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DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit (PowerStack) vs Makita 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver 2-Piece Combo Kit (4.0Ah)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit (PowerStack) ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on size & handling, durability. Makita 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver 2-Piece Combo Kit (4.0Ah) wins on battery & charging, kit value.
The biggest complaint about the DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit (PowerStack) is expensive; for the Makita 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver 2-Piece Combo Kit (4.0Ah) it's bulky, heavy and expensive. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit (PowerStack) | Makita 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver 2-Piece Combo Kit (4.0Ah) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in cordless drills | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Drill/driver | Drill/driver + impact kit |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 4% | 2% |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Power | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Size & handling | 4.0 | 2.5 |
| Battery & charging | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Kit value | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Durability | 4.0 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $80 · $$ $80–180 · $$$ over $180. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit (PowerStack)
- Expensive
HGTV lists its price as the main drawback; it isn't the cheapest drill on its list.
Source: HGTV - Soft bag, not a hard case
HGTV says the included bag could be bigger and better and would have preferred a hard case.
Source: HGTV - A bit bulkier than the Milwaukee
Wirecutter, which previously recommended it, says it is a little larger than the Milwaukee M18 compact and that the movable LED adds bulk without adding much in long-term use.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
Makita 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver 2-Piece Combo Kit (4.0Ah)
- Bulky, heavy and expensive
HGTV lists bulk, about 4 lb of weight and an expensive kit as its cons.
Source: HGTV - Mode selector sticks in hammer mode
The mode selector is a negative aspect in Amazon's review summary, with owners saying the switch tends to get stuck in hammer mode.
- Some early failures
Durability is mixed on Amazon: some owners say it's built to last, others report it breaking after two weeks.
Who should pick which
Pick the DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit (PowerStack) if
Demanding DIY jobs with big bits and long screws
Working in dim spaces (aimable 20-minute LED)
Owners of DeWalt 20V batteries
Skip it if: You're on a budget; You want a hard case; You want the shortest possible 18V/20V drill
Pick the Makita 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver 2-Piece Combo Kit (4.0Ah) if
Heavy DIY and renovation work
Drilling into concrete or block
Getting a drill and impact driver together
Skip it if: You mainly do light household tasks; Weight and size matter to you; You want the cheapest way to start
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