Makita DHR171Z Brushless Rotary Hammer sits in the power tools category as a compact rotary hammer designed for drilling and light demolition. Tradespeople and keen DIYers gain less fatigue and better control when working on ladders or in confined spaces. Is the tool robust enough for regular site use or best kept for trades and home projects?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Drilling Performance: Powerful SDS drilling with high impact blows per minute, capacities: 17mm concrete, 10mm steel, 13mm wood
- • Best for: Tradespeople and DIYers needing a lightweight tool for one-handed ladder work and confined spaces
- • Not ideal for: Continuous heavy demolition or high-volume industrial breaking tasks
Brushless motor with one-touch sliding chuck and two operation modes, rotary only and rotary hammer. LED job light and vibration absorbing housing help control and accuracy on overhead or prolonged tasks.
Easier one-handed work - Thanks to vibration-absorbing housing and compact design
Vibration-absorbing housing reduces felt vibration at the handles while the compact brushless configuration lowers overall tool bulk. The brushless motor runs more efficiently, meaning fewer internal moving parts and improved balance.
Reduced fatigue during overhead drilling and better stability on ladders, making single-handed tasks simpler and safer.
Faster bit changes and secure hold - With one-touch sliding chuck and SDS compatibility
One-touch sliding chuck permits quick insertion and removal of SDS-style bits, while rotary hammer mode combines rotation with percussive impacts for efficient concrete drilling. The mechanism keeps bits firmly seated under high-impact conditions.
Speeds up repetitive jobs and prevents slippage during high-impact drilling, saving time on site.
Longer run time per charge - Thanks to brushless motor and 18V LXT compatibility
Brushless motor technology reduces electrical losses and heat, improving energy efficiency when paired with Makita 18V LXT batteries. Batteries and charger are sold separately, and genuine Makita batteries are required to maintain the guarantee.
Allows multiple holes on a single battery charge, suitable for extended sessions when using compatible Makita batteries.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Makita DHR171Z Brushless Rotary Hammer
- Brushless motor - Longer runtime and steady power under sustained drilling loads
- One-touch sliding chuck - Faster bit changes, fewer interruptions during repetitive tasks
- Two-mode operation - Switch between rotary drilling and hammer action for material versatility
- LED job light - Improves visibility in dim spaces for more accurate drilling
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Home Improvement
- Power Type: 18V Li-Ion LXT
- Motor Type: Brushless motor
- Chuck Type: One-touch sliding chuck, SDS-style compatibility
- Operation Modes: Rotary only; rotary hammer
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are batteries and a charger included?
A: Batteries and charger are not included; the tool runs on Makita 18V LXT Li-Ion batteries which must be purchased separately, and use of non-genuine batteries or chargers will invalidate the guarantee.
Q: What drilling capacities can be expected?
A: Capacities are listed as 17mm in concrete, 10mm in steel and 13mm in wood, suited to common trade and DIY drilling tasks.
Q: Is there a warranty and how does registration work?
A: A standard 1 year manufacturer warranty applies, with a further 2 years available when registered within 30 days of purchase; the guarantee excludes use with non-genuine or incompatible parts and batteries.
🏆 Our Verdict
The Makita DHR171Z Brushless Rotary Hammer suits tradespeople and serious DIYers who need a compact, low-vibration tool for drilling and light demolition. The combination of a brushless motor, one-touch sliding chuck and vibration-absorbing housing delivers efficient drilling in concrete and other materials. While a committed purchase because batteries are required separately, the efficient motor and extended warranty make it a sensible long-term investment.
