Quick verdict
Both solve the composite problem differently: DeWalt starts slowly, Makita slows before the seat. The DeWalt has more torque and the Makita has more speeds and often a lower price. Buy by platform; starting fresh, the DeWalt is the stronger tool and the Makita the finer one.
DeWalt DCF860 20V MAX XR Impact Driver
The DCF860 is the current DeWalt XR impact driver: brushless, three modes plus precision drive, strong torque and a compact body. It drives decks and lags and runs every 20V MAX pack.
DeWalt DCF860 XR impact driver versus Makita XDT19Z four-speed impact driver: torque, precision drive, Quick-Shift control, size, price and yard platform compared from published specifications.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score /100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCF860 20V MAX XR Impact Driver | Best Torque With a Slow Start | 9.0 | Check price |
| Makita XDT19Z 18V LXT 4-Speed Impact Driver | Best Fine Control at a Discount | 8.9 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
DeWalt DCF860 20V MAX XR Impact Driver
The DCF860 is the current DeWalt XR impact driver: brushless, three modes plus precision drive, strong torque and a compact body. It drives decks and lags and runs every 20V MAX pack.
Reasons to buy
- More torque than the Makita
- Precision drive
- Compact XR body
- Current model
Reasons to avoid
- Fewer speed settings
- Full price
- No Quick-Shift equivalent
Makita XDT19Z 18V LXT 4-Speed Impact Driver
The XDT19Z is the Makita four-speed LXT impact driver with 1,590 inch-pounds, Quick-Shift and assist modes and an LED ring. It gives fine control on composite and runs the broadest 18V yard platform, often at a discount now that the XDT20Z has arrived.
Reasons to buy
- Four speeds with Quick-Shift and assist
- Often discounted
- LXT yard platform
- Fine control
Reasons to avoid
- Less torque
- Rear mode buttons
- Previous model
Where these two differ
The DeWalt DCF860 has more torque and a precision drive mode that starts screws slowly. The Makita XDT19Z has four speeds, a Quick-Shift mode that slows before the screw seats and an assist mode for starting. Both are brushless quarter-inch hex impacts that drive a deck; the DeWalt is the stronger tool and the Makita the one with more settings.
This comparison is based on the published specifications and manuals for both tools and on recurring owner feedback. We have not run either driver ourselves.
| Specification | DCF860 | XDT19Z |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | DeWalt 20V MAX | Makita 18V LXT |
| Torque | High per DeWalt | 1,590 in-lbs |
| Modes | 3 plus precision drive | 4 speeds, Quick-Shift, assist |
| Length | Compact | Compact |
| Status | Current | Previous, discounted |
| Price | Full | Often reduced |
Torque
The DeWalt has more reserve on long lags and keeps speed where the Makita slows a little. Deck screws and hardware are easy for both.
Control
Two answers to the same problem. DeWalt precision drive ramps from a slow start so the bit stays in the screw and the head does not overdrive. Makita assist starts gently and Quick-Shift drops speed and impact just before the seat. On composite both produce flush heads; the Makita gives more intermediate speeds for odd fasteners.
Bits and accessories
Both take quarter-inch hex bits in one-handed chucks. Impact-rated torsion bits suit both; Makita Quick-Shift relies on a snug bit fit to sense the seat.
Yard jobs this decides
A pergola with long lags favors the DeWalt. A composite deck is a draw. A fence with mixed hardware favors the Makita speeds. The platform decides the mower; LXT has the broadest range and DeWalt covers the main tools.
Noise and vibration
Both are loud hammer-and-anvil impacts and both keep time under impact short with their slow modes. Hearing protection suits both on a full deck.
Batteries and runtime
Both last a deck on a mid-size pack and share packs with their yard tools.
Setup tips
On the DeWalt, precision drive for composite and small screws, mode three for lags. On the Makita, speed two with Quick-Shift for composite, speed four for lags and assist mode for hardware. Both want impact-rated torsion bits and a magnetic sleeve for long deck screws.
Fence and deck hardware
Joist hangers, post bases and gate hinges are short structural screws that both tools drive without effort. The DeWalt precision drive and the Makita assist mode both stop the first turn skating on a galvanized bracket. For fifty hangers in a row, either on a compact pack is comfortable.
Weight and balance
Both balance on a compact pack and both are comfortable overhead. The Makita LED ring lights the fastener without shadow; the DeWalt LED does the same from the foot of the tool.
Common owner complaints
DCF860 owners mention a tight bit holder when new. XDT19Z owners mention rear mode buttons that get bumped. Both are reliable.
Which one should you buy
Buy the DCF860 on DeWalt or for maximum torque with a slow start. Buy the XDT19Z on LXT, or at a discount for fine control at a low price.
Our verdict
The DeWalt DCF860 edges this comparison on torque with a precision mode. The Makita XDT19Z at a discount is the finer control tool and excellent value.
How we research
This comparison is built from the published specifications, manuals and warranty terms of both products and from recurring owner feedback. We have not run either product ourselves; where the makers do not publish a figure we say so rather than guess.
What to look for
Torque
The DeWalt has more reserve for lags.
Control
The Makita has four speeds, Quick-Shift and assist.
Price
The XDT19Z is often discounted.
Platform
DeWalt 20V or LXT decides for most.
Our verdict
Both solve the composite problem differently: DeWalt starts slowly, Makita slows before the seat. The DeWalt has more torque and the Makita has more speeds and often a lower price. Buy by platform; starting fresh, the DeWalt is the stronger tool and the Makita the finer one.
FAQs
Both do; DeWalt precision drive starts slowly, Makita Quick-Shift slows before the seat. Owners rate both highly.
The DeWalt by DeWalt rating. Both sink structural lags.
It has been joined by the XDT20Z and is often discounted.
Makita LXT, though DeWalt 20V and FlexVolt cover the main ones.
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