Trying to find a straightforward Makita XFD131 review without all the sales talk? After putting it through thorough testing, I can say this brushless drill is worth looking into if you’re trying to save some cash.
Priced around $130, this small but strong tool offers solid power with 440 in.lbs of torque and a handy 2-speed gearbox. You can feel Makita’s signature quality everywhere, from its 3.8 lb lightweight build to its soft rubber handle that feels good even during long use. The package also comes with an LXT 3.0Ah battery, a charger, and a carry bag that make it a better deal. What stood out the most to me was the efficient battery. It lasts up to 50% longer and charges in 30 minutes.
Is the Makita XFD131 compact cordless drill a good buy? In this review, I’ll walk you through all the details about it. You’ll learn about its design, features, and actual benefits and drawbacks. By the end, you’ll know if it’s a tool you should have.
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- Mechanical 2-speed transmission (0-500 and 0-1,900 RPM) for a wide range of drilling and fastening applications
- BL Brushless motor delivers 440 in.lbs. of Max Torque
- Efficient BL Brushless Motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for up to 50% longer run time p…
Overview of Makita XFD131 Features and Build
The Makita XFD131 catches attention in the compact drill category with its solid design and strong specifications. Here’s a closer look at why this tool could be a solid pick to add to your gear.
Motor Choices: Brushless or Brushed
At the core of the XFD131 lies the EfficientBL™ Brushless Motor offering clear benefits compared to older brushed motors. This brushless design removes the need for carbon brushes letting the motor stay cooler while running more , and it also lasts longer. Its -controlled system manages battery energy , so you can get up to 50% more run time after every charge.
Aside from being efficient, the brushless motor adjusts torque and RPM to match what your task needs at any moment. This gives steady performance without wasting power, which is useful when a project involves different torque levels.
Size Weight, and How It Feels to Use
With the battery on, the XFD131 weighs just 3.8 pounds making it one of the most lightweight models in its category. Its small size of 6-5/8 inches allows easier use in tight spots where bigger drills wouldn’t fit well.
The rubber-coated soft handle provides good grip and minimizes hand strain when you’re working for long periods. It also includes dual LED lights that stay on briefly after use, which brighten your workspace and help you see by removing any shadows.
Makita designed this model with their Extreme Protection Technology (XPT™), which boosts resistance to both dust and water while working in tough job site environments. The combination of this feature and the all-metal gears inside a durable gear housing adds to its overall long-lasting build.
Accessories That Come With It and Warranty Details
The XFD131 kit includes:
- 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion 3.0Ah Battery (BL1830B)
- 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Charger (DC18SD)
- Tool Bag
The 3.0Ah battery charges in about 30 minutes cutting down waiting time between tasks. Makita backs their product’s durability with a 3-year limited warranty on tool, battery, and charger, which shows their trust in its quality.
Performance Testing: Runtime, Speed, and Torque
After extensive testing of the Makita XFD131, I can say with certainty it performs just as well in real use as its specs promise.
Maximum Torque and RPM Levels
The XFD131 produces 440 in.lbs. of maximum torque, which is enough to handle almost all drilling and driving tasks with ease. While the XFD10 offers higher torque at 480 in.lbs., the difference feels minor during actual use.
Its mechanical two-speed transmission adds more flexibility to the drill. The lower speed setting (0-500 RPM) offers better control to drive screws, while the higher speed (0-1,900 RPM) gives the speed needed to drill . This mix makes the tool useful to handle different materials and tasks.
Battery Life in Comparison to Makita XFD10
When tested side by side, the XFD131’s brushless motor performs better than the brushed motor found in the XFD10. Its -controlled brushless tech uses the battery power more allowing the tool to run up to 50% longer on one charge. This extra efficiency means I was able to drill almost double the number of holes per charge compared to older Makita tools.
The motor also adjusts its power based on what you’re doing using less energy when a task doesn’t require full strength. This smarter power control helps the battery last longer while still getting more work done.
Battery Charging and Heat Control
The charging system stands out. The battery that comes with the tool charges in 30 minutes. This cuts down waiting time between jobs. Compared to other brands that usually take an hour or more, this fast charging gives a big benefit.
The drill also handles heat very well. The Star Protection Computer Controls™ feature allows constant communication between the tool and battery. It uses this system to check conditions while working, helping avoid overheating, overloading, or running the battery too low. After using it for long periods, I found the drill stayed much cooler than others even during tough tasks.
Pros and Cons After Using It a Lot
After using the Makita XFD131 for a variety of projects, I’ve gotten a good sense of what it does well and where it falls short. Testing it in real life rather than in a lab, shows how this compact drill holds up with regular use.
4 Main Strengths of the XFD131
The first thing you’ll notice is how light and balanced it feels. Weighing just 3.7 lbs with the battery, it’s easy to hold for long periods and works well in tight spots. Second, it offers great value. You’re not just getting the drill—you get a $50 LXT 3.0Ah battery that works with other Makita tools, a $25 charger, and a $10 tool bag.
, the ergonomic grip stands out. The rubber handle cuts down on hand strain during long projects, which many people mention as a big plus. Fourth even though it’s more affordable, the drill’s brushless motor provides steady torque (440 in.lbs) that works well for most home tasks and light professional jobs.
3 Things That Aren’t So Great
On the flip side, some downsides show up after using it a lot. , it’s a “promotional grade” kit offering about 20% less torque compared to higher-end Makita models like the XFD12 series. Heavy-duty users might feel the difference when tackling tougher jobs.
The charger that comes with it is a basic version and takes longer to charge compared to the ‘RC’ chargers you get in Makita’s premium sets. People who need batteries ready for frequent swaps might find this frustrating.
Another downside is that the XFD131 doesn’t have hammer drill functionality. So, drilling into concrete can damage your bits. Also, there are no drill bits, driver bits, or bit holders in the box—you’ll need to buy those .
User Feedback from Compact Cordless Drill Reviews
Based on my experience, plus tons of user feedback, the XFD131 stands out as a high-quality choice. It holds an outstanding 4.9 out of 5 stars across review platforms, with every single user recommending it. People with years of expertise call it reliable, with one sharing: “I have used Makita tools over 30 years and all but 1 has proven to be of good quality and power and durability.”
Many users talk about how versatile this drill is. It works well for both at-home projects and professional tasks. Even folks who’ve stuck with other high-end brands say they’re “very impressed” with Makita and that it “doesn’t disappoint.”
Who Should Choose the Makita XFD131?
To find a drill with a great mix of power and affordability, DIY lovers and pros might look at the Makita XFD131. I’ll help you figure out if this tool fits what you’re after.
Best Use Cases: DIY, Handyman, Contractor
The XFD131 works great as a beginner-friendly brushless drill for homeowners handling small projects now and then. Its light weight of 3.8 pounds (with the battery attached) makes it easy to use for overhead tasks without tiring your arms. Contractors can rely on its efficient battery system to cut down on extra climbs up and down ladders or scaffolding.
People doing DIY projects will find its simple features and low price—about $130—very appealing. Handymen like the adjustable torque settings that give them better control whether they’re securing big bolts or working with delicate screws.
How It Compares to Makita XFD12
The XFD131 produces 440 in.lbs of torque, while the XFD12 delivers a stronger 530 in.lbs. This model described as “promotional grade,” has about 20% less power compared to high-end alternatives. Even so, it offers around 90% of the performance at a cheaper price costing about $50 to $90 less depending on the battery setup.
Key differences include the XFD131 coming with a basic charger instead of the XFD12’s faster charger, and a storage bag replacing the harder protective case.
Is the XFD131 the Right Makita 18V Drill to Choose?
Looking at its value, the XFD131 shines. It includes a $50 LXT battery, a $25 charger, and a $10 tool bag, in addition to a $70 drill. It also works with Makita’s growing 18V system, which offers the biggest cordless tool lineup worldwide with more than 200 tools.
Pick the XFD12 series if top power is a must. If not, the XFD131 handles most tasks well without being too costly.
Conclusion
After testing out the Makita XFD131 in detail, I see it offers a solid mix of performance and cost. Even though it’s labeled as a “promotional grade” drill, it handles most DIY projects and light professional tasks with great results. The 20% lower torque compared to Makita’s top-tier models won’t even be noticeable for most users.
The drill’s best qualities are its lightweight build comfortable grip, and the way it uses battery power so . Brushless motor technology plays a big role in making it perform better and last longer. Its fast 30-minute charging time keeps interruptions short. Plus, the battery works with other tools in Makita’s 18V system, which adds a lot of practical value in the long run.
Still, this tool comes with a few shortcomings. You can’t use it on concrete due to the missing hammer function. Contractors handling heavy-duty jobs might wish for more torque. But when you weigh everything against the cost, these issues feel pretty small.
The XFD131 stands out as one of the best picks in the compact drill market right now. It gives homeowners and budget-conscious pros about 90% of high-end performance while staying much more affordable. If heavy-duty tasks needing extreme torque aren’t part of your routine, this Makita drill will exceed your expectations and save you money.
Key Points to Know
After putting it through the wringer, these are the big takeaways about the Makita XFD131 to help you decide:
• Great value for the price: Save $50-90 compared to top-tier models while still enjoying 90% of premium drill performance. Includes a high-quality battery, charger, and tool bag.
• Brushless motor boosts efficiency: Runs cooler and lasts up to 50% longer per charge than brushed motors. Offers 440 in-lbs of torque to handle most tasks with ease.
• Light and easy to use: Weighing just 3.8 lbs with the battery, this drill helps reduce hand strain during long projects and works well in small or hard-to-reach areas.
• Fast charging cuts wait time: Battery charges in 30 minutes—much quicker than many competing drills that take 1-2 hours.
• Think about limits before purchasing: This drill cannot handle concrete work due to the missing hammer drill function. It also has 20% less torque compared to higher-end Makita models. It works well for small projects but might not handle very tough jobs.
The XFD131 works great for people working on smaller tasks, homeowners, and professionals who want good performance at a reasonable price. It fits into Makita’s over 200-tool system making it a smart choice over time.
FAQs
The Makita XFD131 is a small drill that uses a brushless motor. It can produce 440 in.lbs of torque and comes with a 2-speed transmission. Its motor helps the battery last up to 50% longer on each charge. With the battery attached, it weighs 3.8 lbs. It also comes with a 3.0Ah LXT battery that takes 30 minutes to charge.
The XFD131 delivers around 90% of what the more expensive Makita tools can do, while costing much less. It has a bit less torque offering 440 in.lbs compared to 530 in.lbs in the premium options, but it still performs well for most DIY tasks and lighter pro work.
Yes, the XFD131 works great for DIY users and pros alike. Its lightweight build adjustable torque features, and dependable battery make it a solid pick for homeowners doing occasional projects or contractors needing something sturdy for different tasks.
The XFD131’s brushless motor has key benefits like running longer on one charge staying cooler during use, and working more . It adjusts power depending on what you are doing, which improves performance and helps the tool last longer than drills with brushed motors.
Keep the XFD131 clean by vacuuming dust out of its vents and inside parts often. Store it somewhere dry where it won’t get wet. Since its sealed bearings don’t need oiling, focus on using the trigger instead of always pressing it to help the drill last longer.