Brand & Model
Makita DDF453Z 18V LXT
Battery
Lithium-ion
Whats included
1x DDF453Z 18V LXT Cordless Drill Driver (Body Only)
Kitd Rating: 7.5/10
Solid, dependable, unspectacular — exactly what a mid-range drill driver should be.
The DDF453Z is Makita’s no-frills drill driver — and honestly, that’s exactly what makes it worth considering. It’s not trying to be the most powerful or most feature-packed drill on the market. It’s just a solid, reliable workhorse that does exactly what you’d expect a Makita to do.
If you’re already on the LXT platform and need a lightweight drill driver for everyday tasks, this is a sensible choice. It won’t set the world on fire, but it won’t let you down either.
What You’re Getting
This is a drill driver, not a combi drill — so no hammer action. If you need to drill into masonry, look at the DHP453Z instead (same drill, but with hammer mode). The DDF453Z is built for wood, metal, and driving screws.
Key specs:
- 42Nm max torque
- 2-speed gearbox (0–400 / 0–1,300 rpm)
- 16 torque settings plus drill mode
- 13mm keyless chuck
- Drilling capacity: 36mm in wood, 13mm in steel
- Weight: 1.8kg (bare)
It’s a brushed motor, not brushless — so you won’t get the efficiency or longevity of Makita’s newer DDF487 or DDF489 models. But for the price difference, plenty of tradespeople are happy with that trade-off.
The Honest Verdict
The DDF453Z isn’t exciting. It doesn’t have headline-grabbing torque figures or fancy electronics. What it does have is Makita build quality at a sensible price point.
I’ve spoken to tradespeople who’ve run these for years without issues. It’s not the drill you show off — it’s the drill you grab because you know it’ll work. For driving screws, assembling, and drilling holes in wood and metal, it’s absolutely fine.
At £70–85 body only, it’s hard to argue with the value. You could spend more on a brushless model and get better battery life and longevity. You could spend less on a budget brand and probably regret it within six months. The DDF453Z sits in that sensible middle ground.
If you need a reliable drill driver and you’re already on Makita batteries, this is a safe bet. Nothing more, nothing less.
