Makita just launched their Virtual STAFDA event, announcing a total of 3 new Drills, 3 new Shears, 2 tower lights, 2 Dummy proof Angle grinders, a concrete scanner, and 3 new Grinders that features the Bosch X-Lock Quick change system! Yeah… it’s Makita day gang!
It’s normal for Makita to announce a bunch of new tools at STAFDA each year, but this time we don’t have the benefit of being there in person, so we’re going to do our best to get you every detail they send us, as soon as they do. Let’s get to the tools.
First up, we have The XPH14 18V LXT Brushless ½” Driver Drill, which will be the perfect companion to their now legendary XDT16, This new drill is the most powerful in it’s class with a full 1250 in lbs of Max Torque. And all this power is packed into a package that’s 14% smaller than the drill it replaces, and they claim it has a better feel and balance.
Next up a pair of new Sub Compact tools, the XFD15ZB 18V LXT Brushless Sub-Compact Driver-Drill and the XDT18ZB 18V LXT Brushless Sub-Compact Impact Driver. Both are much smaller and lighter than previous models, and the XFD features a reinforced metal gear jampot housing, and will be available as a hammer driver-drill as well. The impact has a zero-wobble chuck with ball bearing design which minimizes bit wobble when fastening. And it comes packed with assist modes to help with cam-out and cross-threading. All of their newly announced drills will be available in Q1 of 2021.
Did you know that Makita has 45 different grinders? 13 are cordless. But today they announced three new Angle grinders that feature the MUCH Loved Bosch X-Lock quick change standard, which is going to make a TON of people happy. If you’re not familiar, X-lock makes it DIRT EASY to change out diamond blades, cut-off wheels, grinding wheels, wire abrasives, flap discs, whatever, in a matter of seconds with zero tools.
The first two are cordless including the XAG25Z 18V LXT Brushless 4 ½” to 5” X-Lock Angle Grinder with their AFT or Active Feedback Tech, and the XAG26Z which has a paddle switch. There’s also a corded version the GA4570 4 ½” to 5” X-Lock Angle Grinder that features 7.6amps of power and a 2.5” diameter barrel grip and compact size. The new X-Lock equipped grinders should arrive in January 2021
Speaking of Grinders, Makita is also offering a worlds first, Angle grinders with Non-Removable Guard. In an effort to protect workers from themselves, the permanent guard can still be quickly adjusted for convenience, but randy can’t take it off anymore no matter how brave he is. That will be the GA4553R and the GA5053R, both featuring a powerful 11 amp motor, anti-restart protection, and tethering loops for working way up high. The new Idiot-proof grinders should be here in December 2020.
Makita also announced 3 new brushless Shears, including the XSJ03Z 18V LXT Brushless 14 Gauge Straight Sheer, the XSJ04Z 18 Gauge Offset Shear, and the XSJ05Z ½” fiber cement shear. EAch one provides 3,000 stokes per minute no load speed for the fasting cutting in their categories, and tool free 360 degree rotating heads. All three shears will be available in January.
If you’re more interested in scanning concrete, Makita has you covered. Their new DWD181 18V LXT Multi-Surface Scanner has three key points. The Detection accuracy is +/- 3/16”, the best in it’s category. The detection capability is up to 7” deep, also best in class, and the multi detection mode allows scanning in various base materials, allowing you to find diagonal rebar, pipe, and more. It’s powered by Makita’s popular 18V LXT platform, making it ideal for cutting/coring contractors, MEP contractors, HVAC, Drywallers, Elevator installers and more. The new DWD181 is available now.
Makita also announced two new tower lights, expanding it’s line of cordless lighting solutions. The DML813 18V LXT Cordless Tower Work Light extends to an overall height of 7’3” tall, and provides 3,000 lumens on high, and can give you up to 8 hours on low, with a 5ah battery. It’s IP65 rated, and the head rotates 220 degrees vertically and 230 degrees horizontally. The DML814 also gives you 3000 lumens at 7’3” in the air, but adds 3 adjustable light heads that vertically rotate 180 degrees, give you the most options. Both lights will be available in Q1 2021.
They also reminded us that three recently announced tools are available now, including the XEC01 18V X2 LXT Brushless 9” power cutter, the XWT17 18V LXT Brushless 4-Speed Mid-Torque ½” square drive impact wrench, and the XBP04 18V LXT Compact Brushless Cordless Band Saw, and it’s XBP05 Sub Compact little brother. Each one currently available right now at your local Makita retailer.
We’re told we won’t have full access to these tools until they’re released, but if that changes, you’ll be the first to know.
