Makita DHR242Z Cordless Drill Review

The Makita DHR242Z is a high performance, cordless drill that combines several drilling functions in one unit: hammer drilling in hard materials such as brick, concrete and masonry; drilling without impact in wood, metal, ceramic and plastic; and chiselling. As a result of the longer bit guide, stability whilst drilling is increased; consequently, the Makita DHR242Z is capable of taking on some pretty challenging drilling tasks, all whilst maintaining impressive levels of control, precision and power.

All models in the Makita DHR242 range are 24mm cordless combination hammers powered by an 18V Li-ion battery. The innovative brushless motor provides greater efficiency and an increased rate of productivity, reducing energy loss by 30% giving longer run times between battery charges, whilst the Quick Change Chuck (QCC) makes switching to standard straight-shank drill bits a quick and easy process.

Makita DHR242Z 18V LXT Brushless 24mm Rotary Hammer SDS-Plus - Batteries and Charger Not Included

• 3 mode operation: rotation + hammering, hammering only & rotation only
• Rubber joint suppresses vibration to battery terminals, reducing failures
• One touch slide chuck for SDS-plus bit
• Easy-to-grip handle ergonomically designed to give maximum power thrust, provide a sure and comfortable grip in any operation; overhead application, drilling with palm-up or palm-down grip.
• 1 year manufacturer warranty with a further 2 years when registered within 30 days of purchase. This guarantee does not apply where non-genuine or recommended parts or accessories are fitted to the tool. The use of non-genuine or compatible batteries and chargers with Makita Tools will invalidate the Makita guarantee for our tools.

£185.50

Check Availability On Amazon Price incl. VAT, excl. shipping

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Only got 5 minutes 

Key features of the Makita DHR242Z

• High-speed drilling performance
• 1-touch slide chuck to accommodate SDS-plus bit
• Easy-grip, vibration-absorbing handle ensures a secure and comfortable grip 
• Built-in torque limiter clutch – disengages should the bit jam
• Ergonomically designed to give maximum power thrust
• 3 mode operation: rotation and hammering; hammering only; and rotation only
• 360° rotating, 40-position chisel lock
• Split tool body into the upper and lower housings, jointed with vibration absorbing cushion rubbers
• High productivity achieved by using efficient brushless 3-function DC motor to reduce energy loss by 30%, resulting in increased use-time between charges
• Unique rubber joint construction provides protection to the battery terminals by suppressing vibration
• LED battery capacity indicator

Makita DHR242Z Product Specification 

Benefits of a brushless motor 

Brushless motors: longer battery life, shorter charging time and greater power. What’s not to like? 

Brushless motors key benefits

Practicality: The electronically-controlled 18V brushless motor in the Makita DHR242 uses energy efficiently to match the torque and RPM output to the changing demands of the application.

Efficiency: When Makita’s brushless motor is combined with their 18V Li-Ion battery, use-time is maximised; power is increased and charging time is reduced. Now that’s some seriously efficient energy production! 

Durability: Use of the brushless DC motor slows the rate of heat production, which in turn reduces the temperature of the drill housing, even during sustained periods of use.

• Fast charging, long-lasting

The innovative design of Makita’s brushless motor is engineered to be up to 50% more efficient than a comparative model. A fully charged 18v Li-Ion battery will last longer and charge faster – lasting almost twice as long as it would if used alongside a standard brush motor. 

• Less Friction, More Torque

No brushes mean no friction. Without any resistance, the design of a brushless motor allows for a greater level of torque to be produced: the greater the torque, the less power required, which in turn extends the longevity of the Makita DHR242, as the likelihood of day-to-day wear and tear and consequent maintenance is reduced. 

Powering the Makita DH242Z

The Makita DH242Z includes the hammer drill only; a battery and charger will need to be purchased separately. 

Makita batteries: key features

• Makita claims their Li-Ion batteries offer unbeatable performance and functionality when compared to Ni-Cad or Ni-MH batteries. 
• Li-ion batteries have no memory effect. 
• Upon first use, Makita batteries require an initial charge of approximately 6 – 8 hours. 

The Makita DH242Z is compatible with the following Makita Li-ion batteries:

• BL1830 Makita BL1830 18V LXT 3.0AH (Around £30-£35)
• BL1840 Makita BL1840 18V LXT 4.0AH (Around £40-£45)
• BL1850 Makita BL1850 18V LXT 5.0AH (Around £50-£55)

Individual battery specifications

Makita BL1830 5.0Ah 18v Li-ion battery 

• Lengthy battery life, capable of taking over 2,000 charges
• Lightweight
• Shock-absorbant 
• 18v / 0.3Ah gives plenty of power

Makita BL1840 5.0Ah 18v Li-ion battery 

• Foam cell technology
• Slide on battery – firm holding with multi contacts and shock absorbing pack, will not puncture and remains cool even in heavy use
• Same weight as 3.0Ah battery

Makita BL1850 5.0Ah 18v Li-ion battery 

• The 5.0Ah battery capacity minimises the risk of overheating and high discharge during intense periods of use
• Eliminates the need to carry additional batteries, or to have access to a charging point
• Provides 66% more run-time than that of the 3.0Ah battery whilst maintaining the same size and weight 

Makita DHR242Z 18V LXT Brushless 24mm Rotary Hammer SDS-Plus - Batteries and Charger Not Included

• 3 mode operation: rotation + hammering, hammering only & rotation only
• Rubber joint suppresses vibration to battery terminals, reducing failures
• One touch slide chuck for SDS-plus bit
• Easy-to-grip handle ergonomically designed to give maximum power thrust, provide a sure and comfortable grip in any operation; overhead application, drilling with palm-up or palm-down grip.
• 1 year manufacturer warranty with a further 2 years when registered within 30 days of purchase. This guarantee does not apply where non-genuine or recommended parts or accessories are fitted to the tool. The use of non-genuine or compatible batteries and chargers with Makita Tools will invalidate the Makita guarantee for our tools.

£185.50

Check Availability On Amazon Price incl. VAT, excl. shipping

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Makita DH242Z battery comparison table 

Pros and Cons

Why we like the Makita DHR242Z 

• 3 drilling functions to choose from 
• It comes with a side handle and depth stop as standard
• Generous warranty period (online registration required)
• Multiple benefits of a brushless motor

What could be improved upon

• Stiff operating switch – after a few uses the switch should move freely between the three drilling modes however initially it will require slightly more force than you’d expect
• Battery and charger not included
• It’s a bit pricey; there are deals to be had, but you’re still looking at between £160 to £200

Frequently asked questions

How long is the warranty on the Makita DHR242Z?
The warranty for the Makita DHR242Z is potentially 3 years. Providing you go online and register your Makita DHR242Z within 30 days of purchase, you will receive a two-year extended warranty added to the standard one-year factory warranty. Without registering, only the standard 12-month Makita factory guarantee will apply.

Does the Makita DHR242Z vibrate? 
Like all power tools, the Makita DHR242Z vibrates, however, the unique rubber joining construction process on the drill body protects the internal components of the DHR242Z by significantly reducing the level of vibration, and the vibration-absorbing handle ensures a secure and comfortable grip