Makita’s 18V LXT system is the world’s largest cordless tool platform powered by 18-volt slide-style batteries, with over 350 compatible products. Every LXT battery — from the compact 2.0 Ah BL1820B to the 6.0 Ah BL1860B — 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.
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 | Compact | 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 |
Key rules: All LXT batteries fit all LXT tools — no lockout or restrictions. Two LXT batteries power Makita’s 36V (18Vx2) tools via the twin-port design. LXT batteries do not fit Makita 40V Max XGT tools (different connector). XGT batteries can power LXT tools via the ADP10 adapter, but not the other way around.
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 | BL1830B (3.0 Ah) | Compact and light 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 catalogue includes 350+ products. Visit makitatools.com for the complete current lineup.
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 300 tools designed for professional trade use. 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 3.0Ah packs 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 offers over 300 tools in the 18V LXT platform — the largest single-voltage cordless tool range from any manufacturer. This includes drills, saws, grinders, sanders, routers, planers, nailers, outdoor tools, lights, vacuums, radios, and even a coffee maker.
Can I use LXT batteries in Makita CXT (12V) tools?
No. LXT (18V) and CXT (12V) are separate platforms with different battery connections. However, Makita makes the DC18RE charger that can charge both LXT and CXT batteries, reducing the number of chargers you need if you own tools from both platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Makita 18V LXT tools are available?
Over 300 tools spanning drills, saws, grinders, rotary hammers, outdoor equipment, lighting, and specialty tools — one of the largest professional platforms.
Are all Makita 18V LXT tools brushless?
No. Makita offers both brushed and brushless LXT tools. Brushless models (often marked XPH, XDT, etc.) deliver longer runtime and motor life.
Will new Makita LXT tools work with my old batteries?
Yes. All Makita 18V LXT batteries and tools are backward and forward compatible within the platform.
