The cordless SDS hammer most trades actually reach for

If you're drilling fixings into concrete, chasing conduit runs, or bolting down steels, the Makita DHR242Z handles it without fuss. It sits in the middle of Makita's 18V LXT rotary hammer range: more capable than the DHR202, lighter than the twin-battery DHR264, and a sensible weight-to-power trade-off for day-to-day work. 2.0 joules of impact energy, 24mm maximum concrete capacity, and a brushless motor that stops wasting energy as heat.

Choose your configuration

• Body Only (DHR242Z): the bare tool, for buyers already running Makita 18V LXT batteries and a charger.
• In Case (DHR242RTJ): same tool, supplied in a MakPac case for protected transport and storage.

Neither variant includes a battery or charger. Pair with any Makita 18V LXT battery (BL1815 through BL1860B) and a compatible charger.

What it does well

• Three-mode operation. Rotation only for wood and steel, rotation with hammer for masonry, hammer only for light chipping and chasing.
• Brushless motor. No carbon brushes to replace, cooler running, and roughly 30% less wasted energy compared with the equivalent brushed motor (Makita's figure).
• Torque limiter. Disengages the drive if the bit binds, which saves your wrist and protects the gearing.
• Electronic brake. Stops the bit fast when you release the trigger, handy when you're working near finished surfaces.
• LXT platform. Runs on any genuine Makita 18V LXT battery. If you already own the platform, you're ready to go.
• Anti-vibration grip. Upper and lower housings are joined with rubber cushions that take the edge off sustained drilling.

Technical specifications

Frequently asked questions

Does it come with a battery and charger?
No. Neither variant includes a battery or charger. A BL1850B 5.0Ah is the usual sensible pairing, or BL1860B 6.0Ah for longer runtime on site.

Can it chisel, or just drill?
Both. Hammer-only mode handles light chasing, tile removal, and small breaking work. For sustained breaking, use a dedicated demolition hammer instead.

Will my older Makita 18V batteries fit?
Any slide-on 18V LXT battery from BL1815 upwards will fit and run the tool. Older stick batteries (pre-LXT) will not.

How does the DHR242Z differ from the DHR243Z?
The DHR243Z adds an interchangeable keyless chuck alongside the SDS Plus chuck, useful if you want one tool for both SDS bits and standard round-shank bits. The DHR242Z is SDS Plus only, which keeps it cheaper.

Is it compatible with dust extraction?
Yes. The Makita DX06 extraction system (part 199563-2) bolts on directly and pairs with an M-class vacuum for silica-dust-compliant drilling.

What's the warranty?
Makita's standard 1-year warranty, extendable to 3 years when registered on the Makita UK website within 30 days of purchase.