Brushless Power, No Compromise: 6 Stand-Out 18V Tools for 2025 (Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee)
Whether you’re a busy tradie or a serious DIYer, these body-only (bare-unit) heroes deliver pro-grade performance with the runtime and ecosystem you already own. Short, sharp, and easy to scan—here are our handpicked 18V brushless picks for drilling, fastening and second-fix work in 2025.
Deep-dive picks
Makita DDF083Z 18V LXT Brushless Drill Driver (Body Only)
A featherweight, ultra-short driver that shines in cabinetry, flooring, and overhead fix-offs. The 124 mm body keeps your bit square, while the brushless motor and 2-speed metal gearing give you smooth control. If you live on Makita LXT, this is a brilliant everyday driver that won’t wear you out.
Makita DDF083Z 18V LXT Brushless Drill Driver (Body Only)
DeWalt DCD996N 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill (Body Only)
The site workhorse. With 95 Nm (hard), 0–38,250 bpm hammer action and 3-speed metal transmission, it drills masonry, timber and metals with ease—then slows right down for controlled screw-driving. Add the 3-mode LED for a brighter, cleaner work area.
DeWalt DCD996N 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill (Body Only)
DeWalt DCN660N-XJ 18V XR Brushless 2nd-Fix Nailer (Body Only)
Gas-free, hose-free finishing. Drives 16-gauge, 32–63 mm angled finish nails with your XR batteries. Switch between sequential (placement) and bump (speed), with tool-free jam clear and depth adjust to keep trims clean and consistent.
DeWalt DCN660N-XJ 18V XR Brushless Second Fix Nail Gun (Body Only)
Milwaukee M18 FMTIW2F12-0 18V FUEL ½″ Mid-Torque Impact Wrench (Body Only)
A sweet spot of compact 152 mm length and serious grunt: 745 Nm fastening and 881 Nm breakaway. The 4-mode DRIVE CONTROL tames power for delicate starts and controlled removal—ideal under cars, on plant, or for structural fixings.
Milwaukee M18FMTIW2F12-0 18V FUEL 1/2″ Mid-Torque Impact Wrench (Body Only)
Makita DTD157Z 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver (Body Only)
Fast, compact, consistent. Delivers 140 Nm with Assist/A/Hard/Soft modes to reduce cam-out and over-driving, especially on longer fixings. A go-to if you’re running hundreds of screws a day.
Makita DTD157Z LXT 18V Brushless Impact Driver (Body Only)
Milwaukee M18 FIW2F12-0 18V FUEL Compact ½″ Impact Wrench (Body Only)
When the mid-torque is overkill, this compact ½″ wrench gives you around 339 Nm fastening in a smaller shell—great in engine bays and tight suspension spaces. Auto shut-off and multiple modes help protect fasteners.
Milwaukee M18FIW2F12-0 18V 1/2″ Impact Wrench With Friction Ring (Body Only)
Buying advice: pick the right platform tool
Already on LXT / XR / M18? Stick with it—shared batteries save money and weight across the day.
Drill vs impact driver vs impact wrench:
- Combi drill (e.g., DCD996N) = holes + light driving across materials.
- Impact driver (e.g., DTD157Z) = rapid screw-driving with less wrist kickback.
- Impact wrench (e.g., FMTIW2F12) = hex/bolt work with high torque.
Trim carpentry? A cordless 16-ga 2nd-fix nailer (DCN660N) is faster and cleaner than hammer + nails, with consistent depth and fewer fill-ups.
Automotive & anchors? Choose torque to suit: compact FIW2F12 for general work; mid-torque FMTIW2F12 when you need the extra punch (881 Nm breakaway).
FAQs
Are these “body only” tools compatible with my current batteries?
Yes—choose the tool that matches your platform (Makita LXT 18V, DeWalt XR 18V, Milwaukee M18).
What size nails does the DCN660N take?
16-gauge angled finish nails from 32 to 63mm.
Is the DCD996N still worth it in 2025?
Absolutely. Its 95Nm torque and 38,250bpm hammer rate keep it competitive for masonry and heavy timber.
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