New images, specs, and pricing details have emerged for the new Makita XGT 40V Max cordless pin nailer, GTP01.
Not to mince words, I’m disappointed and a little bit confused.
Makita launched an XGT 40V Max cordless brad nailer in 2021. It’s not available in the USA (yet?), but that brad nailer looks to be an improvement over Makita’s existing 18V model.
Because of that, I assumed the same would be true about the new Makita XGT pin nailer.
Makita announced the XGT cordless pin nailer with few details and no images, but they did say this model would be “up to 15% faster” than their latest 18V model. Does that mean at most 15% faster when driving the smallest sized pin nails? Makita USA has not provided any context for this claim.
I was hoping to see an improvement in size, but the new XGT 40V Max pin nailer is not any more compact than the 18V model. In fact, it’s a little larger in length and width.
Granted there’s a limit as to how compact a 23 gauge cordless pin nailer can get. But, if I’m interpreting Makita’s specs accurately, the XGT 40V Max model weighs more than the 18V model, and it costs nearly 50% more for the bare tool. For what gains? “Up to 15% faster firing” – is that it?
The XGT nailer weighs 5.3 lbs with battery, and the 18V model 4.9 lbs with battery. For reference, many compact cordless drills weigh 3 to 4 lbs with a battery.
The 40V Max pinner looks chunky. I was hoping that having a brushless motor would help shrink its size down a bit, but that doesn’t look to be the case.
A cordless pin nailer is still a cordless pin nailer, with no air hoses or air compressor needed.
Personally, I still prefer a cordless air compressor and air pin nailer combination maybe 3 times out of 5, as it gives me portability with a smaller and lighter tool. At the time of this posting, Makita still does not have any cordless air compressors in their 18V or XGT 40V Max systems.
But, cordless is still cordless, I suppose. Even at 5.3 lbs and as large as it looks, the XGT pin nailer might be more maneuverable in certain environments than an air-powered combination.
I bought into the XGT system, with the intent of replacing an 18V X2 plunge-cutting saw with a single-battery solution.
Some other Makita XGT 40V Max tools appeal to me, such as their new multi-functional cordless air duster.
I am particularly interested in compact cordless pin nailers for smaller woodworking projects where it can be a hassle to drag out a compressor and air hose.
I was very hopeful.
But, this new 40V Max 23 gauge pin nailer looks to be a very hard sell.
Makita 40V Max Pin Nailer Specs (GTP01)
- Drives 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 1″, 1-3/16″, 1-3/8″ pin nails
- (does NOT work with 1-1/4″ pin nails)
- 10-3/8″ L x 3-3/8″ W x 8-7/8″ H
- Weighs 5.3 lbs with battery
- Bare Tool Price: $296
- Kit Price: $519
Makita 18V Pin Nailer Specs (XTP02)
- Drives 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 1″, 1-3/16″, 1-3/8″ pin nails
- (does NOT work with 1-1/4″ pin nails)
- 10-1/8″ L x 3-1/8″ W x 8-7/8″ H
- Weighs 4.9 lbs with battery
- Bare Tool Price: $199
So what do you get for the premium? A slightly longer, wider, and heavier tool that costs 49% more and can drive pin nails “up to 15% faster?”
The battery cost is also going to be higher with the XGT system. With the 18V line, you can opt for a compact 5-cell 2.0Ah battery to save some weight. With XGT, the lowest capacity battery option is a larger and heavier 10-cell 2.5Ah battery.
Makita has a new XGT cordless router that’s said to be 35% faster than their 18V model. That’s an improvement and potential reason to consider XGT over 18V.
I suppose that there’s some benefit for XGT-exclusive users looking for a cordless pin nailer solution, but are there any XGT-exclusive users out there yet? There are still very many holes in the XGT 40V Max cordless system that Makita has yet to fill.
Makita users are still waiting for the brand’s first cordless table saw and cordless air compressor. The XGT system is still lacking any cordless jig saw options. This is the first and only XGT nailer that’s available in the USA so far.
This feels like a big letdown.
Am I missing something here? Or do you agree with my disappointment?
If you must have a Makita-branded cordless pin nailer, you might be better off with the 18V model. If you need a battery and charger, as the 18V nailer doesn’t look to be available in any kit configuration, you can pick up a “special buy” drill or impact driver kit (around Father’s Day or the winter holidays) for $99 if only for the battery and charger. Starter kits are also available.
