The Makita DK18015X1 is a highly regarded two-piece kit that includes both a 18V LXT Combi Drill (HP457D) and an 18V LXT Impact Driver (TD127D). For both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, Makita has a strong reputation for producing durable, reliable tools, and this kit lives up to that standard. Here’s an in-depth review of the features, performance, and value of this two-piece kit.
What’s Included in the Makita DK18015X1 Kit:
HP457D 18V LXT Combi Drill
TD127D 18V LXT Impact Driver
Two 1.3Ah Batteries
Charger
Carry Case
This kit is designed to cover a range of drilling, driving, and fastening tasks, providing everything you need for both light- and medium-duty work.
1. Makita HP457D 18V LXT Combi Drill
The HP457D is a combi drill that offers both drilling and hammer drilling modes. It’s a solid choice for general drilling tasks around the home or for light construction work.
Key Features:
Torque: 42Nm of torque, which is sufficient for drilling into wood, metal, and plastic, as well as light masonry.
Speed: Two-speed gear system: 0-400 RPM (low) and 0-1,400 RPM (high) for greater control over different materials.
16 torque settings: Allows for precise screwdriving and better control when working with different materials.
Ergonomics: Lightweight and easy to handle, the HP457D is comfortable to use for extended periods without causing hand strain.
Hammer Drill Function: Allows for light masonry work, making it versatile enough for tasks like drilling into brick or light concrete.
Performance:
The HP457D performs well for most common DIY and light professional tasks. While not designed for heavy-duty industrial jobs, it handles tasks like drilling into wood, drywall, and even some masonry comfortably. The 42Nm torque is sufficient for most everyday jobs around the house, and the hammer function is useful for occasional drilling into masonry.
2. Makita TD127D 18V LXT Impact Driver
The TD127D impact driver is designed for high-torque applications, such as driving long screws or bolts, making it an excellent companion to the combi drill.
Key Features:
Torque: Delivers up to 140Nm of torque, making it more powerful than a standard drill when it comes to driving screws or bolts.
Speed: Single-speed of 0-2,300 RPM and 0-3,000 impacts per minute (IPM) for efficient driving of fasteners.
Compact and lightweight: At just over 1.5 kg with the battery, it's lightweight and easy to use in tight spaces.
Ergonomics: The handle is designed for comfort and reduces user fatigue, even during longer tasks.
Performance:
The TD127D excels in driving large screws and bolts into tough materials like wood, metal, and plastic. The high torque output is particularly helpful when working on tasks like decking, building furniture, or other heavy-duty driving tasks. For fastener-heavy projects, the impact driver makes a noticeable difference, offering speed and ease over a traditional drill.
Batteries and Charger
The kit includes two 1.3Ah 18V LXT batteries and a charger. While the batteries are slightly smaller in capacity compared to other models (such as 3.0Ah or 4.0Ah), they charge relatively quickly and are sufficient for light- to medium-duty tasks.
Battery Life: For light tasks, the 1.3Ah batteries provide enough power to last a reasonable amount of time. However, for more demanding jobs, you may need to recharge more frequently.
Charging Time: The included charger is efficient and charges the 1.3Ah batteries in about 30 minutes, minimizing downtime.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
Both tools in the Makita DK18015X1 kit are built with typical Makita durability in mind. They feature high-quality plastic housings with rubberized grips, making them comfortable to hold and resistant to drops or impacts. The tools feel well-balanced in hand, reducing user fatigue, especially when working overhead or for long periods.
Ease of Use
These tools are designed with user-friendliness in mind:
Lightweight: Both tools are relatively light, making them easy to maneuver.
LED Lights: Both the drill and impact driver come with built-in LED lights, illuminating the workspace, especially useful in low-light areas.
Quick-change chuck: The impact driver features a quick-change hex chuck for fast and easy bit changes, saving time during projects.
Pros of the Makita DK18015X1 Kit:
Versatility: The kit covers a wide range of tasks, from light masonry drilling to heavy-duty screw driving.
Ergonomics: Lightweight and well-balanced, both tools are comfortable to use, even for extended periods.
Durability: Makita tools are known for their long lifespan and ability to handle tough tasks.
High torque: The impact driver offers impressive torque, making it perfect for driving large screws or bolts with ease.
Good value for money: The combination of a drill and impact driver in one kit makes it a cost-effective solution for most DIY tasks.
Cons of the Makita DK18015X1 Kit:
Battery capacity: The 1.3Ah batteries may not last as long on heavy-duty tasks as higher capacity options. Upgrading to 3.0Ah or 4.0Ah batteries would improve runtime for larger projects.
Limited hammer function: While the hammer drill is capable of light masonry work, it may struggle with tougher or extended masonry tasks.
No brushless motors: Both tools use brushed motors, which are less efficient and generate more heat compared to brushless models.
Final Verdict
The Makita DK18015X1 Two-Piece Kit offers an excellent combination of a powerful impact driver and a versatile combi drill, making it a great choice for DIYers and light professionals. Both tools are ergonomically designed, powerful for their size, and offer good performance for a wide range of tasks, from household repairs to light construction.
While the included 1.3Ah batteries are sufficient for most tasks, those planning on larger projects or extended use may want to consider purchasing additional or higher-capacity batteries. Overall, this kit provides great value for the price and is a solid investment for anyone looking to expand their DIY tool collection.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile tool kit that can handle a range of DIY tasks without breaking the bank, the Makita DK18015X1 is a fantastic choice.