Makita Combi Drills
Makita drill combi models are the proper all-rounders for site work, driving fixings and drilling timber, steel, and masonry on one 18V platform.
When you're on first fix and the jobs keep changing, a Makita cordless drill that can drill, drive, and hammer without swapping tools saves time and hassle. Pick a Makita 18V drill that matches your workload, and decide early if you want body only or a Makita drill set with batteries and charger ready to crack on.
What Are Makita Combi Drills Used For?
- Driving long screws into studwork, joists, and roofing timber with a Makita drill driver when you need steady torque without chewing heads.
- Drilling clean holes through timber and sheet materials for first fix, kitchens, and fit-out, where a Makita 18V combi drill keeps the pace up all day.
- Hammer drilling into brick and block for plugs, frame fixings, and small anchors, when you need one Makita power drill to cover mixed trades on refurbs.
- Working off ladders, in lofts, and tight risers with a Makita battery drill, where cordless matters and a compact body saves your wrists.
- Pairing a Makita drill and impact set on repetitive fixing days so the drill stays on pilot holes and the impact stays on driving, with less bit swapping and less grief.
Choosing the Right Makita Drill
Sort the right Makita combi drill by matching power, size, and battery kit to the work you actually do, not the odd once-a-month task.
1. Brushless vs Brushed
If you're on it most days, go Makita brushless drill because it runs cooler, lasts longer, and holds its power better under load. If it's occasional second-fix and light drilling, a brushed Makita cordless drill can still do the job without paying for performance you will not use.
2. Body Only vs Makita Drill Set
If you're already on Makita LXT, buy Makita combi drill body only and put the money into better bits and batteries. If you're starting out or your batteries are tired, a Makita drill set with charger and 5Ah packs is the sensible route so you are not fighting low runtime on site.
3. Compact vs Heavy Duty
If you're working overhead, in cupboards, or doing lots of fixing, a small Makita drill saves your wrists and fits where it needs to. If you're regularly into big holes, long fixings, and tougher materials, step up to a heavier duty Makita 18 volt drill with more torque and a sturdier gearbox.
4. Battery Size for Real Shifts
Do not kid yourself with tiny batteries if you're drilling and driving all day. For a Makita drill 18v set, 5Ah packs are the usual sweet spot for runtime, and having two batteries means one is always on charge while you keep working.
Makita Drill FAQs
What is the best Makita combi drill?
The best Makita combi drill is the one that matches your daily workload. For regular site use, a Makita 18V brushless combi drill is usually the right shout for power, runtime, and longevity. If you mainly do light fixing and occasional drilling, a more compact model can be the better buy because it is easier to handle all day.
Which is better, DeWalt or Makita?
Neither is automatically better; it comes down to the battery platform you are committing to and the tools you already own. If your van is already Makita LXT, sticking with a Makita cordless drill means your batteries and chargers all match and you are not running two systems. If you are starting from scratch, compare the drill spec you need and the wider range you will actually buy into next.
Should I buy a Makita drill set or body only?
Go body only if you already have good Makita LXT batteries and a charger, because it is the cheapest way to add a tool. Buy a Makita drill set if you are new to Makita, your batteries are old, or you need a second kit for the van so you are not sharing packs between too many tools.
Is a Makita combi drill strong enough for masonry every day?
It is fine for plugs and small fixings in brick and block, but it is not an SDS and it will feel it if you are drilling lots of holes or hitting hard concrete. If masonry is a big part of your week, keep the Makita drill driver for drilling and driving, and use an SDS for the heavy hammer work.
What battery size makes sense for a Makita drill 18V on site?
For proper trade use, 5Ah batteries are the usual go-to because they last through longer fixing and drilling runs without constant swaps. If you are doing lighter work or want the lightest setup, smaller packs can be handy, but expect shorter runtime and more charging.
Do Makita LXT batteries fit all Makita 18V drills?
Makita LXT 18V batteries are designed to work across the LXT range, including most Makita 18V combi drill models, which is why the platform is so popular on site. Always double check the product listing if you are mixing older kit, but in general LXT is built for cross-compatibility.
Who Are Makita Combi Drills For on Site?
- Chippies and kitchen fitters who need a Makita combi drill 18V for drilling and driving all day, then the odd bit of masonry without changing tools.
- Sparks and plumbers doing fixings into timber and metal stud, where a Makita drill 18v brushless model gives better control on smaller fasteners and less heat on long runs.
- Maintenance teams and site managers who want a Makita drill set 18V 5Ah style kit that lives in the van, covers most call-outs, and shares batteries with other Makita LXT tools.
The Basics: Understanding Makita Combi Drills
A combi drill is three tools in one: drill, driver, and light hammer drill. The trick is knowing which mode to use so you do not burn bits, strip heads, or waste time.
1. Drill Mode vs Driver Mode
Use drill mode for making holes and driver mode with the clutch for screws, especially into MDF, stud, and carcassing. The clutch is what stops you snapping screws and burying heads when you're working fast.
2. Hammer Mode (What It Is and What It Is Not)
Hammer mode helps a Makita 18v combi drill bite into brick and block for plugs and small fixings, but it is not an SDS. If you are doing lots of bigger holes or hard concrete, you want an SDS drill, not to cook a combi.
3. Makita LXT 18V Battery Platform
Most Makita cordless drill 18V models in this range run on Makita LXT batteries, so the same packs can power your impact, saw, multi-tool, and lights. That is why a Makita drill and battery setup is worth planning properly from day one.
Makita Drill Accessories That Save Time on Site
The drill is only half the story; the right extras stop downtime, snapped bits, and constant trips back to the van.
1. Spare LXT Batteries (Ideally 5Ah)
A second battery is what keeps a Makita drill set working through the day instead of dying mid-fixing run. If you are drilling and driving regularly, 5Ah packs give proper runtime without nursing the tool.
2. Fast Charger
A quicker charger means you can rotate batteries and stay productive, especially if you are running a Makita drill driver and other LXT tools off the same packs.
3. Quality Bit Set and Magnetic Bit Holder
A decent drill and driver bit set stops cam-out and rounded screws, and a magnetic holder makes repetitive fixing quicker and less fiddly when you are working one-handed.
4. Masonry Drill Bits Rated for Hammer Drilling
If you are using the combi function for plugs and small anchors, proper masonry bits cut cleaner and reduce the chance of glazing and overheating when the wall is harder than you expected.
Shop Makita Drills at ITS
Whether you need a Makita combi drill body only to match your existing LXT kit, or a full Makita drill set with batteries and charger, we stock the sizes, specs, and brushless options trades actually use. It's all held in our own warehouse, ready for next day delivery so you can get back on the tools without waiting around.
