tools are notorious for buzzing your hand numb, so the anti-vibration engineering is the headline feature, not a marketing footnote. Less vibration means longer comfortable sessions, cleaner cuts because you can hold the blade steadier, and less fatigue on detail work.
It suits professional renovators, kitchen and bathroom fitters, and anyone cutting tile, hardwood or metal in a finished space where control matters more than speed. It also suits buyers who have already decided the multi-tool is a core part of their kit.
- Platform: 18V LXT Lithium-Ion
- Motor class: brushless
- Blade interface: Starlock-family mount with tool-free blade changes
- Vibration control: anti-vibration design in the housing and interface
- Colour/finish: blue, as listed
- In the box: tool only — batteries and charger not included
Two things justify the premium tier. First, brushless efficiency: you get more cutting per charge, which matters when a tile cut takes several minutes of continuous oscillation. Second, the blade interface. Starlock-style mounts hold the blade with a shaped, three-dimensional connection rather than a simple pin pattern, so the blade does not slip under load and blade changes need no hex key. The trade-off is that Starlock blades generally cost more than basic OIS blades.
Pros
- Anti-vibration design — noticeably more comfortable in long sessions
- Brushless motor for better runtime and longer service life
- Tool-free blade changes and a rigid blade mount
- Precise enough for tile, trim and finish carpentry
Cons
- Premium tier — the most expensive way to get oscillating capability here
- Starlock blades and accessories cost more than generic OIS blades
- Bare tool; the total spend depends on batteries and blades you add
Set against the XMT03Z, the DTM52Z is the tool for people who use a multi-tool weekly. It cuts faster, holds the line better and leaves your hand less rattled at the end of the day. The XMT03Z remains the better buy for occasional use and for anyone who wants the cheapest possible blade supply.
6. Makita XPH14Z Hammer Driver-Drill — Best Overall for Drilling and Light Masonry
The XPH14Z is the best all-round cordless drill deal in this list. It is an 18V LXT brushless 1/2″ hammer driver-drill sold bare, and it covers the three jobs that most often need a drill: boring holes in wood and metal, driving screws, and punching holes in brick, block and light concrete. The hammer mode is what separates it from a plain driver-drill, and the brushless motor is what separates it from the budget brushed tools.
It suits homeowners with a masonry wall to deal with, tradespeople who want one drill instead of two, and anyone upgrading from a brushed drill who wants more torque and more holes per charge. If you are starting from nothing, this is the tool to build the platform around.
- Platform: 18V LXT Lithium-Ion
- Chuck: 1/2″ keyless, metal
- Motor class: brushless
- Modes: drill, drive and hammer, with a two-speed gearbox
- Torque class: high — the heaviest drilling class in this list’s drill group
- In the box: tool only — no battery, no charger, no case
What makes it the value leader is the combination of a brushless motor, a hammer function and a 1/2″ metal chuck at a budget tier price. The two-speed gearbox lets you run a slow, high-torque range for auger bits and hole saws, then switch to the fast range for pilot holes. The hammer mode adds a pulsing axial action that lets a masonry bit break up brick rather than burn against it. Brushless also means more holes per battery charge than a brushed drill of similar size.
Pros
- Brushless motor plus hammer mode at a budget-tier price
- 1/2″ metal chuck grips large bits without slipping
- Two-speed gearbox covers both high-torque and high-speed work
- Handles wood, metal, plastic and light masonry in one tool
Cons
- Heavier and longer than the compact XPH16Z
- Bare tool only — the real cost depends on your battery situation
- More drill than you need if you only assemble furniture
Against the XPH16Z, the XPH14Z trades size for power. The compact model fits into tighter spots and weighs less overhead; the XPH14Z drives bigger bits, drills deeper and handles masonry more comfortably. If you can only own one drill and you ever touch brick, this is the one to own.
7. Makita XPH16Z Compact Hammer Driver-Drill — Best for Overhead and Confined-Space Work
The XPH16Z is the same idea as the XPH14Z shrunk down: an 18V LXT brushless 1/2″ hammer driver-drill in a compact body, sold bare. Compact drills are not weaker versions of full-size tools so much as differently balanced ones — the body is shorter, the weight sits closer to your hand, and that changes which jobs are comfortable. Anything above shoulder height, or inside a cabinet, or between studs, is easier with this tool than with a full-length drill.
It suits electricians and plumbers working between joists, cabinet and closet installers, and anyone who drills overhead for long stretches. It also suits buyers who want brushless efficiency and a hammer mode without the bulk of a full-size drill.
- Platform: 18V LXT Lithium-Ion
- Chuck: 1/2″ keyless
- Motor class: brushless
- Modes: drill, drive and hammer, with a two-speed gearbox
- Body: compact, short front-to-back length for tight access
- In the box: tool only — no battery, no charger
The advantage is ergonomic, and it is real: a shorter drill lets you keep the bit aligned with the hole when your arm is above your head, which reduces broken bits and elongated holes. The brushless motor still delivers strong runtime, and the hammer function still covers light masonry — just at a slower pace than the XPH14Z in hard brick. The 1/2″ chuck means it takes the same bits as the full-size tool.
Pros
- Short body reaches where full-size drills cannot
- Light enough for extended overhead work
- Brushless motor and hammer mode in a budget tier
- Same 1/2″ chuck and same batteries as the rest of the platform
Cons
- Less torque than the XPH14Z — large auger bits and hole saws will labour it
- Hammer mode is for light masonry, not continuous concrete drilling
- Bare tool only
Compared with the XPH14Z, the XPH16Z gives up raw power and gains access and comfort. If your drilling is mostly small holes in wood and drywall, the compact version will feel like the better tool every day. If you regularly run hole saws or drill block, step up to the XPH14Z.
8. Makita XSH03Z 6-1/2″ Circular Saw — Best for Trim and Sheet Goods
The XSH03Z is an 18V LXT brushless 6-1/2″ circular saw sold bare. Blade size defines what a circular saw can do: a 6-1/2″ blade cuts comfortably through 1x and 2x dimensional lumber at 90°, handles plywood and OSB, and does it in a package light enough to use one-handed on a roof or a ladder. It is the saw for trim, siding, sheathing and quick crosscuts — not for ripping 2x12s all afternoon.
It suits trim carpenters, deck builders cutting boards to length, and homeowners who need a cordless saw that starts instantly and does not need a cord run to the driveway.
- Platform: 18V LXT Lithium-Ion
- Blade: 6-1/2″ carbide-tipped
- Motor class: brushless
- Depth of cut: roughly 2″ class at 90° — enough for standard dimensional lumber
- Bevel: adjustable for angled cuts
- In the box: tool only — no battery, no charger
Its strengths are weight, balance and instant starts. A 6-1/2″ cordless saw in this class is light enough to control with one hand, which is why it is popular for sheathing and fascia work where you are reaching. The brushless motor keeps runtime respectable on a single 5.0Ah pack. Bevel adjustment covers the common trim angles without a second tool, and the blade guard and electric brake behave the way a modern saw should.
Pros
- Light and one-hand controllable for trim and sheathing
- Brushless motor for better runtime per charge
- Bevel cuts and depth adjustment in the same tool
- Cuts dimensional lumber, plywood and OSB
Cons
- Premium tier pricing for a compact saw
- Depth limited to the 2″ class — no deep ripping in thick stock
- Bare tool, and a single pack gives only a handful of continuous cutting minutes
The obvious alternative is the XSR01Z rear-handle saw. The XSR01Z runs on two 18V packs in series and cuts deeper and faster, with the balance of a worm-drive style saw — but it is heavier, needs two batteries and costs more. If your cutting is trim and sheet goods, the XSH03Z is the more usable tool. If it is framing, go rear handle.
9. Makita XNB04Z 2″ Brad Nailer — Best for Trim, Casing and Punch Lists
The XNB04Z is an 18V LXT brushless cordless brad nailer that drives 18-gauge brads up to 2″ long, sold bare. A brad nailer is the tool that turns trim work from a screw-and-fill job into a fasten-and-paint job: brads leave a hole you can fill with a fingertip of putty, they hold casing and baseboard without splitting the edge, and they let you position a moulding with one hand while the other fires the nail. Cordless means no compressor, no hose and no air line dragging across a finished floor.
It suits finish carpenters, cabinet installers, and homeowners doing baseboard, shoe moulding, door casing or window trim. It also suits punch-list work — the small jobs where dragging out a compressor takes longer than the job itself.
- Platform: 18V LXT Lithium-Ion
- Motor class: brushless
- Gauge: 18 gauge brads
- Fastener length: up to 2″
- Drive system: battery-powered, no compressor or air hose
- In the box: tool only — no battery, no charger, no brads
The value here is workflow, not raw speed. A cordless nailer lets you walk a room nailing baseboard without repositioning an air hose once. Depth adjustment lets you set brads slightly proud for filling or flush for painted work. Brushless adds runtime, which matters because each shot draws a burst of current — a nailer is one of the harder loads on a cordless pack.
Pros
- No compressor, hose or air line — much faster setup for small jobs
- Brushless motor handles the repeated current spikes of nailing
- Drives brads up to 2″, covering baseboard, casing and light trim
- Runs on the same 18V LXT packs as every other tool here
Cons
- Premium tier — cordless nailers cost more than their pneumatic equivalents
- Slower shot-to-shot cycling than an air nailer
- Heavier in the hand than a small pneumatic gun, and battery state matters
Within this list, the nearest comparison is the impact driver and the multi-tool, which are the other two tools people reach for on trim. Screws hold better in structural joints and the impact driver is far cheaper, but screws split thin moulding and leave visible heads. For painted trim, the brad nailer produces a cleaner, faster finish — which is why it earns a place even at premium pricing.
10. Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) Rear Handle Circular Saw — Best for Framing and Heavy Cutting
The XSR01Z is the heavyweight of this list: a brushless 7-1/4″ rear-handle circular saw that runs on two 18V LXT packs in series, effectively creating a 36V tool, sold bare. Rear-handle saws put the motor behind the grip, which shifts balance so you push the saw forward rather than lift it, and the bigger blade cuts deeper than any 6-1/2″ saw can. It is the saw for framing, decking, and breaking down sheet goods at volume.
It suits framers, deck builders, and serious DIYers building a shed or an extension. It also suits anyone who already owns several LXT packs and wants cordless cutting power close to a corded saw.
- Platform: 36V (18V X2) — two 18V LXT packs in series
- Blade: 7-1/4″
- Motor class: brushless
- Handle style: rear handle, worm-drive-style balance
- Depth of cut: deeper class than any 6-1/2″ saw here — cuts 2x lumber at an angle and deeper stock at 90°
- In the box: tool only — no batteries, no charger
Two packs in series deliver higher voltage, which means more torque under load — the difference shows up when you are ripping wet pressure-treated lumber rather than crosscutting pine. Rear-handle balance also makes long rips easier to steer straight. The brushless motor keeps the two-pack drain manageable, and the saw uses packs you already own rather than a proprietary 36V battery.
Pros
- Highest cutting power in this list
- Rear-handle balance suits long rips and framing
- Runs on standard 18V LXT packs, no separate battery platform
- 7-1/4″ blade cuts deeper than the compact saw
Cons
- Premium tier and needs two batteries to run at all
- Heavy — not a one-handed tool for ladder work
- Runtime is limited by the weaker of the two packs, so mismatched batteries waste capacity
Against the XSH03Z, the XSR01Z is more saw in every dimension: more power, more depth, more weight, more cost, and twice the battery requirement. If you cut trim and plywood, the 6-1/2″ saw is the practical choice. If you cut framing lumber all day, the rear-handle saw is the one that will not slow down in wet timber.
11. Makita XRJ04Z Recipro Saw — Best for Demolition, Pruning and Rough Cutting
The XRJ04Z is an 18V LXT reciprocating saw — the tool most people picture when they think of demolition. It uses a straight, back-and-forth blade stroke, which means it can start a cut anywhere, plunge into a wall, cut through nails, pipe, PVC, branches and pallets, and reach into places no circular saw can. It is sold bare.
It suits renovators stripping a room, plumbers and electricians cutting pipe and conduit, and homeowners dealing with overgrown shrubs and storm-damaged branches. It also suits anyone who needs a saw that does not care what it is cutting through.
- Platform: 18V LXT Lithium-Ion
- Stroke: about 1-1/4″ class — the standard for this tool size
- Speed: variable-speed trigger for controlled starts
- Blade changes: tool-less
- Shoe: adjustable to manage blade wear and cut depth
- In the box: tool only — no battery, no charger, no blades
Its strengths are versatility and price. A reciprocating saw with the right blade will cut wood, metal, plastic and masonry, so one bare tool covers several jobs. The adjustable shoe lets you rotate the blade for flush cutting and extend blade life by shifting the wear point. Tool-less blade changes keep the workflow quick, and the variable-speed trigger lets you start slow on sheet metal rather than snagging the blade immediately.
Pros
- One tool for wood, metal, PVC and pruning
- Mid-range price for a genuinely versatile cutter
- Tool-less blade changes and an adjustable shoe
- Runs on the same 18V LXT packs as everything else here
Cons













