Makita DHP458Z LXT Combi Drill
The Makita DHP458Z is a cordless combi drill from Makita's 18V LXT platform, designed to deliver high power and torque from a compact body suitable for professional drilling, fastening, and hammer drilling applications. The model designation "DHP458Z" identifies it within Makita's combi drill product line, with this model representing an advancement over the earlier BHP451Z by offering enhanced dust and drip-proof performance for use in outdoor applications or harsh environments.
The combi drill is characterized by its compact overall length of 225mm, representing the shortest dimension in its class while maintaining high power through a new DC motor (FD31-30) that delivers exceptional productivity. The drill features a high-power 4-pole motor with double the amount of magnetic force than standard motors, providing more energy and power generation.
The DHP458Z delivers maximum torque of 91 Nm in hard joint applications and 58 Nm in soft joint applications, positioning it as a high-torque solution for demanding construction and installation work. The drill achieves maximum no-load speed of 2,000 RPM and impact rate of up to 30,000 blows per minute, providing the combination of rotational speed and percussive action necessary for efficient drilling through masonry materials.
Technical Specifications
Motor and Power System
The DHP458Z employs a powerful 4-pole motor engineered to deliver double the magnetic force of standard motors, providing increased energy and power output from the same physical size. The 4-pole design improves torque characteristics and reduces power consumption compared to 2-pole motors, extending runtime per battery charge. The motor designation FD31-30 indicates Makita's specific motor development for this model, optimized for the power-to-size ratio demanded by professional users.
Transmission System
The drill features a mechanical 2-speed transmission providing 0-400 RPM in low gear and 0-2,000 RPM in high gear, with corresponding hammer action rates of 0-6,000 BPM and 0-30,000 BPM. Low gear provides high torque for driving large fasteners and drilling large-diameter holes, while high gear delivers increased speed for drilling small holes and light fastening. The no-load speed reaches 2,000 RPM in high gear and 400 RPM in low gear, providing good speed range for diverse applications.
Torque Specifications
The DHP458Z delivers maximum torque of 91 Nm (805 in-lbs) in hard joint applications and 58 Nm in soft joint applications, with some sources listing 88 Nm as the practical maximum torque. This high torque output enables the drill to drive large-diameter structural screws and lag bolts through construction timber without pilot drilling. The drill features 21 torque settings plus drill mode, providing precise control over fastener seating depth and preventing over-tightening or thread stripping.
Drilling Capacity
The DHP458Z accommodates 13mm chuck capacity accepting a wide range of drill bit shank sizes. Maximum drilling capacity reaches 13mm in steel, 65mm in wood, and 16mm in masonry, accommodating most common drilling requirements in construction and installation applications. The single-sleeve keyless chuck enables easy bit installation and removal with one hand, maintaining productivity during frequent bit changes.
Physical Specifications
The drill measures 225mm in overall length, representing the shortest dimension in its class. Weight varies from 2.0 kg with 1.5Ah or 2Ah batteries to 2.3 kg with 3Ah, 4Ah, or 5Ah batteries, providing good balance between robust construction and manageable weight. The compact dimensions combined with moderate weight make the DHP458Z suitable for overhead work and extended operation in confined spaces.
Key Features
eXtreme Protection Technology (XPT)
The DHP458Z incorporates Makita's eXtreme Protection Technology (XPT), providing improved dust and water resistance for operation in harsh conditions. The enhanced dust and drip-proof performance ensures reliable operation in outdoor applications and environments where exposure to contamination is unavoidable. XPT protection extends tool life and maintains consistent performance despite challenging operating conditions typical of construction sites and external installations.
Twin LED Job Light System
The drill features twin LED job lights with pre-glow and afterglow functions, providing superior illumination compared to single LED systems. The pre-glow function activates illumination before the trigger is pulled, allowing accurate positioning in dark spaces. The afterglow maintains illumination briefly after trigger release, preventing work areas from plunging into darkness and enabling verification of drilling or fastening results before moving to the next location.
Battery Fuel Gauge
The DHP458Z includes a battery fuel gauge displaying remaining battery charge in three stages accessed by pushing a button: three lights indicate more than 50% capacity, two lights indicate 20-50% capacity, and one light indicates less than 20% capacity. This visual feedback enables users to monitor battery status and plan battery changes before power depletion interrupts work, improving productivity on job sites where charging facilities may be limited.
21-Stage Torque Control
The 21 torque settings plus drill mode provide precise control for uniform fastening results and optimized precision. The extensive torque adjustment range enables users to match driving force to fastener size, material density, and application requirements, preventing over-tightening, thread stripping, and fastener head damage. The precise torque control proves particularly valuable when driving screws into finished surfaces where over-driving would cause damage.
Electric Brake
The drill incorporates an electric brake that rapidly stops chuck rotation when the trigger is released, improving control and preventing overdriving. The brake enhances safety by minimizing the period during which the rotating chuck presents potential entanglement hazards. In fastening applications, the brake helps prevent continued rotation after fastener seating, reducing the risk of over-tightening or fastener damage.
Applications
Construction and Framing
The DHP458Z excels in construction and framing applications where high power and torque are required for driving large-diameter structural screws and drilling through dimensional lumber, engineered lumber products, and light gauge steel. The 91 Nm maximum torque enables seating 6-inch structural screws through doubled framing members without pilot drilling. The hammer function provides up to 30,000 BPM for creating anchor holes in concrete foundations and block walls.
Masonry Drilling
The drill's 16mm capacity in masonry combined with the 30,000 BPM hammer action makes it suitable for drilling stone materials including concrete, brick, and block for anchor installation and service penetrations. While not intended as a replacement for dedicated SDS rotary hammers for extensive masonry drilling, the DHP458Z handles light to moderate masonry applications effectively. Users report the tool going through structural concrete like butter when appropriate hammer drill bits are employed.
Metal Fabrication and Installation
Metal workers utilize the DHP458Z for drilling up to 13mm in steel and driving self-drilling screws through structural steel sections. The high torque output enables drilling larger diameter holes through thick plate materials and driving large-diameter tek screws through multiple gauge steel without pilot drilling. The compact 225mm length facilitates work in confined spaces typical of steel framing and mechanical installation applications.
Woodworking and Cabinetry
Woodworkers employ the DHP458Z for drilling up to 65mm in wood, accommodating dowel drilling, pocket hole drilling, and other joinery operations requiring substantial drilling depth. The 21 torque settings enable precise control when driving cabinet screws and furniture fasteners into finished components where over-driving would cause damage. The compact dimensions facilitate drilling inside cabinet carcasses and other confined assembly situations.
Outdoor and Harsh Environment Applications
The enhanced dust and drip-proof performance through XPT technology makes the DHP458Z suitable for outdoor construction work, external installations, and applications in dusty or wet environments where tool protection is essential. The sealed construction withstands exposure to rain, concrete dust, and other environmental contaminants that would compromise less protected tools. This durability proves valuable in roofing, external cladding installation, and landscaping construction where weather protection cannot be assured.