Makita DHP485Z 18V Li-Ion LXT Brushless Combi Drill - Batteries and Charger Not Included

Product Information

As mentioned in the beginning of this review I am a Makita fan. I think it's because they were the first cordless products I really invested any money into . Once you are in the ecosystem with batteries and chargers it's a very simple decision to stay in it. However I was really keen to try out the DeWalt, especially as I have been using an old corded DeWalt hammer drill for years (which I still love). Comfort is also a huge consideration. Makita’s drills come in a wide range of voltages and sizes. Go for a 12V model if you want something light enough to hold for extended periods, or an 18V model if you are physically stronger or only need the drill for short periods. You could therefore see model numbers for drills which are all the same drill, but with different colours/options. It's probably fair to say that Makita has a reputation for being slightly better quality compared to many other brands. However there is a catch with that quality, a higher price tag. So we were very surprised to see the price of this combi drill actually coming in under the DeWalt. Like the Makita the DeWalt has a two speed gearbox which initially I thought was a shame for the same reasons as the Makita, cheaper brands have more control than this. However after using it for the day I actually think this works a little better on the DeWalt with a higher range of power on both the lower and higher gears.

As usual the Makita drill has a really super bright LED light, the one on this drill however is incredible. I know we have all used our drills in place of a torch, this one is vying to replace the sun it's so good! In general, if you are making simple cuts on regular shapes of wood or metal, a circular saw will be ideal. If you need more precision, go for a jigsaw. If you are dealing with piping or plastic, a reciprocating saw will probably be the right option. Secondly, Makita have a reputation for reliability. Their tools tend to last a long time and meet their product specifications comfortably. Their customer service also tends to receive plaudits, and their product range is second to none.

Recently Viewed

While the debate about which brand / range of products will rage forever, and it's something we won't resolve here, what we can do is take a look at the two leading cordless hammer drills to see which one is better. Both of these brands make a lot of cordless combi drills, but this one from Makita seems to fall square in the middle of the affordability / power equation. Makita Battery Life and Performance However, there’s probably no need for individuals to spend money on a cordless kit that is pitched at professional electricians, carpenters or builders. Instead, a multi-tool cutter will do the job (by and large) at much less cost. Starting off with the weight and size, it's nice and compact and lightweight, these new generation combi drills have been on a diet and lost a few pounds. I had no problem using it for the day especially with hard to reach jobs. For one thing, while Makita tools are high-quality, they are not ridiculously expensive. The prices of their cordless drills, drivers, saws and multi-tools are within reach of most DIY fans and aren’t restricted to those in the trade.

The DeWalt is surprisingly a little more expensive than the Makita however on first blink I am not sure its as well built. The Makita feels a little better put together but its really small things. DeWalt Battery Life and Performance If you’re a pro and know all about Body Only and Battery options, then skip on ahead. If not, then I’d like to clear up something that is again quite confusing. The model numbers that Makita produce are generally a 6-digit reference, which signifies the ‘Type’ of tool and the model of that tool. So for their combi drills, they start with ‘DHP’ (Which stands for ‘Drill Hammer Percussion’). Then comes the 3 numbers e.g: DHP481 (481 being the model). Then anything that comes after those 6 digits just signifies the colour or battery option. With ‘Z’ meaning ‘body only’ (no Batteries), and ‘W’ meaning ‘White’ (Special edition colour). You’ll then often see things like RTJ (DHP481RTJ) which signifies that it comes with 2x 5Ah Batteries, Charger and Case). Battery protection system provides over-discharge, temperature and circuit protection for enhanced performance, battery cycle life and overall battery lifeThe cordless drill, we would argue is the most important tool in any trade. It's such a useful thing to own and with the hundreds of attachments can be used in so many different ways. Buy the Makita if, you like tools with really great build quality. Plus the Makita has an great battery life and a really fast recharge If you are looking for a power drill, several factors need to be considered. Firstly, you need to decide whether to go for a cordless or corded variety. Cordless drills tend to be more user friendly as you can take them wherever you like and access hard to reach parts of your home.