Shortlist · Cordless and battery platforms
Cordless polishers by battery platform
Two tool-only cordless polishers on their makers' own platforms: Makita's XOP02Z for 18V LXT and FLEX's FX3321-Z for FLEX 24V, with the battery rules for each.
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Short answer
Pick a cordless polisher by the battery platform you already own. We list two: Makita's XOP02Z for Makita 18V LXT, and FLEX's FX3321-Z for FLEX 24V. Both are sold as tool only, so the battery and charger are extra.[1][2] Makita says its batteries work only within each platform,[3] and FLEX lists the FX3321 as compatible with its 24V batteries and chargers.[2] We do not list a Milwaukee M18 or RUPES iBrid polisher yet.
Platform first, polisher second
A cordless polisher's batteries belong to one closed system. Makita says its batteries are compatible only within each platform: 18V LXT batteries with LXT tools, 40V max XGT with XGT tools.[3] Milwaukee says the same of M12 and M18.[4] If your drill and impact driver are already on one of these platforms, a bare polisher on that platform costs you no new battery system. If you own none, choose the platform as carefully as the polisher.
For Makita 18V LXT owners
Makita XOP02Z 18V LXT brushless 5 in/6 in dual action random orbit polisher (tool only)
Pick it if: Readers who already own Makita 18V LXT batteries
- Why it's here
- Makita specifies an 18V LXT brushless dual-action polisher with selectable forced rotation or free spin, and says LXT batteries work with LXT tools. Our catalog's variant includes 5-inch and 6-inch plates.
- Watch out
- Tool only: no battery or charger. A short 7/32-inch orbit, not a 15 mm long throw, and Makita lists it at 7.9 lbs with a battery fitted. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or Makita before you buy.
- Gauge type
- Not stated
- Valid substrate
- Not stated
- Calibration evidence
- Not stated
- Orbit throw
- 5.6 (7/32 in)Manufacturer spec
For FLEX 24V owners
FLEX FX3321-Z 24V brushless cordless random orbital polisher, 15 mm (tool only)
Pick it if: Readers who already own FLEX 24V batteries and want a long-throw polisher
- Why it's here
- FLEX lists it as a 15 mm random orbital polisher on its own 24V platform, with a 6-inch maximum backing pad: a long-throw machine without a cord.
- Watch out
- Tool only: no battery or charger, and it needs genuine FLEX 24V packs. FLEX's page gives different plate part numbers for the tool-only and kit versions. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or FLEX before you buy.
- Gauge type
- Not stated
- Valid substrate
- Not stated
- Calibration evidence
- Not stated
- Orbit throw
- 15 mmManufacturer spec
The two picks side by side
| Makita XOP02Z | FLEX FX3321-Z | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Makita 18V LXT[1] | FLEX 24V[2] |
| Motion | Switchable: random orbit with forced rotation, or free spin[1] | Random orbital[2] |
| Orbit | 7/32 in, about 5.6 mm[1] | 15 mm[2] |
| Plates in our catalog's variant | 5 in (197923-2) and 6 in (197929-0)[1] | 5 in and 6 in, but FLEX's page is inconsistent on which part numbers; 6-inch maximum backing pad[2] |
| Battery and charger | Not included[1] | Not included[2] |
The two machines do different jobs. The XOP02Z is a short-throw machine whose forced-rotation mode keeps the pad turning under load, which RUPES describes as more aggressive and generally more vibrating than random orbital motion.[5] The FX3321-Z is a long-throw machine, closer to a corded 15 mm polisher in how it moves. The forced-rotation vs free-spinning guide explains the difference.
Buying the battery and charger
- Genuine packs only. Makita warns that non-genuine Makita batteries may burst and cause fires, injury or property damage.[6] Do not use packs sold as a replacement "for" Makita or FLEX, or a cross-brand adapter.
- The maker's charger. Milwaukee's manual explains why: a charger suitable for one battery type may create a fire risk with another.[7] Makita says its 18V charger cannot charge its 7.2V, 12V max or 36V lithium-ion batteries.[3]
- Check the seller. On Amazon, look for "Ships from / Sold by" Amazon.com or the brand. Makita's US site links to its Amazon brand store, but a brand store does not make every offer Makita's.[8][9]
We do not list batteries or chargers yet: none of the genuine packs or chargers we checked had a seller we could accept.
The platforms we do not list yet
- Milwaukee M18. Milwaukee's 2684-20 (15 mm) and 2685-20 (21 mm) take all M18 REDLITHIUM batteries and chargers.[10] Milwaukee's where-to-buy panel listed retailers such as Home Depot and ACME Tools but not Amazon,[11] and we have not found a listing we can accept.
- RUPES iBrid. RUPES's HLR15 and HLR21 run cordless or corded on an 18 V 5 Ah pack.[12] RUPES links its own dealers and shop rather than a marketplace store.[13]
- FLEX 18 V. FLEX's XFE 15 kit pairs the polisher with two 18 V 5.0 Ah batteries and a FLEX charger.[14] It is not in our catalog.
What we have not verified
We have no independent runtime figures for either machine, and FLEX's 24V specifications come from its product page rather than our verified research. We found no FLEX statement on whether its 18 V and 24V packs cross over, so treat them as separate. The battery compatibility guide has the makers' rules in full.
Questions
Can I use my Makita drill battery in the XOP02Z?
Yes, if it is a Makita 18V LXT battery. Makita says LXT batteries work with LXT tools.[3]
Do FLEX 18 V batteries fit the FX3321-Z?
We found no FLEX statement that they do. FLEX lists the FX3321 as compatible with all FLEX 24V batteries, chargers and tools, so use FLEX 24V packs and a FLEX charger.[2]