There’s a New Makita High Torque Impact Driver

Makita has launched a new XGT 40V Max cordless impact driver, model GDT04, which they describe as a high torque 4-speed model.

Makita USA says that the new XGT impact driver “truly combines power and precision.”

The new Makita GDT04 can deliver up top 2,040 in-lbs of max torque, and features 4 speed (and torque) settings, plus a tightening mode (T) that helps prevent sheet metal screws from stripping.

Users will find the speed and mode selection controls at the base of the impact driver.

The new impact driver is fairly compact at 5-3/8″ long, and weighs 4lbs when powered with a 2.5Ah (5Ah 18V equivalent) battery.

I was intrigued by the appearance of the new Makita GDT04 impact driver. Take a closer look at the motor housing – do you see what I mean?

Here’s the new Makita GDT04 next to the GDT01, with both being XGT 40V Max impact drivers with brushless motors. The new GDT04 is not as compact, but beats the GDT01 (and also GDT02) impact with respect to maximum torque.

With impact drivers, the maximum torque comes from the rotational and impact speeds.

The GDT04 tops out at 2,040 in-lbs max torque, 3,900 RPM, and 3,900 IPM.

The GDT01 – Makita’s flagship XGT 40V Max cordless impact driver – tops out at 1,950 in-lbx max torque, 3,700 RPM, and 4,400 IPM.

Makita also has the GDT02, which delivers 1860 in-lbs max torque, has 4 speed settings plus a tightening mode, and measures 4-3/4″ long.

Although the GDT04 is a little longer (5-3/8″) than the GDT01 (4-3/4″), you gain power and speed. The GDT04 also lacks the auto-stop modes of the GDT01.

2,040 in-lbs vs 1,950 in-lbs doesn’t seem like a big difference, but I expect for the greater torque and higher speed capabilities to contribute to appreciably faster application speeds.

Glancing at the sales sheet, Makita says that this new model outpowers similar models in heavy load applications, which I trust, as the design and technical specifications support the same.

From the torque and speed specs I do expect the GDT04 to hold true to Makita’s claims.

It seems that Makita took their GWT04 1/2″ impact wrench, which delivers up to 260 ft-lbs (3,120 in-lbs), and tuned it for use with a 1/4″ hex screwdriver bit chuck.

Even though the new impact looks to have been given a significant power boost, you also still get the tightening mode (T) that helps prevent stripping when driving in smaller sheet metal screws.

And with the 4 speed modes, you can dial back the speed and power to as low as 1,200 RPM and 1,900 IPM.

Additional features include a reinforced gear housing for greater durability, and an LED worklight.

The new impact will be available in tool-only (GDT04Z) and kit (GDT04D) formats. The GDT04D kit is bundled with 2x 40V Max 2.5Ah batteries (18V 5Ah equivalent), a rapid charger, and tool bag.

Price: $234 for the bare tool, $499 for the kit

When talking about impact drivers and wrenches, the maximum power and application speeds in more demanding applications depend on not only the motor, but also the impact mechanism.

It will be interesting to see how well the new GDT04 performs against other impact drivers on the market today.