Choose a cordless impact drill by capacity, control and battery fit
Choose a cordless impact drill by masonry capacity, chuck fit, handling and battery compatibility—not maximum torque or impact rate alone.
For mixed drilling and occasional masonry holes, start with a compact cordless hammer drill on a compatible battery platform. Step up to a heavier model when your bit sizes and workload justify it. For repeated holes in hard concrete, consider a rotary hammer instead of buying the highest-torque combi drill.
Here, “cordless impact drill” means a chuck-equipped hammer drill/driver, also called a combi drill—not an impact driver. If a listing leaves that unclear, check the tool type before comparing specifications; our drill-versus-impact guide covers the terminology.
Start with the holes you actually need
Write down the material, hole diameter, depth and likely number of holes per session. Then check the exact model’s manual for its drilling capacities.
A masonry rating is a diameter limit, not a promise about drilling speed or repeated deep holes. Also, do not assume that a general “wood capacity” covers every wood bit. The Makita XPH14 manual, for example, lists different limits for auger bits, self-feed bits and hole saws: 2, 3 and 6 inches respectively.
For frequent concrete drilling, compare a rotary hammer’s rated drilling range and impact energy. Its pneumatic percussion mechanism delivers stronger blows than an impact drill’s mechanical mechanism; a higher combi-drill blows-per-minute figure does not erase that difference. Bosch explains the two mechanisms.
What compact and heavy-duty models change
These two models illustrate the choice within one battery platform. They are specification examples, not hands-on rankings; figures are from Makita’s US product pages checked on November 3, 2026.
| Published specification | Makita XPH12Z compact | Makita XPH14Z heavy-duty |
|---|---|---|
| Battery platform | 18V LXT | 18V LXT |
| Chuck size | 1/2 inch | 1/2 inch |
| Masonry capacity | 1/2 inch | 5/8 inch |
| No-load speed, low/high gear | 0–500 / 0–2,000 rpm | 0–550 / 0–2,100 rpm |
| Maximum impact rate | 30,000 bpm | 31,500 bpm |
| Manufacturer maximum torque | 530 in-lb | 1,250 in-lb |
Sources: Makita XPH12Z specifications and Makita XPH14Z specifications.
The useful distinction is the wider drilling capacity and heavier-duty positioning—not merely the torque number. Those torque ratings do not establish how quickly either drill completes your masonry hole. Nor do the relatively close impact rates prove similar performance under load.
If your planned holes fit the compact model’s ratings, put handling ahead of unused capacity. If larger bits are routine, check the heavier model’s bit-specific limits and control features before choosing it.
Check handling, chuck fit and control
Compare the tool with the battery you intend to use, not just its bare-tool weight. The XPH14 manual gives a configured weight range of 5.1–6.0 pounds depending on attachments and battery. That is more useful for judging handling than a weight figure without its configuration.
Check these details before paying for extra power:
- Chuck range: Match the bit’s shank diameter to the chuck’s minimum and maximum opening. Cutting diameter and shank diameter are not necessarily the same; see our bit-size and chuck-fit example.
- Speed and clutch controls: Make sure the drill has the gear selection, variable trigger and screwdriving clutch you need for your mixed workload.
- Auxiliary handle: Check whether one is supplied and whether you can position it comfortably. The XPH14 instructions require its use and warn of sudden twisting forces during drilling.
- Anti-kickback shutoff: Worth considering when comparing otherwise suitable drills. Bosch describes its KickBack Control as stopping the motor when the drill jams. It is not a substitute for correct handling.
Compare the complete battery package
A bare tool can be economical if you already own batteries and a charger explicitly compatible with that model. Both Makita examples above are tool-only versions. Check the manual’s battery and charger lists rather than assuming that any pack with the same voltage will fit or be approved.
For a first purchase, compare a kit against the total cost of buying the drill, approved battery and charger separately. Check the battery model and capacity, plus the cost of any second pack you need. Do not translate amp-hours into a promised hole count; our Ah-versus-Wh guide explains what those ratings can—and cannot—tell you.
Before committing, confirm one complete setup: the exact drill, approved battery, suitable masonry bit and required hole size. Budget for eye and hearing protection and appropriate dust control, too; these precautions are covered in the XPH14 safety instructions.