Makita XT297T 18V LXT Brushless 2-Piece Combo Kit (5.0Ah) review

The Makita XT297T is a two-tool 18V LXT kit built around the XPH14Z hammer driver-drill and a separate XDT20Z impact driver. Makita's exact U.S. page lists two BL1850B 5.0Ah batteries, a DC18RC rapid optimum charger and a tool bag as well. That makes this package a different proposition from buying the XPH14 drill by itself: the second machine and two larger packs are part of the decision, not incidental extras. This is a source-based assessment of the exact suffix, not a hands-on test or a statement about current retailer stock.

Two tools for different parts of the job

The XPH14Z is the drill-shaped tool in the kit. Its manual describes rotation-only drilling, screwdriving through the adjustable clutch, and hammer drilling. A two-speed transmission is listed at 0–550 and 0–2,100 rpm; the hammer mode reaches a stated 31,500 blows per minute. Makita publishes up to 1,250 in-lb of torque and a 21-setting screw clutch. Those are manufacturer specifications, not comparative measurements from our own test bench.

The XDT20Z is a distinct impact driver, not another hammer drill. Its four electronic speed selections and additional assist and tightening modes give a fastener-focused tool alongside the chuck drill. That division is useful when a project alternates between drilling holes and driving screws: a bit can stay in each machine rather than requiring constant chuck changes. The impact driver's high setting count does not expand the drill's rated material capacity, and it is not a substitute for the drill's hammer mode.

What the XPH14 numbers do—and do not—say

The XPH14 manual separates capacities by material and accessory: it lists up to 1/2 in for steel, 5/8 in for masonry, a 2-in wood auger bit, a 3-in self-feed bit and a 6-in hole saw. Treat these as the maker's application limits for the named bit types, not a promise that any bit at the same diameter is suitable. The all-metal 1/2-in self-ratcheting chuck describes the shank size it can accept; it does not mean the drill will make every 1/2-in hole in every material.

For masonry work, the manual's hammer-drilling instructions and bit guidance matter more than the headline torque figure. Use the appropriate carbide-tipped masonry bit, select the correct mode, and keep a controlled grip; binding, breakthrough or a bit meeting rebar can provoke a sudden reaction. If your actual job calls for a different drilling system or sustained concrete work, compare the task against the manual rather than assuming that the word “hammer” settles the fit.

Package and battery implications

XT297T arrives as an LXT battery-included package: two 5.0Ah BL1850B packs and a DC18RC charger are named on the exact kit page. Makita says the 5.0Ah battery can reach a full charge in 45 minutes or less on its specified charger. The XPH14 manual lists compatible battery cartridges and chargers separately; verify a pack by model and follow the manual instead of treating voltage alone as proof of compatibility. The included bag is not a rigid case.

The larger packs make the bundle more complete for a buyer starting an LXT setup, but they can be redundant if you already have compatible batteries and a charger. The package page also lists the XDT20Z, so a buyer who wants only a hammer drill should compare the standalone XPH14Z or the separate XPH14T drill kit. The tool-only XPH14Z avoids buying a battery kit, but it does not include the XT297T's XDT20 impact driver or the two-pack bundle.

Reach, carrying and unknowns

Makita gives the XPH14 a 7-in overall length and calls it more compact than the preceding model, but the sources reviewed here do not state a tool-head length. Overall length is not the clearance from the chuck to the user's hand or wall, so this kit cannot be certified for a strict short-head requirement. The page's 6.0-lb figure is with a battery; the manual gives a 5.1–6.0-lb range that varies with the battery cartridge and attachments. Neither number is bare-tool weight, and neither describes the full two-tool bag.

The exact XT297T written inclusion list does not separately itemize a side handle, even though one is visible in the kit photograph. I therefore do not treat the picture as proof that every depicted accessory is in the box. Confirm the exact model suffix, included drill and impact-driver IDs, pack count, charger and seller's contents list before checkout. The kit's basic XPH14 body specifications are documented; a new battery does not turn them into independent runtime or durability results.

Bottom line

XT297T is most relevant when you want both an LXT hammer driver-drill and a separate impact driver and value having two 5.0Ah packs and the charger in one identified package. Its drill has a documented 1/2-in chuck and hammer mode, but the package is larger than a drill-only purchase, and its 7-in overall length cannot answer a tool-head clearance question. Compare the XPH14Z tool-only assessment if you already own LXT power equipment. We did not independently measure torque, drill holes, compare runtime or check retailer prices or availability.

Sources checked: Makita XT297T product page, the linked XPH14 instruction manual and XDT20 instruction manual.