Makita’s 18V LXT system is, in Makita’s words, the world’s largest compatible 18V slide-style battery ecosystem, with over 325 tools powered by the same battery (Makita UK). Every LXT battery — from the compact 2.0 Ah BL1820B to the 12.0 Ah BL18120 — fits every 18V LXT tool. Two LXT batteries can also power Makita’s 36V (18Vx2) tools without an adapter. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the most popular tools and which batteries work best for each job.
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Which Batteries Fit Makita 18V LXT Tools?
All of the following batteries are compatible with every 18V LXT tool listed on this page:
| Battery Model | Capacity | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| BL1820B | 2.0 Ah | Compact | Light tasks — drivers, LED lights, overhead work |
| BL1830B | 3.0 Ah | Standard | Everyday drilling and driving |
| BL1840B | 4.0 Ah | Standard | General professional use — good balance |
| BL1850B | 5.0 Ah | Standard | Extended runtime for saws and grinders |
| BL1860B | 6.0 Ah | Standard | Maximum runtime — heavy-duty applications |
Genuine batteries, chargers and kits for this platform
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Before you buy: check that the size, fitting/bore and maximum-rated speed marked on the accessory match what your tool’s manual specifies. We have not physically tested these products; listings are compiled from published specifications. These are affiliate links.
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Which batteries fit which tools — cross-brand, adapters & Ah, decoded.
Key rules: All LXT batteries fit all LXT tools. Two LXT batteries power Makita’s 36V (18Vx2) tools. LXT batteries do not fit Makita 40V max XGT tools. Makita’s ADP10 is a charging adapter: it lets LXT batteries be charged on compatible XGT chargers; it does not let XGT batteries power LXT tools, or the other way round.
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Drilling & Driving
Makita’s drilling range spans sub-compact models for tight spaces to heavy-duty hammer drills. Recommended batteries: BL1830B (3.0 Ah) for light work, BL1850B (5.0 Ah) or BL1860B (6.0 Ah) for hammer drilling and extended use.
| Model | Tool | Key Spec | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| XFD16 | 1/2 in. Drill/Driver | Brushless, 530 in-lbs | LXT |
| XFD15 | Sub-Compact 1/2 in. Drill/Driver | 350 in-lbs, ultra-compact | Sub-Compact |
| XPH16 | 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver | Brushless, 530 in-lbs, 2-speed | LXT |
| XPH14 | 1/2 in. Hammer Drill | Brushless, 2,100 RPM, kickback protection | LXT |
| XDT20 | 1/4 in. Impact Driver | Quick-Shift, 1,600 in-lbs, compact | LXT |
| XDT16 | 1/4 in. Impact Driver | Quick-Shift 4-speed, 1,600 in-lbs | LXT |
| XWT08 | 1/2 in. Impact Wrench | 740 ft-lbs fastening, brushless | LXT |
| XWT18 | 1/2 in. Mid-Torque Impact Wrench | 368 ft-lbs, compact body | LXT |
| XRH12 | 11/16 in. SDS Plus Rotary Hammer | 1.1 J impact energy, brushless | LXT |
| XRH06 | 1 in. SDS Plus Rotary Hammer (18Vx2) | 36V power from two 18V batteries | LXT x2 |
Saws & Cutting
Saws draw heavy current. Use BL1850B (5.0 Ah) or BL1860B (6.0 Ah) for circular saws and reciprocating saws. Sub-compact saws and jig saws work well with 3.0–4.0 Ah batteries.
| Model | Tool | Key Spec | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| XSH06 | 6-1/2 in. Circular Saw (18Vx2) | 5,100 RPM, AWS wireless dust extraction | LXT x2 |
| XSH04 | Sub-Compact 6-1/2 in. Circular Saw | 3,900 RPM, single battery | Sub-Compact |
| XRJ05 | Reciprocating Saw | 3,000 SPM, 1-1/4 in. stroke, brushless | LXT |
| XRJ08 | Compact One-Handed Recip Saw | 3,000 SPM, compact for plumbing/electrical | LXT |
| XVJ02 | Jig Saw | 3,500 SPM, orbital action, brushless | LXT |
| XMT05 | Oscillating Multi-Tool (StarlockMax) | 20,000 OPM, tool-less blade change | LXT |
| XSL06 | 10 in. Dual-Bevel Sliding Mitre Saw (18Vx2) | 36V, 4,400 RPM, AWS compatible | LXT x2 |
| XBP05 | Compact Band Saw | Portable, 2-1/2 in. capacity | LXT |
Grinding, Sanding & Finishing
| Model | Tool | Key Spec | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| XAG25 | 4-1/2 / 5 in. Paddle Switch Grinder | Brushless, AFT, electric brake | LXT |
| XAG26 | 4-1/2 / 5 in. Slide Switch Grinder | Brushless, AFT, variable speed | LXT |
| XOB03 | 5 in. Random Orbit Sander | 12,000 OPM, variable speed, brushless | LXT |
| XBO06 | 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander | 14,000 OPM, compact | LXT |
| XTR01 | Compact Router | 30,000 RPM, variable speed | LXT |
| XDG02 | 1/4 in. Die Grinder | 25,000 RPM, compact | LXT |
Nailers & Fastening
| Model | Tool | Key Spec | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| XNB02 | 18-Gauge 2 in. Brad Nailer | 5/8 in. – 2 in., no compressor | LXT |
| XNB01 | 16-Gauge 2-1/2 in. Straight Finish Nailer | 1 in. – 2-1/2 in. | LXT |
| XNR01 | 21° Full Round Head Framing Nailer | 2 in. – 3-1/2 in., brushless | LXT |
| XTP02 | 23-Gauge Pin Nailer | 5/8 in. – 1-3/8 in. | LXT |
Outdoor Power Equipment
Makita offers both single-battery 18V and twin-battery 36V (18Vx2) outdoor tools. The 36V models deliver petrol-equivalent power using two standard LXT batteries.
| Model | Tool | Key Spec | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| XRU15 | String Trimmer | Brushless, 15 in. cut, bump feed | LXT |
| XML08 | 21 in. Self-Propelled Mower (18Vx2x2) | Uses four 18V batteries for max runtime | LXT x2 |
| XBU04 | Blower | Brushless, 473 CFM, 120 MPH | LXT |
| XCU04 | 16 in. Chain Saw (18Vx2) | 36V from two batteries, tool-less chain | LXT x2 |
| XHU08 | 30 in. Hedge Trimmer | Brushless, 1 in. cut capacity | LXT |
| XAD05 | Pole Saw (18Vx2) | 10 in. bar, 13 ft. reach | LXT x2 |
Lighting, Vacuums & Jobsite
| Model | Tool | Key Spec | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| DML811 | LED Work Light | 3,000 lumens, 3 brightness settings | LXT |
| XCV11 | 2.1 Gallon HEPA Dust Extractor | AWS auto-start compatible | LXT |
| XRM10 | Bluetooth Jobsite Radio | AM/FM/AUX/USB, charges batteries | LXT |
| DCF301 | Fan Jacket/Vest | Cooling workwear powered by LXT battery | LXT |
Battery Recommendations by Job Type
| Job Type | Recommended Battery | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Light drilling & driving | BL1820B (2.0 Ah) | Compact and light (0.38 kg) for overhead and tight-space work |
| Heavy drilling & impact work | BL1850B (5.0 Ah) | Sustained power for high-torque demands |
| Circular saws & recip saws | BL1860B (6.0 Ah) | Saws drain fast — maximum capacity recommended |
| Finish nailers | BL1820B (2.0 Ah) | Low draw tools — keep weight down |
| 36V outdoor tools (18Vx2) | BL1850B (5.0 Ah) × 2 | Two batteries needed — 5 Ah each gives best runtime/weight |
| All-day mixed trade use | BL1860B (6.0 Ah) | Maximum runtime between swaps |
This is a representative selection of the most popular tools. Makita’s full 18V LXT range has over 325 tools (Makita UK). Visit makitatools.com for the complete current lineup.
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Related Guides
- Every Makita 18V LXT Battery Compared
- Makita 18V LXT Charger Compatibility Guide
- Makita 18V LXT vs 40V XGT
- How Long Do Power Tool Batteries Last?
- Best Battery for Cordless Drills
Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Building Your Makita LXT Collection
Makita’s 18V LXT platform is one of the most extensive cordless systems available, with over 325 tools (Makita UK). The key to building an efficient collection is starting with the right batteries and expanding strategically.
Begin with a flagship combo kit that includes a hammer drill, impact driver, batteries, and charger. This covers your most-used tools and establishes your battery foundation. From there, add bare tools as needed — each one instantly works with your existing batteries.
For battery strategy, most professionals find that owning 4-6 batteries in a mix of capacities works well: two compact 2.0Ah packs (such as the BL1820B) for light tools and overhead work, and two to four 5.0-6.0Ah packs for demanding tools. This ensures you always have a charged battery ready regardless of the task.
Is Makita LXT the same as Makita 18V?
LXT is Makita’s name for their 18V lithium-ion tool platform. Not all Makita 18V tools are LXT — Makita also has an 18V G-Series with a different, incompatible battery design. If a tool or battery says “LXT” on it, it is part of the main 18V platform. Always check for the LXT logo to confirm compatibility.
How many Makita LXT tools exist?
Makita UK says over 325 tools are powered by the same LXT battery and calls LXT the world’s largest compatible 18V slide-style battery ecosystem. The range includes drills, saws, grinders, sanders, routers, planers, nailers, outdoor tools, lights, vacuums and radios.
Can I use LXT batteries in Makita CXT (12V) tools?
No. LXT (18V) and CXT (12V) are separate platforms with different battery connections. Makita’s DC18RE charger can charge both LXT and CXT batteries (Makita USA now lists it as discontinued), which reduces the number of chargers you need if you own both.
How we compile this guide
We cross-reference compatibility details against manufacturer specifications where available, official tool manuals, and the physical standards that govern fitment (bore sizes, arbor diameters, voltage platforms, connector types). We prioritise primary sources over retailer listings, flag anything we can’t confirm, and re-verify the data on a regular cycle. Where we give a buying recommendation, we tell you the reasoning — not just the link. More on our method →
