Makita 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver Kit (XDT131, 3.0Ah battery and charger)

By Makita · Impact Drivers · Power Tools

  • 18V LXT brushless impact driver kit with 3.0Ah battery and charger
  • 1,500 in-lbs of max torque
  • Variable speed 0-3,400 RPM and 0-3,600 IPM
  • Compact 5 in. head length, weighs 3.3 lbs
  • All-metal gear construction

Lowest price seen
$129.72
from $129.72 at Georgia Pro · Checked Oct 9, 2026

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

Summary

A compact 18V brushless impact driver kit — 1,500 in-lbs of torque, 0-3,400 RPM and a 3.0Ah battery — sold with a charger and a tool bag. It has only one variable-speed setting and no multi-speed selector, so weigh that against newer Makita drivers before you buy.

Strengths

  • Independent testing scored the same tool 79/100 and ranked it 4th of 12 impact drivers.
  • Exceptional torque: averaged 282 ft-lb fastening and broke a nut free tightened to 300 ft-lb.
  • Fast driving: ledger screws in about 4 seconds and lag bolts in 15 seconds, against a class average of 30.
  • Best battery life in its 12-tool test, starting a fifth set of ledger screws before running out.
  • Compact and light at 5 inches long and 3.3 lbs with the battery.
  • All-aluminum gear housing, XPT dust/water resistance, and a brushless motor with no carbon brushes.

Weaknesses

  • Loud: 97 dBa measured, described as “downright loud.”
  • Only one variable-speed setting; no multi-speed selector, Quick-Shift Mode or Assist Mode.
  • Convenience scored 5.6/10 in testing, docked for the missing RPM settings and bit holder.
  • The included BL1830B 3.0Ah battery is an older-generation pack; newer kits ship with 5.0Ah.
  • The LED light has a bit of odd refraction.
  • It is a legacy kit: the XDT16 and XDT20 add higher torque and more speeds.

Verified specifications

ModelXDT131 (kit); XDT13Z is the bare tool and XDT13 is the current designation for the same tool.
Max torque1,500 in-lbs (170 N·m).
No-load speed0-3,400 RPM, variable speed.
Impacts per minute0-3,600 IPM, variable speed.
Hex shank1/4 inch.
Overall length5 inches.
Net weight (with battery)3.3 lbs.
MotorMakita BL brushless.
Battery18V LXT Lithium-Ion 3.0Ah (BL1830B) with LED charge indicator; charges in 30 minutes.
ChargerDC18SD-X.
Gear housingall-aluminum.
Dust and water resistanceExtreme Protection Technology (XPT).
Lightsdual, built-in LEDs.
UPCXDT131 088381-848695; XDT13Z 088381-824019.
In the boxone XDT13Z impact driver, one BL1830B 3.0Ah battery, one DC18SD-X charger, one tool bag.
Full research notes and sources

Performance in tests

TechGearLab tested the same tool, sold as XDT13, and published the results in 2022: 79/100 overall, 4th of 12 impact drivers. It drove 3-5/8" ledger screws into plywood in about 4 seconds and 1/2" x 3-1/2" lag bolts in 15 seconds, where the group averaged 30, and it removed lag bolts in 6 seconds against a group average of 12. Fastening torque averaged 282 ft-lb, and it broke a nut free that was tightened to 300 ft-lb, instantaneously. Battery life was the strongest in the test: it finished four full sets of ledger screws plus lag bolts and started a fifth before running out.

Noise and controls

Noise is the clearest downside: 97 dBa, which the tester called “downright loud.” The tool runs on a single variable-speed trigger with no multi-speed selector, no Quick-Shift Mode and no Assist Mode, so it is simpler than newer Makita drivers. It does have a quick bit insert, a belt clip and dual built-in LEDs; the light shows slight odd refraction but is bright.

Battery, charger and running costs

The kit ships with one BL1830B 3.0Ah 18V LXT battery and a DC18SD-X charger, and the 3.0Ah pack charges in 30 minutes. The driver takes any Makita 18V LXT battery with the Star Protection symbol, including 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah and 6.0Ah packs, so you can add capacity later. Newer Makita kits ship with the 5.0Ah BL1850B, which Makita says gives up to 65% more runtime. Beyond the kit, the ongoing costs are replacement batteries, a charger if it is lost, bits and a tool bag. The tool carries a 3-year limited warranty on the tool, battery and charger.

Is it worth it?

At the $129.00 Acme Tools list, the XDT131 competes with newer Makita drivers that add multi-speed control and higher torque, and with brushless drivers from DeWalt, Milwaukee and Ryobi. Its case rests on the compact body, the proven test record, Makita build quality and access to the large 18V LXT battery line. It launched in 2017 at a $129 list price and dropped to $99 within weeks, and Home Depot sold it for $99 on Black Friday 2017; TechGearLab listed it at $129 in 2022. It suits existing Makita 18V LXT owners who want a compact driver and can find it discounted. Buyers who need multi-speed control or more torque should look at the XDT16 (1,600 in-lbs) or XDT20 (1,590 in-lbs).

Which model this is

This is the Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Impact Driver Kit, model XDT131, UPC 088381-848695. The kit holds one XDT13Z brushless impact driver (UPC 088381-824019), one BL1830B 3.0Ah battery, one DC18SD-X charger and a tool bag, and the same bare tool is now sold as model XDT13. The Amazon listing for the kit is ASIN B074BHJQB3. Do not merge it with the 4-speed XDT16 and XDT20, the 3-speed XDT12, or the hybrid XPT03.

Sources

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