15 Small But Highly Useful Makita Tools To Consider In 2026

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Known, loved, and coveted for its line-up of trade-ready tools, Makita's range covers equipment in all shapes and sizes. It manufacturers often-hefty, hard-wearing gear that's capable of withstanding the toughest site conditions. However, among its long line-up are some surprisingly small tools that continue to pack the renowned Makita punch. Of course, that's not to say that everything Makita makes is perfect. In fact, there are several Makita tools that are worth avoiding, but we're not here to talk about those.

Instead, we're talking about tools that not only read well on the spec sheet, but which are also favorably reviewed by those who've spent their hard-earned dollars to buy them. As proof, we've combed the virtual aisles of Home Depot to see which of Makita's most shelf-friendly tools are worth considering. Some prove why Makita remains a go-to DIY tool brand for trade professionals who value quality gear. There are tools from the brand's Sub-Compact range, which deliver 12-volt level handling with the power of 18-volt tools. And there are some pocket-friendly Makita picks that are worth considering, even if you're not currently looking for tools. Indeed, whether you're gearing up for a home renovation or are merely curious about just how good things in small packages can be, you're likely to find something to pique your interest below.

First up is Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6-inch Pruning Saw. Like other pruning saws of its kind, it's a useful in-between tool for jobs that are too hefty for pruners, but too small or awkward for a full-sized chainsaw. Indeed, it's built for use in tight spots, where Makita claims it can perform up to 140 cuts of 2-inch cedar equivalent.

You can use the tool one-handed (using the other to keep the cutting surface steady). It weighs 3.7 pounds, including the battery, which should help to reduce hand fatigue on longer cutting jobs. It also features a brushless motor, which helps provide extra power while also extending the product's lifeline, as opposed to brushed-motor equivalents. All in all, said one user, it's "Excellent for pruning, lightweight and versatile." They explained that it's not as powerful as they thought it might be, however, they conceded that it does the job well for a miniature saw. "It punches slightly above its capacity for such a small size."

For chunkier limbs and branches or cutting up fallen trees, a larger chainsaw is more useful than a miniature pruning saw. Makita makes them in various sizes, including its 18V LXT 10-inch Top Handle Chain Saw. It's still fairly small by full-sized standards, but that being the case, it's also more storage-savvy in space-starved garages.

It features a 10-inch bar and chain to handle mid-sized branches and logs, and pairs with an 18V battery and brushless motor to deliver power equivalent to a 22cc gas chain saw. It weighs 7.2 pounds, including the battery, which helps to alleviate strain on big jobs. Being battery operated, it's also much quieter than a regular saw, and since there's no pull cord or complicated gas engine, you needn't worry about your chainsaw not starting. "Very impressed with this little saw," said one buyer. "I'm a professional tree climber. I'll use this little saw for many pruning jobs and some of my small jobs without hesitation."

Whether your interest is in general woodworking or you're embarking on a remodel, a random orbit sander can be a useful tool to keep in your kit. It's one of the best tools to have on hand for a kitchen remodel, for example, helping to sand surfaces to a clean, smooth finish. At Home Depot, these are available from myriad reliable brands. But if you like Makita tools, its 3-Amp 5-inch Corded Variable Speed Random Orbital Sander may be of interest.

Since it's corded, you can use it as long as you need without changing out batteries. A variable speed of up to 12,000 OPM allows you to match the speed to the surface without damaging it — ideal for delicate kitchen cabinets and furniture. It also features a vacuum port, which, depending on the amount of sanding you have to do, can really help to cut down the mess. As for reviews, it sits comfortably on a 4.7 star overall rating. One user, who loves Makita tools for their quality, explained, "this sander is a great addition to my workshop." In the words of another, "I've always purchased Dewalt sanders, thought I would try this one and I'll never buy Dewalt again!"

Reciprocating saws can be surprisingly versatile power tools. They'll help with home demolitions, cutting through things like studs and drywall. They're handy for cutting down lengths of PVC pipe, and if you have stubborn, woody roots to remove from your yard, reciprocating saws can help in the garden, too. At 17-¼-inches long, this Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw from Makita's 18V LXT line is fairly compact. Weight wise, it clocks in at just over 8 pounds, including the battery.

It's designed with Makita's Extreme Protection Technology (XPT), which works to prevent dust and moisture from infiltrating the tool and damaging internal components. It runs in two modes, offering up to 3,000 strokes per minute, and according to most users, the power it delivers is impressive. As one buyer put it, "This is the most impressive recipro saw I have ever had in my life. I had a few before. Super powerful, superbly made, incredibly solid saw...Honestly I am more than impressed with this magnificent tool."

One of Makita's most budget-friendly tools for home DIY is its 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 18 LED Flashlight. With that being said, it does cost $92.88, which may seem steep for what is labeled as a "flashlight." However, it's designed for portability and increased usability when working in dark spaces. A hanging hook helps you benefit from the light hands-free, while a folding and rotating head makes it easier to optimize your lighting. It measures 15-¾-inches long when extended, however, that folding head makes it easy to store. As for light output, it delivers up to 500 lumens on the highest setting. On lower settings, it can run for up to 75 hours on a single charge — provided that you have a 6Ah battery to pair it with.

Now, if you feel like you've been burned before by Makita lights, one user suggests that a repeat is unlikely. In their own words, "No comparison to older Makita incandescent flashlight." They explained that it's very bright, and that the in-built hanging hook is also helpful. As another shopper said, "Great portable work light. Can adjust to almost any angle or situation needed to provide ample light where needed."

In more demanding lighting situations, Makita has a range of 40V tools that remain on the smaller size. As an example, its 40V Max XGT Cordless LED Lantern/Flashlight produces up to 710 lumens. It has various modes — including flashlight, 360 degrees, and 180 degrees — which allow you to either flood your space with light or direct it at a specific spot. The tool also has a USB port, which enables you to charge your devices, should you find yourself DIYing during a power outage or away from the main house.

This versatility curries favor among some of the reviewers. That's despite a $99 price tag, which buys the light but no battery. As one 5-star reviewer put it, "I really like the multiple-functionality of this lantern/flashlight." They added that, in spite of the steep entry fee, "these are quality products built to last."

Makita fans reading this guide may well wonder how we've gotten this far without including a tool from its Sub-Compact line. There are several forthcoming, but we'll start with its 18V LXT Sub-Compact Lithium-Ion Brushless ½-inch Variable Speed Driver Drill. It's sold at Home Depot for $189, which buys the tool, a battery, and charger. As for the tool itself, it's built for those who need a simple, reliable drill and who need to use it in tight spaces. It's only 5-⅞-inches long, and weighs 2.9 pounds with the battery.

Those specifications, in addition to a powerful brushless motor, are just some of the reasons that homeowners love this lightweight Makita drill. It's rated 4.6 stars overall, with one buyer describing it as "awesome." They added, "I have already used it several times for things around the house and I am so pleased with its performance and how well it is made." To quote another user, "This drill is very powerful and can get the job done...It is an all around great product at an incredible price."

Another one of Makita's most useful tools for small spaces is its 18V LXT Sub-Compact StarlockMax Multi-Tool. It's part of the Sub-Compact line, and like the previous drill, its scaled-down size makes it easier to use on longer sessions and in tight spaces. As for what it's for, it can handle various tasks across carpentry, plumbing, floor installation, and more. The business end of the tool oscillates in a short arc, and is compatible with various attachments, including blades, sanders, and more. These are easily changed, too, thanks to Makita's patented StarlockMax clamp tech, which enables tool-free changes while ensuring a snug, secure fit.

Diving deeper into the specs, speeds of up to 20,000 OPM help to maximize control, as does Makita's anti-vibration technology. It's also fitted with a brushless motor, for enhanced power and a longer lifetime. Now, it does cost $269, which doesn't include a battery. However, the number of tasks that multi-tools can tackle could potentially reduce the need to spend on other equipment. Not only that, but if you're in the market for such a tool, this one comes with the backing of a 4.6-star rating. "I've used a few oscillating multitools (OMTs) and this Makita is a standout," explained one happy Home Depot shopper. "With the Starlock fitting, a user is going to get really tight-gripping blades which translates to better controlled cuts."

A regular drill-driver can usually handle most screws and fastenings. However, if you're driving long screws into tougher materials like hardwood deckboards or concrete, an impact driver is more suitable. As an example, Makita's 18V Sub-Compact Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Impact Driver pairs rotational force with up to 4,100 impacts per minute (IPM), helping to drive those fasteners home. The brushless motor applies plenty of torque, while a ball-bearing design helps to minimize "bit wobble" when you're drilling into hard surfaces. It also has an "assist mode," which Makita says helps to reduce issues like cross-threading.

Size-wise, it shares the same attributes as other Sub-Compact tools. It's small enough for confined spaces at 5-¼-inches long, and weighs only 2.6 pounds with the battery. And yet, judging by its 4.8-star overall rating, it remains a powerful DIY partner. "This is the perfect impact for any job," explained one buyer. "I thought I would lose power because it is so small but that was not the case at all. It works great and is perfect for getting into tight spaces."

If you also need to bore the holes out of materials like concrete and masonry before driving your screws into place, then that's a job for a hammer drill. These tools deliver "blows" behind the chuck, pairing them with the drill's rotation to force their way through harder surfaces. Makita's Sub-Compact ½-inch Hammer Driver Drill is one of several such tools in the brand's line-up, although it's about the smallest. It measures 6-½-inches in length and weighs just over 3 pounds with the battery. 

Nevertheless, it manages to deliver 1,700 RPM drill speeds, 25,000 hammer blows per minute, and 350 inch-pounds of torque. These traits earn it a 4.6-star overall rating, with one user who said, "I am so ecstatic that I bought this tool kit." Another, who described it as "Big power in small size," added, "This drill's versatility is amazing, from drilling safes open of any size to hanging picture frames on the wall. Love this drill!"

A portable band saw is a useful tool for professionals and DIYers who want to make clean, controlled cuts through materials like metal pipe. Makita's 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless Band Saw has a cutting capacity of 2 inches by 2 inches, and works to handle cutting tasks much faster than a regular hand saw. It's not as lightweight as other tools in the Sub-Compact line, weighing in at 7.3 pounds. But it's still designed for one-handed use, and can make up to 160 cuts of ¾-inch EMT tubing on a single charge of a 2Ah battery.

It's also well-received by buyers, earning a 4.6-star rating overall at Home Depot. "Compact and fast," explained one shopper. "Cutting through a threaded rod used to take me minutes with a hacksaw. Just touching this saw to the rod cut through in less than a second. I was shocked at the time savings. Small enough to not need any more room than a hacksaw too in depth and height. Just wider."

As we mentioned earlier, there are plenty of Makita tools that are deemed worth the money by trade professionals. They include the brand's 18V LXT Sub-Compact Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6-½-inch Circular Saw, which weighs 6.4 pounds with the battery and measures 10-⅝-inches. With a 5Ah battery, it can handle up to 174 cross cuts of 2x10 SPF lumber. It has a cut capacity of 2-¼ inches, with a durable brushless motor yielding 5,000 RPM.

As for those tradesfolk who rate the tool, there are some in the reviews at Home Depot. "I work in construction," said one, whose partner bought them this tool as a thank you for a favor. "I personally like this saw...this is great for quick cuts, remodel work, cutting stringers and skirts, and lasts most of the day." On the cordless operation, they added, "I think it's a great little saw that keeps me from having to locate power."

If you know how to get the most out of a jigsaw, you'll find that it can cut through various materials and handle both straight and more complex cuts. Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Barrel Grip Jig Saw pairs a durable brushless motor with a compact design. The result, according to Makita, is a cordless jig saw that compares with a corded tool. It can cut up to 135 feet of 1-inch MDF, with variable speeds of up to 3,000 strokes per minute. As for the barrel grip, that helps to improve control and precision when working on more complex cuts, including undercuts.

Now, reviews for this product are scarce compared to other Makita tools at Home Depot. However, of the five who have reviewed it to-date, every last one of them gave the jig saw full marks. "Best jigsaw I have ever owned," said one such shopper, who added, "makes such clean wood cuts. I absolutely love it!"

As you might expect, Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3-inch Cut-Off Tool is designed for cutting things off. That could be rusty nails poking through your fence or stubborn bolts that refuse to budge from your toilet. You can also use it for cutting tiles, fabricating metal, making cuts in your drywall, and plenty of other jobs. Now, that can also be said of other cut-off tools. What stands this tool apart, according to some users, is its size-to-power ratio. It delivers up to 20,000 RPM for fast cutting, yet weighs only 2.6 pounds with the battery.

Back to those user reviews, and it's another solid 5 out of 5. Admittedly, that's the result of just 10 reviews. Even still, the feedback those comments offered paint a reassuring picture to those who need a tool like this. "This tool is amazing," said one, who explained, "It's light weight and zips through metal like butter." Another user, who also praised its light weight, compact size, and ease of use, said, "Quite honestly the best tool I've ever purchased."

Makita's 7.2V Lithium-Ion Cordless ¼-inch Hex Impact Driver is not only the final tool in this guide, but it's also the lightest. It weighs 1.2 pounds with the battery installed. Its slim, pencil-like profile makes it handy in confined spaces versus larger drills, but it can also be adjusted to a "pistol grip" setting — depending on what's easiest for the task at hand. As for power, it delivers 220 pounds of what Makita dubs "Max Torque." And while that ought to handle most flat-pack fasteners, you can also use it to hand-tighten your screws, just like you would with a regular screwdriver.

Of course, it may not be an all-out replacement for a regular drill- or impact-driver. It is also pricey, currently costing $294 for the tool, battery, charger, and case. Nevertheless, some users remarked on its surprising power. As one buyer said, "The impact feature of this screwdriver makes it much stronger than my bigger drill/drivers. Since it is also small, it is much more useful also." As for the price tag, they added, "While expensive, it was well worth the money."