Makita DLX2414ST Review: The Best Value Twin-Pack for UK DIYers?
The Makita DLX2414ST combines proven reliability with massive 5.0Ah battery power. We break down why this “old school” brushed motor kit is still the best value buy in 2026.
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If you’ve walked onto any building site in the UK in the last five years, you’ve likely seen the contents of this kit in action. The Makita DLX2414ST 18V Li-ion LXT Combo Kit promises to be the ultimate “starter pack” for apprentices or the final upgrade for home renovators. Bundling Makita’s two most ubiquitous tools, the Combi Drill and the Impact Driver, with a pair of massive 5.0Ah batteries, it claims to offer professional-grade performance at a price that doesn’t make your eyes water.
Makita DLX2414ST 18V Li-ion LXT Combo Kit Complete with 2 x 5.0 Ah Batteries and Charger Supplied in a Plastic Case
- DHP487Z: 2 mechanical gears
- 20 torque settings plus drill mode
- 13mm maximum capacity in steel, 36mm in wood and 13mm in masonry
- DTD157Z: Electronic 2 stage impact power selection for hard and soft
- Assist mode
- Convenient ¼” hex driving shank
- Maximum capacity machine screw M4 to M8, standard bolt M5 to M14, high strength bolt M5 to M12 and coarse thread screw 22 to 90mm
- Not compatible with G-Series batteries
But in a market now flooded with “Brushless” technology, does this classic brushed motor duo still hold up? We’ve analysed the specs and synthesised user feedback to find out.
The Quick Verdict
Rating: 4.6/5
This kit is the definition of “reliable workhorse.” While it lacks the cutting-edge brushless motors of pricier models, the inclusion of two high-capacity 5.0Ah batteries makes it exceptional value for money. It is the ideal entry point for apprentices and the ultimate kit for serious UK DIYers tackling extensions or decking.
Best For: Heavy DIYers and Trade Apprentices.
Key Pro: The 5.0Ah batteries provide “all-day” runtime and fit 300+ other Makita tools.
Key Con: The “Plastic Case” is functional but lacks the durability and stacking ability of the premium MakPac system.
Makita DLX2414ST In Detail: What’s in the Box?
The DLX2414ST isn’t just about the tools; it’s an ecosystem starter. The kit centres around the 18V LXT platform, Makita’s dominant battery system. Inside the box, you get a straightforward, heavy-duty setup designed for drilling into masonry, driving huge timber screws, and surviving a drop off a stepladder.
The Core Components:
- Combi Drill (DHP482): A general-purpose hammer drill for wood, metal, and masonry.
- Impact Driver (DTD152): A high-torque specialist for driving screws and bolts.
- Power: 2 x 18V 5.0Ah Li-ion Batteries (BL1850B).
- Charging: DC18RC Fast Charger.
- Storage: Heavy-duty Plastic Carry Case.
First impressions? It’s heavy, it feels substantial, and it looks like it means business. But let’s dig into the details.
Core DLX2414ST Feature Analysis
1. The Powerhouse: 5.0Ah Batteries
Claim: The manufacturer highlights the inclusion of 2 x 5.0Ah batteries, promising extended run times and compatibility with the entire LXT range.
The Reality: This is the kit’s “crown jewel.” The jump from standard 3.0Ah batteries to these 5.0Ah units is a game-changer. Users consistently report being able to work for “days without charging” on lighter tasks, or getting a full day of heavy decking work done on a single charge. The fast charger is also frequently praised, topping up these large cells in roughly 45 minutes – perfect for a tea break charge.
Verdict: Delivers completely. For many buyers, the batteries alone justify the price tag.
2. Performance: DHP482 & DTD152
Claim: Capable of handling professional drilling and driving tasks.
The Reality: Let’s address the elephant in the room: these are brushed motors. While powerful, they aren’t the latest tech.
- The Combi Drill: Users find it punchy and reliable for 90% of tasks. However, feedback suggests it struggles slightly with “heavy engineering bricks” found in some older UK properties compared to newer brushless models. It handles breeze blocks and standard timber with ease.
- The Impact Driver: This is the fan favourite. Reviews describe it as “effortless” and capable of sinking 100mm screws into sleepers without a stutter. It’s loud, but effective.
Verdict: Solid performance, though the brushed motors are less efficient than modern equivalents.
3. Build Quality & The “Plastic Case”
Issue: “Supplied in a Plastic Case.”
The Reality: The tools themselves are bombproof, featuring Makita’s signature rubberised grip and weather sealing (XPT). Users frequently mention dropping them without issue. However, the case is a point of contention. Unlike the stackable “MakPac” boxes that lock together, this comes in a standard moulded plastic suitcase. While it keeps things tidy, several users noted it feels “bulky” and lacks the integration pros love.
Verdict: Tools are 5/5 for build; the case is a 3/5 functional storage solution.
4. British Contextualisation
Why does this specific kit matter for the UK?
- The Masonry Factor: UK homes are built of brick and block. The DHP482’s hammer action is essential here (unlike in the US where wood frame dominates). It will handle standard red brick fine, but if you live in a stone cottage or have hard blue engineering bricks, you might need an SDS drill alongside this.
- Weather Resistance: The XPT (Extreme Protection Technology) is vital for the damp British climate, offering some resistance to rain and dust—useful when you’re caught out by a shower while fixing a fence.
- Value: It sits in the “sweet spot” between the DIY brands (Ryobi/Black+Decker) and the high-end professional brushless kits.
Makita DLX2414ST vs. The Competition
How does it stack up against the rivals you’ll see on the shelf at Screwfix or Toolstation?
| Feature | Makita DLX2414ST | DeWalt DCK2060M2T | Ryobi R18PD3RID-213S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Type | Brushed (Reliable, older tech) | Brushless (More efficient) | Brushed |
| Battery Capacity | 2 x 5.0Ah (Huge capacity) | 2 x 4.0Ah | 2 x 1.5Ah |
| Max Torque (Driver) | ~165 Nm | ~190 Nm | ~220 Nm |
| Case Type | Plastic Moulded Case | T-Stack (Stackable) | Soft Bag |
| Target Audience | Pro/Heavy DIY | Pro/Trade | Casual DIY |
| User Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.8/5 |
The Comparison Verdict:
If you want the absolute latest tech, the DeWalt wins on motor efficiency, but you get less battery capacity. The Ryobi is cheaper but comes with tiny 1.5Ah batteries that will die halfway through a fence build. The Makita DLX2414ST wins purely on the battery/build quality value proposition, giving you reliable strength and the juice to keep working all day.
Our Verdict Overall
The Makita DLX2414ST is not the newest, shiniest kit on the block, but it might just be the smartest buy. It represents the “Toyota Hilux” of power tools: it uses older, proven brushed motor technology that’s tough, reliable, and easy to replace if it ever breaks.
The real headline here is the 5.0Ah batteries. Getting two of these high-capacity cells included elevates this kit from “basic starter” to “system foundation.” Even if you eventually upgrade the drill body in five years, these batteries will still power your circular saw, hedge trimmer, or radio.
Who is it for?
- Ideally Suited For: The serious home renovator doing a loft conversion or extension, and the first-year apprentice who needs a reliable kit that earns respect on site.
- Less Suited For: The casual user who only hangs a picture once a year (it’s overkill), or the industrial contractor drilling concrete all day (get an SDS).
DLX2414ST Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Final Rating: 4.7/5
Additional Information
- Manufacturer: Makita
- ASIN: B0CHFNBLMP
- Batteries: 2 Lithium Ion batteries required (included).
- Voltage: 18 Volts
- Country of Origin: Made in China (Standard for global power tools).
Further Reading:
- Makita UK Official LXT Page – The official source for the LXT ecosystem.
- Screwfix Buying Guide: Combi Drills – A guide to understanding drill types for UK masonry.
- Howe Tools Impact Driver Guide – A guide to understanding your impact driver options.
- Reddit DIY Beginners Drills – A discussion on the best drills for newbies.
