Makita TW004GZ Review

Cordless impact wrenches have transformed the way mechanics work. A decade ago, reaching for an impact gun meant dragging an air hose across the workshop floor, waiting for the compressor to cycle, and dealing with the constant noise. Today's brushless lithium-ion impact wrenches deliver comparable — and in some cases superior — loosening torque from a battery pack, with the freedom to work anywhere: in the middle of a scrapyard, at the roadside, or under a vehicle on a driveway with no power within reach. The latest generation of high-voltage platforms — 36 V, 40 V, and even 80 V systems — pushes cordless torque figures into territory previously reserved for air tools, while keeping the tool body light enough for one-handed use in awkward positions. For the professional mechanic who values mobility and the home mechanic who does not want the expense and space of a large compressor, a high-torque cordless impact wrench has become the go-to tool for everything from wheel changes to suspension overhauls.

Makita's XGT 40V Max platform represents their professional-grade high-voltage cordless system, positioned above the popular 18V LXT range for applications that demand more power. The TW004GZ is a mid-torque 1/2-inch impact wrench delivering up to 630 Nm of loosening torque from a brushless motor, with the tool body weighing just 1 kg — exceptionally light for this torque class. The 'GZ' suffix indicates a bare tool without batteries or charger, aimed at users already invested in the XGT battery ecosystem. Before choosing a cordless impact, consider your battery platform: switching to XGT means committing to a new and more expensive battery system, so the decision only makes sense if you need the 40 V power for multiple tools, or if extreme lightweight portability with high torque is your priority.

In this review we test the Makita TW004GZ on automotive fasteners — wheel nuts, suspension bolts, and brake calliper brackets — assessing the four impact power settings, battery life, ergonomics, and whether 630 Nm of cordless torque in a 1 kg body genuinely transforms the mechanic's workflow.

The Makita TW004GZ is a 40-volt cordless impact wrench in the XGT range, built around a brushless motor that delivers up to 630 Nm of maximum loosening torque through a standard 1/2-inch square drive. The brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimise power delivery and minimise battery consumption, and it eliminates the carbon brush wear that eventually requires servicing on brushed tools. The tool body weighs just 1 kg — making it one of the lightest 600+ Nm impact wrenches available — and measures approximately 145 mm in length, compact enough to fit into wheel arches and engine bays where longer impact guns cannot reach.

The four-stage impact power selection is controlled by a button on the base of the handle, with LED indicators showing the current setting. Mode 1 delivers gentle power for running small fasteners without over-tightening. Mode 2 handles most automotive fasteners. Mode 3 provides full torque for stubborn bolts. Mode 4 is a dedicated bolt-loosening mode: the tool automatically starts slowly to break the corrosion seal, then ramps to full impact power once the bolt begins to turn — a smart feature that reduces the risk of shearing rusted bolts. The constant speed control maintains RPM under load, so the impact rate does not drop off as the battery voltage sags.

At 1 kg, the TW004GZ genuinely changes how you use an impact wrench. It is light enough for one-handed overhead use — reaching up into a wheel arch to remove a shock absorber bolt, or working under a dashboard to access a steering column fastener — without the arm strain that a 2.5–3 kg high-torque impact causes after a few minutes. The soft-grip handle and balanced weight distribution make it comfortable for extended use, and the compact body length lets you fit the tool into spaces where a longer impact simply will not go. The LED work light illuminates the work area, a practical feature when working in shadowed engine bays and under vehicles.

As a bare tool, the TW004GZ ships without batteries or charger — you need existing XGT batteries or must purchase them separately. A 2.5 Ah XGT battery provides approximately 30–60 minutes of intermittent impact use, and the 4.0 Ah or 5.0 Ah packs extend that significantly for workshop use. The tool is compatible with all Makita XGT 40V Max batteries, and the electronic protection system prevents over-discharge, overheating, and overload. The tool also features Makita's XPT (eXtreme Protection Technology) — sealed channels that resist dust and water ingress for use in challenging conditions.

The TW004GZ holds a 4.2 out of 5 stars from approximately 100 customer reviews and ranks #164 in Impact Wrenches. At €252.22 as a bare tool, it is a significant investment — and a complete kit with batteries and charger will cost approximately €450–550. The value proposition depends entirely on your existing battery ecosystem: for a workshop already using Makita XGT tools, adding this impact wrench is a logical expansion. For a user starting from scratch, the total system cost must be weighed against competing platforms from Milwaukee, DEWALT, and Makita's own 18V LXT range, where equivalent-torque tools are available at lower total system prices.

An ultra-lightweight 40 V cordless impact wrench for professional mechanics who need 630 Nm of torque in a 1 kg body — ideal for one-handed overhead and tight-space automotive work.