Multi-tools are made for a reason – they cut and sand items without being too bulky in your hand and they will allow you to conveniently switch between speeds. An example of such a multi-tool is the Makita XMT03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Multi-Tool.
Do you want to find out more about this cordless oscillating tool and what to expect from it? Let’s find out more in this review, such as details on its features, pros, and cons.
Makita XMT03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Multi-Tool
As an oscillating tool, it boasts many handy usability features for single-handed operation while still ensuring safety in your work area. It will work on a majority of materials, such as wood and PVC projects.
Specifications
This oscillating tool has a variable speed control dial like most similar models, allowing you to switch between values of 6,000 and 20,000 OPM. This way, you’ll have a specific match to your material in question and without wearing down the motor (if you’re only using it for soft workpieces).
Additionally, this cordless unit is powered by an 18V LXT lithium-ion battery, which has no memory effect. It also has a 3.2-degree oscillation angle to speed up sanding and cutting, as well as reaching into difficult spaces.
Due to its small diameter barrel grip of only 2-3/7 inches, it’s comfortable during multiple hours of operation, resulting in a better experience and output for your project. Weighing 4.9 pounds with the battery, it has about an average weight for a typical multi-tool.
Quality
The lithium-ion powered multi-tool is backed by a 1-year warranty from Makita, which allows you to send it to any of their service centers for repair or replacement when possible or qualified.
With that in mind, Makita doesn’t compromise on the quality of their tool. For instance, it has a soft start feature that prolongs the lifespan of the unit and the motor, ensuring a smooth transition of power.
In addition to that, because this unit is Star Protection Computer Controls (as with all those machines that are part of the LXT family), it has protection against overheating, over-discharging, and overloading. This helps the battery and the unit last longer.
Another superb durability feature is the battery capacity warning system. Because of this warning device, you don’t have much of a risk of totally draining the unit of its battery, resulting in a longer lifespan for the battery, motor, and tool.
Usability
In terms of usability, there is a large on/off slide switch that is equipped with a lock button. This adds peace of mind to the operator especially when you are very focused on a task and the last that you want to think about is handling the tool. It prevents accidental bumping when you’re focused at work or when you’re handling or transporting the tool to another area in the jobsite (or garage).
Another plus point is the small barrel grip, which allows easy holding with little fatigue. Due to its good oscillation angle, it will have better aggression in either sanding or cutting, which both speeds up and simplifies operation of the multi-tool.
Since the unit already comes with various adapters to fit most accessories from other brands, it will be ready to use right out of the box. Another plus point that I like is the battery capacity warning system that alerts you when you need to recharge.
Should You Buy the Makita XMT03Z Oscillating Tool?
The Makita XMT03Z will appeal to you if you’re looking for a well-rounded oscillating tool that has a wide variety of adapters to choose from.
It also has a lot of usability features, such as a switch lock, a small barrel grip, and a battery life indicator, which all help to ease your worries when working on a task. This is ideal for people who work with small to medium-scale projects, whether at home, in a garage, or on a jobsite.
If you are still unsure about your decision, go through the below list of the pros and cons of the tool.
Pros of the Product
Let’s start with the positives.
It has a battery warning system.
The battery warning system is a solid plus point, because it will not only let you know when to charge but it will also save the battery lifespan in the long run. One of the most common causes of battery failure is when it drains it too much or charges when it’s already at full power.
Having a battery meter means that you’ll have the opportunity to plan your next project and how long you have to use the tool. This battery meter will save you big bucks in the long run because it reduces the likelihood of throwing away batteries due to a poor charging schedule.
It has a high oscillation angle.
This high angle not only allows you to aggressively cut or sand better than those with lower angles, but it will also help you to work on areas that are usually too difficult for other multi-tools to reach.
There’s a lock button for the slide switch.
No one likes to accidentally slide the switch when not needed – you can lock it up with this feature and keep your work area stress-free.
It comes with various adapters.
The adapters allow you to put many different attachments to your oscillating tool – even those from other brands!
Cons of the Makita XMT03Z
Even though the Makita XMT03Z is a great tool, there are a few cons worth noting as well.
The multi-tool doesn’t come with an LED light.
I would’ve liked it if this oscillating tool did come with an LED light, which would have been useful in dimly-lit areas.
The unit is not that lightweight.
Weighing 4 pounds, it’s not exactly the lightest oscillating tool out there.
What Are the Alternatives to the Makita XMT03Z?
If the Makita XMT03Z simply isn’t your cup of tea, here are some other oscillating tools that are worth looking into:
The Metabo HPT CV18DBLQ5M is an alternative that has an LED light. With five speeds to choose from, this multi-tool has a tool-less blade changing system, a convenient and flexible pick. It even has an automatic speed adjustment that does the guesswork for you.
Yet another ergonomic choice is the Porter-Cable PCC710LA, which has a three-position grip that allows better comfort while working on your project. Also equipped with an LED light, the only (slight) letdown is that this multi-tool has a lower oscillating angle of 2.8 degrees.
If you want durability, the Milwaukee 2626-20 is a great pick due to its all-metal gearcase. It is also convenient with a tool-less blade changing system and LED light for dim garages and jobsites. What’s unique about this oscillating tool is the choice of twelve speeds.
Summary
To wrap it up, the Makita XMT03Z is a great choice for people who want an oscillating tool for various tasks. Due to its wide adaptability and battery warning system, it is going to be dependable for small to medium-sized jobs. Although I still wish it had an LED light, the battery meter is a good alternative feature.