Makita Cordless Impact Drill Screwdriver vs Dewalt XR Brushless Combi Drill With 2 X 5.0 Ah

By the Cordless Tool Bench editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

We compare the Makita Cordless Impact Drill Screwdriver and the Dewalt XR Brushless Combi Drill With 2 X 5.0 Ah across every dimension that matters - our scores, the key specs, and how each performs on the things you will actually notice day to day.

vs

At a glance

Makita Cordless Impact Drill ScrewdriverDewalt XR Brushless Combi Drill With 2 X 5.0 Ah
Our score9/109.5/10
Best forDIY users and tradespeople wanting cordless power on the 18V platformDIY users and tradespeople wanting cordless power on the 18V platform
Not ideal forAnyone needing corded power for continuous heavy-duty work, or without batteries for this platformAnyone needing corded power for continuous heavy-duty work, or without batteries for this platform
BrandMakitaDeWalt

Specifications compared

Makita Cordless Impact Drill ScrewdriverDewalt XR Brushless Combi Drill With 2 X 5.0 Ah
Voltage18V LXT 18V18V XR 18V platform
Torque50 Nm Maximum stated45 Nm Max torque stated
Chuck13mm Fits listed size13mm Keyless, not specified

Build Quality and Design

Makita Cordless Impact Drill Screwdriver

Build and layout are designed around the tool's compact size and metal build. This cordless tool review model uses a metal body, keeping the housing sturdy while remaining lightweight at about 1.1 kg. Measuring 7.8L x 3.5W x 8.9H cm, it is easy to handle in tight spaces, and the short form helps reach awkward angles. A full metal planetary gear is fitted for durability, and the chuck size is 13 mm. The impact mechanism can be switched off for added control, while the overall design stays compact.

Dewalt XR Brushless Combi Drill With 2 X 5.0 Ah

Built around an aluminium body, this cordless tool is designed to feel sturdy while remaining portable at about 1.8 kilograms. Its 13mm chuck and compact dimensions of 17.7L x 4.9W x 13.2H cm help it handle more easily in tight spaces. The metal frame supports a solid overall build. A balanced design aids controlled work.

Battery System and Run Time

Makita Cordless Impact Drill Screwdriver

Battery system and run time are shaped by the fact that the Makita is an 18V cordless impact drill/screwdriver designed to work across The cordless tool's battery ecosystem, where battery capacity and charging time depend on the specific 18V pack used. In practical use, run time varies with battery choice, battery age, and load. The brushless motor and the ability to switch off the impact mechanism can help endurance.

Dewalt XR Brushless Combi Drill With 2 X 5.0 Ah

For the DeWalt, the power comes from an 18V XR system paired with two 5.0Ah Li-ion batteries, designed for longer sessions without needing to stop and swap packs. The included 2 x 5.0Ah set supports sustained use across drilling and driving jobs, with run time changing according to the workload. Battery levels drop faster during heavier or continuous use, and planning short breaks can help manage performance across longer tasks.

Power and Torque

Makita Cordless Impact Drill Screwdriver

With a rated 18V supply, the Makita is built for drilling and driving tasks where control and usable force both matter. Its impact output is rated at 50 Newton-metres of torque. Torque delivery is a key strength because 50 Newton-metres supports tougher screwdriving and drilling demands. The 2-speed full metal planetary gear helps match force to the job, while the impact mechanism can be switched off for gentler driving. Power depends on battery capacity, and exact performance varies with material and bit choice (not stated).

Dewalt XR Brushless Combi Drill With 2 X 5.0 Ah

The cordless tool delivers its main cutting and driving capability through an 18V motor and a maximum torque of 45 Newton metres (Nm), supporting common drilling into wood and screwdriving tasks without constant rework. Torque is a key factor for fastening because higher output can reduce bit slip when screws bite. For drilling, the 13mm chuck supports a wider range of bits, but higher loads still require careful technique. The tool weighs 1.8 kilograms, which can make overhead work less comfortable.

Speed and Versatility

Makita Cordless Impact Drill Screwdriver

Speed and versatility are central when a cordless impact drill screwdriver needs to switch between drilling and screwdriving, and the cordless tool is designed for this kind of work variation. It features a two-speed full metal planetary gear, allowing the user to match the task without constantly changing technique. In drill mode, the impact mechanism assists driving into tougher materials, and it can be switched off for cleaner screwdriving. The brushless motor supports longer life and steadier performance over time.

Dewalt XR Brushless Combi Drill With 2 X 5.0 Ah

Moving from power to control, the DeWalt balances speed options with practical versatility for everyday drilling and fastening tasks. The cordless tool brushless combi drill uses a 13mm chuck and comes with 2 x 5.0Ah batteries. Users can switch between lower speeds for driving screws and higher speeds for cleaner drilling, adjusting speed to material resistance. Brushless operation supports consistent use.

Ergonomics and Weight

Makita Cordless Impact Drill Screwdriver

The Makita DHP485Z is designed to feel manageable in the hand, with its mass and shape contributing to that balance. At 1.1 kg, it is lighter than many full-size impact tools, so extended drilling or screwdriving can feel less tiring. Its short, compact body measures 7.8 by 3.5 by 8.9 cm, which helps when working close to edges where bulk can get in the way. A metal housing adds steadiness, although it may feel solid rather than light. The Makita includes a 2-speed system, but comfort during use depends on grip technique.

Dewalt XR Brushless Combi Drill With 2 X 5.0 Ah

Ergonomics matter most in a combi drill, and the DeWalt DCD796P2-GB is designed with a relatively compact aluminium body that measures 17.7 cm x 4.9 cm x 13.2 cm (L x W x H). In everyday use, this compact size can help with control when drilling into walls, ceilings, and tight corners. The DeWalt has a stated weight of 1.8 kilograms, which supports solid handling, though heavier users may feel it during long overhead tasks.

What's in the Kit

Makita Cordless Impact Drill Screwdriver

Because the cordless tool model number ends in "Z", the contents included with this specific cordless impact drill screwdriver are not automatically guaranteed by the headline specifications alone. On Amazon UK listings for the Makita, the key figures such as 18V, 13mm and 1.1kg matter less than what is actually bundled in the box. The manufacturer description confirms features for the tool body including an impact mechanism switch-off, a brushless motor, and a bright LED, but it does not specify the exact bundled accessories, battery or charger. Buyers should check the listing details before purchase.

Dewalt XR Brushless Combi Drill With 2 X 5.0 Ah

A compact, aluminium-bodied drill is easier to hold steady, but buyers also want to know what they receive before starting any job, so the kit contents are worth checking. For the Dewalt DCD796P2-GB DCD796P2 XR brushless combi drill with 2 x 5.0Ah, the kit is built around the 18V brushless combi drill and two 5.0Ah Li-ion batteries, so power is ready on day one. Weight and chuck size are separate specifications rather than kit contents.

Compatibility with Other Tools

Makita Cordless Impact Drill Screwdriver

Compatibility with other tools mainly depends on what power system sits behind the cordless tool, and on what the "Z" model includes in the box. The headline specifications alone do not confirm whether batteries or a charger are provided. When comparing this cordless tool with other The Makita tools, buyers should confirm shared battery platform compatibility, since "18V" is stated but compatibility is not guaranteed. The DHP485Z uses a 13mm chuck, so it accepts standard bit shanks up to 13mm. The impact mechanism can be switched off, which supports pairing with non-impact driving tasks, but missing accessories restrict cross-tool use.

Dewalt XR Brushless Combi Drill With 2 X 5.0 Ah

Even though the cordless tool is designed to work as a standalone 18V combi drill, its compatibility with other tools depends mainly on the chuck size and how accessories are mounted. The drill uses a 13mm chuck, which supports common drill bits and many standard accessory shanks that match that size. For compatibility with the DeWalt listings mentioned in the context, the key check is the accessory shank type and whether the fit requires a matching adapter or driver system to suit the chuck and installation method.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Makita Cordless Impact Drill Screwdriver

Regular cleaning helps the Makita DHP485Z maintain reliable performance, particularly after drilling into dust-heavy materials. Power the tool off, remove the chuck bit, and wipe the body with a dry cloth first. Gently blow out the vents, then check the switch area for any grit. The metal casing can be cleaned using a lightly damp cloth, and no liquid should enter the motor. Dust can still build up around the 2-speed gearbox, so careful checks remain important. Store the tool dry after use, in a case.

Dewalt XR Brushless Combi Drill With 2 X 5.0 Ah

Regular cleaning helps keep the cordless tool combi drill working smoothly, particularly after drilling dusty materials where debris can build up around the chuck and switches. After each session, the drill should be powered off and the 18V battery removed, then the body wiped with a dry cloth. Loose grit around the 13mm chuck can be brushed away, then the chuck area checked for trapped particles. For this cordless tool cheapest claim, cleaning does not change performance, but neglected dust may make controls feel stiff. No specific cleaning interval is stated.

Who Is This Tool For?

Makita Cordless Impact Drill Screwdriver

After keeping the cordless tool clean and dry, it becomes easier to judge where it fits best in day-to-day work. This tool suits people who already use This cordless tool/LXT 18V batteries, because the DHP485Z is part of that system, and it is compact at about 7.8 L x 3.5 W x 8.9 H cm and weighs 1.1 kg. It is also for users needing 50 Newton-metres of torque and a 13 mm chuck, plus an impact mechanism switch-off for drilling. For those asking whether the Makita is any good, it can be, though heavy-duty volume work may need better-matched tools.

Dewalt XR Brushless Combi Drill With 2 X 5.0 Ah

After routine cleaning comes the question of who the DeWalt suits in everyday work. The Dewalt DCD796P2-GB DCD796P2 XR brushless combi drill with 2 x 5.0Ah UK batteries is designed for drilling and driving, making it a fit for trade users and DIYers needing a single tool for general tasks. With an 18V motor, a 13mm chuck and an aluminium body, it is intended for workshop, shed and site cabin jobs where durability is a priority. Weighing 1.8kg keeps it manageable for overhead work or use on ladders, for sessions where greater torque and battery capacity are useful.

Makita Cordless Impact Drill Screwdriver: pros

  • 18V cordless platform (4)
  • 50 Newton Meters torque
  • Brushless motor - cooler running and longer life
  • 13mm chuck
  • 1.1 kg - manageable for extended use

Cons

  • Check whether battery and charger are included or sold separately
  • Battery is locked to this maker's platform, not cross-compatible
  • Cordless run-time depends on the battery's amp-hour rating

Dewalt XR Brushless Combi Drill With 2 X 5.0 Ah: pros

  • 18V cordless platform (5 Amp Hours)
  • 45 Newton Meters torque
  • Brushless motor - cooler running and longer life
  • 13mm chuck
  • 1.8 Kilograms - manageable for extended use

Cons

  • Check whether battery and charger are included or sold separately
  • Battery is locked to this maker's platform, not cross-compatible
  • Cordless run-time depends on the battery's amp-hour rating

Our verdict

Our pick is the Dewalt XR Brushless Combi Drill With 2 X 5.0 Ah (our score 9.5/10) - A cordless power tool (18V, 45 Newton Metres, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site. The Makita Cordless Impact Drill Screwdriver is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.