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Makita SDS 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

    HR2631FT13: 2.4 J corded with AVT, two chucks and bits

    The listing states 2.4 J single impact force and a maximum of 26 mm in concrete, with 8 to 18 mm as the optimum range.

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  • Best value

    HR2600: simple two mode corded 26 mm drill

    The listing gives 26 mm in concrete with TCT bits, 68 mm TCT cores and 80 mm diamond cores.

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  • Most features

    HR3210FCT: corded 32 mm hammer with AVT and LED

    The listing gives a 32 mm maximum in concrete and up to 90 mm with a TCT core bit.

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Makita sells SDS plus rotary hammers in three forms: 240 V corded models, single 18 V LXT cordless models and twin 18 V models that run on two LXT batteries at once for 36 V. That makes it easy to stay on one battery system and still have a choice of size. The corded HR range covers everything from the simple two mode HR2600 to the 32 mm HR3210 with anti-vibration technology. The cordless DHR models trade some capacity for freedom from the cable, and the twin battery versions get closer to mains performance. This guide compares the Makita SDS plus drills available in this selection by power source, impact energy, concrete capacity, modes and what is in the box. Makita's listings often leave out the joule figure, and we mark that as not stated. The compact DHR171 was not available in this selection, so the smallest cordless model covered here is the DHR182.

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

HR2631FT13: 2.4 J corded with AVT, two chucks and bits

A Makita 26 mm SDS plus hammer with AVT anti-vibration, three modes and a quick change chuck, supplied with a starter SDS bit set. A well rounded kit for regular masonry work.

In its favour

  • The listing states 2.4 J single impact force and a maximum of 26 mm in concrete, with 8 to 18 mm as the optimum range.
  • AVT anti-vibration technology is built in, which helps on long runs of fixings.
  • Arrives with an SDS plus bit set, a quick change keyed chuck, side handle, depth stop and carry case.

Good to know

  • Speed tops out at 1,200 rpm according to the listing, so it is not the quickest for large wood bits.
  • The listing does not say whether the plug fitted is a UK three pin plug.
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Listing title: Makita HR2631FT13

No. 2 · Makita

DHR280ZJ: twin 18 V brushless with AVT in a Makpac

Makita's brushless twin 18 V SDS plus rotary hammer with soft start and anti-vibration, supplied in a Makpac. The pick for cordless users who drill concrete every day.

In its favour

  • A brushless motor runs from two 18 V LXT batteries for 36 V output.
  • Soft start and anti-vibration are listed features.
  • A side handle, depth stop and bit grease come in the Makpac case.

Good to know

  • Batteries and charger are not included, and it needs two packs to run.
  • The listing does not state impact energy, capacity or modes.
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Listing title: Makita DHR280ZJ (36V) Twin 18V Li-Ion LXT Brushless Rotary Hammer SDS-...

No. 3 · Makita

HR3210FCT: corded 32 mm hammer with AVT and LED

The largest SDS plus model here, rated for 32 mm in concrete and 90 mm TCT cores. It suits trades who drill big holes for waste pipes and ducting as well as anchors.

In its favour

  • The listing gives a 32 mm maximum in concrete and up to 90 mm with a TCT core bit.
  • Soft start, variable speed and constant speed under load are listed, plus anti-vibration technology.
  • An LED job light, torque limiter and 24 bit angle settings for chiselling are included.

Good to know

  • At 5.4 kg it is far heavier than the 2 kg class Bosch models and tiring above shoulder height.
  • Impact energy in joules is not stated in the listing, which makes direct comparison harder.
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Listing title: Makita HR3210FCT/2 240V 32mm SDS-Plus AVT Rotary Hammer Supplied in a ...

No. 4 · Makita

HR2630T: corded 26 mm, 3 modes and quick change chuck

A 240 V Makita 26 mm SDS plus hammer with three modes and a quick change chuck. It covers drilling, hammer drilling and light chiselling in one carry case.

In its favour

  • Three modes are listed: rotation only, rotation with hammering and hammering only for chisel work.
  • A one touch sliding chuck and a separate quick change chuck are both part of the kit.
  • The listing states 1 year warranty with a further 2 years when the tool is registered.

Good to know

  • Impact energy is not given in the listing, so it is hard to rank against Bosch on hitting power.
  • The listing mentions no anti-vibration system, unlike the HR2631FT13.
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Listing title: Makita HR2630T/2 240V 26mm SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Supplied in A Carry ...

No. 5 · Makita

DHR182Z: compact 18 V brushless SDS with AVT, body only

A single battery 18 V LXT SDS plus hammer with a brushless motor, AVT and a motor brake. The light cordless choice for electricians and fitters making smaller fixings.

In its favour

  • A brushless motor is listed for endurance and a more compact design.
  • AVT anti-vibration, constant electronics and a motor brake are listed.
  • Runs on a single 18 V LXT battery, with a listed weight of 2.1 kg.

Good to know

  • Comes in a box without battery, charger or case.
  • The listing does not give impact energy or concrete capacity.
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Listing title: Makita DHR182Z Cordless Combination Hammer for SDS+, 18 V (Body Only)

No. 6 · Makita

HR2600: simple two mode corded 26 mm drill

A simple 240 V Makita SDS plus drill with two modes and a torque limiter. It is aimed at drilling only, with no chisel function, and suits fixing work and core drilling.

In its favour

  • The listing gives 26 mm in concrete with TCT bits, 68 mm TCT cores and 80 mm diamond cores.
  • A torque limiter, forward and reverse and a lock on button are listed.
  • Wood capacity of 32 mm and steel capacity of 13 mm are stated.

Good to know

  • Two mode operation means no hammer only setting for chiselling.
  • No quick change chuck for round shank bits is included in the box.
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Listing title: Makita HR2600/2 240V 26mm SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Supplied in A Carry C...

No. 7 · Makita

DHR263ZJ: twin 18 V with three modes, body in Makpac

A Makita SDS plus rotary hammer that runs on two 18 V LXT batteries in series for 36 V. Sold in a Makpac case without batteries or charger.

In its favour

  • Two 18 V packs drive a 36 V motor, according to Makita, for heavier masonry work.
  • Three modes, including hammer only for chiselling, are listed.
  • One touch slide chuck for SDS plus bits.

Good to know

  • Needs two LXT batteries at once, and none are included.
  • The listing shows 4.6 kg and gives no impact energy figure.
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Listing title: Makita DHR263ZJ Twin 18V Li-Ion LXT Rotary Hammer SDS Plus Supplied in...

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