Veteran-built.
Makita buying guide
Makita is one of the few big tool brands that is not part of a larger tool conglomerate; it is an independent Japanese company with its US headquarters in Southern California. Drywall and finish crews often like Makita screw guns and compact saws. We have a Makita screwgun in our kit, but Makita is not our main platform. This guide explains the systems and the warranty so you can decide whether it fits you.
Makita at a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Company | Makita Corporation (Japan), independent; Makita U.S.A. |
| Main platform | 18V LXT (slide-style batteries; Makita lists 325+ LXT products) |
| High-power platform | 40V max XGT (separate batteries) |
| Compact platform | 12V max CXT |
| Warranty | 3-year limited on Li-ion tools, batteries and chargers (including XGT); 30-day return/replacement on eligible items |
| Where sold | Home Depot, Acme Tools, Amazon and authorized dealers |
Which Makita platform fits your work
18V LXT
LXT is the core system and one of the widest 18V lines on the market. Makita also sells "18V X2" tools that use two LXT batteries at once for 36V-class power, which lets you run mowers, chainsaws and bigger saws on the same packs.
40V max XGT
XGT is Makita's higher-power line for demolition hammers, big saws and grinders. XGT batteries do not fit LXT tools. Only buy into XGT if you need that power every week.
12V max CXT
CXT is the compact line for tight spaces. It is a separate battery system.
How to buy Makita without overpaying
- Look for the free-battery or free-tool kit promos that Makita and its dealers run several times a year. Our deals page lists the live ones.
- Compare kit model numbers. Store kits can differ in battery size (2.0Ah vs 5.0Ah). Match the model number before you compare price.
- Use genuine batteries. Makita says the warranty is void if non-genuine batteries are used, and cheap knock-off packs are a fire risk.
See it at Home Depot: Makita 18V LXT kit See it at Acme Tools: Makita 18V LXT Check price on Amazon: Makita 18V LXT 5.0Ah battery
Warranty and service
Makita's US warranty for lithium-ion cordless tools, batteries and chargers is a 3-year limited warranty from date of purchase, and it includes XGT. To claim:
- Keep the receipt (a photo is fine) and note the model and serial.
- Find a Makita factory or authorized service center on makitatools.com.
- Bring or ship the tool with proof of purchase.
Batteries that fail from normal wear, misuse or non-genuine chargers are not covered.
Our take so far
We don't run Makita as a platform, so we will not tell you it is better or worse than Milwaukee or DeWalt.
FAQ
Do Makita XGT batteries fit LXT tools?
No. XGT (40V max) and LXT (18V) are separate systems. Makita sells adapters for some uses, but the batteries are not interchangeable.
How long is the Makita warranty on batteries?
Makita lists a 3-year limited warranty on its lithium-ion tools, batteries and chargers in the US.
What is Makita 18V X2?
Tools that take two 18V LXT batteries at the same time for more power, such as mowers, chainsaws and large saws.
Sources
- Makita U.S.A., Warranty: https://www.makitatools.com/service/warranty
- Mas Equipo, Who owns what tool brand: https://masequipo.com/who-owns-what/