Makita DHP481 – The Inside Scoop

The Makita DHP481 18V brushless combi drill is the latest addition to Makita’s expanding brushless range. The DHP458 heavy duty combi hammer drill has not had a brushless counterpart up until now and it is the next rung up the ladder from the DHP459 brushless combi hammer drill.

The fact the DHP481 has a brushless motor straight away tells us that the actual unit will be more compact. This model measures 205mm compared to the 225mm of its predecessor. This will allow you to fit into those tighter spots.

What are its other key features we hear you ask? Well, it will be compatible with all Makita batteries including the new 5.0 Ah BL1850 battery.

It has the best possible ergonomic handle for drill driver applications.

The maximum torque is an outstanding 125Nm compared to 45Nm on the Makita DHP459 and 88Nm on the Makita DHP458.

The impacts per minute (IPM) are 31,500 compared to the 22,500 of the DHP459.

Single sleeve keyless chuck allows for easy bit installation/removal by one hand.

The battery fuel gauge allows you to see the power remaining in the battery by simply by pushing a button. 3 lights on: more than 50% of full battery capacity. 2 lights on: 20% to 50% of full battery capacity. 1 light on: less than 20% of full battery capacity.

Let’s break down the facts and figures:
Capacity – Steel – 13mm / ½” – Wood – 76mm / 3”
Impacts per minute – Hi 0-31500 / Lo 0-8250
No load speed (RPM) – Hi 0-2100 / Lo 0-550
Chuck capacity – 1.5 – 13mm
Torque settings – 21 stage + drill mode
Max fastening torque – Soft 60Nm / Hard 115Nm
Weight with battery – 2.7kg