Comparison:Makita DHP458 vs DHP482

When you compare two 18V drill drivers from the same brand, the differences aren’t always obvious at first glance. The Makita DHP458Z and the Makita DHP482Z are a good example: two models that look similar on paper, often placed side-by-side in Makita comparisons, yet clearly aimed at different types of use. The first meets the demands of professionals and heavy-duty work, while the second is better suited to knowledgeable DIYers or users who want a compact, versatile tool for regular use. Two serious tools, two distinct positions in the lineup, and a choice that deserves to be clarified.

Makita DHP458

Technical specifications

Max torque : 110 Nm

Hard/soft torque : 91 / 58 Nm

No-load speed : 0 - 400 / 2000 rpm

Impacts/min : 6000 / 30000

Masonry drilling : 16 mm

Wood drilling (bit) : 50 mm

Wood drilling (hole saw) : 152 mm

Steel drilling : 13 mm

Clutch settings : 21 positions

Chuck : 1.5 - 13 mm

Weight (with battery) : 2.2 - 2.6 kg

Length : 225 mm

Dust/water protection : Yes

LED light : No

Battery indicator : Yes

Vibration in metal : ≤ 2.5 m/s²

Vibration in concrete : 9.5 m/s²

Energy / Voltage : 18V LXT

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

High maximum torque (110 Nm), suitable for tough fastening tasks.
Superior drilling capacities in wood, masonry, and large hole saws.
Built-in battery level indicator.
Motor protected against dust.
High hammer rate (up to 30,000 impacts/min).
Ergonomic grip providing good stability.

Weaknesses

Heavier than most models in the range.
Bulkier in tight spaces.
More noticeable vibrations when hammer drilling in concrete.
Slightly higher noise level.
Less comfortable for prolonged overhead use.

Indicative price

129$

Who is Makita DHP458 suitable for?

The DHP458Z is an 18V hammer drill-driver designed for demanding work. It focuses on high power and strong drilling capacity, making it suitable for tough job-site conditions and harder materials. Its robust build and high torque make it a reliable tool for users who need extra margin during heavy drilling tasks.

Makita DHP482

Technical specifications

Max torque : 64 Nm

Hard/soft torque : 62 / 36 Nm

No-load speed : 0 - 600 / 1900 rpm

Impacts/min : 9000 / 28500

Masonry drilling : 13 mm

Wood drilling (bit) : 38 mm

Wood drilling (hole saw) : 51 mm

Steel drilling : 13 mm

Clutch settings : 21 positions

Chuck : 1.5 - 13 mm

Weight (with battery) : 1.5 - 1.8 kg

Length : 198 mm

Dust/water protection : XPT (higher level)

LED light : Yes (dual LED)

Battery indicator : No

Vibration in metal : ≤ 2.5 m/s²

Vibration in concrete : 6.0 m/s²

Energy / Voltage : 18V LXT

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Reduced weight (1.5 to 1.8 kg), allowing easier prolonged use.
Compact format: more convenient in tight or overhead spaces.
XPT technology providing good resistance to water and dust.
Dual integrated LED lighting.
Lower vibration in concrete hammer drilling compared with the DHP458Z.
Slightly lower noise level.
Strong performance-to-handling ratio for daily use.

Weaknesses

Maximum torque limited to 64 Nm, less suited to demanding fastening tasks.
Lower drilling capacities in wood and masonry.
No battery level indicator.
Less effective with large-diameter hole saws.
Less stable in hard materials when the tool is heavily loaded.

Indicative price

79$

Who is Makita DHP482 suitable for?

The DHP482Z is a compact 18V drill-driver designed for everyday tasks. Its main strengths are its light weight, maneuverability, and efficiency in repetitive work. Its performance remains solid for regular professional use while offering better handling comfort than larger, heavier models.

Comparison table: Makita DHP458 vs DHP482

Criteria	DHP458	DHP482	Verdict
Max torque	110 Nm	64 Nm	DHP458More powerful (+72%)
Hard/soft torque	91 / 58 Nm	62 / 36 Nm	DHP458Clear advantage for DHP458Z
No-load speed	0 - 400 / 2000 rpm	0 - 600 / 1900 rpm	DHP458Slight edge to DHP482Z in low speed
Impacts/min	6000 / 30000	9000 / 28500	DHP482Faster in slow hammer mode
Masonry drilling	16 mm	13 mm	DHP458Higher capacity
Wood drilling (bit)	50 mm	38 mm	DHP458More versatile
Wood drilling (hole saw)	152 mm	51 mm	DHP458Major gap
Steel drilling	13 mm	13 mm	Tie
Clutch settings	21 positions	21 positions	Tie
Chuck	1.5 - 13 mm	1.5 - 13 mm	Tie
Weight (with battery)	2.2 - 2.6 kg	1.5 - 1.8 kg	DHP482Lighter (about –30%)
Length	225 mm	198 mm	DHP482More compact
Dust/water protection	Yes	XPT (higher level)	DHP482Slight edge to DHP482Z
LED light	No	Yes (dual LED)	DHP482
Battery indicator	Yes	No	DHP458
Vibration in metal	≤ 2.5 m/s²	≤ 2.5 m/s²	Tie
Vibration in concrete	9.5 m/s²	6.0 m/s²	DHP482Vibrates less
Energy / Voltage	18V LXT	18V LXT	Tie

Recommended accessories

For Makita DHP458

Makita P-44046 Drill and Bit Set (216 Pieces)

Makita BL1850B-2 Battery 18V Li-Ion LXT 5.0Ah – Charge Level Indicator

2–13 mm keyless chuck

For Makita DHP482

2–13 mm keyless chuck

Makita bit assortment

Box set of 75 drilling and screwdriving accessories

Real-life test: Makita DHP458 vs DHP482

He spends his days installing kitchens, doing light renovation work, and handling small repair jobs. He knows Makita tools well and often switches drills depending on the job.

Experience with the Makita DHP458?

Julien uses it to fasten a wooden frame in a small workshop, a series of around thirty long screws driven into already dense spruce. Within seconds, he feels the machine pull hard: the torque comes quickly, almost abruptly, but it gets the job done without strain. In masonry, the hammer action hits sharply and goes through hollow brick without hesitation. As the morning goes on, he mainly notices the weight; when working with arms raised, fatigue sets in faster. But for the “heavy-duty” part of the job, he appreciates the power reserve that prevents stalling.

Experience with the Makita DHP482?

He spends the afternoon assembling a kitchen, a more confined environment where precision matters as much as power. Here, the 482 feels immediately more docile: light, compact, it slips into cabinets without snagging. Repetitive screwdriving is more comfortable, and the dual LED makes life easier in dark corners. When he starts drilling a few holes in tile and light concrete, he clearly feels he must be more patient; the machine progresses, but not at the same pace as the 458. In the end, Julien switches between the two almost naturally: one for brute force, the other for finesse and comfort.

User reviews

Makita DHP458

4.35/5

Power / Torque

98%

Compactness / Maneuverability

70%

Overall Versatility

92%

Performance / Price Ratio

88%

★★★★★

Marc T.

I use it every day for renovation work. The power is definitely there, even in tougher walls. It’s a bit heavy, yes, but you get used to it considering the torque it delivers.

★★★★★

Sonia R.

I needed a reliable tool for my woodworking projects. It goes through hardwood without slowing down. However, after a long session, I definitely feel the weight in my arms.

★★★★★

Léo M.

Excellent for job sites where you need to be sure it won't stall. The only thing that bothers me is the slightly higher noise level compared with my previous Makita.

Makita DHP482

4.13/5

Power / Torque

72%

Compactness / Maneuverability

93%

Overall Versatility

81%

Performance / Price Ratio

85%

★★★★★

Hugo P.

Super maneuverable and genuinely pleasant to use. I often work overhead, and the reduced weight makes a huge difference. It just lacks a bit of torque for long screws.

★★★★★

Claire V.

For regular use at home, it’s perfect. The LEDs help a lot in dark areas. I only wish it had a battery indicator.

★★★★★

Nassim B.

I work in electrical installation and appreciate its compact size. It fits everywhere and doesn’t heat up much. In hard materials, you quickly feel its limits, but for my trade it’s more than enough.

Questions? We have the answers!

What’s the difference between the Makita DHP458Z and the DHP482Z?

The DHP458Z is more powerful (110 Nm) and better suited to heavy-duty work, while the DHP482Z focuses on light weight and maneuverability for regular or extended use.

Which Makita 18V drill is best for professional use?

For demanding job sites and frequent drilling in hard materials, the DHP458Z offers a more comfortable power margin. The DHP482Z is still suitable for standard professional tasks requiring a compact tool.

Is the Makita DHP482Z sufficient for drilling into concrete?

Yes, it can drill into concrete up to 13 mm, but the DHP458Z will be more stable and faster due to its higher torque.

Why choose an 18V Makita drill-driver?

The 18V LXT platform is valued for its wide compatibility, reliability, and consistent performance across Makita tools.

Which model is most comfortable for long fastening sessions?

The DHP482Z, being about 30% lighter, is less tiring on the arms and better suited to repetitive work.

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