Makita Wall Chasers
Makita wall chaser kit is what you grab when you need clean, straight channels for cable and pipe without smashing a wall to bits.
On a rewire or a kitchen refit, a wall chaser Makita setup keeps the mess and rework down by cutting two neat lines you can knock out fast. From the Makita wall chaser 18V range to mains options like the Makita SG1251J, pick the depth and width you actually need, then run it with proper dust extraction and get the chasing done right.
What Jobs Are Makita Wall Chasers Best At?
- Chasing clean channels in brick and block for first-fix cable runs, so your conduit sits flush and you are not hacking back plaster later.
- Cutting tidy twin lines for pipework drops in kitchens and bathrooms, making it quicker to knock out the middle and patch up without a lumpy finish.
- Working on occupied refurbs where dust control matters, because a Makita chaser paired with an extractor keeps the air and the room far more manageable.
- Running long, straight chases on big rewires, where a consistent depth stop saves time and stops you blowing through thin internal walls.
Choosing the Right Makita Wall Chaser
Match the chaser to the length of run and the dust situation, not just the price tag, because chasing is miserable when the tool is under-specced.
1. Cordless 18V vs Mains
If you are doing quick drops and the odd chase where power is a pain, a Makita wall chaser 18V makes sense. If you are chasing all day on hard block or old brick, mains models keep the power consistent so you are not nursing batteries and backing off to stop it bogging down.
2. Cut depth and cut width range
If you only need shallow chases for twin and earth or conduit, do not buy a big deep-cut unit you will never use. If you are regularly burying pipework or want more room for conduit bends, pick a Makita chaser with the depth and spacing adjustment to suit, otherwise you will be doing extra passes and making extra dust.
3. Dust extraction compatibility
If you are working in finished houses, dust control is not optional, it is the difference between a quick tidy-up and a full clean. Choose a wall chaser Makita setup that seals well to the wall and hooks up properly to an extractor, because a poor shroud fit just fires dust straight back at you.
Makita Wall Chaser FAQs
How heavy is a Makita wall chaser?
It depends on the exact model, because mains units and higher-capacity cutters are usually heavier than compact cordless options. Check the product spec for the tool weight, and remember to factor in the hose pull from the extractor, because that is what tires your arms out on long horizontal runs.
Will a Makita wall chaser cut concrete and engineering brick?
Yes, with the right diamond discs, but do not expect it to feel the same as chasing soft block. Hard materials slow the cut and generate more heat, so let the tool do the work, keep the depth sensible, and do not force it or you will burn discs and chew the edges.
Do I really need dust extraction with a wall chaser Makita setup?
For any indoor work, yes, if you want a controllable job and a room you can actually hand back. Chasing creates fine dust instantly, and without an extractor you will be cleaning for longer than you were cutting, plus it is grim to breathe even with a mask.
What is the difference between a Makita SG1251J and other Makita chaser options?
The SG1251J is a specific mains wall chaser model, so the differences come down to power delivery, cut capacity, and how it handles long runs compared to cordless or smaller units. If you are chasing day in day out, a mains model like this is often chosen for consistent pull and fewer stops, but always match the cut depth and width range to what you actually install.
Is a Makita wall chaser 18V strong enough for proper site work?
It is strong enough for plenty of first-fix chasing, especially for shorter drops and tidy runs where access is awkward. For long, deep chases in hard masonry, you will get through batteries quickly and you may work slower, so mains can still be the sensible choice if you are doing it all day.
Who Uses Makita Wall Chasers on Site?
- Sparkies and electrical improvers chasing for back boxes and cable routes, because it keeps lines straight and speeds up first fix.
- Plumbers and heating engineers cutting controlled channels for small-bore pipework, especially on refurbs where you need a neat finish for the plasterer.
- Maintenance teams and fit-out crews doing repeat rooms, because once the width and depth are set you can churn through chases consistently all day.
The Basics: Understanding Wall Chasers
A wall chaser is basically a twin-blade cutter that sets the width and depth for you, so you get repeatable chases without guessing. Here is what matters in the real world.
1. Twin cuts, then knock out
The tool makes two parallel cuts, then you knock out the middle with a bolster or SDS chisel. That is why a consistent width setting matters, because it decides whether conduit and pipe sit properly without widening the chase by hand.
2. Depth stops prevent weak walls and rework
The depth adjustment is there so you do not overcut and end up with a weak section or a blow-through on thin internal walls. Set it once, do a test cut, and keep it consistent across the run so the plasterer is not fighting high spots.
3. Dust shroud and extractor do the hard work
Chasing makes fine dust fast, so the shroud has to sit tight to the surface and the extractor has to keep up. If the seal is poor or the vac is underpowered, you will know about it within seconds and so will the rest of the house.
Makita Wall Chaser Accessories That Save Time and Mess
The right extras keep the cuts clean, the dust down, and the job moving without stopping to bodge things on site.
1. Diamond wall chasing discs
Have a spare set ready, because blunt or glazed discs make the chaser labour, overheat, and wander, especially in hard brick. Fresh discs cut straighter and reduce the temptation to force the tool, which is when you chip edges and ruin the line.
2. M Class dust extractor and correct hose adaptor
Pairing your Makita chaser to a proper extractor stops the room turning into fog and saves a full clean-down at the end. The right adaptor matters because a loose fit kills suction and you end up wearing the dust instead of collecting it.
3. SDS chisel and bolster for knocking out
The chaser does the cutting, but you still need to clear the middle fast. A sharp chisel or SDS chisel bit makes short work of the web between cuts, instead of you battering the wall and blowing out the edges.
Shop Makita Wall Chasers at ITS
Whether you are after a cordless Makita wall chaser 18V setup for quick refurbs or a proven mains unit like the Makita SG1251J for repeat chasing, we stock the range to suit proper site work. It is all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery so you can get chasing on the next shift.
