A Review of Makita’s Best Hammer Drills
In this Makita hammer drill review we will look at 4 of the best that are currently available on the market from this well known and much loved power tool manufacturer. A hammer drill is a multi purpose power tool that serves two different functions.
Because of this there are a number of factors to consider when deciding on which model to go for. These will be discussed in detail below so that you will be able to make your own mind up, as well as reading our thoughts on which model is the best. So lets take a look at our top picks.
Makita HR2630 3 Mode SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill
Table of Contents
This model has been particularly designed to handle masonry tasks, but is actually a great all rounder. This is because it comes with 3 different rotational modes, including one for standard drilling. There is also when that includes hammering for when you are working with harder materials.
The maximum chuck capacity is 26mm and the power tool is powered by a strong 800 Watt motor. With this amount of power the HR2630 is able to comfortably handle the most heavy duty of tasks. It comes with a depth stop feature that allows you to pick the depth you want the hammer drill to go to.
This is highly useful and has lots of applications. Along with the sensitive speed trigger, you are able to work on different materials quite comfortably. This is dependent on having the correct drill bits, however. The hammer drill is able to generate as much as 1,200 RPM and 4,600 IPM.
The HR2630 has the usual forward and reverse functions that are standard on most hammer drills. To make working in tight spaces that bit easier, the handles can be removed. When not in use, the hammer drill can be stored in a robust carry box. This makes transporting it and all its parts from job to job that much easier.
Changing the drill bit on this model is rather easy and straight forward thanks to its mechanism that works by sliding a sleeve. There are 40 different positions in which the drill bit can be on this hammer drill. This provides you with a huge range, and you will certainly find one that is suitable no matter what type of job you are working on.
Check out the price of the Makita HR2630 3 Mode SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill
Specifications
- A maximum chuck capacity of 26 mm
- An 800 Watt motor
- Up to 1,200 RPM
- A total weight of 6.2 lbs.
Pros
- Relatively light weight
- Handles heavy duty tasks
- Highly powerful
Cons
- Lack of an LED light
- Only compatible with drill bits that are SDS
Makita DHR202Z Cordless Li-ion SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill
The DHR202Z is a cordless hammer drill that is powered by a strong 18 volt battery that is lithium ion. The battery is available in both 4 Ah and 5 Ah depending on the length of run time that you require. Lithium ion batteries utilize the latest technology to deliver a high level of efficiency whilst also being compact.
It has 3 different modes, including hammering, drilling, and chiseling. This means it can be used for a variety of different applications and works on a range of materials, including concrete, brick, wood and plastic. Additional to the range of modes, it also has range of torque and speed settings.
A torque limiter ensures that you never damage the surface that you are working on. The DHR202Z comes with a built in LED to help making in dimly lit or dark work spaces that bit easier. Its handle has been designed in an ergonomic way so that it is much more comfortable to grip, even when you are wearing thick protective gloves.
The handles on this model have been designed in an ergonomic manner to ensure maximum comfort and a strong grip, even when thick protective gloves are being worn. The feel of the drill in your hand is an important consideration; especially it is going to be used often.
Check out the price of the Makita DHR202Z Cordless Li-ion SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill
Specifications
- An 18 volt lithium ion battery
- A total weight of 7.7 lbs.
- An LED light
- Up to 4,000 BPM
Pros
- Fast drilling
- Drills through all materials with ease
- Compact design
Cons
- No carry box included
- No battery included
Makita DHR242Z 18 V 24 mm Cordless Li-ion SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill
Despite this being a cordless hammer drill, the DHR242Z is still able to deliver lots of power. It runs on 24 volts, so is able to handle any heavy duty tasks you may have. The hammer drill has the capacity to drill holes into materials as wide as 24 mm and is capable of generating as much as 4,700 BPM.
The handles on this model have been specially designed so that you have a strong grip on them at all times, even when it is being used in an upright position. It features a depth control mechanism, which is handy on those jobs that require a shallower hole.
The brushless motor on this model helps to provide a more efficient experience and also works to extend the life span of the power tool. It is only compatible with drill bits that are SDS plus, meaning standard drill bits are useless without the use of a converter. The chuck mechanism on the DHR242Z is pretty easy to use and works by simply sliding the sleeve.
This model is relatively light weight and features a bit attachment mechanism that is keyless. This makes changing the drill bit super easy and just requires a simple sliding of the chuck. It is capable of generating just 950 RPM of speed, which is relatively low compared with other similar models.
It has a drilling capacity of 27 mm in softer materials such as wood, 24 mm into concrete, and 13 mm into the strongest steel. This means it will comfortably be able to handle most applications around the home. Like most other similar models the hammer drill has a forward and reverse setting.
Check out the price of the Makita DHR242Z 18 V 24 mm Cordless Li-ion SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill
Specifications
- 24 volts
- Up to 4,700 BPM
- Up to 950 RPM
- A drilling capacity of 24 mm
- A brushless motor
Pros
- Good drilling capacity
- Can be used for most applications
- Reduces energy loss
Cons
- No carry box included
- No battery included
Makita HP347DWE 14.4 V Cordless Hammer Drill
The HP347DWE is a multi purpose hammer drill that is cordless and more suited to less heavy duty tasks. This makes it ideal for home DIYers that are only doing jobs around the house. The 2 G series batteries that come with it are lithium ion but are not compatible with any other model in this list.
However, it does come with a charger and a robust case to carry it all in. Its high level of robustness is a result of the strong plastic that has been used in its production. The carry case has an ergonomic handle for added comfort and ease of use.
The hammer drill has two mechanical gears that can be easily switched between. On the lower setting is produces 6,00 IPM and on the higher setting it produces as much as 21,000 IPM. It has the capacity to drill as deep as 25 mm into softer materials such as wood, and to a depth of 10 mm in harder materials such as concrete or steel.
With 16 different torque settings to choose from, the HP347DWE can be used for a variety of different applications. The level of torque is adjustable so that you never deliver too much and end up driving the screw deep than was required. It has a chuck mechanism that is keyless, which makes changing drills bits that much easier.
Check out the price of the Makita HP347DWE 14.4 V Cordless Hammer Drill
Specifications
- 2 x 1.3 Ah G series batteries
- Up to 1,400 RPM
- 16 torque settings
- A drilling capacity of 25 mm
- A keyless chuck
- Two mechanical gears
- A carry case
Pros
- Can be easily transported
- Easy to control
- Fast battery charging
Cons
- Unable to handle heavy duty tasks
Conclusion
As we can see from this review, a hammer drill is a great power tool, and Makita manufacturer some of the best models currently available on the market. Although all of the models we looked at would do a fine job, it is the Makita HR2630 3 Mode SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill that is our favorite.
This is because it has lots of power and so has the ability to handle the more heavy duty tasks, whilst still being relatively light weight. This makes it ideal for both novice home DIYers and experienced professional tradesmen.
Check out the price of the Makita HR2630 3 Mode SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Drill