Makita 481 vs Hitachi DV18DBL2

[Com_VC]

Looking into buying a new cordless drill to replace my old 18V nicad Makita.

Now I always thought cordless tools were toys until I tried the Hitachi DV18DBL2 brushless at work, this thing will out perform the pneumatic and electric drill I used to use before we got the cordless.

It never slows down or loses torque like the old cordless tools did when the battery started to lose charge. I guess that is the advantage of the brush less.

Now I want to get something for home, but I would rather stick with the makita.

Will I get the same sort of performance out of the Makita 481, it is an older drill compared to the hitachi.

Thanks

 

[MaineGuide]

I have the XPH07, which as best as I can tell, is the US version of the 481.

Mine is a beast. I've been very happy with it, and it hasn't skipped a beat. I use mine with some large auger bits in bigger timbers and you definitely need the side handle to control it/keep it from breaking your wrist.

 

[engineer2]

I concur with what MaineGuide said about the XPH07. I can see many years of service out of this drill. Are you talking DHP481 or 482 as an equivalent?

 

[ChrisLS8]

Pretty much any drill asides from Ikea will be an upgrade from your Ni Cad, take your pick from any manufacturer

 

[Com_VC]

Yeah I am talking about the DHP481. I'd rather the makita so I can use the battery's in my radio that I already have.

Also I like the fact that makita have a skin for just about everything and they are more common than the other brands so parts are easier to get.

 

[seber]

I haven't tried the Hitachi but I did use the Makita brushless at a neighbors house. Compared to my Milwaukee brushed model it is unbearably weak. Putting a fresh battery in did not help. This thing is just wimpy.

 

[IndyGarage]

what do you guys use cordless drills for? I have a few, but they are very rarely used and any of them are fine for drilling holes. If I have to drill holes in concrete I definitely want an SDS drill.

I guess I just don't drill holes that often. Maybe used with my Kreg Jig pretty often.

I think an impact driver is a much more useful tool.

 

[Rabid Badger]

The Makita and Hitachi should have comparable performance. The Makita has substantially better ergonomics and one of the best chucks you can get on a cordless drill.

I haven't tried the Hitachi but I did use the Makita brushless at a neighbors house. Compared to my Milwaukee brushed model it is unbearably weak. Putting a fresh battery in did not help. This thing is just wimpy.

You're sure it's an XPH07/XFD07? I'm having a very hard time believing that.

 

[Rabid Badger]

what do you guys use cordless drills for? I have a few, but they are very rarely used and any of them are fine for drilling holes. If I have to drill holes in concrete I definitely want an SDS drill.

I guess I just don't drill holes that often. Maybe used with my Kreg Jig pretty often.

I think an impact driver is a much more useful tool.

When I'm doing serious building I have 3 tools at hand:

My newer drill with a drill bit.

My old drill with a countersink.

My impact for driving screws.

 

[Com_VC]

I haven't tried the Hitachi but I did use the Makita brushless at a neighbors house. Compared to my Milwaukee brushed model it is unbearably weak. Putting a fresh battery in did not help. This thing is just wimpy.

Shouldn't a brush less be superior to a brushed model though? Where you using the Makita 481/XPH07 or some other brush less Makita?

 

[Citation]

Shouldn't a brush less be superior to a brushed model though? Where you using the Makita 481/XPH07 or some other brush less Makita?

Brushless is more efficient. So a mfr can make the same size drill more powerful or make it last longer on a change etc. Brushless doesn't automatically mean more power though it often does.

 

[58Yeoman]

My stepson uses mostly Makita cordless tools during his apartment rehabs. He wanted to put down a couple dozen RR ties to cordon off a parking area. I have a 1/2" auger bit to drill them for the rebar to hold them in place. I laughed and told him I'd bring my corded C'man 1/2" drill to drill them, as I didn't think his would do it. Ha! My corded lasted about two holes and quit. We used his for the rest. I bought a brushless 1/2" drill, impact and small circ saw. Couldn't be happier.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

I'm sure either will suit your needs well. I use a Dewalt at work and find it more than enough power, like enough that it really, really hurts when a bit binds up and the handle smashes your hand. I routinely use this tool for purposes that you never would of considered using a cordless tool for 20 years ago. Regardless of color I don't think you will find a bad system these days.

 

[Robinson1]

what do you guys use cordless drills for? I have a few, but they are very rarely used and any of them are fine for drilling holes. If I have to drill holes in concrete I definitely want an SDS drill.

I guess I just don't drill holes that often. Maybe used with my Kreg Jig pretty often.

I think an impact driver is a much more useful tool.

I tend to favor Bosch drills. The DDS181 is my favorite. But now I think discontinued. It's not the most powerful or the smallest. But to me it feels right and I'm working almost entirely with wood. I've worn out a couple in the last 10 years.

I've got a Dewalt (can't remember model to lazy to go to my truck and look) that I use mostly for service work. It's been a good drill and done everything I asked of it.

I've used about every brand of drill that's commonly available over the years. They are all pretty good as long as you stay with major manufacturers. And modern drills are light years better than anything nicad

 

[Robinson1]

I routinely use this tool for purposes that you never would of considered using a cordless tool for 20 years ago. Regardless of color I don't think you will find a bad system these days.

Yeah I dont even carry a corded drill any more. Unless you count my mud mixer drill. It was bitter sweet when I pulled my corded dewalt off my truck and put it in my shop

 

[engineer2]

compared to my Milwaukee brushed model it is unbearably weak.

It might have been one of their big box store consumer models. Makita makes a dozen different kinds of cordless drills. You won't find an XPH07 at Home Depot. I tried mine against a neighbors Milwaukee and they were very similar in performance.

Back to the OP's original question, I believe the DHP481 has been replaced by the DHP482

 

[American Locomotive]

I got mu XPH07 at Home Depot...

But anyways, Makita makes a lot of brushless drills. From very small to very large. My XPH07 will break your wrist in low range.

 

[Com_VC]

Back to the OP's original question, I believe the DHP481 has been replaced by the DHP482

DHP482 looks to be a bottom of the line thing most likely for home use.

 

[engineer2]

DHP482 looks to be a bottom of the line thing most likely for home use.

Sorry, not familiar with the Australian model numbers. You don't want a homeowner drill. Buy the best.

 

[Citation]

Why not a home user model? Sure if you are in a professional environment get the pro model. If you aren't a hard user you may be paying for capabilities you don't need.

 

[Com_VC]

I only use industrial tools