Used Makita Tools

Three platforms, and the one mistake everyone makes

• 18V LXT — the huge, mature platform. Blue tools, slide-on BL18xx batteries. Two batteries side-by-side power the 36V "X2" tools (XSH06, XCU03). All LXT packs fit all LXT tools.
• 40V max XGT — the newer high-power line. Teal-accented tools, BL40xx batteries. XGT batteries do not fit LXT tools, and LXT batteries do not fit XGT tools. There's an adapter that lets an XGT charger charge LXT packs, but that's the extent of it.
• 12V max CXT — compact. Separate slide-style BL10xx batteries. Not cross-compatible with either.

The mistake: buying an XGT tool because it looked like a great deal, then discovering your stack of LXT batteries is useless on it. XGT tools have G model prefixes (GDT01, GWT07); LXT have X prefixes. Check before you bid.

Reading the model number

Suffixes: Z = bare tool ("zero" batteries). T = kit with 5Ah batteries, R = kit with 2Ah, M = 4Ah, with a digit for how many. So XDT16Z is the bare impact driver; XDT16T is the same with two 5Ah packs. On batteries, the trailing B means it has the LED fuel gauge — BL1850B has it, the older BL1850 doesn't.

Makita's Star Protection system is built into most current LXT tools and batteries; a star symbol on the battery label means it communicates with the tool. Older non-star packs still work on most tools but not all.

Warranty

Makita's US warranty is generally 3 years on LXT tools and batteries when registered by the original purchaser, and 1 year on much else. It's tied to the original buyer. Assume none on a used purchase. What you're really buying with Makita is reliability — the tools have a reputation for lasting, and that's worth more than a warranty you can't use.

Fake batteries

The BL1850B is one of the most copied tool batteries in the world, and the fakes are good enough that photos alone won't always tell you. What does:

• Price. "New" BL1850B at a fraction of retail is fake. Every time.
• Star and date code. Genuine packs have the star logo and a clear date/lot code on the label. Fakes miss one or both, or the print is fuzzy.
• Weight. Genuine 5Ah packs are heavy — five 21700 or ten 18650 cells. Fakes with fewer or smaller cells are light.
• Gauge behavior. The fuel-gauge LEDs on a genuine pack respond to a press with the right pattern. Fakes often show full charge on everything.
• Seller. Overseas, all-new inventory, no used tools in their history.

Buy used genuine packs with legible codes. Accept capacity loss with age.

What to inspect

• Platform prefix — X for LXT, G for XGT. Don't buy the wrong one.
• Battery mount — the LXT slide rails on the tool crack if dropped on the battery. Look for hairlines.
• Chuck runout on drills; anvil / collar play on impacts. Video.
• Brushless vs brushed. "BL" on the housing = brushless. Brushed LXT is fine and cheap.
• Corded classics. A 5007MG saw or 9557PB grinder from any era is a good buy if the brushes and bearings are quiet. These outlast their owners.

Where the value is

Brushed LXT tools — plentiful, cheap, run on the same batteries. And Makita's corded lineup, which is arguably the best of any brand and trades for very little used because everyone is shopping cordless. A used 5007MG is a saw you'll own for twenty years.