Can I use a combi drill for masonry and concrete?

Yes, but with limits. A combi drill's hammer function is designed for light masonry work like drilling into brick, mortar and lightweight block using standard masonry bits. For harder materials like concrete, reinforced concrete or engineered stone, you need an SDS drill which delivers a much more powerful hammer action. A combi drill will get through a few holes in concrete, but it's slow and wears the tool. For regular concrete drilling, invest in a dedicated SDS-Plus rotary hammer.

What size battery should I get for my cordless drill?

For a combi drill, 3.0Ah batteries offer the best balance of weight and runtime for general trade use. They keep the drill light enough for overhead work while lasting a reasonable shift. 5.0Ah batteries give longer runtime but add noticeable weight, which matters during a full day of drilling. 2.0Ah is fine for light or occasional use. The best approach is two 3.0Ah batteries with a rapid charger so one charges while you use the other.

What is the difference between a combi drill and an impact driver?

A combi drill combines standard drilling, hammer drilling (for masonry) and screwdriving in one tool. It uses a three-jaw chuck that accepts round and hex shank bits. An impact driver is designed specifically for driving screws and bolts using a 1/4" hex collet. It delivers rotational impacts for higher torque without the wrist strain. Most tradespeople carry both. If you're buying one tool, a combi drill is more versatile. If you're driving lots of fixings, add an impact driver.

What voltage combi drill do I need for trade use?

18V is the standard for professional trade use across all three major brands (Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee). It covers 95% of drilling and driving tasks on site. 12V tools are lighter and more compact but lack the power for sustained heavy work. 36V (or twin 18V) is only needed for continuous heavy-duty drilling into concrete or large-diameter holesaws. For most trades, an 18V brushless combi drill like the Makita DHP487Z (40Nm torque) is the right choice.

What does brushless mean on a cordless drill?

A brushless motor removes the physical carbon brushes found in standard motors. This means less friction, less heat, longer motor life and more efficient use of battery power. In practice, a brushless drill runs cooler, lasts longer between charges, and typically outlasts a brushed equivalent by 2-3 times. Every major brand now uses brushless motors in their professional ranges. It's worth the small price premium.

MAKDTD173Z

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DTD173Z 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver - Bare Unit

Product Info

Brand Makita

Part Number MAKDTD173Z

The Makita DTD173Z is a premium 18V brushless impact driver featuring an industry-first LED ring light and rear-facing control panel. With 4-stage speed selection and advanced assist modes, it is built for ultimate precision and professional trade use.

Key Features

Brushless motor for maximum efficiency and durability
Ultra-compact head design at just 111mm in length
Shadow-free LED ring light for optimal visibility
Rear-facing operation panel for easy mode changes 4-stage speed selection plus assist modes (Wood/Bolt/T-Mode)
Double ball bearing construction to minimize bit wobble
Ergonomic handle with optimised centre of gravity

Typical Applications

Precision carpentry and cabinetry
HVAC and electrical installation
Driving long screws and lag bolts
Automotive and mechanical fastening
General construction and maintenance work

Specifications

Brand: Makita
Model: DTD173Z
Voltage: 18V LXT
Motor: Brushless
Max Torque: 180Nm
No Load Speed: 0–3,600/min
Impacts Per Minute: 0–3,800/min
Drive: 1/4" hex Length: 111mm
Weight: 1.0kg (bare)

What's Included

1 × Makita DTD173Z Impact Driver (bare unit)
Battery and charger NOT included – sold separately

Description

Why Buy?

Used For

Specifications

What's Included

Description

Key Features

Brushless motor for maximum efficiency and durability
Ultra-compact head design at just 111mm in length
Shadow-free LED ring light for optimal visibility
Rear-facing operation panel for easy mode changes 4-stage speed selection plus assist modes (Wood/Bolt/T-Mode)
Double ball bearing construction to minimize bit wobble
Ergonomic handle with optimised centre of gravity

Typical Applications

Precision carpentry and cabinetry
HVAC and electrical installation
Driving long screws and lag bolts
Automotive and mechanical fastening
General construction and maintenance work

Specifications

Brand: Makita
Model: DTD173Z
Voltage: 18V LXT
Motor: Brushless
Max Torque: 180Nm
No Load Speed: 0–3,600/min
Impacts Per Minute: 0–3,800/min
Drive: 1/4" hex Length: 111mm
Weight: 1.0kg (bare)

What's Included

1 × Makita DTD173Z Impact Driver (bare unit)
Battery and charger NOT included – sold separately

DTD173Z 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver - Bare Unit

Name: DTD173Z 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver - Bare Unit
Brand: Makita
SKU: MAKDTD173Z
Price: 119.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

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£99.99 ex VAT £108.33

£119.99 inc VAT £130.00

You save £10.01 (8% off)

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DTD173Z 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver - Bare Unit

£99.99 ex VAT

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Product Info

Key Features

Typical Applications

Specifications

What's Included

DTD173Z 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver - Bare Unit

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