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Makita’s 18V SDS hammer drills are really SDS-plus rotary hammers, and the one most buyers should look at is the 1-inch-class brushless model, the XRH01Z in North America (sold as the DHR242 in many other markets). It drills concrete anchor holes from about 3/16 to 1 inch, has a hammer-only chisel mode, and runs on the same LXT batteries as the rest of Makita’s 18V range. Smaller compact models suit overhead and light anchoring work, and Makita’s twin-battery 18V X2 machines step in when you need bigger holes.
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What we cover
Why “SDS hammer drill” means rotary hammer
An SDS chuck holds a bit with grooved shanks that can slide back and forth. That lets an internal piston-driven hammer strike the bit directly, delivering high-energy blows rather than the light, fast vibration of a regular hammer drill. The result is much faster drilling in concrete with less push from you. Makita labels these tools rotary hammers; buyers often call them SDS hammer drills.
Makita 18V SDS-plus classes compared
| Class | Example | Max concrete capacity | Approx. impact energy | Approx. weight with 5Ah battery | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact 18V SDS-plus | Makita’s compact brushless rotary hammers | About 5/8-11/16 in | Roughly 1-1.5 J | About 5-6 lb | Overhead anchors, electricians, small holes all day |
| 1-in class 18V SDS-plus | XRH01Z / DHR242 | 1 in | About 2 J | About 7-8 lb | General concrete and masonry, 1/4-3/4 in anchors |
| 18V X2 (36V) SDS-plus | Makita 18V X2 LXT rotary hammers | About 1-1/8 in | Roughly 3 J+ | About 9-11 lb with two batteries | Larger holes, heavier daily use, chiseling |
Figures are representative of each class; individual models differ in exact capacity and in features such as anti-vibration (AVT) housings, AWS wireless dust-extractor pairing, or dedicated dust-extraction attachments. Those extras add cost but matter if you drill indoors or for long stretches. For reference, the XRH01Z is listed at up to roughly 4,700 blows per minute and around 950 RPM.
What the 1-inch XRH01Z-class tool does well
- Three modes: rotation only, rotation with hammering, and hammer only. Hammer-only mode with a flat or pointed chisel handles tile removal, light chipping and cleaning up concrete edges.
- Brushless motor: more runtime per charge and less maintenance than brushed designs.
- Clutch protection: a mechanical torque-limiting clutch slips if the bit binds, for example on rebar.
- Battery platform: runs on any 18V LXT battery. Makita’s LXT range is one of the largest cordless platforms.
- D-handle layout: a pistol-style grip balances well for horizontal holes in walls.
Where it reaches its limits
- Holes over 3/4 inch in hard concrete are slow and drain batteries quickly. It can do 1 inch, but repeated 1-inch holes are better suited to an X2 or corded SDS-plus tool.
- Small 1.5-2 Ah batteries make it feel weak. Use 4 Ah or larger.
- Chiseling is light-duty only. Removing large areas of tile or concrete is a job for a heavier SDS-max demolition hammer.
- Core drilling and large-diameter work are out of its class.
Runtime estimate
A rough working estimate for a 1-inch-class 18V rotary hammer on a 5 Ah battery in cured concrete:
| Hole size x depth | Approximate holes per 5Ah charge |
|---|---|
| 1/4 in x 1-1/2 in | 100-150+ |
| 3/8 in x 2-1/2 in | 50-80 |
| 1/2 in x 3 in | 30-50 |
| 3/4 in x 4 in | 10-20 |
Concrete hardness, aggregate, bit sharpness and battery temperature change these numbers considerably. The practical takeaway: for a day of 1/2-inch anchor holes, two 5 Ah batteries and a charger are enough; for a day of 3/4-inch holes, plan on more batteries or a corded backup.
Who should buy which
| User | Best Makita 18V option |
|---|---|
| DIYer with occasional concrete anchors who owns Makita LXT batteries | 1-in class (XRH01Z), bare tool |
| Electrician or low-voltage installer drilling overhead daily | Compact SDS-plus class |
| Remodeler doing frequent 5/8-1 in holes and light demo | 18V X2 rotary hammer |
| No Makita batteries, mostly small brick anchors | A hammer drill/driver may be enough; a rotary hammer is overkill |
Bits, dust and technique
- Use quality SDS-plus bits. Four-cutter carbide heads handle rebar contact and drill straighter holes than budget two-cutter bits.
- Grease the bit shank lightly. A small amount of bit grease reduces wear on the chuck and the bit.
- Let the hammer work. Moderate pressure is faster than leaning hard; excessive force reduces impact efficiency and heats the bit.
- Clear the hole. Withdraw the bit every inch or so, then blow or vacuum out dust before setting anchors; dust in the hole reduces anchor holding power.
- Control silica dust. Use a dust-extraction attachment or shroud with a HEPA vacuum, and wear a suitable respirator in enclosed spaces.
- Always fit the side handle. If the bit binds, the clutch helps, but the side handle is what keeps the tool from twisting your wrist.
Ownership notes
- Brushless motors need little routine service, but the hammer mechanism benefits from a professional grease service after heavy use.
- Keep the chuck clean; grit in the SDS chuck causes sticking and wear.
- Store batteries indoors in moderate temperatures.
- Kit prices vary widely. Bare tools are commonly in the low-to-mid hundreds of dollars, and kits with two batteries and a charger cost noticeably more.
Verdict
For most users already on Makita’s 18V LXT platform, the 1-inch-class SDS-plus rotary hammer is the right Makita 18V SDS hammer drill: quick on 1/4 to 5/8 inch anchors, capable of 1 inch when needed, and useful for light chiseling. Go compact if you drill small holes overhead all day, and move to an 18V X2 model if large holes and demo are routine.