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Makita has just introduced the DDF491 Cordless Driver Drill, built as an evolution of the popular DDF490. It keeps the same reliable 18V LXT foundation but adds a genuinely useful twist: tool-free interchangeable attachment heads. Here's an honest look at what's good and what's not so good about it.

The Good

• Four interchangeable attachment heads — the DDF491 accepts a drill chuck attachment, hex bit attachment, offset attachment, and angle attachment, all swappable without tools. This turns one drill into four different form factors depending on the job.
• Brushless motor — delivers longer runtime per charge and extended tool life compared to brushed equivalents, with less maintenance over time.
• Solid speed and torque range — up to 1,900 RPM no-load speed on high, with 20-stage torque settings for fine control across different materials.
• Mechanical 2-speed gearing — lets you choose between maximum RPM for drilling or higher torque for driving, depending on the task.
• Decent drilling capacity — 13mm in steel, 36mm in wood (auger bit), and 20mm in wood (drill bit), covering most general trade tasks.
• Fits the existing 18V LXT ecosystem — if you already run other Makita 18V tools, this drops straight into your existing battery and charger setup.

The Not-So-Good

• Sold as a bare tool — the DDF491Z comes without battery or charger, so factor that into your total cost if you're starting fresh on the 18V LXT platform.
• More parts to manage — four attachment heads means four more small components to keep track of, store, and avoid misplacing on-site.
• Evolutionary, not revolutionary — it's built on the same core as the DDF490, so if you already own a DDF490 and don't specifically need the swappable heads, the upgrade may not be worth it.
• New release — as a newly introduced model, there isn't yet a long track record of field durability feedback compared to more established models like the DDF482 or DDF486.

Who It's For

The DDF491 makes the most sense for tradesmen who regularly switch between straight drilling, angled work, offset driving, and hex bit tasks, and would benefit from one tool handling all four rather than carrying separate drivers.

Availability

The DDF491 is confirmed available through Makita Singapore. It's not yet in our online catalogue at A.C.T. Hardware, but reach out to our team if you'd like to pre-order or be notified when it's in stock.