Makita 18V LXT Brushless Recipro Saw Kit (XRJ05M, 4.0Ah) review

Makita · earlier 18V LXT brushless saw kit · two 4.0Ah batteries · XRJ05M

The XRJ05M is not simply another name for Makita's XRJ05Z tool-only saw. It is the earlier 4.0Ah kit package: Makita's flyer lists the brushless XRJ05 saw, two 18V LXT 4.0Ah BL1840B batteries, a DC18RC rapid charger, a reciprocating-saw blade and a tool case. The exact US product page marks this kit discontinued and identifies XRJ05T as the replacement. That makes XRJ05M relevant to a reader researching a specific older package, but not a current-stock recommendation. This is an evidence-based review, not a hands-on or condition assessment.

The saw and the box are separate questions

Makita's product literature describes a 1-1/4-inch stroke, two speed ranges up to 3,000 no-load SPM, a brushless motor, work light, retractable hook and tool-less blade change. The battery family is Makita 18V LXT. A full-size reciprocating saw still needs a stable two-hand grip and a supported workpiece; a long stroke does not guarantee a faster or cleaner cut on any particular material.

What makes this model a kit is the documented package. Two 4.0Ah packs and the named DC18RC charger are not implied by the saw's compatibility with the LXT family; they are listed for the XRJ05M SKU. The blade and case also appear in the same flyer. On an older or used offer, check the exact suffix and physically verify that the stated items are still present, compatible and in usable condition. Makita's page marks the model discontinued; neither that page nor this review establishes what an individual seller has in stock.

Compare XRJ05M with XRJ05T

The current XRJ05T kit uses the same XRJ05 saw mechanism but lists two 5.0Ah BL1850B batteries instead of XRJ05M's 4.0Ah BL1840B pair. The newer kit also lists a charger, blade and case. That battery-capacity difference is a real package distinction, so the two SKUs stay separate in the catalogue. It does not prove a particular runtime advantage during a cut, and the marketing phrase about potential runtime should not be treated as an independent test.

The XRJ05Z, by contrast, is the tool-only package. It does not include a battery or charger. When comparing an offer, do not transfer the M kit's batteries, charger or case to the Z tool, and do not read the current T package into a discontinued M listing. The pack count and exact charger model are shopping checks, not small print.

Weight and shoe caveats

The manufacturer's XRJ05 literature gives 8.2 pounds with a battery. That is not bare-tool weight and it is not the total weight of two spare batteries, charger, case and saw together. Because no bare-tool value is confirmed, a strict maximum-tool-weight requirement cannot be met from this figure. The weight you carry to a worksite will also depend on which battery is attached and whether other kit components are carried.

There is also a manufacturer-source conflict around the shoe. The XRJ05M flyer calls it a reinforced fixed shoe, but the shared XRJ05 manual explains a five-position adjustment. This review leaves that feature unresolved rather than treating it as proven. The manual's work rules still apply: keep the shoe against the work, support the stock, choose an appropriate blade and remove the battery before blade installation or maintenance. If adjustment is essential, reconcile the exact manual and unit before relying on it.

Who should still look at the XRJ05M?

It may be worth researching if you specifically want the earlier two-4.0Ah Makita kit and have verified the package and condition. Someone buying a current kit should compare XRJ05T; someone who already owns compatible batteries may prefer XRJ05Z. All three deserve separate package checks even though they share the same saw family. Confirm the exact model number, included pack labels, charger, blade, case and warranty/return terms before considering an older listing. No price, availability or used-tool condition is asserted here.

Makita XRJ05M discontinued-model record · XRJ05M kit flyer · Compare the current XRJ05T kit