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Buying guide

Makita 18V LXT drills compared

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

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Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    Makita DDF486RTJ: 130 Nm drill driver, 2 x 5 Ah

    130 Nm is the highest torque in this Makita lineup.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Best value

    Makita DHP483Z: brushless LXT combi, 726 g, body only

    The listing gives a weight of 726 g, very light for an 18 V combi drill.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Most features

    Makita DDF484RTJ: brushless drill driver, 2 x 5 Ah

    Brushless motor, electric brake and all metal gears are listed.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Makita's 18 V LXT range has dozens of drills, and the codes follow a pattern. DHP models are combi drills with a hammer mode for masonry, DDF models are drill drivers without hammer, and the suffix shows the box contents: Z is body only, RF means 3 Ah batteries, RT means 5 Ah, and J means a Makpac case. This guide lines up the LXT drills currently listed in the UK so you can see what each step up gives you in torque and motor type. Some models in the plan, such as the DHP482, DHP484 and DHP489, were not available as listings that passed our checks, so the closest current alternatives are compared instead. Every drill here takes the same LXT batteries, which also run Makita's garden tools. Read the manual, wear eye protection and use the clutch for screw driving.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · Makita

Makita DDF486RTJ: 130 Nm drill driver, 2 x 5 Ah

The DDF486 is Makita's high torque LXT drill driver at 130 Nm, here with two 5 Ah batteries, a charger and a Makpac case. Built for heavy boring in timber.

In its favour

  • 130 Nm is the highest torque in this Makita lineup.
  • Two 5.0 Ah batteries, a charger and a Makpac case are included.
  • Electronic overload and deep discharge protection are listed.

Good to know

  • No hammer mode, so it is not the drill for brick or block.
  • The highest priced Makita kit here and heavier at 2.6 kg listed.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Makita DDF486RTJ Cordless Drill 18 V / 5.0 Ah 2 Batteries + Charger in...

No. 2 · Makita

Makita DDF484RTJ: brushless drill driver, 2 x 5 Ah

The DDF484 is a brushless LXT drill driver with 21 torque settings, an electric brake and an aluminium gear housing, sold with two 5 Ah packs and a charger.

In its favour

  • Brushless motor, electric brake and all metal gears are listed.
  • 21 torque settings plus drill mode give fine control on small screws.
  • Makita states 1 year warranty plus 2 more years if registered within 30 days.

Good to know

  • No hammer mode, so it is not suited to drilling masonry.
  • The listing gives two torque figures, 54 and 60 Nm, so check Makita's sheet.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Makita DDF484RTJ 18V Li-Ion LXT Brushless Drill Driver Complete with 2...

No. 3 · Makita

Makita DHP483Z: brushless LXT combi, 726 g, body only

A small brushless Makita LXT combi drill sold body only. Light and short, it suits existing Makita owners who want a second drill for fixing work.

In its favour

  • The listing gives a weight of 726 g, very light for an 18 V combi drill.
  • 20 torque settings plus a drill setting, and the hammer action can be switched off.
  • XPT dust and water protection and overload protection are listed.

Good to know

  • Body only: no battery, charger or case is included.
  • 40 Nm is modest for big augers or long coach screws.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Makita DHP483Z 18V li-ion Brushless Combi Drill Driver Body Only, 18 V

No. 4 · Makita

Makita DDF485RFJ: compact brushless driver, 2 x 3 Ah

The DDF485 is a short, compact brushless drill driver sold with two 3 Ah batteries and a charger in a Makpac. A tidy kit for fitters and cabinet makers.

In its favour

  • Compact, short shape according to Makita, with double LEDs.
  • Brushless, maintenance free motor and two speeds up to 1,900 rpm.
  • Two 3.0 Ah batteries keep weight down compared with 5 Ah packs.

Good to know

  • No hammer mode, so plug holes in brick need another drill.
  • 50 Nm is mid range and slower on large hole saws.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Makita DDF485RFJ Cordless Drill Driver 18 V/3 Ah with 2 Batteries + Ch...

No. 5 · Makita

Makita DHP453RFE: entry LXT combi, 2 x 3 Ah

A Makita LXT combi drill kit with two 3 Ah batteries and a 30 minute charger. A dependable home drill that also opens the door to Makita's 18 V range.

In its favour

  • Metal gearbox and 16 torque settings are listed for controlled driving.
  • Two 3.0 Ah batteries give a good amount of work between charges for home use.
  • The LXT batteries fit a wide range of Makita tools and garden kit.

Good to know

  • At 1.8 kg in the listing it is heavier than the compact drills in this guide.
  • The listing does not say if the motor is brushless or give the chuck size.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Makita DHP453RFE cordless combi drill - cordless combi drills (Lithium...

No. 6 · Makita

Makita DDF482RFEB: 62 Nm drill driver, black, 2 x 3 Ah

The DDF482 is a 62 Nm LXT drill driver in black with two 3 Ah batteries, a DC18RC charger and a case. A solid general drill for timber and metal.

In its favour

  • 62 Nm listed torque with a two speed metal planetary gearbox.
  • 21 torque settings and a double LED are listed.
  • Two 3.0 Ah batteries and the DC18RC charger are included.

Good to know

  • The listing says the manual may not be in English, which suggests non UK stock; check the charger plug.
  • No hammer mode, so it is not suited to drilling masonry.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Makita DDF482RFEB Cordless Drill in Carrying Case DDF 482 RFEB 2x18.0V...

No. 7 · Makita

Makita DDF458Z: 18 V LXT drill driver, body only

The DDF458 is an older LXT drill driver with 21 torque settings and a 65 mm wood capacity, sold body only. A budget way to add a second drill to a Makita kit.

In its favour

  • The listing gives a 65 mm maximum capacity in wood and 13 mm in steel.
  • 21 torque settings plus drill mode, a single sleeve keyless chuck and twin LEDs.
  • A battery fuel gauge is built into the tool, per the listing.

Good to know

  • Body only, with no battery, charger or case.
  • The torque figures in the listing conflict, so confirm with Makita before relying on it.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Makita DDF458Z 18V Li-Ion Drill Driver - Batteries and Charger Not Inc...

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