At a glance
The Makita DHP484 sits at the compact end of Makita’s 18V LXT combi drill range – notably shorter and lighter than the flagship DHP486 but sharing the same brushless motor technology and 13mm keyless chuck. For anyone working in tight spaces, up ladders or overhead for extended periods, the smaller footprint and reduced weight make a practical difference that accumulates over the course of a working day. It is one of the most popular entry points into the Makita LXT ecosystem and a natural companion for those already using LXT impact drivers or other LXT tools.
We tested the DHP484 across a range of typical UK DIY and trade tasks – timber drilling and screwdriving, masonry drilling with a hammer action bit, pilot holes in steel and general cabinet and joinery work over four weeks of regular use. The LXT battery system means existing Makita users can run it on batteries they already own, which significantly changes the value equation for those already in the ecosystem. New buyers will want to factor in battery and charger costs carefully – the body-only price is attractive but the kit cost comparison with other brands needs to include those additional components. If you are also looking at fastening work, our Makita DTD153Z impact driver review covers the natural companion tool for this drill.
Overview and first impressions
The DHP484 is noticeably compact for an 18V combi drill – at 187mm in body length it is genuinely shorter than most competing drills in the same voltage class. The body is well-shaped with a comfortable rubber grip and the balance point sits close to the hand for reduced fatigue during overhead work. Weight with a 3Ah battery fitted is approximately 1.5kg – genuinely light for the class and noticeably so compared to higher-torque alternatives at the same voltage. The compact format becomes particularly apparent when working in kitchen units, under floors or in the confined spaces that make up a significant proportion of UK home improvement work. A longer drill in these situations means repositioning – the DHP484 often fits without it.
Build quality is consistently good throughout, as expected from Makita at this price point. The chuck runs smoothly and grips bits securely with no detectable play. The mode selector between drill, clutch and hammer mode clicks cleanly through the positions with positive detenting, and the 21-position torque clutch provides enough granularity to avoid overdriving screws in softer materials. The LED work light is positioned to illuminate the immediate work area effectively without creating excessive shadow at the contact point. The forward/reverse switch is conveniently placed and easy to operate with the thumb of the drill hand without repositioning the grip at any point.
The compact body comes with one meaningful compromise: the DHP484 uses a single belt clip mounting point on the left side only, and the belt clip itself is not included in all variants. For tradespeople who work from a tool belt rather than a bag, this is worth checking before purchase. The trigger feel is smooth and progressive, with good sensitivity at low speed for starting screws without cam-out. The trigger lock-off switch prevents accidental activation when the tool is set down or carried, though it is slightly stiff in use compared to some competitors.
Body-only purchase requires compatible LXT battery. The DHP484 is frequently sold body-only at the £120 price point. It requires an 18V Makita LXT battery – any capacity from 1.5Ah to 6Ah will work. If you do not already own LXT batteries, factor in the cost of at least one battery and a charger when comparing against kitted alternatives from other brands. A 3Ah battery and DC18RC rapid charger adds approximately £80-100 to the purchase cost if bought new, and should be included in any like-for-like comparison with kitted alternatives from DeWalt, Milwaukee or Bosch at a similar total price.
Specifications and scores
How it performed in our tests
In timber, the DHP484 is capable and efficient. Drilling 8mm pilot holes through 50mm construction timber in second gear is clean and fast; the brushless motor maintains speed well under load without the gradual slowdown that characterises cheaper brushed alternatives. Screwdriving performance with the clutch set correctly is one of the DHP484’s genuine strengths – the 21-position clutch is well calibrated and responsive, making it straightforward to drive screws to consistent depth in wood without overdriving or stripping. For cabinet fitting, furniture assembly and similar joinery work, this level of clutch control is genuinely useful and sets it apart from less refined drills at a similar price point. During our testing it drove 4mm hardened deck screws through hardwood decking boards on setting 15 without stripping a single head.
Masonry performance with the hammer action is adequate for standard domestic tasks – drilling 6mm and 8mm fixings into brick and block is comfortable and controlled. The hammer action produces a satisfying percussive feel without excessive vibration transmitted through the handle. Heavy masonry drilling – large anchors into dense concrete or block – is where the smaller form factor shows its limits compared to the more powerful DHP486. The hammer mechanism is functional without being particularly powerful for the class, and anyone doing regular concrete work will find the SDS option more appropriate. For light domestic masonry work – TV wall brackets, towel rails, shelving fixings – it is entirely adequate.
Use first gear for screwdriving, second for drilling. The DHP484’s two-speed gearbox is optimised for different tasks: first gear gives maximum torque for driving screws and drilling in masonry at lower speed, second gear gives higher RPM for clean and fast drilling in timber and steel. Switching between them takes one second and makes a measurable difference to performance and efficiency in each application. Many users leave the drill in second gear for everything – this is a common mistake that results in poor clutch control and overdriving of screws in softer materials. Using first gear for all screwdriving makes a noticeable difference to the quality of the result.
Battery system and runtime
The Makita 18V LXT system is one of the most mature cordless battery platforms available, with over 250 compatible tools across the range. Any LXT battery from 1.5Ah to 6Ah fits the DHP484, giving users the flexibility to match battery capacity to the task at hand. The 3Ah battery is the sweet spot for most DIY use – enough runtime for a typical day’s work without the bulk of the larger 5Ah or 6Ah packs. With a 3Ah battery fitted, the complete tool weighs approximately 1.5kg – genuinely light for the class and meaningfully less fatiguing during extended overhead work. The LXT batteries are also backward and forward compatible across a huge range of Makita tools, which means any battery purchased for the DHP484 is a platform investment that benefits every LXT tool added to the collection subsequently.
The 3Ah and 5Ah batteries in the LXT range are made in Japan and carry a three-year warranty from Makita UK when registered. The Star Protection Communication System built into LXT batteries and tools monitors charge level and temperature, protecting against over-discharge and overheating in sustained use. In our testing the tool was never shut down by the protection system even during the most sustained masonry drilling runs.
Performance and limitations
The 54Nm max torque is modest by 18V brushless standards – competing options from DeWalt and Milwaukee at the same voltage offer significantly more peak torque. For typical domestic DIY the DHP484’s power is more than adequate across all tasks encountered, but anyone regularly drilling large diameter holes in hardwood or carrying out heavy structural masonry work will find the DHP486 or a competitor’s higher-torque offering more capable. This is a deliberate design trade-off for the compact form factor and lighter weight, and the right trade-off for the right user. The brushless motor does extract noticeably better efficiency from the available torque than a brushed equivalent would, which partially compensates for the lower peak figure in everyday use.
- Compact 187mm body – fits tight spaces
- Brushless motor efficiency and longevity
- Excellent screwdriving control and clutch
- 250+ tool LXT ecosystem compatibility
- 54Nm torque modest for the class
- Hammer action limited for heavy masonry
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Existing LXT users adding a drill
- Tight-space and overhead work
- General DIY and light trade use
- Heavy masonry or concrete drilling
- Those needing maximum torque output
- Budget buyers who need battery included
Final verdict – is it worth it?
The Makita DHP484 is an excellent compact combi drill for anyone in the LXT ecosystem or willing to invest in it. The brushless motor, 21-position clutch and compact body make it genuinely well-suited to the kind of mixed drilling and screwdriving work that makes up the majority of UK DIY and lighter trade use. The 54Nm torque ceiling and modest hammer action mean it is not the right tool for demanding masonry or heavy structural drilling, but for its intended application it performs reliably and efficiently day after day. Over our four weeks of testing it did not miss a beat – no overheating, no battery cut-outs during sustained use, no chuck slip.
At around £120 body-only, it is competitively priced for a brushless 18V combi from a premium brand. The body-only pricing makes most sense for existing LXT users who already have a compatible battery and charger – for those starting from scratch, a kit including battery and charger from Makita or a competitor with equivalent specs should be price-compared before committing to the body-only purchase. For those wanting a companion fastening tool, pairing it with the best cordless impact driver from the LXT range creates a highly capable two-tool combination that handles virtually all domestic and light trade work without needing to carry a third tool.
The Makita DHP484 is a well-built, compact brushless combi drill that performs above expectations for everyday DIY and light trade work. The LXT ecosystem compatibility is a major advantage for existing Makita users. Its modest torque output is the only meaningful limitation – and for most domestic tasks, it is never reached.
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