Makita BHP458 Combi Drill And Impact Driver

[tbonser]

What do people think to this combo set ?

 

[yesajack]

A good batteries plays an important role in determining a better tools

 

[brman]

Are you after it mainly for 458 drill or the impact driver? I had a play with one (458 combi drill) briefly at the elex show and liked it. Felt nice and comfortable in my hand, slightly lighter than the drill it replaces (451) but still as powerful. I was talking to the guy on the stand and asked why it was only 2 speed (the 451 is 3) and he reckoned the feedback they had got from the 451 was that on-one bothers with the middle speed and the 3 speed box was heavier and less reliable. Makes sense to me anyway.

The only downside I could find was that the Makita batteries aren't as cheap as Dewalt, Metabo and co. Dewalt can be got for a bit over £50 I think if you search around but I can't find any Makita for less than £70 to £80.

Makita also appear to have the biggest range of compatible 18V kit which may or may not be a consideration.

I have had quite a search for info comparing the various brands and you get praise and complaints about all of them. Plus plenty of youtube videos showing how good/bad they are but most of them look biased! If you look at previous discussion here there is no clear conclusion which is best.
According to the guy at ELex Makita have something like 40% to 60% (can't remember the number but it was big) of the UK market so I reckon we would know about it if they were rubbish

From my play at various stands on elex I would probably go with makita (if i wanted the range of 18V tools) or Milwaukee (if I wasn't worried about the range) but that is a pretty ill informed, personal decision.

 

[tbonser]

I would use them both, the drill for mounting backboxes and other things into brick/breeze and also for drilling joists and that. The impact I would basically just use for screwing things into plugs or into wood

 

[brman]

I didn't look at the impact driver but I would guess my comments hold for that as well.

 

[tbonser]

So would you recommend this set then ?

 

[brman]

Well, as I haven't actually used one in anger, just played with it at the show, I don't think I am qualified to recommend it. On the other hand, from what I saw and have read online I would be very happy to own one.
When I actually pull my finger out and get a new drill it will almost certainly be between the makita 458 and the Milwaukee HD18PD. I suspect I would be very impressed with either of them!