Makita has launched the DDF491, an 18V LXT multi-head drill driver that follows the same play as DeWalt’s Atomic 5-in-1: one brushless motor unit, four interchangeable heads.
That timing matters for US buyers. It’s rolling out in Europe and other markets first.
USA availability and pricing haven’t been announced yet.
What You Get in the Box
The DDF491 is built around an 18V LXT brushless screwdriver body with a tool-head interface. Four heads ship with it:
- Keyless drill chuck, 13mm (1/2″) capacity
- Quick-release 1/4″ hex bit chuck
- Offset adapter with 1/4″ hex chuck for cabinet frames and tight corners
- Right angle adapter, which also accepts the other chucks
Specs from Makita’s regional releases: 0-500/0-1,900 RPM two-speed gearbox, 20 clutch settings, and fastening torque of 27 Nm (about 239 in-lbs) soft, 50 Nm (443 in-lbs) hard, with 65 Nm (575 in-lbs) peak.
Weight runs 1.2 to 2.1 kg depending on head and battery. LED work light with pre-glow and afterglow is included. For the full official spec sheet, check manufacturer specs when it lands stateside.
How It Stacks Up
DeWalt got here first. The Atomic 20V MAX DCD803B launched stateside last year and is in stock on Amazon around $228 at time of writing. It carries four heads too: a 1/2″ chuck, 1/4″ hex chuck, offset, and right angle.
Skil sells the PWR CORE 20 multi-head kit (QD6293B-10) for about $116 with a battery and charger included, which makes it the budget entry. Bosch covers the 12V side with its own 5-in-1 kit.
Makita’s entry stands out on torque. A max torque figure of 575 in-lbs tops what the category has offered so far, and the right angle head accepting the other chucks is a detail DeWalt’s version doesn’t share.
If it comes to the US, it slots into the 18V LXT platform, one of the largest battery ecosystems in the industry.
Availability
No USA date and no official pricing yet.
UK listings run about £155 for the bare tool (roughly $234 through import channels), with kit versions higher.
We’ll update when Makita confirms a North American release.
Until then, the DeWalt DCD803B remains the only 20V-class multi-head drill you can walk into a store and buy.
Multi-head drills make the most sense for three trades: cabinet installers, electricians, and anyone doing furniture assembly in tight rooms.
If that’s your work, see how the full field compares in our best cordless drills guide, or read our earlier coverage of the DeWalt Atomic DCD803B’s US launch. We also break down where Makita’s batteries fit against every rival in our battery platform comparison.