Comparing Makita’s *NEW* XDT19 to XDT16 Impact Drivers! Is It Worth Upgrading?

Detailed comparison of Makita's newest flagship impact driver, XDT19 to the prior model XDT16.
Amazon Affiliate Links
XDT16: amzn.to/3NZoNBW
XDT19: amzn.to/3A87CbF

[@johnd5542]

Im a commercial carpenter contractor. I have every premium platform and our drills (which often doubles as a hammer) take a beating. Makita is by far the most reliable and all-around best impact, dewalt is the worse.

[@ParklanCustom]

I'm a carpenter as well, and last week I dropped my XDT15 off a 2-story roof, and it acted as if nothing had happened.

[@johnd5542]

@Parklan Custom They make great tools.

[@420crim3]

Dewault worst?? I think ryobi is worst.

[@patricktcrowe]

Very well thought out and explained. Just got this to add to my large collection of Makita 18v. Got my first in 2006.

[@glennshaw352]

I love my Makita tools. Thank you so much for doing this comparison on these two impacts. Sincerely helped me make a decision on which one to get

[@AHOY_MATEY]

Great video. Thank you.

[@patricktcrowe]

I subscribed because of the quality of your well thought out presentation. On testing impacts I’d suggest you try running thru a 1” thick board into a thicker board. The beauty of an impact is that even though the boards spread apart when first threading into the second board, the impact over comes this and pulls the boards tight to each other while a drill usually won’t.

[@ibitaRaptor]

I just upgraded from a XDT14 to a XDT19, I only paid $99 on eBay for new condition. I sold my XDT14 for $60 so not a bad price for a bigger upgrade. I think Makita Impacts are the best that I have used.

[@ParklanCustom]

That's a helluva deal, can't beat that with a shitty stick! (That's what they say where I'm from)

[@emiliog.4432]

Excellent review and comparison. Have you seen the Japanese impact drive with dual springs? Would like to see a comparison between the USA/China and Japan made Makita impact drivers. Thanks

[@ParklanCustom]

Yes I have the DST impact looks very intriguing, I wished they made it in 18v

[@INCINERATEDD]

I will say when impacts are put under load even with a small screw, the impact notices the force feedback and slows down even slower than without any force applied to the collet. Try it out !

[@donniestoolthoughts9209]

I’m like you, the 15 is my daily driver. I have the 16, but feel like i have more control with the 15. My only gripe is the 15 doesn’t have the quick insert chuck. So, looks like the 19 has the power but the trigger gives us back the control/feel, like we like with the 15. Thx for the video!

[@ParklanCustom]

That’s exactly why I use the 15, I work with a lot of zip screws so having that trigger control is a must to keep from over tightening the screw. I also have the same gripe about the chuck. I’m excited to see how the 19 will do in the field!

[@army62b]

@@ParklanCustom I Bought an XDT19 and it has amazing trigger control. Then bought a kit with a XDT16 and realized the XDT19 has a much softer trigger and the XDT16 is closer to every other impact, specifically Dewalt. Is something wrong with one of them?

[@AHOY_MATEY]

I had the older model. But ended up with the new one through a combo pack. Trigger is great on the latest model. Also feels better in the hand. Is it worth buying over the older model. Only if you need to have the best.

[@dixonbidenzmouth4115]

@ 6:18 what is that rectangular indent right above the middle of your thumb? (in the blue area) I notice it is not on the 16.

[@jacksmith2315]

Prob a vent to release heat

[@tomforward990]

This is great. I have the XTD 14,15 and 16. Do I need the 19? Absolutely not. Will I get it? Hell yeah!😂

[@ParklanCustom]

SAME!!! 🤷‍♂️😂

[@tomforward990]

@@ParklanCustom $399 kit from HD right now has the XPH14 hammer drill and the XTD 19 on some of them. They advertise it as the XTD 16 online but I looked and some of the boxes have the 19. 2 5ah and charger plus a free tool. I already have the drill but it’s still a good deal.

[@littlecedar3425]

I got the original Japanese version made in Japan 🗾🇯🇵⛩️ The TD-172DZ 18V got it in color Black and Purple. Then I got the 40V XGT TD-002G I love em'!

[@twinbee4243]

Dude! We got the same color! I knew it!!! When people saw the Japanese made Makita 18V they want to buy the 40V version as well! Nicely done! The color Black and Purple sells like pancakes! They easily gets out of stock! A lot of people are buying them like crazy! But heck! That's what I'm using in my Jobsite now! And I'm saving the 2 that I bought. One of them is for display at home! I love em'! Now for the 40V XGT. I recently purchased a XGT 40V Rear Handle circular saw to partner with the impact driver that I have also I got the new Makita 40V 8Ah battery that is not been released in the North American Market YET! and I got it on a lower price, it's a steal!!!!! Damn it it's a steal! I only paid $189 for the battery usually they charge up to $200 to $300 for Makita XGT40V battery pack.

[@jacksmith2315]

Ya, kinda disappointing they went to china instead of staying in japan for usa sold items

[@ChrisBranleh]

Im on the fence about the latest M12 combo vs the subcompact makita. Its basically performance + battery platform (I have a few M12 automotive tools like ratchet and impact wrench) vs amazing ergonomics and possibly moving into an 18v platform in the future for Home renovation and DIY projects

[@ParklanCustom]

I have had nothing but a good experience with my makita tools, even my subcompact tools. Honestly since 18v tools are now pretty much the same size, it doesnt make sense to me to use 12v anymore, as the run time will never be as good as it is with 18v tools.

[@ryanmcgowan9199]

m12 drill driver is junk but the surge impact is great. the sub compact makita impact is slower than the surge but it still drives tapcons, GRKs and all that like all the other big boy 18v platforms. I also dropped my subcompact off a scaffold 20 feet onto pavement and then it ran fine putting in about a box of 6 inch GRKs same day but obviously slower than XR dewalts or top of the line makita

[@2hotscottpro]

I really don’t use my 16 much.Someone said in lock position the trigger will turn light on until trigger is pressed again on the 19.

[@ParklanCustom]

It does, I don’t like that feature much, because I store it in the locked position and it seems like it would easily just get turned on and drain my battery.

[@SchubertTech]

I got the XDT19 free from Makita to do a product review and have used it to put up an aluminum patio cover (10' X 15') as well as drive a dozen 4" long, 5/8" diameter wood screws into rafters. It's definitely got the light touch for the 3/4" sheet metal screws (when you put it into the right mode, and dial back the torque to 1) and the power to drive (put into T2, max torque). The only mode I'm not 100% really agreeing with is the "reverse" mode. Not 100% believer you need a mode just for taking screws, drivers, or lags out of stuff, but it's not a big deal. As someone new to this line (I run mostly Milwakee, DeWalt and Ryobi), what took me the longest was to figure out the modes. I literally re-read the manual for 1-2 hours trying to memorize, and figure out what are the different modes really good for. There's a chart at the back of the manual that makes it easier to figure out. Then the menu selector is a bit odd, but once you figure out what means what, it makes perfect sense. The streamlined 19 was the only driver I had that could fit between the channels of the patio cover (run sheet metal screws to attach the channel to the side fascia/skirts), so right out of the box it was the only driver I could use in some situations. I also like the flashlight function where you can manually turn it on and have it stay on.

[@misterm7086]

Terrific review! The 19 is included with Makita’s combo kit deal with model 14 hammer drill. The deal at HD is $399, includes XLock grinder and choice of one of several tools. I’m thinking of grabbing the brushless router.

[@KnKn-rr9ri]

I paid 200 for my kit after I returned the two extra tools

[@ParklanCustom]

I have the X-lock grinder and the router, both tools are great to have, the only issues with the X-lock grinder is finding attachments.

[@ParklanCustom]

Brilliant!! lol

[@misterm7086]

I had a bunch is store credits so the $399 kit cost me $12 all said and done.

[@YuriDontPlay]

That’s the 16 that comes in the kit with the 14 hammer drill

[@mlen92]

Makita should make another soft impact for 40v

[@army62b]

Bought an XDT19 and it has amazing trigger control. Then bought a kit with a XDT16 and realized the XDT19 has a much softer trigger and the XDT16 is closer to every other impact, specifically Dewalt. Is something wrong with one of them?

[@donniestoolthoughts9209]

I agree, i have the 16 in one box and the compact 15 in the other box and I prefer the 15 for control. 16 for power, but definitely 15 for control. The 16 has more power, but we’re usually driving screws, so 1/2 second doesn’t concern me.

[@ParklanCustom]

No, The triggers are different on the two, the XDT19 has much more trigger control than the 16. and they sound a little different too.

[@logicVSpassion]

you should weight them without batteries... sometimes one battery weighs a little more than the other

[@Weld-Albuainain]

I’m still confused which one I have to buy 16 or 19 😅 I was think about the 16 now I think about the 19 because of the trigger 😂

[@jacksmith2315]

Neither. They are made in china. Get the japan made ones. Much more reliable. My brothers 16 crapped out in less than 2yrs. Even his ridgids lasted way longer

[@clarkfos3447]

Yes it's worth it. The larger anvil on the 19 makes a big difference. On paper you'd never know.

[@jeffleake1960]

Even though in terms of specs makita usually is beneath milwaukee in power and what not . In terms of life span and repairability its well above them

[@jacksmith2315]

Well, when they were/the made in japan ones, absolutely. Now they are china made. Not as reliable

[@anabelvillarruel3369]

@@jacksmith2315I would have to disagree. I do commercial steel buildings with thousands of steel screws a day. Our Chinese made makita impact drivers are the most reliable by far and can take a serious beating.

[@jacksmith2315]

​@@anabelvillarruel3369which model? My brothers crapped out in 2 yrs. Mines still good, but its only been a year and i dont use it daily. I use it a lot, but not daily. The Japanese ones, dont see many of those crapping out in 2 years.

[@jacksmith2315]

My brothers xdt16 already failed in 2yrs. I fail bad becsuse hes had ridgid for years and never had a problem, except w drills and impacts. Both his makita drill is having problems and impact already failed. I told him makita was much more reliable. I switched too, but havent had problems. I just recently found out they are no longer made in japan and now made in china. Had i known that, i never would have told him to switch or have switched myself. If/when mine fail, im going to xdt12/made in japan

[@luishonduras]

You never mentioned power which is not the same as speed

[@danieljacob5479]

o heck yeah the 15 is the it does it all in the small my on the job go to guy lk an ' oops ' we made the camaro fast as the corvette moment & hope nobody will notice -- *we noticed

[@haroldjones12]

having the light on the impact will take like 4days to fully drain the battery lol

[@ParklanCustom]

Not when you use an impact driver like I do, any extra battery consumption you can save is worth it.

[@twinbee4243]

I got the Original Japanese made version of the same Flatform. It is made in Japan that's Makita TD-172DZB in Japan and Korea and TD-162D in 12V version then DTD-172 18V in Australia and UK and XDT-19 in North American Market. I got mine last year since their 1st Debute. I bought 3 of them in Color Black, Yellow and Purple. Then I also got the Japanese made XGT40V line impact driver TD-002G 40V IP-56 impact driver I bought 2 of them in Color Purple and Olive Green that's 4 months ago. Then last week I bought a HiKoki WH36DC Triple Hammer 36V Multi-volt impact driver in color Flare Red however I got disappointed because I thought it's made in Japan but it's not, it's only made in Chynaaaa but solds in the Japanese Market That's a disappointment right there I thought it's Japanese made, if I know I should bought the US version Metabo HPT that are sold at Lowe's. But for Makita made in Japan, they're great! It's Quality is much better than the XDT16 and the internals and electronics and components are much better than the US version XDT-19

[@terryphan7451]

Is there a video comparison between the JPN vs US version teardown or testing? I keep hearing the made in china component are worst but never any testing.

[@NG-qi6sp]

Hi twonbee, where did you buy it from?

[@jacksmith2315]

Metabo hpt sold in usa is made in china. Newer makita, xdt16 and newer sold in usa also made in china. Think last makita sold in usa made in japan was xdt12. Very disappointing because i switched to makita not knowing they started being made in japan. My brothers xdt16 failed in less than 2yrs. His ridgids hesa had for 5-7+yrs and never had problems. Very disappointing usa makita now made in china and not as good quality anymore.

[@browsebywire4096]

The 16 looks better than the 19. Frankly the glow in the dark ring is doesn't look good, and the lights on the side make a big oval shadow over/under the bit, which doesn't look great. I really prefer the tri-light like on Dewalt, Ryobi, and now Milwaukee's new impact I like their aesthetic more than the direction Makita has gone in.

[@ParklanCustom]

I prefer the ergonomic and durability of Makita more than Milwaukee, and I don’t mind to dual lights, they always work well in low light. I applaud Companies like Makita, And Knipex for staying true to themselves and their brand, and not just following the latest fashion. Milwaukee has a sister company in Ryobi that TTI uses for test runs and if consumers buy it and it’s a success, then they will slap Milwaukee on the name, change the color and increase the price by double.

[@YuriDontPlay]

Glow ring on the lxt 20 is now led kinda lol it’s the td 173

[@whosnext2005]

That's crazy to me that they didnt make the 19 more powerful. I really dont get it. I did just order it cause I love makita impact drivers but kinda disappointed it wont stand a chance against m18 impact.

[@ParklanCustom]

I use an impact driver all day every day, and I can tell you power is not as important as most people think, sure the m18 is more powerful but the makita is more ergonomic, modular, and lighter and is certainly powerful enough to do anything any other impact driver can. If you need anymore power than that, you should probably be using an impact wrench.

[@whosnext2005]

@@ParklanCustom I agree. I'm still using the xdt14 and think its plenty fine for all the reasons you stated. However, the bragging side if me would have just like to see a little more because everyone I know have dewalt and milwaukee lol

[@tomforward990]

@@ParklanCustom I’m on 3 platforms and Milwaukee is the worst imho. For durability and quality. Makita is the best for durability and ergonomics.

[@jacksmith2315]

​@@tomforward990now that usa market makita is no longer made in japan, and now made in china, they arent as reliable as japan made. Very disappointing they started to be made i china for usa market

[@mlen92]

There is barely any clearance difference..

[@bebezonvinyl1906]

The 16 better dan 19 no companion

[@VashtheReapr]

I have had Makita for 10 years and dont see myself ever switching

[@dixonbidenzmouth4115]

Very good review! 👈 I'm leaning towards the 19. Also the price of it at time of this comment is a few $'s cheaper than the 16. Is there any difference between the XDT19 and XTD19Z ? What is the Z designation?

[@ParklanCustom]

Z just indicates its a bare tool.

[@dixonbidenzmouth4115]

@@ParklanCustom Ok Thanks

[@Jciprian]

Is that a Mexican hand I’m looking at

[@ParklanCustom]

No, and that's inappropriate. A hand is a hand, does is matter what race the hand is?

[@Wettinlines]

Made me chuckle bro and I’m Mexican don’t listen to other white people trying to tell you your being racist. Fuck em if they can’t take a joke.