Two brands come up in almost every conversation about professional cordless drills: DeWALT and Makita. Both make genuinely excellent tools. Both have strong dealer networks in the UK. And both will handle the kind of work most tradespeople throw at them without any drama.
But they are not identical. There are real differences in how they feel, how they perform on specific tasks, and what the long-term cost of ownership looks like. Here is what actually matters when you are choosing between them.
Build and feel in hand
DeWALT drills tend to be slightly heavier than their Makita equivalents. The DCD796, one of their most popular 18V brushless combi drills, weighs around 1.9kg with a 2Ah battery. The Makita DHP484 with the same battery capacity comes in closer to 1.7kg.
That 200g difference sounds minor. On a long day drilling overhead into joists or driving screws in tight spaces, it starts to matter. Makita has consistently prioritised compact form factors, and if you are working in confined areas, that shows.
DeWALT compensates with a more aggressive grip texture and a belt clip that actually holds. The ergonomics suit larger hands better. On bigger jobs where raw feel and confidence matter more than weight, many tradespeople prefer it.
Torque and power delivery
Both brands quote similar torque figures for their equivalent models, but the numbers only tell part of the story. DeWALT tends to deliver power more progressively, which gives you more control when starting a screw flush with a surface. Makita hits harder out of the gate, which is useful when driving into hardwood or resistance drilling.
For general site work, plastering, fixing boarding, second fix carpentry: either drill handles it without complaint. Where the difference becomes noticeable is specialist work. If you are drilling a lot of masonry, the DeWALT combi mode is consistently strong. If you are doing fine joinery where you need precise torque cutoff, Makita clutch settings are more refined.
Battery ecosystem
This is where the decision often gets made. If you already own batteries from either system, switching brands means buying a new battery ecosystem. At roughly 60 to 100 pounds per battery, that adds up fast.
DeWALT XR platform covers their full range of 18V tools. Makita runs on the LXT system and has arguably the wider range of compatible tools globally, which matters if you use specialist equipment like jigsaws, routers, or oscillating multi-tools.
If you are starting from scratch with no batteries, the choice comes down to which tool range you expect to grow into. Both ecosystems are well established in the UK with good parts and service availability.
Which trades suit each brand
DeWALT tends to be the default choice for site carpenters, first and second fix joiners, and general contractors who value durability over compactness. The tools are built to take knocks, and the yellow and black colour scheme makes them easy to spot on a busy site.
Makita is particularly strong with electricians, plumbers, and finish carpenters who prioritise lighter weight and precision. The brushless motors in the higher-end LXT range are exceptionally efficient, which matters if you are running off battery power for extended periods without access to charging.
Price and value
Equivalent models from both brands sit at similar price points. You are rarely paying significantly more for one over the other at the same specification level. Where they differ is in kit pricing: DeWALT twin-pack deals often include larger battery capacities as standard, while Makita kits sometimes include more accessories.
For most tradespeople buying their first professional 18V drill, either brand represents solid value. The smarter question is which battery platform you want to commit to long term, because that decision will follow you for years.
The verdict
Buy DeWALT if you want a heavier-duty feel, work on busy construction sites, or already own XR batteries. Buy Makita if compact size matters, you do precision work, or you are building out a wide range of LXT tools over time.
Both brands are stocked at Sprint Drives with fast UK delivery and no-quibble 14-day returns. If you are still not sure after reading this, call us on 0151 332 5227 and we will help you pick based on your specific work.
