Our Verdict
The Makita DDF484 is the most compact professional brushless drill available. 167mm, brushless motor and 54Nm make it the joinery and finish-work specialist within the Makita LXT ecosystem. For maximum torque in tight spaces, nothing in the professional category is smaller.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- 167mm length — the most compact professional brushless drill available
- Brushless motor for longevity in regular professional use
- 54Nm handles hardwood and structural fixings without slipping
- Compatible with entire Makita LXT ecosystem — 300+ tools on one battery platform
- 4.7★ from 7,800 reviews — consistent professional quality validation
✗ Cons
- Body-only pricing — Makita LXT battery required separately
- 54Nm slightly less than DeWalt DCD778's 65Nm for the hardest applications
- Smaller chuck for the compact form — 13mm vs some 16mm alternatives
Key Specifications
| Voltage | 18V LXT |
|---|---|
| Length | 167mm |
| Torque | 54Nm |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Chuck | 13mm |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Performance
The Makita DDF484 is the most compact professional brushless drill available. 167mm, brushless motor and 54Nm make it the joinery and finish-work specialist within the Makita LXT ecosystem. For maximum torque in tight spaces, nothing in the professional category is smaller. On paper the headline numbers are voltage of 18V LXT, length of 167mm, torque of 54Nm, motor of Brushless, chuck of 13mm, warranty of 3 years. Its standout is that 167mm length — the most compact professional brushless drill available
Build Quality & Design
Beyond that, owners and the spec sheet point to a few more genuine strengths. Brushless motor for longevity in regular professional use. 54Nm handles hardwood and structural fixings without slipping. We can't bench-test durability, but the depth of positive long-term owner feedback is the best available proxy for how it holds up.
Value for Money
It isn't flawless. Body-only pricing — Makita LXT battery required separately. 54Nm slightly less than DeWalt DCD778's 65Nm for the hardest applications. Smaller chuck for the compact form — 13mm vs some 16mm alternatives. Whether those matter depends entirely on how you'll use it. At the premium price point, the trade-offs are easy to live with for the right buyer. It's the right call for The Makita DDF484 is the most compact professional brushless drill available. 167mm, brushless motor and 54Nm make it the joinery and finish-work specialist within the Makita LXT ecosystem. For... Look elsewhere if you're among Those needing maximum torque for structural work — DeWalt DCD778's 65Nm is better for the hardest applications.
Final Verdict
The Makita DDF484 is the most compact professional brushless drill available. 167mm, brushless motor and 54Nm make it the joinery and finish-work specialist within the Makita LXT ecosystem. For maximum torque in tight spaces, nothing in the professional category is smaller.
Check Price on Amazon ↗FAQ
Is the Makita DDF484 18V LXT Compact Drill Driver worth the money?
The Makita DDF484 is the most compact professional brushless drill available. 167mm, brushless motor and 54Nm make it the joinery and finish-work specialist within the Makita LXT ecosystem. For maximum torque in tight spaces, nothing in the professional category is smaller. The Makita DDF484 is the most compact professional brushless drill available. 167mm, brushless motor and 54Nm make it the joinery and finish-work specialist within the Makita LXT ecosystem. For maximum torque in tight spaces,
Who should NOT buy the Makita DDF484 18V LXT Compact Drill Driver?
Those needing maximum torque for structural work — DeWalt DCD778's 65Nm is better for the hardest applications.
Is the Makita DDF484 18V LXT Compact Drill Driver available in the UK and US?
Yes — we list both Amazon UK and US links. Always verify voltage compatibility (UK 230V, US 120V).
Alternatives to Consider
DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill
9.3/1018V brushless, 2-speed, 65Nm, compact 174mm. The professional home DIY drill benchmark.
Check Price ↗DeWalt DCD778 18V Brushless Combi Drill
9.2/10Brushless motor, 18V XR, hammer function, 2-speed, LED, 2 batteries. The DIY drill benchmark.
Check Price ↗Makita DHP484 18V LXT Brushless Combi Drill
9.2/1018V brushless, 2-speed, 54Nm, 187mm. The lightest and most ergonomic professional combi drill.
Check Price ↗Or see full comparisons: vs DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill, vs DeWalt DCD778 18V Brushless Combi Drill, vs DeWalt DCE805 18V XR Brushless Angle Grinder