[Review] The Essential Weapon for Electricians! A Complete Guide to All 10 Makita TD Series Impact Driver Models.

マキタ TD002GZ 充電式インパクトドライバ

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Hey, it’s Mena, licensed electrician.

Honestly, when it comes to impact drivers, the 18V class from any major brand is now at a level where they’re all usable. But Makita’s TD series has established itself as “the tool electricians choose,” and the frequency you see it on job sites is just on a different level.

This time, I’ll give a thorough breakdown from an electrician’s perspective of all 10 current Makita TD Series impact driver models as of 2026. After reading this article, you’ll be able to choose the right model without any hesitation.

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What Is the Makita TD Series?

The TD series is the main line of Makita’s cordless impact drivers. “T” stands for trigger-type, “D” stands for driver, and it’s a product line designed for professionals.

It’s broadly divided into 4 lines by battery voltage. 40Vmax (TD002G series) has overwhelming power, 18V (TD173D/TD172D series) is the professional standard, 14.4V (TD162D series) is slim-specialized, and 10.8V/12Vmax (TD022D series) is pen-type and specialized for fine screw work by electricians.

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Makita’s impact drivers have an overwhelming market share on job sites. Being able to share batteries with fellow electricians is also a big advantage.

All TD Series Model Breakdown (10 Models)

I’ll give a thorough breakdown of each model’s features from an electrician’s job-site perspective. I’ll evaluate both from the spec sheet and actual feel of use.

TD002GZ — 40Vmax

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With 40Vmax’s maximum output, bolts and metal plates are driven home in one shot. This is the pinnacle of Makita.

Battery Voltage40Vmax
Maximum Fastening Torque220N·m
Impacts per Minute4,600/min
Body Weight1,650g (body only)

The TD002GZ is the flagship impact driver of Makita’s 40Vmax series. With an overwhelming maximum fastening torque of 220N·m, thick screws and metal bolts on electrical job sites are tightened in one shot.

Makita TD002GZ Cordless Impact Driver

Equipped with a brushless motor for excellent battery life. Delivers effortless performance even in continuous work situations. Some models also support Bluetooth connectivity with smartphones.

The 40Vmax battery is big, making the body weight a bit heavy at 1,650g. But rather than overhead ceiling work at heights, it’s better suited for heavy-duty tightening and long-duration operation at ground level. If you want serious power, this is definitely the one.


TD001GZ — 40Vmax

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The first-generation 40Vmax model. It’s now considered previous-gen since the TD002G came out, but the power is real.

Battery Voltage40Vmax
Maximum Fastening Torque220N·m
Impacts per Minute4,200/min
Body Weight1,800g (body only)

The TD001GZ is the first-generation impact driver in the Makita 40Vmax series. Now that the TD002G has appeared, it’s treated as previous-gen, but its actual capability of 220N·m maximum fastening torque is still very much alive.

Makita TD001GZ Cordless Impact Driver

There are opportunities to acquire it cheaply in the secondhand market or as clearance inventory, making it an attractive option for its performance-to-price ratio.

Makita TD001GZ Cordless Impact Driver

TD173DZ — 18V

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The current 18V flagship. This is the main weapon for electrical job sites. The all-around LED illumination is extremely helpful in dark locations.

Battery Voltage18V
Maximum Fastening Torque180N·m
Impacts per Minute3,800/min
Body Weight1,490g (body only)

The TD173DZ is the current 18V flagship released in 2023. With a maximum fastening torque of 180N·m, it’s top-class in the 18V category. As the main weapon used every day on electrical job sites, this is the one.

Makita TD173DZ Cordless Impact Driver

Equipped with an all-around ring-type LED at the head, which is helpful with a wide illumination range even in tight panel interiors and ceiling cavities. Work in dark job site areas becomes dramatically easier.

The 18V battery has high versatility across brands, making it easy to share batteries if you own multiple Makita products. It’s reliable as the standard tool for electricians.


TD172DZ — 18V

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The head is slim and excellent for corner driving. For work in tight boxes and corners, the TD172D wins out.

Battery Voltage18V
Maximum Fastening Torque180N·m
Impacts per Minute3,600/min
Body Weight1,300g (body only)

The TD172DZ is the previous generation model to the TD173D, and its characteristic is that the head section is shorter and more compact. With sufficient power at 180N·m maximum fastening torque while being easy to handle, it’s suited for tight spaces and corner driving work.

Makita TD172DZ Cordless Impact Driver

Currently on sale with prices becoming more reasonable, this is the one to target for electricians looking for an 18V model with a focus on cost performance. Two-battery sets are also easy to obtain.

Makita TD172DZ Cordless Impact Driver

TD171DZ — 18V

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The generation before the TD172D. If you can get it cheap in a clearance sale, it’s worth it.

Battery Voltage18V
Maximum Fastening Torque180N·m
Impacts per Minute3,800/min
Body Weight1,500g (body only)

The TD171DZ is an older model in the 18V line. While successor models TD172D and TD173D have come out, the actual performance of 180N·m is still sufficient at the job site level.

Makita TD171DZ Cordless Impact Driver

It sometimes remains on the market as used or clearance sale items, making it suitable for cases where you already have the battery and just want to add a body unit.

Makita TD171DZ Cordless Impact Driver

TD157DZ — 18V

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A compact 18V specialized for joinery and fine screw driving. The short head is great for corner work.

Battery Voltage18V
Maximum Fastening Torque170N·m
Impacts per Minute3,600/min
Body Weight1,300g (body only)

The TD157DZ is a compact 18V impact driver specialized for joinery and interior construction work. With maximum torque kept at 170N·m, the head is shortened and the design prioritizes workability in tight spaces.

Makita TD157DZ Cordless Impact Driver

Even for electricians, this compactness unexpectedly comes in handy for fine screw tightening work in ceiling cavities and inside electrical boxes. Rather than a main tool, it’s valuable to have as a secondary tool.

Makita TD157DZ Cordless Impact Driver

TD149DZ — 18V

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The 18V entry model released in 2015. If you’re looking for cost performance in the used market, it’s viable.

Battery Voltage18V
Maximum Fastening Torque165N·m
Impacts per Minute2,700/min
Body Weight1,300g (body only)

The TD149DZ is an older entry model in the 18V line. Compared to current models, it falls short in impacts per minute and output, but the basic impact driver functions work without issues.

Makita TD149DZ Cordless Impact Driver

The price in the used market is low, making it high cost performance for keeping one as a secondary tool at the job site. It’s sufficient for general screw tightening work in electrical construction.

Makita TD149DZ Cordless Impact Driver

TD162DZ — 14.4V

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The current 14.4V flagship. The 10.5-degree corner driving angle is the smallest in the industry, making work in tight spaces dramatically easier.

Battery Voltage14.4V
Maximum Fastening Torque175N·m
Impacts per Minute3,600/min
Body Weight1,300g (body only)

The TD162DZ is the current top model in the 14.4V series. With sufficient power at 175N·m maximum fastening torque, its greatest feature is the slim head with a 10.5-degree corner driving angle (among the smallest in the industry).

Makita TD162DZ Cordless Impact Driver

In electrical work, there’s a lot of screw driving inside conduit and wall corners, and this slim head is genuinely helpful. It’s the optimal choice for those continuing to use 14.4V batteries.

Makita TD162DZ Cordless Impact Driver

However, Makita itself is advancing the transition to 18V and 40Vmax, and the 14.4V line may be discontinued in the future. It’s good to choose with battery replacement also in mind.

Makita TD162DZ Cordless Impact Driver

TD161DZ — 14.4V

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14.4V older model. Previous generation to the TD162D — if you already have the battery, it’s worth searching for used.

Battery Voltage14.4V
Maximum Fastening Torque175N·m
Impacts per Minute3,600/min
Body Weight1,300g (body only)

The TD161DZ is the previous generation 14.4V model to the TD162D. Performance is roughly equivalent to the TD162D, but it’s slightly inferior in corner driving angle.

Makita TD161DZ Cordless Impact Driver

For those who already have 14.4V batteries and want to add a body-only unit, this becomes a candidate. As an older model, the price is often lower.

Makita TD161DZ Cordless Impact Driver

TD022DZ — 10.8V (12Vmax)

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Pen-type at only 570g — ultra-lightweight. For electricians’ fine screw and terminal block screw work, this is dramatically easier to use.

Battery Voltage10.8V (12Vmax)
Maximum Fastening Torque25N·m
Impacts per Minute2,800/min
Body Weight570g (body only)

The TD022DZ is an ultra-compact pen (pencil)-shaped impact driver. Body weight is only 570g, using a 10.8V (12Vmax) battery.

Makita TD022DZ Cordless Pen Impact Driver

It delivers tremendous effectiveness for terminal block screws that frequently appear in electrical work and fine screw tightening work inside distribution boards. The thin pen shape lets you grip it firmly with your fingers, enabling careful individual tightening.

Makita TD022DZ Cordless Pen Impact Driver

The power is modest at 25N·m, but it’s sufficient for fine screw applications. It’s a must-have as part of the essential set of electrical tools, paired with 18V and 40V larger units.

Makita TD022DZ Cordless Pen Impact Driver

Selection Guide: Recommendations by Use Case and Voltage

For those wondering “Which one should I actually buy?” — here’s a simple breakdown from an electrician’s perspective.

Recommendations by Voltage

40Vmax → TD002GZ: For professional electricians who want serious power. If weight doesn’t bother you, this is the higher-power choice.

18V → TD173DZ: The most versatile model as the job-site standard. This is definitely the right pick for a balanced choice. If cost performance matters, the TD172DZ is also an option.

14.4V → TD162DZ: Specialized for applications requiring the ultra-slim head for corner work. For those who already have 14.4V batteries.

10.8V/12Vmax → TD022DZ: A must-have as a secondary tool for terminal blocks and fine screws. Lightweight and easy to carry.

Recommendations by Use Case

Electrician (main line work, panel work) → Best setup is TD173DZ as main + TD022DZ as secondary — a two-driver system.

Electrician (interior work, fine screw-centered) → The slim models TD157DZ or TD172DZ are easier to use.

Cost performance-focused → Target a TD172DZ (clearance set) or used TD171DZ.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between the TD series and TW series?

The TD is an impact driver (rotation + impact for screw driving), while the TW is an impact wrench (primarily for bolt tightening). On electrical job sites, the TD series is the main one, and for construction with a lot of bolts, the TW series is also used.

What’s the actual difference between Makita and other brands’ impact drivers on job sites?

HiKOKI and Panasonic are also excellent, but Makita has an overwhelming market share on electrical job sites. Many job sites choose it for the ability to share batteries with other workers, ease of obtaining repair parts, and the number of sales outlets.

How should you maintain a cordless impact driver?

The basics after use are to remove the bit and blow out debris and cutting dust. Also clean the switch area and battery terminals regularly. Avoid strong impacts and submersion, and store away from direct sunlight, high temperature, and high humidity.

Can a 40Vmax battery replace AC power?

An impact driver alone can’t, but Makita’s 40Vmax batteries, combined with chargers and power adapters, can partially substitute for AC devices on job sites. Situations where they can be used in combination with inverter devices are increasing.

Also Read

Makita 40Vmax Lineup Guide / Battery Charger Comparison Guide / Lithium-Ion Battery Storage and Life Extension Guide

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