The Woodworker & Woodturner – September 2019

http://www.getwoodworking.com September 2019 The Woodworker & Good Woodworking 17

and allows you to still fit a hammer alongside
it. The quick-release bit holder is essential when
switching bits for multiple tasks, and the lock-in
system aids with gripping drill bits and ensures
they never fall loose. Another addition that really
impressed me is the brushless motor. When a
drill comes into contact with a lot of dust, it can
often break down, but the DTD170Z’s brushless
motor seemed to survive the dusty environments
I was working in and still performed at a high level.

Conclusion
As competitors go, there are a few other brands
bringing out similar products. Previously, I used
a competitor’s model, which was slightly cheaper,
but in terms of performance, I have to admit that
it doesn’t match the Makita. Battery life wasn’t
as impressive and the price difference isn’t too
significant, either. Personally, I think it’s worth
spending extra in order to get a longer lasting
and higher performing tool. In my experience,
I’ve found that most impact drivers give up the
ghost after the motor burns out, as they get filled
with dust, eventually overheat and/or run out of

Inserting a standard screw into MDF

Close-up showing the quick-release mechanism

DTD170Z speed options range

The side holster makes carrying the driver around

site all day really easy

Impact driver clipped onto pouch

Worklight on, in freestanding mode

power, but with the brushless option, this feature

becomes a lot more reliable. The Makita feels a lot

smoother in use, making for a more comfortable

machine, especially if used daily.

In conclusion, the DTD170Z has very few faults:

it’s powerful, durable and includes a variety of

features that really make it stand out. Makita

have produced a top-of-the-range tool with a

perfect-sized body, which packs a huge amount

of power. It’s affordable, and fits perfectly into

an existing Makita setup. I look forward to seeing

what they come up with next and whether this

power tool giant can top what is certainly a fierce

impact driver.

SPECIFICATION

Machine screw: M4-M

Standard bolt: M5-M

High tensile bolt: M5-M

Max fastening torque: 175Nm

Impacts per minute: Hi – 0-3,800ipm;

Med – 0-2,600ipm; Lo – 0-1,100ipm

No load speed: Hi – 0-3,600rpm;

Med – 0-2,100rpm; Lo – 0-1,100rpm

Overall dimensions: 117mm

Weight: 1.2kg

Voltage: 18V

Typical price: £349.99 – kit includes 2 × 5.0Ah

batteries, charger and Makpac case

Web: http://www.makitauk.com

THE VERDICT

PROS

(^) Affordable; comfortable; powerful;
excellent features; long lasting battery life
CONS
(^) No magnetic bit holder; difficult to
compare to competitors
RATING: 4.5 out of 5