Which Makita drill driver?

[HappyHippyDad]

I currently have a Makita 453 and 459. I like them both but they don't really have enough umphh if I want to get through something tough.

I'll definitely be sticking with Makita and have seen the DDF458 which has a max torque of 58/91nM which I think would be fine or maybe even the 481 but that may be too hefty.. max torque 60/115nM?

Any suggestions on which Makita drill to get through joists or cut larger diameter holes, something fairly powerful. One of the two options above?

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Well after doing some more research the 481 does look pretty darn good!

max torque 115, 20mm shorter in length than the 458, brushless.

Unless you chaps come up with one better or reasons against the 481 then this may be the one.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I'm now researching even more and have found this rather good comparison site of Makita drills

What Makita Drill to Buy - ITS Blog - http://www.its.co.uk/blog/buying-guides/what-makita-drill-to-buy/

Well it's been nice chatting with you all, I'll review the plethora of advice and make my decision soon

 

[HandySparks]

Too quiet for you tonight HHD?

The last time I bought Makita cordless drills was six years ago and they're still going strong, so I've no experience of the latest ones. The 481 looks the biz, albeit at the expense of extra weight.

 

[happysteve]

Like HandySparks I'm not familiar with the latest ones. I've got a 458 and it's great. I only get out the 230V SDS if I need >10mm through solid walls.

Picking up on one of your comments, though, "... to get through joists or cut larger diameter holes," I'm a bit surprised by this. What are you using to get through the joists, drill bit-wise? I use Irwin Speedbor (very similar to Armeg wood beaver), I actually use my BTD 146 impact driver with them. Gets pretty hot (and is noisy) but it works well for very little effort.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Like HandySparks I'm not familiar with the latest ones. I've got a 458 and it's great. I only get out the 230V SDS if I need >10mm through solid walls.

Picking up on one of your comments, though, "... to get through joists or cut larger diameter holes," I'm a bit surprised by this. What are you using to get through the joists, drill bit-wise? I use Irwin Speedbor (very similar to Armeg wood beaver), I actually use my BTD 146 impact driver with them. Gets pretty hot (and is noisy) but it works well for very little effort.

Hi Steve,
I did go back to the thread to get rid of the 'joists' bit as it was more when I'm drilling large holes with the holesaw blades through wood, but I was too late to edit. The 453 (its actually a 456, I made a mistake as its an import called a xph06 (456 equivalent)) and 459 just seem to take ages and keep stopping when drilling large holes with a holesaw. You're right, the drill bit makes all the difference, I remember when I first started out I kept the same spade bits for ages and when I used a new spade bit the difference was huge.

Perhaps I should have looked at a new holesaw set rather than a new drill, however I have now ordered the 481 which is very exciting and after finishing this paragraph should have almost talked myself into needing a new holesaw set.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

A quick update on the drill..

It's noticeably heavier than the other makitas 453,456,459 etc.
It has a metal chuck which I have not had before which just feels better quality, although my other makitas are lasting well and they are plastic.
It is powerful! I used the same hole saws with this drill as I had with the makita 459 and the motor didn't even srtruggle whereas the others would actually stop.
I am happy with it

 

[Lou]

Love updates.

Nice one.

 

[Rocboni]

I was going to go with the 481 but went with Milwaukee as it was cheaper for a set and more power at 135Nm

 

[jackhammerJIM]

If you want a hole saw to go through thick wood with little effort use a tungsten carbide tipped .

 

[LeeH]

The last makita drill I had was one of the really long handled jobbies that the battery fitted insured the full length of the grip.

Proper retro cordless.