Comparison:Makita DDF487 vs DHP487

Choosing an 18V drill/driver can quickly become a headache given the wide range of models offered by leading brands. Within Makita’s lineup, two compact professional references stand out: the DDF487 and the DHP487. Both feature a high-performance brushless motor and an ergonomic design, making them suitable for demanding DIYers as well as professionals looking for reliability. The first is limited to standard drilling and screwdriving, while the second includes a hammer function, perfect for tackling brick or concrete.

Makita DDF487

Technical specifications

Tool type : Drill/driver (no hammer)

Max torque (hard/soft) : 40 / 23 Nm

Torque settings : 20 positions

No-load speed : 0–500 / 0–1700 rpm

Impacts per minute (IPM) : -

Drilling capacity wood : 36 mm

Drilling capacity steel : 13 mm

Drilling capacity masonry : -

Weight with battery : 1,3–1,6 kg

Dimensions (L x l x H) : 150 x 81 x 248 mm

Noise level (sound pressure Lpa) : 73 dB(A)

Vibration level metal : ≤ 2,5 m/s²

Vibration level concrete : -

LED lighting : Yes (twin)

Electronic protection (battery/overload) : Yes

Ergonomic handle : Yes

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Brushless motor: improved efficiency and longer lifespan.
Compact: only 150 mm in length, convenient in tight spaces.
Lightweight (1.3–1.6 kg with battery), reducing fatigue.
Low noise level (73 dB), comfortable for extended use.
Powerful twin LED lights to illuminate the work area.
Electronic protection against overload and battery discharge.

Weaknesses

No hammer function, limiting use to softer materials (wood, metal).
No extended capacity for larger diameters in wood (unlike the DHP487).
Less versatile for mixed jobs involving concrete or masonry.

Indicative price

117$

Who is Makita DDF487 suitable for?

The Makita DDF487 is a compact 18V drill/driver equipped with a brushless motor. Designed for drilling and screwdriving in wood or metal, it stands out for its light weight and ease of use. A solid choice for both professionals and DIYers looking for an efficient tool for everyday tasks.

Makita DHP487

Technical specifications

Tool type : Hammer drill/driver

Max torque (hard/soft) : 40 / 25 Nm

Torque settings : 20 positions + drilling

No-load speed : 0–500 / 0–1700 rpm

Impacts per minute (IPM) : 0–7 500 / 25 500

Drilling capacity wood : 36 mm (51 mm with hole saw)

Drilling capacity steel : 13 mm

Drilling capacity masonry : 13 mm

Weight with battery : 1,4–1,7 kg

Dimensions (L x l x H) : 164 x 81 x 248 mm

Noise level (sound pressure Lpa) : 83 dB(A)

Vibration level metal : ≤ 2,5 m/s²

Vibration level concrete : 10,5 m/s²

LED lighting : Yes

Electronic protection (battery/overload) : Yes

Ergonomic handle : Yes

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Hammer function: efficient drilling in concrete, brick, and stone (max Ø 13 mm).
Expanded drilling capacity in wood with hole saws (up to 51 mm).
High-performance, durable brushless motor.
2 mechanical speeds + variable speed trigger, same as the DDF487.
Precise torque adjustment (20 settings + drilling mode).
XPT technology to reduce dust and water infiltration.
Supplied in a practical MAKPAC case for transport and storage.
Reversible belt hook for added convenience on the jobsite.

Weaknesses

Slightly heavier (1.4–1.7 kg with battery).
Longer (164 mm vs. 150 mm for the DDF487), making it a bit less compact.
Higher noise level (83 dB, +10 dB compared to the DDF487).
More vibration during hammer drilling (10.5 m/s²).

Indicative price

99$

Who is Makita DHP487 suitable for?

The Makita DHP487 is an 18V brushless hammer drill/driver designed for versatile use. Compact yet robust, it offers the same advantages as the DDF487 while adding a hammer function, making it ideal for drilling into brick, concrete, or stone. A tool suited to both professionals and DIYers who want a machine capable of handling a wider range of applications.

Comparison table: Makita DDF487 vs DHP487

Criteria	DDF487	DHP487	Verdict
Tool type	Drill/driver (no hammer)	Hammer drill/driver	DHP487Adds hammer for concrete/stone
Max torque (hard/soft)	40 / 23 Nm	40 / 25 Nm	Tie
Torque settings	20 positions	20 positions + drilling	Tie
No-load speed	0–500 / 0–1700 rpm	0–500 / 0–1700 rpm	Tie
Impacts per minute (IPM)	-	0–7 500 / 25 500	DHP487Integrated hammer action
Drilling capacity wood	36 mm	36 mm (51 mm with hole saw)	DHP487Larger diameter with hole saw
Drilling capacity steel	13 mm	13 mm	Tie
Drilling capacity masonry	-	13 mm	DHP487Only one able to drill concrete/brick
Weight with battery	1,3–1,6 kg	1,4–1,7 kg	DDF487About 100 g lighter
Dimensions (L x l x H)	150 x 81 x 248 mm	164 x 81 x 248 mm	DDF487More compact in length
Noise level (sound pressure Lpa)	73 dB(A)	83 dB(A)	DDF48710 dB quieter
Vibration level metal	≤ 2,5 m/s²	≤ 2,5 m/s²	Tie
Vibration level concrete	-	10,5 m/s²	DDF487Fewer vibrations, no hammer action
LED lighting	Yes (twin)	Yes	Tie
Electronic protection (battery/overload)	Yes	Yes	Tie
Ergonomic handle	Yes	Yes	Tie

Recommended accessories

For Makita DDF487

2–13 mm keyless chuck

Impact Black Bit Set – 35 Pieces

Torx Bit Set – 31 Pieces

For Makita DHP487

Magnetic Bit Set – Makita 30 Bits + Magnetic Bit Holder

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

Wall mount for Makita 18V tools

Real-life test: Makita DDF487 vs DHP487

On weekends, Julien tackles home renovation projects. One time he’s assembling furniture, another time he’s in the garage putting up shelves, then he’s grabbing the rotary hammer to run conduits through the walls.

Experience with the Makita DDF487?

He starts with some woodworking. A few thick boards to screw together, nothing too tricky, but it does call for a tool that’s easy to handle. The DDF487 proves very practical in tight spaces: compact, fairly light, and easy on the hand. The motor delivers enough torque to drive long screws without pre-drilling, and even after a solid hour of continuous work, it still feels comfortable to hold. The noise level is surprisingly low, which keeps his workshop from turning into an echo chamber. However, the moment he switches to brick, everything changes. Without hammer action, the bit struggles to make progress, and the effort quickly becomes tiring.

Experience with the Makita DHP487?

He repeats the same set of tasks, this time with the hammer version. On wood, the difference is minimal, same precision, same feeling of control. But when he moves on to brick, the contrast is obvious. The bit goes in effortlessly, the job is faster, and the energy required is far less. Still, there’s a trade-off: the tool vibrates more, feels heavier in hand, and the noise in hammer mode forces Julien to put on his ear protection if he wants to stay focused.

User reviews

Makita DDF487

4.18/5

Power & Performance

82%

Compactness & Ergonomics

90%

Noise & Vibration Comfort

88%

Versatility of Use

75%

★★★★★

Paul G.

I mainly use it for assembling furniture and small jobs. The drill is light and fits well in the hand, so I don’t get tired quickly. Too bad it doesn’t have a hammer function, but for my needs it’s more than enough.

★★★★★

Karine L.

Super compact, it easily fits into tight spaces. Battery life is decent with a 5Ah pack, and the noise level is reasonable. Very practical for regular indoor use.

★★★★★

Didier M.

As a tradesman, I use it for screwdriving and light drilling. It does the job well and has enough torque. I switch to another tool for concrete, but this one is very reliable.

Makita DHP487

4.33/5

Power & Performance

91%

Compactness & Ergonomics

86%

Noise & Vibration Comfort

78%

Versatility of Use

92%

★★★★★

Sophie R.

I chose this model so I could also drill into the brick wall of my garage. The hammer function is effective and saves me time. A little heavier than the DDF487, but still manageable.

★★★★★

Nicolas T.

Good all-around tool, I use it on jobsites for both wood and concrete. The Makpac case is handy for transport. It does vibrate quite a bit in hammer mode, but nothing unusual.

★★★★★

Hassan B.

I do quite a bit of renovation work, so I needed a drill that could handle everything. This one is solid and precise, with plenty of power. The only drawback: it’s a bit noisier than I expected.

Questions? We have the answers!

What’s the difference between the Makita DDF487 and the Makita DHP487?

The DDF487 is a standard 18V drill/driver designed for wood and metal. The DHP487 adds a hammer mode, allowing it to also drill into concrete, brick, and stone.

Is the Makita DDF487 suitable for masonry work?

No. The DDF487 does not include a hammer function. For concrete or brick, it’s better to go with the DHP487.

Which drill is lighter between the DDF487 and the DHP487?

The DDF487 is more compact and lighter (1.3 to 1.6 kg with battery) than the DHP487 (1.4 to 1.7 kg with battery).

What is the noise level of the DDF487 compared to the DHP487?

The DDF487 is quieter at 73 dB(A), versus 83 dB(A) for the DHP487, a difference of 10 dB.

Do both models use the same Makita 18V LXT batteries?

Yes, both are compatible with Makita 18V LXT Li-Ion batteries.