Makita XT297T 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2-Pc.

The Verdict

The Makita XT297T is the kit that makes you question why you ever lugged around a full-size drill/driver.

Here’s the thing about Makita’s LXT line: it’s the same 18V platform pros have trusted for a decade, but the XT297T trims the fat. Both the hammer drill and impact driver in this 2-piece kit use brushless motors — which isn’t just marketing speak. Brushless means the tool decides how much power it needs moment-to-moment, not a fixed draw from the battery. The result? You get more holes per charge, and the tools don’t turn into hand warmers after an hour of continuous driving.

What’s actually in the box

You’re getting two tools: the XFD12 1/2" hammer drill/driver and the XDT16 1/4" impact driver. Both are sub-compact, meaning they’re shorter than the standard LXT equivalents. The drill pushes 500 in-lbs of torque, and the impact driver hits 1,590 in-lbs — numbers that put them in the upper tier of their class. The kit ships with two 5.0Ah batteries and (depending on the bundle you select) either a standard or rapid charger. Check the listing carefully — some configurations omit the charger entirely, which is a rookie move for a kit at this price point.

Real-world performance

I’ve spent time with both tools, and here’s the honest breakdown. The impact driver is the star. It’s got the kind of authority you expect from tools twice its size — sinking 3" deck screws with zero pre-drilling and no cam-out. The variable speed trigger has a nice progressive feel, so you can feather it for delicate work like cabinet hinges. The drill side is solid but not spectacular: 500 in-lbs is enough for most jobs, but if you’re regularly boring through 4x4s with 1" auger bits, you’ll want the full-size XPH14 instead.

Battery life is where this kit shines. Makita’s 5.0Ah cells are some of the most efficient in the industry, and owners consistently report all-day runtime for typical DIY projects. One Amazon reviewer put it simply: “I framed a 12x16 shed on a single charge of each battery.” That tracks with my testing — the brushless motors sip power when idle and only draw hard when you’re actually loading the tool.

What buyers keep mentioning

The 229 ratings at 4.6 stars tell a consistent story. Overwhelmingly, purchasers praise the size-to-power ratio. As one verified buyer wrote: “I didn’t believe the sub-compact hype until I used these in a crawl space. Night and day difference from my old drill.” Another theme: durability. Multiple reviews mention dropping tools off ladders or working in light rain without issues, which speaks to the XPT weather sealing.

Where it stumbles

Two honest gripes. First, the case situation: this kit ships in Makita’s hard plastic case, which is fine for a truck box but annoying for garage storage — it takes up more space than the tools deserve. Second, the hammer-drill function on the XFD12 is anemic. It’ll handle masonry anchors and small holes in brick, but don’t expect to drill through foundation walls. If you need real hammer action, buy the dedicated rotary hammer separately.

Who should buy this

• The serious DIYer building a tool collection — this is the right foundation, and both tools will last a decade
• The tradesperson who wants a lightweight backup kit or does ceiling/overhead work where weight matters
• The homeowner upgrading from a cheap corded drill — the jump in convenience is massive

Skip it if you’re strictly a weekend warrior doing light tasks (a single drill driver will do), or if you need a full-size hammer drill for heavy concrete work.

FAQ

Q: Are these tools compatible with older Makita 18V batteries? A: Yes. The LXT platform is fully backward-compatible. Your old 3.0Ah batteries will work, but the 5.0Ah cells in this kit give you significantly better runtime.

Q: What’s the difference between this and the full-size XT269M kit? A: The XT269M includes larger tools with more torque (the drill hits 1,090 in-lbs) plus a circular saw. The XT297T is smaller, lighter, and works better in tight spaces, but trades top-end power.

Q: Is the hammer drill function worth anything? A: For occasional masonry anchors and tile work, yes. For regular concrete drilling, no. It’s a convenience feature, not a core capability.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want pro-grade reliability in a compact package that won’t wear you out. The brushless efficiency, build quality, and battery platform justify the investment.

Skip it if you’re on a tight budget (look at Ryobi or the older Makita brushed kits), or if you need high-torque drilling for heavy framing work.

Rating: 4.6/5 — A genuinely excellent 2-piece kit that earns its reputation. The size-to-power ratio is the best in its class, and Makita’s battery ecosystem means you’re investing in a platform, not just two tools. Just make sure you’re getting the charger in your bundle.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.