Driver Drill or Hammer Drill? Makita DDF487 vs DHP486

The Makita DDF487 and DHP486 are both 18V LXT brushless drills, and they look similar on the shelf. The key difference: the DHP486 has a hammer mode for masonry, the DDF487 does not.

Makita DDF487: compact driver drill

The DDF487 is a sub-compact driver drill, only 150mm long and 1.0kg without a battery. It has 40Nm of maximum torque and two speeds (up to 1,700rpm).

• Drills steel up to 13mm and wood up to 35mm with a self-feed bit
• Ideal for furniture assembly, cabinets, shelving, drilling timber and sheet metal
• Small enough for inside cupboards and other tight spaces

Makita DHP486: heavy-duty hammer driver drill

The DHP486 is a heavy-duty hammer driver drill with up to 141Nm peak torque. Its hammer action drills masonry up to 16mm, and it handles hole saws up to 152mm and 50mm auger bits.

• Drills brick, block and light masonry as well as steel and timber
• Drives large screws and coach bolts
• Still compact for its power, 178mm long

Which one do you need?

• Mostly screws, furniture, timber and metal: DDF487. It is lighter and easier to handle.
• Some masonry plus big holes and big screws: DHP486.
• Lots of drilling in concrete walls and ceilings: neither is ideal. Hong Kong flats are mostly reinforced concrete, and an SDS-Plus rotary hammer is far faster. See our rotary hammer guide.

Batteries

Both are sold as bare tools, so you need a Makita 18V LXT battery and charger. A light 2.0Ah battery suits the DDF487; the DHP486 benefits from a 5.0Ah. Our Makita battery guide explains the options.

Pang Lee is an authorised Makita dealer in Hong Kong, and all our Makita tools are genuine Hong Kong stock with Makita Hong Kong warranty. See all our drills and drivers.