Makita Drill numbering system

[Theodor]

I am looking to upgrade my hammer driver drill, so I have been doing a bit of searching around. I have been wondering if there is any way to understand the Makita blue numbering systems for their drills. They've got DHP481 and BHP481 to DDF... to DTM... etc etc etc.

I can't fathom if these numbers so I can't tell what the difference are between the different types.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Cheers!

[elanjacobs]

This was a nice logic challenge for me, but after a bit of looking through their website I think I've worked it out.


Leading letters
1st Letter indicates series:
B = Previous series, may not be compatible with 4Ah and 5Ah batteries
D = New series, compatible with 4Ah and 5Ah batteries
See here for guide to battery compatibility: http://www.toolstop.co.uk/makita-18v...ty-guide-a1330

Letters 2 and 3 indicate tool type:
TP = 4-mode driver (Impact driver, drill, hammer drill and screwdriver)
TD = Impact driver (standard 1/4" hex)
TW = Impact wrench (1/2" square drive)
HP = Hammer drill-driver (looks like a normal drill, not to be confused with HR)
HR = Rotary hammer (the big demolition hammer drill with SDS chuck)
DF = Regular drill-driver

Numbers
Not entirely sure, but higher numbers of the same tool type appear to be smaller/lighter and/or have more features/power.

Trailing letters indicate included battery packs
Letters 1 and 2 indicate:
SY = 1.5Ah
RF = 3.0Ah
RM = 4.0Ah
RT = 5.0Ah

3rd letter 'E' = comes with 2 batteries (E for Extra)

Z = Tool only (no batteries, case, etc)

Hope that helps.

My brain is now thoroughly mushy and I need to go to bed

[hiroller]

Nice work, although I think the first letter is just the series of tool.
The D series are the latest models. The Makita site only shows the D models:
http://www.makita.com.au/products/ca...-skins/18-volt
The retailers still show both:
https://sydneytools.com.au/by-brand/...hammer_drills/
https://sydneytools.com.au/by-brand/...rivers_drills/
There are brushed and brushless models in both.
I've always understood that the higher numbers were better but this isn't always reflected by price, which seems to be more deal sensitive.
The number differences include motors more efficient, more grunt and fully metal gears.
Good luck!

[elanjacobs]

Nice work, although I think the first letter is just the series of tool.
The D series are the latest models. The Makita site only shows the D models

Further research shows you are correct.
They have a couple of B models ( http://www.makita.com.au/products/li...e-hammer-drill http://www.makita.com.au/products/li...-impact-driver ) on there as well.
They say brushless on all the B models but no mention on the D models, so that was the basis for my assumption.

Updated explanation post to reflect the new info

[Theodor]

You went through all their tools to figure this out? Astounding! I'm very thankful for your work. It seriously simplifies how to find the right drill when you know that marking system. cheers!

[Chrism3]

Trailing letter "S" means standard charger, while "R" means rapid charger.