
Makita XPH12Z
Score: 88/100
SKIL 12V Compact Drill
Score: 85/100Rankings

The Makita XPH12Z is a compact, brushless 18V hammer driver-drill designed for drilling, driving, and fastening in various materials. It features a high-torque brushless motor and durable all-metal gearbox, though it requires separate battery purchase. Best suited for professionals needing a lightweight tool for overhead or tight-space work.

The Skil DL6280A-11 is a compact 12V brushless drill driver designed for tight spaces, featuring a 6.06-inch body length and 1.9 lbs weight. It delivers 350 in-lbs of torque and includes a versatile 2.0Ah battery with USB-C two-way charging capabilities. The tool is praised for being a next-gen update that is lighter and shorter than its predecessor, making it ideal for overhead work and cabinetry.
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
18 Vbest | 12 V | |
530 in-lbsbest | 350 in-lbs | |
0.5 inbest | 0.5 inbest | |
— | 2 Ahbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.27 kg | 0.86 kgbest |
2,000 RPMbest | 1,700 RPM | |
22 positionsbest | 18 positions | |
2 speedsbest | 2 speedsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
Power & Performance(4) | ||
Voltage (V) | 18 V | 12 V |
Max Torque (in-lbs) | 530 in-lbs | 350 in-lbs |
No-Load Speed (RPM) | 2000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
Clutch Settings (positions) | 22 positions | 18 positions |
Battery & Runtime(1) | ||
Battery Type | Lithium-Ion | Lithium-ion |
Support & Extras(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 3 years | 5 years |
Design & Ergonomics(3) | ||
Weight (kg) | 1.27 kg | 0.86 kg |
Trigger Type | Mechanical | Variable Speed |
Overall Length (in) | 7.125 in | 6.06 in |



Professional reviewers praise the Makita XPH12Z for its efficient brushless motor, durable all-metal gearbox, and compact design that excels in tight spaces.
Search results lack direct consumer reviews or forum discussions. Available retailer pages focus on specifications rather than user feedback, implying general praise for compactness and power through professional descriptions without recurring complaints.

Professional reviewers, including Pro Tool Reviews, highlight the Skil DL6280A-11 as an excellent choice for tight spaces due to its compact 6.06-inch length and lightweight 1.9 lbs build. They note that while the performance specs (350 in-lbs torque, 1,700 RPM) are strong for a 12V tool, they are unchanged from the previous generation. The tool is praised for being a next-gen update that is lighter and shorter than its predecessor, making it ideal for overhead work and cabinetry.
Everyday consumer feedback is limited in direct quotes but generally infers praise for the tool's compact size and the unique convenience of the USB-C battery for charging devices. Users appreciate the value of the kit format. However, there are common inferences that the 12V power limit may be insufficient for more demanding construction jobs, aligning with general category norms for this voltage class.

