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Makita XDT13Z vs XDT14Z vs XDT16Z Cordless Impact Drivers

Product Image
Model	Makita XDT13Z	Makita XDT14Z	Makita XDT16Z
Head Length	5"	4-5/8"	4-9/16"
Modes	1	The Makita XDT14Z has 3 modes: 0 - 1,100 / 0 - 2,100 / 0 - 3,600 RPM	The Makita XDT16Z has 4 Modes: 0 - 1,100 / 0 - 2,100 / 0 - 3,200 / 0 - 3,600
Max Speed	3400RPM	3600RPM	3600RPM
Torque	1500in.lbs.	1550in.lbs.	1600in.lbs.
Weight	2.08lbs.	1.98lbs.	1.9lbs.
Price	Bare Tool: Check Price Kit with 3Ah Battery and Charger: Check Price	Bare Tool: Check Price Kit with 5Ah Battery and Charger: Check Price	Bare Tool: Check Price Kit with 5Ah Battery and Charger: Check Price

Introduction

The impact driver is one of the most commonly used tools in the arsenal. Whether you are installing a door, hanging drywall, framing a wall, or doing various projects around the house, you will more than likely be using your impact driver. 

What is the difference between an impact driver and a drill?

An impact driver has a spring and anvil mechanism along with a motor to effectively hammer and screw at the same time. A drill is simply spinning its motor to turn the screw.

Benefits of an Impact Driver:

-Faster Drive Speed

-Added Torque

What is the most powerful Makita impact driver?

Makita has a large line of cordless power tools, offering several impact drivers. The most powerful Makita impact driver is the Makita XDT16Z. As you will notice in our review, however, the XDT13Z and XDT14Z are close competitors.

What is the smallest Makita impact driver?

We put the impact drivers side by side to compare the overall size. We then took measurements such as the weight and length of each driver.

Makita XDT13Z vs XDT14Z vs XDT16Z (Size)

When using an impact driver in a tight space, every inch matters when it comes to the size of the driver. We measured each driver from the backside of the head to the tip of the 1/4 bit slot.  The results showed differences in the overall lengths. The longest, at 5″, was not surprisingly the Makita XDT13Z. The Makita XDT14Z came in second at 4-5/8″, followed by the Makita XDT16Z which measured slightly smaller at 4-9/16″. 

Makita XDT13Z vs XDT14Z vs XDT16Z (Height)

The overall height differences were negligible however, the Makita XDT 14 and Makita XDT 16 were slightly shorter than the XDT13Z.

What is the lightest Makita impact driver?

Makita XDT13Z vs XDT14Z vs XDT16Z (Weight)

We measured the weight of the Makita XDT13Z, XDT14Z, and XDT16Z. The results were somewhat surprising, the three impact drivers had similar weights. The Makita XDT13Z weighed in at 2.08lbs, the Makita XDT14Z weighed 1.98lbs, and the Makita XDT16Z weighed 1.9lbs. Going from the Makita XDT14Z to the Makita XDT16Z you will save .18lbs, which doesn’t seem like a lot, but we suppose it could add up after a long day.

Technical Specs

Which Makita impact driver is the fastest?

Makita XDT13Z vs XDT14Z vs XDT16Z (Speed)

The Makita XDT13Z has the slowest max speed at 3400RPM, and the Makita XDT14Z and Makita XDT16Z both offer a speed of 3600RPM.

Makita XDT13Z vs XDT14Z vs XDT16Z (Time to Drive Various Screws)  

During this test, we drove various types of screws into 2 layers of plywood. We recorded the process for each impact driver always using a fully charged battery. We then input the footage into a video tracking software called Tracker. We measured the time it took from trigger press to screw sunk. The data showed surprising results. The Makita XDT13Z was only about 1.5% slower than the Makita XDT14Z and Makita XDT16Z.

Which Makita impact driver has the most torque?

Makita XDT13Z vs XDT14Z vs XDT16Z (Torque)  

Torque is a measure of rotational force. Torque is important for something like nut breaking or driving into a thick piece of wood. Torque is not important for something like drywall, so it is important to consider what you will be using the impact driver for. Overall there were slight differences in torque between the 3 impact drivers. The Makita XDT13Z had 1500 in. lbs. of torque, the Makita XDT14Z has 1550 in. lbs. of torque, and the Makita XDT16Z has 1600 in. lbs. of torque.

Makita XDT13Z vs XDT14Z vs XDT16Z (Modes)

The impact drivers offer various settings, which can be used for different applications. For example, you would not want to use the driver on its fastest setting when working with a delicate material. The modes are essentially a convenience feature that will limit the top end. 

The Makita XDT13Z has one mode: 0-3400RPM. The Makita XDT14Z offers 3 modes: 0 – 1,100 / 0 – 2,100 / 0 – 3,600 RPM. Lastly the Makita XDT16Z offers 4 modes:  0 – 1,100 / 0 – 2,100 / 0 – 3,200 / 0 – 3,600.

Makita XDT13Z vs XDT14Z vs XDT16Z (Price)

Makita XDT13Z

Bare Tool:

Check Price

Kit with 3Ah battery and charger:

Check Price

Makita XDT14Z

Bare Tool:

Check Price

Kit with 3Ah battery and charger:

Check Price

Makita XDT16Z

Bare Tool:

Check Price

Kit with 3Ah battery and charger:

Check Price

The Makita XDT13Z comes in at the lowest price of around $80 bare tool and $160 for the kit with a 3Ah battery and charger.

The Makita XDT14Z comes in at the next lowest price of around $130 bare tool and $319 for the kit with a 5Ah battery, the hard case, and the charger.

The Makita XDT16Z comes in at the highest price of around $195 bare tool and $319 for the kit with a 5Ah battery, the hard case, and the charger.

Final Verdict

All 3 of the drivers have their benefits. The Makita XDT 13Z is slightly heavier, slightly bigger, slightly slower, but also quite a bit cheaper. Ultimately it comes down to what you need out of the tool and what your budget is. 

Check out our post on the best 18 gauge cordless brad nailers: 

http://timstoolreviews.com/cordless-tools/best-cordless-brad-nailers/