Makita Joins the Ranks of High-Torque Impact Drivers
Makita has three impact drivers in its 40V max XGT lineup: the GDT01, which appeared in our Best Impact Drivers list, the GDT02, which was released in 2023, and finally, the new Makita GDT04 impact driver, which promises the highest performance yet. How does the latest model compare to the other two tools in terms of power and design? I’ll take you through the details to help you decide if it’s time for an upgrade.
Makita GDT04 Impact Driver Performance
- Model: Makita GDT04
- Brushless Motor
- Max Torque: 2040 in-lbs
- Speed: 0-1200 – 3900 RPM
- Impact Rate: 0-1900 – 3900 IPM
- Variable Speed Trigger
- 4 Speed Settings
- Tightening Mode
The GDT04 is Makita’s most powerful impact driver. As the first high-torque model on the XGT platform, its brushless motor delivers torque levels of up to 2040 in-lbs. That’s 90 in-lbs more than the next most powerful 40V model, the GDT01.
Read:
Brushed vs Brushless Motors: What’s the Difference?
Like the other two Makita XGT impact drivers, the GDT04 features four speed modes:
- Mode 1: 0-1200 RPM; 0-1900 IPM
- Mode 2: 0-2100 RPM; 0-3100 IPM
- Mode 3: 0-3000 RPM; 0-3600 IPM
- Mode 4: 0-3900 RPM; 0-3900 IPM
While the impact rate is lower than we saw in the GDT01 and GDT02, that’s to be expected with the higher torque levels. However, each impact delivers more force compared to those models, offering more power for heavy-duty driving applications.
Like the other 40V Makita impact drivers, this model also features a Tightening Mode (T-Mode). This setting allows for faster drilling on self-drilling screws in thin-gauge metal and also prevents damage to the screw or workpiece from over-tightening.
Makita GDT04 Impact Driver Design
- Length: 5 3/8 inches
- Weight: 4 lbs (with battery)
- LED Work Light
Makita went with a familiar impact driver blueprint with the GDT04, though there are some design differences compared to previous models. Namely, size. This model is slightly heavier than Makita’s other XGT impact drivers.
While the brand only provides weight specs with the battery, this model weighs 4 pounds to the 3.7 pounds seen in the GDT01 and GDT02. An increase of 0.3 pounds isn’t a ton, but it’s worth mentioning for those after the most compact model.
It’s also more than half an inch longer, measuring 5 3/8 inches from tip to tail. Again, not a huge increase, but it makes a difference for Pros, like electricians, who routinely find themselves in tight work areas.
Finally, to round out the design section, Makita included an LED work light. Unlike the previous two models that featured dual lights on either side of the collet, the GDT04 has a single LED light under the collet. Makita claims this design reduces shadows and illuminates a larger area.
| Makita GDT04 (This model) | Makita GDT02 | Makita GDT01 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Torque: | 2040 in-lbs | 1860 in-lbs | 1950 in-lbs |
| Max Speed: | 3900 RPM | 3700 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Max Impact Rate: | 3900 IPM | 4100 IPM | 4400 IPM |
| Length: | 5-3/8 in | 4-3/4 in | 4-3/4 in |
| Weight: | 4 lbs | 3.7 lb | 3.7 lb |
| Price: | $499 (kit) | $449 (kit) | $499 (kit) |
Makita GDT04 Impact Driver Price
This impact driver retails for $234 as a bare tool, and the kit retails for $499, including two 40V 2.5Ah batteries, a charger, and a tool bag.
However, there’s a better deal if you want to upgrade. You can grab the 2-tool combo that includes the new high-torque GPH03 hammer drill, the GDT04 impact driver, a 4.0Ah battery, and a 2.5Ah battery, plus the charger and bag for $499. So, for the same price as the kit, you get Makita’s highest-performing hammer drill and a battery upgrade. That’s a no-brainer.
Makita backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.
Should You Buy It?
After three years, we finally get to see what Makita’s next-gen impact driver has to offer. It delivers higher torque levels than we’ve seen thus far from Makita, with the same features we expect from a Pro-grade model. I expect this tool to make an appearance in our next Best Cordless Impact Driver update when we get it in the shop for testing.
However, if you’re still on the fence, there are some considerations to ponder.
First, if you already have Makita’s last-gen 40V impact driver, you’re probably okay sticking with what you have, unless you want the absolute highest torque and speed available on this platform.
Second, this model has some trade-offs in the size department, being slightly heavier and longer than previous generations. If you prioritize a compact form factor but you’d like to stay on the XGT system, go with the GDT01.
Both the 01 and 04 are currently the same price, so it really is a matter of whether you want to prioritize higher torque or a more compact tool.
