5 Best Makita Combo Kits

Dennis Howard
by Dennis Howard

Makita tools are well known for their quality and technology. Nowhere more so than in their line of cordless battery-driven power tools. Whether you are a professional in the trades or a home-based do it yourself-er, you won’t go wrong with Makita cordless power tools. These are our picks for the best Makita combo kits.

Makita is a well-known name among power tool users. There are several choices to make when considering a new Makita combo kit for your shop or job site. Many first-time buyers aren’t sure what tools they need. We have broken our list down by our views on which kits are most useful for the price.

Makita Combo KitsBattery Amp Hour RatingNumber of Pieces in the KitBest Kit for
Makita CT225SYX 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit1.5 Ah6 Pieces

18V Cordless Driver

18V Cordless Drill

2 18V Lithium-Ion Batteries

1 battery charger

I soft carry case

Entry Level
Makita XT268T 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit5.0 Ah6 Pieces

½ inch hammer drill

3-speed impact driver

2 5.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries

1 battery charger

14” contractor style bag

More involved projects requiring more power and longer battery life
Makita XT333X1 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Combo Kit (4.0Ah) (2.0Ah)4.0 Ah

2.0 Ah

7 Pieces

½ inch hammer drill

1 variable speed impact driver

1 6.5 inch circular saw

1 4.0 Ah battery

1 2.0 Ah battery

1 smart battery charger

1 Contractor style carry bag

The homeowner or contractor who needs to handle woodcutting chores
Makita XT328M 4.0 Ah 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Combo Kit2 X 4.0 Ah7 Pieces

½ inch hammer drill

1 variable speed impact driver

1 reciprocating saw

2 4.0 Ah batteries

1 Smart battery charger

1 contractor style bag

Where cutting needs don’t fit a circular saw such as plumbing or rough-in work
Makita XT255R 18V LXT Lithium-Ion COMPACT Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit2 X 2.0 Ah6 Pieces

1 Drywall screwdriver

1 cutout tool

2 2.0 Ah batteries

1 smart battery charger

1 14” contractor style bag

Drywall Contractors and home remodelers

Often, purchasers of cordless power tool kits end up with extra tools they never use. The most economical use of your money dictates that you buy only the tools you need regularly and skip the parts that don’t contribute to your job completion. We discuss this concept more as we look at each of these Makita combo kits in depth.

1. Best Entry Level Combo Kit – Makita CT225SYX 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit

The two most common chores accomplished with a cordless power tool are drilling holes and driving screws for most homeowners. The Makita CT225SYX kit is designed expressly for this market. This kit includes features that most homeowners and do-it-yourselfers will appreciate.

Features and Specifications

Just because this is an entry-level set of cordless power tools, don’t expect less than the full lineup of Makita power tool features. You will find that even the entry-level combo kits are feature-rich.

  • One-half inch driver/drill features 2 speeds (0 – 600 and 0-1,900 RPM)
  • The drill/driver delivers 490 in. lbs. of torque
  • Both cordless tools in this kit are compact and lightweight for easy and fatigue-free use
  • The impact driver runs at two speeds (0 – 2,900 RPM and 0-3,500 RPM)
  • Torque on the impact driver maxes at 1,460 inch pounds

What’s in This Combo Kit

The Makita CT225SYX combo kit includes everything you need to get started drilling and driving except for bits. When you open the box, you will find:

  • One-half inch driver/drill
  • Impact driver
  • Two 18 volts 1.5 Ah batteries
  • A Makita smart battery charger
  • This kit includes a convenient soft carry case to protect and transport your new Makita power tools.

The soft carry case is also convenient for storing your drill bits and driver accessories sold separately. Pairing your new Makita cordless power tools with Makita drill bits and drivers ensures the best performance from both.

Where We Think This Kit Fits Best

The Makita CT225SYX combo kit is our choice for an entry-level cordless tool kit. This kit answers the needs of most homeowner needs. Also, this combo kit provides several more things we believe are important.

  • The drill/driver and impact driver in this kit will perform the jobs most homeowners face regularly
  • The 1.5 Ah batteries are reasonably lightweight and easy to manage.
  • The compact size of this drill and impact driver set is convenient and efficient for most drilling and driving jobs.

2. Best Level Upgrade – Makita XT268T 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit

Dedicated home improvement types may find that the entry-level kit we have chosen a little short on power and duration. Stepping up to the Makita XT268T combo kit gets you more power and more features. Longer battery life and a hammer drill are certainly upgrades that will enhance your shop or job site.

Features and Specifications

As you would expect from an upgraded entry-level cordless power tool kit, you get more features and enhanced operations. Makita has anticipated that more power may be a need and the improved functions of a hammer drill.

  • Efficient brushless motors with electronic controls for longer battery life and run time
  • Cooler running motors operate more efficiently and last longer
  • The included Rapid Optimum Charger keeps these 5.0 Ah batteries in top condition with its intelligent recharge control.

What’s in this Combo Kit?

If your jobs and projects are bigger and require more power, the Makita XT268T combo kit provides the answers. A hammer drill gives you more options and greater versatility, while the three-speed impact driver can tackle bigger jobs.

  • This kit includes a 2-speed one-half-inch hammer driver/drill that runs at 0 – 550 RPM or 0 – 2,100 RPM and delivers 1,090 in. Lbs. of torque
  • The 3-speed impact driver delivering 1,550 in. Lbs. of torque runs at from 0 to a maximum of 3,600 RPM’s
  • You can store your tools and accessories in the included 14-inch contractor-style tool bag.

Where We Think This Kit Fits Best

This Makita combo kit is a great choice for homeowners whose home improvement projects are a step above the average weekend repair projects. This kit also has the durability and the performance to fill the needs of professionals in the trades. We like these features of this kit:

  • 0 Ah batteries deliver more power for longer times
  • A hammer drill is a more versatile tool in many instances, especially if you need to drill holes in masonry or concrete.
  • The brushless motors used by Makita ensure smooth operation and cooler running for longer tool life.

3. Best Combo Kit for Expanded Projects – Makita XT333X1 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3-Pc. Combo Kit

If you are a woodworker or carpenter, you understand the need for a circular saw in your tool kit. Circular saws are handy for framing, general cutting and ripping chores, and doing some trim work. Adding a circular saw to your Makita combo kit makes sense in many ways for woodworkers and carpenters.

Features and Options

Functionality is the key issue in choosing any cordless power tool combo kit. Many homeowners and professionals alike run into the need to do some carpentry work that requires a circular saw. Having a matching battery-driven circular saw in your kit that has these additional features makes sense.

  • Each of these Makita power tools includes Extreme Protection Technology (XPT™) for improved dust and water resistance
  • Smart technology protects these tools against overloading, over-discharging, and over-heating
  • Fast recharge system can recharge a 4.0 Ah battery in 40 minutes or less.
  • The circular saw weighs only 7.3 lbs. with the battery installed for easy and fatigue-free use.

What’s in this Combo Kit?

Makita recognizes that some homeowners and professional tradesmen need to cut as well as drill and drive fasteners on the job. This combo kit from Makita fills those needs in top fashion with the Makita 6-1/2 inch circular saw.

  • The Makita 18-volt one-half inch driver/drill operates at two speeds offering 0 – 2,000 RPM of effective service.
  • A variable speed impact driver delivers 0 – 3,600 RPM and 1,500 in. Lbs. of torque for your fastening jobs.
  • The 6.5-inch circular saw will handle most cross-cut and rip chores on the job site.
  • The included 4.0 Ah, and 2.0 Ah batteries provide a mix of lightweight and long battery life depending on the needs of the job
  • Makita’s patented smart charger protects your batteries with proven battery charging technology
  • You can keep all your cordless power tools in the handy contractor-style bag along with the accessories you purchase separately.

Where We Think this Kit Fits Best

If you are a home improvement type or a professional who occasionally cuts wood, the Makita XT333X1 combo kit is the choice. Either way, this kit offers things that fill every one of these needs. This kit gets our attention for several reasons.

  • The included circular saw adds more versatility and utility to the combo
  • The more powerful two-speed impact driver can handle bigger jobs
  • A hammer drill is always a useful tool to have available.
  • Having both a 2.0 Ah and 4.0 Ah battery offers flexibility

4. Best Alternative Cutting Combo Kit – Makita XT328M 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3-Piece Combo Kit

Many jobs have cutting needs, but a circular saw doesn’t fit the bill. If you are doing rough-in work, plumbing, or any other project requiring specialized cutting, a reciprocating saw is the answer. The Makita XT328M cordless combo kit is a perfect match for these requirements.

Features and Options

A reciprocating saw is a great utility cutting tool that makes many jobs easier and faster. From demolition jobs to cutting pipe, a reciprocating saw is a great addition to a cordless tool kit. This Makita combo tool kit comes with features that many homeowners and professionals find useful.

  • A refined crank system in the reciprocating saw helps eliminate blade deflection.
  • Reduced vibration from the action of the saw makes for cleaner and more precise cuts
  • The 4.0 Ah batteries have an onboard LED charge level indicator
  • The intelligent, quick charger can recharge the 4.0 Ah batteries in less than 30 minutes, keeping you on the job and productive.

What’s in this Combo Kit?

What you get with the Makita XT328M combo tool kit is exactly what you expect from Makita. You get high-quality tools, superb customer service, and no extraneous options that don’t contribute to your job.

  • One brushless ½ inch hammer drill featuring two variable speed settings
  • One Impact driver with variable speed and two-speed settings
  • One two speed Makita reciprocating saw featuring a 1-1/4-inch stroke
  • Two 4.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries
  • One Makita smart charger
  • One contractor style tool bag

Where We Think this Kit Fits Best

Plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians will find this Makita combo kit invaluable on the job site. If you do demolition work, the addition of a reciprocating saw to your kit is a no-brainer. Even homeowners will find uses for a reciprocating saw. The other reasons this kit makes out list include:

  • Two 4.0 Ah batteries keep your tools running without taking a break to recharge
  • The cordless reciprocating saw is handy when working in tight spaces
  • Reciprocating saws fill the bill if specialty cuts are made, such as metal, piping, or sheet metal.

5. Best Specialty Combo Tool Kit – Makita XT255R 18V LXT Lithium-Ion COMPACT Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit

Makita doesn’t forget those do it yourself-ers and professionals who need specialized tools for specialized jobs. The Makita XT255R combo cordless tool kit aims at the drywall and remodelers in the workplace. These tools make hanging drywall a breeze.

Features and Options

Specialized tools are the stock in trade of many professional contractors. Having the right tool for the job can shorten the job time, eliminate effort, and create a more professional finish. The features of the Makita XT255R combo tool kit perform these functions flawlessly.

  • The drywall screwdriver features a Lock-on button for continuous use
  • This battery-powered drywall screwdriver weighs 3.2 Lbs. with the battery installed for less fatigue.
  • The Makita cutout tool operates at 30,000 RPM for clean, precise cuts in drywall
  • An onboard bit change feature eliminates needing a wrench when changing bits

What’s in this Combo Kit?

Professional drywall installers will find everything they need in this kit to speed up their workflow on the job. Homeowners facing putting up drywall during a remodel will find the job much easier and simpler with this combo kit.

  • One brushless LXT 4,000 RPM drywall screwdriver with push technology for perfect drywall screw sets every time.
  • One LXT cutout tool with quick-change technology for making fast and precise wallboard cutouts
  • Two 2.0 Ah Lithium-ion batteries for lighter weight to reduce fatigue
  • One Makita Rapid Optimum battery charger
  • A 14” contractor-style carry bag.

Where We Think this Kit Fits Best

Dedicated professional drywallers will appreciate the versatility and power of this tool kit. Homeowners who remodel can benefit from the ease of use and professional results the tools in this kit afford. We think these features make this a choice part of our list.

  • The Makita drywall screwdriver is efficient and effective in producing perfect drywall screw sets time after time
  • Using a cordless cutout tool reduces fatigue and is more efficient on the Jobsite than corded tools
  • Makita’s decision to include 2.0 Ah batteries is a great one. The small batteries are lighter for less fatigue in use but still give great run time between charges.

What’s NOT in our Selected Combo Tool Kits from Makita

Makita offers a broad assortment of combo cordless tool kits. If you are familiar with many of these kits, you may notice some obvious things about the kits we have on our list. We have chosen kits that don’t come with what we consider extra tools and accessories. Our experience is that many of these extra tools and accessories end up gathering dust in the shop. Some of the tools included in other kits that we feel or unnecessary include:

  • Portable shop vacuum.
  • Flashlight
  • Radio
  • Air blower
  • Hanging work light

Some of these accessories have legitimate uses and are great products. However, our experience tells us that these items are seldom used and do nothing but add cost to the combo kit and weight to the carry bag. If you find a need for one of these items, they are all sold separately and are available to add to your combo tool kit later.

Making Your Tool Kit Yours

Understanding the needs of your job or project is the key to finding the best Makita combo tool kit. The danger in buying any combo tool kit is the fascination with all the tools and the tendency to buy things you don’t need. Purchasing only the tools that will get used allows you to buy the best tool for the job and put your money to the best use.

We hope that this review of our picks for the best Makita combo tool kits helps you make your selection. Buying the best tool you can is no guarantee that your project or job will be successful, but it will ensure that you do the job quicker, easier, and more professionally.

Dennis Howard
Dennis Howard

Dennis is a retired firefighter with an extensive background in construction, home improvement, and remodeling. He worked in the trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter. On his retirement, he started a remodeling and home repair business, which he ran for several years.

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