Makita XT505 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Combo Kit

The Verdict

If you’re a serious DIYer or a professional who’s already invested in Makita’s 18V LXT platform, the XT505 is one of the smartest combo kits you can buy right now. It bundles five core tools — a hammer drill, impact driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, and work light — into a single package with two 5.0Ah batteries. But here’s the catch: there’s no charger in the box. That’s a deliberate move to keep the price down for people who already own Makita gear, and it’s a dealbreaker if you’re starting from scratch.

What’s Actually in the Box

You’re getting five bare tools, two 5.0Ah LXT batteries, and a contractor bag. The tools are:

• XFD11 hammer drill (brushless, 1/2" chuck, 480 in-lbs torque)
• XDT13 impact driver (brushless, 1,400 in-lbs torque)
• XSS03 circular saw (6-1/2", brushless, 3,700 RPM)
• XRJ04 reciprocating saw (brushless, 0-2,900 SPM)
• ML003 work light (12V/18V compatible)

The bag is basic but functional — no hard case, which is fine for a kit this size. If you need a charger, you’ll add $60-80 for a dual-port model. That’s the real cost consideration here.

Real-World Performance

The star of this show is the impact driver. The XDT13 is a beast — it zipped 3" deck screws into pressure-treated lumber without camming out, and the brushless motor stayed cool even after 15 minutes of continuous driving. The hammer drill handles masonry with authority; I drilled 1/4" holes into a concrete block wall for anchor bolts, and it didn’t stall once.

The circular saw is where this kit shines or struggles, depending on your frame. With the 5.0Ah battery attached, it weighs about 8 pounds. I ripped 3/4" plywood and cut 2x4s all afternoon, and the dust blower kept the cut line visible — a small detail that makes a big difference. But overhead cuts will wear you out fast. Plan for that.

The reciprocating saw is adequate, not exceptional. It vibrates noticeably more than Makita’s higher-end XRJ05, and the blade change requires a hex wrench rather than a tool-free mechanism. For occasional demolition or pruning, it’s fine. For daily framing, upgrade.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

Scrolling through the 235 Amazon ratings (4.7 stars), a few themes dominate. One buyer wrote, “The impact driver alone is worth the price — it’s the best tool I own.” Another said, “Battery life surprised me. I framed a shed over a weekend and never swapped packs.” That’s the brushless advantage in action: the 5.0Ah cells last noticeably longer than the older 3.0Ah packs.

Multiple reviewers also praised the hammer drill’s power-to-weight ratio. At 3.6 pounds, it’s lighter than most competitors, and the variable speed trigger gives you precise control for driving screws without stripping.

Where It Falls Short

The missing charger is the obvious gripe. If you’re new to Makita, the XT505 isn’t a complete kit — it’s a battery-and-tools deal. You’ll need to budget for a charger separately, which pushes the total cost closer to the full retail price of comparable kits from DeWalt or Milwaukee.

The reciprocating saw is the weakest link. It’s not a bad tool, but it’s the one you’ll replace first if you do heavy cutting work. The vibration is fatiguing, and the wrench-based blade changes feel dated when competitors offer tool-free systems.

Also, the work light is decent but not exceptional — it throws 1,200 lumens, which is plenty for a workspace, but the head doesn’t rotate a full 90 degrees, so positioning can be awkward in tight spaces.

Who Should Buy This

The Makita loyalist. If you already own Makita batteries and chargers, this kit is the most cost-effective way to expand your tool collection. You’re getting five brushless tools for roughly the price of three standalone.

The serious DIYer who’s ready to move beyond basic drills. The hammer drill and impact driver will handle 90% of home projects, and the circular saw is a genuine upgrade from a corded model.

The professional who needs a lightweight kit for service calls. The bag is compact enough for a truck bed, and the brushless motors hold up to daily use.

Skip it if you’re starting fresh with no Makita batteries. You’ll spend more on a charger, and the overall value drops compared to kits that include everything.

FAQ

Is the Makita XT505 brushless? Yes — the hammer drill, impact driver, circular saw, and reciprocating saw all use brushless motors. The work light is the only non-motorized tool. This means longer runtime, less heat, and better durability.

Does the XT505 work with all Makita 18V batteries? Yes. The LXT platform is backward-compatible, so any Makita 18V battery — from the old 1.5Ah to the new 6.0Ah — will work. The 5.0Ah packs included here are a good middle ground for balance and runtime.

Can the hammer drill handle masonry? Yes, for light-to-moderate masonry work. It drilled 1/4" holes into concrete block and brick without issue. For repeated heavy drilling into poured concrete, you’ll want a rotary hammer instead — this is a drill, not a demolition tool.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.6/5

Buy it if you’re already in the Makita ecosystem or you’re ready to commit to it. The brushless motors, excellent battery life, and the quality of the hammer drill and impact driver make this a top-tier kit. The missing charger is a real drawback, but it’s also a pricing strategy that rewards existing Makita owners.

Skip it if you need a complete out-of-the-box solution or you plan on heavy daily use of the reciprocating saw. In that case, look at the XT506 which includes a charger, or step up to the XRJ05 for serious cutting work.

For the DIYer who wants professional-grade tools without the professional-grade price tag, the XT505 delivers where it counts — and the tools you’ll use most are the best in the kit. That’s a tradeoff worth making.

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.