Makita DF488DZ Cordless Driver Drill, 18V G-Series, 42 Nm

Makita DF488DZ Cordless Driver Drill, 18V G-Series, 42 Nm

Makita DF488DZ is an 18 V cordless driver drill with a maximum torque of 42 Nm and a 13 mm keyless chuck. The Z suffix means it is supplied as a bare unit - no battery and no charger.

Important: this is a G-Series tool, not LXT

Before anything else - the DF488D belongs to the Makita 18V G range, which is a separate platform from the familiar LXT. The batteries are not interchangeable: this model runs on BL1815G and BL1820G packs and charges on a DC18WA or DC18WB. Standard LXT slide batteries (BL1830, BL1850 and the like) do not fit, and no adaptor exists. If you already own LXT tools, that is the difference to weigh before buying; if you are starting out and want an affordable 18-volt machine, the G range offers the same voltage at a lower price.

Torque and working range

Maximum torque is 42 Nm on a hard joint and 24 Nm on a soft one. The manufacturer quotes capacity for drilling up to 13 mm in steel and up to 36 mm in wood, driving wood screws up to 6 x 75 mm and machine screws up to M6. That is the range of a general-purpose tool for installation, fitting-out and maintenance - not a machine for continuous large-diameter hole-saw work.

Two speeds and a 16-position clutch

The mechanical two-speed transmission gives 0-400 rpm for torque and 0-1,400 rpm for drilling. The clutch has 16 settings plus a drill position. An adjustable clutch prevents the most common driving damage: snapped screw heads, screws sunk through plasterboard, chewed recesses. Speed is fully variable on the trigger, and the electric brake stops the chuck the moment you release it - which matters on a run of identical screws, where momentum would otherwise keep driving.

All-metal gearbox

The gearbox uses metal gears. In a drill of this class that is what decides its lifespan: plastic gears handle normal load but do not forgive a bit jamming in the work - that is exactly when teeth break. The body has a rubberised grip, and weight with a battery is around 1.7 kg.

13 mm chuck

The 13 mm keyless chuck takes bits with larger shanks than the 10 mm chucks typical of compact machines - including hex-shank hole saws and heavier wood bits. It tightens by hand, with no key.

Who it suits

The DF488DZ is aimed at building maintenance, fitting-out, hardware installation and everyday work at home and in the workshop, where a dependable 18-volt tool without extra features is what is needed. The bare-unit version is economical, but only makes sense if you already own a G-Series battery.

Technical specifications

Questions and Answers