In partnership with The Home Depot.
Every year, the Pro Tool Innovation Awards recognize the most creative and visionary tools in the industry. This year, dozens of tools were recognized across 15 different categories—many from brands you probably use on the job. We already covered award-winning products from Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Ryobi, and now it’s time to talk about the Makita winners!
In total, Makita took home seven Pro Tool Innovation awards. Many of these are available at The Home Depot, letting you shop at your local store or stock up online. We’re going over all of the Makita PTIA-winning tools you can find at Depot to explore what makes them stand out in the market.
WINNER: Cordless Finish Nailers
Makita 18V LXT Brushless 2-inch 18 ga. Brad Nailer
There’s quite a bit about the XNB04 Brad Nailer that is truly impressive, and it goes beyond a simple featureset update. For starters, it delivers up to double the firing speed of its predecessor (the XNB01). It also weighs over 1.5 pounds less than the previous-gen tool, with a working weight of just 6.1 pounds. It accommodates 18-gauge nails from 9/16-inch to 2 inches, with a 110-nail magazine and tool-free depth adjustments for ease of use.
If you’ve been working with pneumatic tools and you’re ready to ditch the hose without sacrificing performance, Makita makes a strong case with the innovative XNB04 brad nailer.
Price: $369 (bare tool)
WINNER: Rebar Tying Tool
Makita 40V max XGT Brushless 16 Gauge Rebar Tying Tool
The Makita GRT01 is the industry’s first 40V cordless rebar tying tool, which earns it an innovative nod. Despite being a larger unit than the 18V LXT rebar tying tool, Makita gave it a very ergonomic design, shifting some weight from the top to the front for a more balanced experience.
It also brings an upgrade on the performance side, with up to 65% stronger ties and better tying consistency across a variety of rebar sizes. It can tackle anything from wire mesh up to #9 rebar, with six different tie strength settings to match different tension strength requirements. It’s also efficient, giving you up to 3600 ties per charge using a 2.5Ah battery for all-day runtime.
Price: $3,015 (bare tool)
WINNER: Right Angle Impact Wrenches
Makita 18V LXT Brushless 3/8-inch Sq. Drive Angle Impact Wrench
The real innovation with the Makita 18V XLT03 Angle Impact Wrench is its power-to-size ratio. It generates up to 250 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 390 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque with a working weight of just 4 pounds. It features three power modes, with speeds of up to 3200 RPM and an impact rate of 4000 IPM at the top end. An Auto-Stop mode in both forward and reverse helps you prevent over-tightening and maintain control over your fasteners.
As a right-angle tool, it also provides access to tight spaces, such as the ones you find under vehicles, in engine bays, and in a variety of industrial applications where a cordless ratchet doesn’t deliver enough power.
Price: $279 (bare tool)
WINNER: Driver Bits
Makita Impact XPS Mag Boost
While impact-rated power bits are more durable than many standard insert bits, they often lack a strong magnet to adhere your screw to the end of the bit, leading to dropped screws and jobsite frustration. Makita may have solved this problem once and for all with the Impact XPS Mag Boost accessory.
Essentially, it’s a sleeve that contains two rare-earth magnets, offering up to 10 times more fastening-holding strength than standard power bits. The design is simple, and features a universal fit that slips over your existing bit in seconds.
Price: $5.47
Other Makita PTIA Winners
- Winner: Grinders
Makita 40V max XGT Brushless 5-inch Paddle Switch Flathead Grinder - Winner: Portable Work Lights
Makita 18V/40V Cordless Tower Work/Multi‑Directional Light - Winner: Power Head/Motor
Makita 40V max XGT Motor Unit
