Makita 18V LXT Compact Cordless 1/2 in. Driver-Drill Kit (XFD10SY, 1.5Ah)

By Makita · Cordless Drills · Power Tools

  • 18V LXT compact cordless 1/2 in. driver-drill kit
  • 4-pole brushED motor delivers up to 480 in-lbs of max torque
  • 2-speed transmission, 0-1,500 RPM class compact design
  • Kit includes 1.5Ah battery, charger and tool bag
  • Weighs significantly less than full-size LXT drills

Lowest price seen
$179.99
from $179.99 at True Value · Checked Oct 9, 2026

Prices are snapshots. Check the current price with the store.

Summary

A compact 18V brushed-motor drill kit for DIY and light professional work, sold with two 1.5 Ah batteries, a charger and a tool bag. Check the battery capacity before you buy: the same drill body ships in other kits with larger 2.0 Ah packs.

Strengths

  • Light and compact at 3.3 lbs with the 1.5 Ah battery, which helps overhead and in tight spaces.
  • All-metal gear train and a 1/2 in. ratcheting chuck that grips bits without slipping once tightened.
  • 480 in-lbs of torque covers most DIY work, including lag bolts and deck screws.
  • Two batteries and a charger are included, so it runs out of the box.
  • A fully depleted battery recharges in under 30 minutes.
  • Runs on the full Makita 18V LXT battery range, so existing Makita owners can reuse their packs.

Weaknesses

  • The brushed motor is less efficient and shorter-running than brushless drills at the same price.
  • The 1.5 Ah batteries here give less runtime than the 2.0 Ah batteries in the XFD10R kit.
  • Testers saw the battery read as dead after 20-30 seconds of demanding work, then need a full recharge.
  • The LED work light can throw a shadow across the work area.
  • It will not accept older Makita batteries that predate Star Protection.
  • Battery life under heavy use is below average for the class.

Verified specifications

ModelXFD10SY kit; the XFD10Z is the tool-only body and the XFD10R is a kit with 2.0 Ah batteries.
MotorMakita 4-pole brushed motor.
Max torque480 in-lbs (54 N·m).
Speed2-speed transmission, 0-600 RPM low and 0-1,900 RPM high.
Chuck1/2 in. keyless ratcheting chuck.
Clutch21 settings plus drill mode.
Capacity1/2 in. (13 mm) in steel and 1-1/2 in. (38 mm) in wood.
Fastening capacity10 mm × 90 mm wood screws and M6 machine screws.
Dimensions7-1/4 in. (185 mm) long.
Weight3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) with the 1.5 Ah battery; 3.8 lbs (1.7 kg) with a 2.0 Ah battery.
Battery18V LXT compact lithium-ion, 1.5 Ah (BL1815N), compatible with the full LXT range.
ProtectionXPT dust and water resistance, plus Star Protection against overload, over-discharge and overheat.
In the boxdrill, two 1.5 Ah batteries, DC18SD charger and tool bag.
Warranty3-year limited on the tool, battery and charger.
Full research notes and sources

Motor and battery life

The 4-pole brushed motor delivers 480 in-lbs of torque, enough for most drilling in wood and light metal and for screws up to 5 in. long. It is the main limitation of the kit: brushed motors run less efficiently than brushless ones, so runtime per charge is shorter and the tool generates more heat.

The kit ships with two 1.5 Ah BL1815N batteries. TechGearLab tested the XFD10R, the same platform with 2.0 Ah batteries, and scored its battery performance below average, completing only three sets of alternating driving and drilling tasks before depleting. In one hole-saw test the battery showed completely dead after 20-30 seconds and needed a full recharge, and the tester saw this with both included batteries. Nobody has published a failure rate, so treat it as a known annoyance rather than a defect. If runtime matters, the larger LXT packs fit, but they add weight.

What owners and testers say

Owner feedback centres on the light weight and speed for carpentry and trim work, the balance and ergonomics, and the strength of the chuck once it is tightened. The Tool Space praised the fit and feel, the all-metal gears and a charge time of about 25 minutes for the 2.0 Ah batteries, and disliked the warranty and the fact that the drill will not take older Makita batteries.

The most common complaint from owners is surprise that the XFD10Z is a bare tool with no battery or charger; this page covers the kit, which includes both. TechGearLab’s independent test scored the platform 49/100 and found driving performance slightly below average, though it bored several holes in a 2x12 with a 1 in. spade bit without stalling. A forum thread notes undocumented dash marks on the clutch ring between the numbered settings and drill mode.

Repairs, warranty and running costs

Makita covers the tool, battery and charger with a 3-year limited warranty and repairs through authorized or factory service centers using genuine parts. The manual recommends letting the tool rest for 15 minutes if it has run continuously until the battery is discharged. Running costs are replacement batteries, drill bits and general maintenance; because the drill takes the full 18V LXT range, owners with other Makita tools can share packs.

Is it worth it?

Major retailers list the kit at $179: Home Depot, Contractor Tool, Strobel’s Supply and Wurth Baer Supply all show that figure, and America Tools lists it at $201.33 as a special order. A Walmart search snippet showed $122.48. Older reviews priced the 2.0 Ah XFD10R kit at $199 (The Tool Space, 2020) and $170 (TechGearLab, 2019).

Below about $140 it is strong value for someone who already owns LXT batteries or wants a compact kit. At the $179 street price, weigh it against brushless drills, including Makita’s own, which run longer and cooler; the compact size, all-metal gears, XPT protection, 3-year warranty and LXT compatibility are what you are paying for.

Which model this is

This page covers the XFD10SY kit, which pairs the XFD10Z drill body with two 1.5 Ah batteries, a charger and a bag. The XFD10R is a different kit with 2.0 Ah batteries, and the XFD10Z is the bare tool with no battery or charger. The US Amazon listing for the kit is ASIN B085DV8G2S. Don’t confuse the three when you shop, since the batteries and contents differ.

Sources

Manufacturer:

Independent reviews:

Owner reports:

Parts and stores:

Buying guides for this category

Related products