The Makita XPH11ZB is an 18V LXT sub-compact brushless 1/2 in. hammer driver-drill delivering 350 in-lbs of max torque in the most compact 18V LXT form factor at just 2.9 lbs with a 2.0Ah battery and 6-15/16 in. in length. The 2-speed brushless motor (0-500 / 0-1,700 RPM) and 25,000 BPM percussion rate cover finish carpentry, electrical rough-in, light masonry anchors, and tight-space overhead drilling. Compatible with all Star-symbol Makita 18V LXT batteries, the XPH11ZB trades maximum torque for industry-leading compactness in the 18V class.
What makes the XPH11ZB 'sub-compact' compared to a standard compact like XPH12Z?
The XPH11ZB is 6-15/16 in. long and weighs 2.9 lbs with battery, compared to the XPH12Z which is 7-1/8 in. and 4.0 lbs. That roughly 1 in. reduction in length and 1 lb reduction in weight is significant for overhead work, drilling in tight electrical panels, or working in confined ceiling spaces where every fraction of an inch matters. The trade-off is lower max torque (350 vs. 530 in-lbs) and slightly lower max wood boring capacity (1-7/16 in. vs. 1-1/2 in.).
Is 350 in-lbs enough for drilling into masonry?
For setting small anchors (1/4 in. to 3/8 in.) in brick or block and drilling 1/2 in. holes in standard concrete, the XPH11ZB's 350 in-lbs and 25,000 BPM percussion is adequate. For repeated 1/2 in. or larger holes in hard concrete or dense CMU, the XPH12Z (530 in-lbs, 30,000 BPM) or a dedicated rotary hammer will be more efficient and cause less stress on the bits.
What batteries pair best with the XPH11ZB?
Makita's 2.0Ah compact batteries (BL1820B) keep the tool at its designed weight target of 2.9 lbs and are purpose-built for sub-compact tools. Larger 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, or 5.0Ah packs will work but add proportionally more weight to the back of the tool. For a balanced feel and optimal one-handed control, 2.0Ah packs are recommended for the XPH11ZB.
Can the XPH11ZB replace a full-size hammer drill for an electrician or plumber?
For most electrical and plumbing rough-in tasks — drilling 1/2 in. to 3/4 in. holes in wood studs, setting anchor bolts in light masonry, and running conduit straps — the XPH11ZB handles the work well. The sub-compact size is a real advantage threading the drill through studs, joists, and ceiling tiles. For drilling large-diameter holes (1 in.+) in dense wood or concrete repeatedly, a standard compact or full-size drill will be more productive.
Does the XPH11ZB have a side handle?
No. The sub-compact XPH11ZB does not include a side handle, reflecting its purpose as a one-handed, confined-space tool. The XPH11ZB is sized and balanced for single-hand operation and tasks where a side handle would reduce maneuverability rather than improve it.
How does the XPH11ZB compare to the Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Hammer Drill?
Both tools target the compact/sub-compact market and deliver similar form-factor advantages. The more meaningful consideration is your battery platform: if you are invested in Makita 18V LXT, the XPH11ZB is compatible with your entire tool and battery fleet. Switching brands for one tool category typically does not make financial sense unless a specific performance metric — such as significantly higher torque — justifies the investment in new batteries.
# Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless 1/2 in. Hammer Driver-Drill (Tool Only) **Model:** `XPH11ZB` **Brand:** Makita **Category:** Hammer Drill > The Makita XPH11ZB is an 18V LXT sub-compact brushless 1/2 in. hammer driver-drill delivering 350 in-lbs of max torque in the most compact 18V LXT form factor at just 2.9 lbs with a 2.0Ah battery and 6-15/16 in. in length. The 2-speed brushless motor (0-500 / 0-1,700 RPM) and 25,000 BPM percussion rate cover finish carpentry, electrical rough-in, light masonry anchors, and tight-space overhead drilling. Compatible with all Star-symbol Makita 18V LXT batteries, the XPH11ZB trades maximum torque for industry-leading compactness in the 18V class. ## Specifications | Attribute | Value | |---|---| | Product Type | Hammer Driver-Drill | | Voltage | 18 | | Platform | LXT | | Chuck Size (in.) | 0.5 | | Max Torque (in-lbs) | 350 | | No-Load Speed (RPM) | 0-500 / 0-1700 | | Clutch Settings | 21 | | Bpm | 25,000 | | Drilling Capacity — Concrete (in.) | 0.5 | | Drilling Capacity — Steel (in.) | 0.5 | | Drilling Capacity — Wood (in.) | 1.438 | | Brushless | Yes | | Tool Only | Yes | | Battery Included | No | | Charger Included | No | | Weight (lbs) | 2.9 | | Warranty | 3-year limited | ## What's Included - 18V LXT sub-compact brushless 1/2 in. hammer driver-drill - belt hook Source: https://www.jaspecs.com/makita/hammer-drill/xph11zb-makita-18v-lxt-brushless-hammer-drill-tool-only/