Makita DHP482 vs DHP490: The DHP482 Is Discontinued — Buy the DHP490
Short answer: buy the DHP490
The DHP482 is discontinued and we no longer stock it. The comparison below is kept because people still search for it, and because it explains what you gain.
For years this was a genuine decision: pay less for the proven brushed DHP482, or pay more for the brushless DHP490. Makita has since ended production of the DHP482, so the choice has made itself.
Here is what the difference actually was, because it tells you what you are getting.
Brushed versus brushless, in practical terms
The DHP482 used a brushed motor; the DHP490 is brushless. In a brushed motor, carbon brushes press against a rotating commutator to switch the current. They work, and they wear out — they are a consumable, and they generate friction and heat while doing their job.
A brushless motor switches electronically instead. Nothing rubs. Less energy becomes heat, which means more of the battery reaches the chuck, and there is no wear part to replace.
What you notice day to day is runtime from the same battery, and a tool that does not get as hot during sustained work. What you notice over years is that the motor does not gradually lose its edge.
What stayed the same
Both are 13mm in steel and masonry, 38mm in wood, with two speed ranges and switchable hammer action. Both are compact 18V LXT drills aimed at the same user.
Critically, both take the same 18V LXT batteries. Moving from a DHP482 to a DHP490 costs you nothing in batteries or chargers. If you own LXT packs, the DHP490Z bare unit is the cheapest upgrade there is.
Was the DHP482 a bad tool?
No, and if you own one there is no reason to rush out and replace it. It earned its reputation and it will keep working. Spares, bits and batteries are all still available.
Replace it when it dies, or when runtime starts limiting you. Not before.
Which DHP490 to buy
Already have 18V LXT batteries: the DHP490Z bare unit.
Starting from scratch: the DHP490RF or DHP490RFE kit with batteries and charger, or the DHP490RFX1 if you want an accessory set included.
Daily professional use: the DHP490RTE with 5.0Ah packs, accepting the extra weight.
And if you are not sure you need either
For a homeowner drilling a handful of holes a year, an 18V brushless kit is more tool than the job needs. Our cordless drill buying guide starts with the question that actually matters — which type of drill you need — before getting to models.
Come and try it
The DHP490 is on the shelf at both showrooms, and we will run it on a concrete block for you.
645 Geylang Road, Singapore 389575 — +65 6546 7446
2 Gambas Crescent #03-19, Nordcom Two, Singapore 757044 — +65 6255 3446
WhatsApp +65 8978 9808, or browse the full Makita range.