Makita DHP484Z review: an LXT combi drill assessed on specifications

The verdict

A sensible shortlist candidate for a compatible LXT owner needing a general-purpose combi drill. Its documented modes and two-speed gearing support that role; there is no performance testing here to justify calling it faster, tougher or better balanced than a rival.

Best suited to: An existing LXT owner with mixed drilling and screwdriving jobs inside the stated capacities, who checks the actual battery and complete package.

Look elsewhere when: Your priority is repeated demanding masonry drilling, or your decision depends on independently measured runtime, handling or noise comparisons.

This desk review covers published documentation only. We have not measured runtime, drilling speed, handling, chuck runout or durability. Package contents and warranty remain purchase checks, and battery choice changes weight.

The buying decision

Choose a drill for mixed drilling and screwdriving while checking whether your existing LXT equipment makes the whole purchase worthwhile.

• Match the task and material — Intended work and controls, Drilling capacities
• Compare control rather than a headline torque number — No-load speed, Fastening torque, Motor and gearbox
• Allow for the battery and working space — Battery and charger requirements, Weight basis, Dimensions, Chuck capacity

Pros

• Drilling, screwdriving and masonry impact modes put several maintenance tasks in one tool, provided the bit and material are suitable.
• Two mechanical gears give a useful distinction between slower work needing more turning force and higher-speed drilling; the brushless label alone does not quantify a benefit.
• The manual identifies actual battery models, giving an existing owner a concrete compatibility check before buying.

Cons and trade-offs

• The published 1.2 kg product figure understates the complete working load: Makita lists 1.6–2.2 kg with a battery. Choose the actual pack before comparing weight.
• Three torque figures appear under different labels. Using 65 Nm against a competitor’s hard or soft fastening figure would be an unreliable shortcut.
• A 13 mm masonry capacity does not demonstrate fast repeated drilling in hard concrete. For masonry-heavy work, compare the correct tool type and dust arrangements before choosing this combi.

Documented features

Choose by material before choosing by torque

For timber pilot holes and screwdriving, the non-impact modes matter more than a masonry headline. The manual also permits impact drilling in brick and masonry. Its maximum capacities are boundaries to check against the job, not measured productivity. Stop if the tool or accessory is unsuitable rather than treating the maximum diameter as a target. Check for concealed services before drilling and follow the manual’s eye, hearing and dust precautions.

What the speed and torque numbers actually establish

The two gears publish no-load ranges of 0–500 and 0–2,000 rpm. Makita describes low gear for work needing higher torque and high gear for lighter drilling. The UK specification separately labels 54/30 Nm as hard/soft fastening torque and 65 Nm as Max Torque. This review preserves those definitions rather than selecting the largest figure. None establishes screw-driving feel, hole completion time, battery runtime or superiority to another drill.

Check the working tool, including its battery

The UK dimensions are 182 × 79 × 261 mm, with a battery measurement note; they should not be read as battery-free clearance. The manual also gives country-specific overall lengths of 172 or 182 mm, so use the UK page and check your exact tool for a tight space. Makita’s battery-equipped weight range is more relevant to overhead work than its 1.2 kg product net figure. The 1.5–13 mm chuck capacity describes shank fit, not permission to use any accessory of that size.

An existing LXT battery changes the purchase

Check the model number printed on each battery against the manual’s list, then check the charger as well. A matching voltage alone is insufficient. If you need a battery and charger, compare that complete purchase with an appropriate kit, including any case and necessary bits. This is a specification assessment of the DHP484Z listed on the UK page; it does not confirm a retailer’s stock, package contents or current price.

Evidence gaps that affect the decision

• The UK page lists DHP484Z, but this review has not independently confirmed the complete contents of each seller’s package. Get the exact battery, charger, case and accessory list in writing; do not assume equipment pictured is included.
• Warranty duration, registration deadlines and seller eligibility have not been verified for this purchase. Check current Makita UK terms and the seller’s coverage before ordering; no warranty advantage is assumed in the verdict.

Sources checked

• Makita UK DHP484 product page, technical specifications and available DHP484Z version — checked 2026-11-02.
• Makita DHP484 instruction manual, English specifications, intended use and battery table — checked 2026-11-02.