Makita DHP481 Cordless Hammer Driver Drill

About This Manual

This manual provides essential information for the safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Makita DHP481 Cordless Hammer Driver Drill. Please read and understand all instructions before use.

Explanation of General View

The following components are identified:

1. Red indicator: Part of the battery cartridge lock mechanism.
2. Button: Likely refers to a button on the battery cartridge or tool.
3. Battery cartridge: The power source for the tool.
4. Star marking: Indicates a Lithium-ion battery with a protection system.
5. Indicator lamps: Display battery charge level or tool status.
6. Check button: Used to check the remaining battery capacity.
7. LED display: Shows remaining battery capacity.
8. Switch trigger: Controls tool power and speed.
9. Lamp: Front-mounted LED work light.
10. Reversing switch lever: Changes the direction of rotation (forward/reverse/neutral).
11. Speed change lever: Selects between high and low speed settings.
12. Action mode changing ring: Selects the operating mode (e.g., drilling, screwdriving, hammer drilling).
13. Arrow: Indicator on the action mode changing ring.
14. Adjusting ring: Used to set fastening torque.
15. Graduation: Markings on the adjusting ring for torque settings.
16. Protrusion: A feature on the tool for mounting accessories.
17. Arm: Part of the tool's housing or grip.
18. Groove: A channel on the tool for aligning accessories.
19. Grip pole: Part of the tool's handle.
20. Side grip: Auxiliary handle for better control.
21. Sleeve: Part of the chuck that is rotated to tighten/loosen bits.
22. Bit holder: A compartment for storing bits.
23. Bit: The tool accessory (drill bit, screwdriver bit).
24. Depth rod: An accessory to set drilling depth.
25. Clamp screw: Used to secure the depth rod.
26. Hook: For temporarily hanging the tool.
27. Screw: Used to attach accessories like the hook or bit holder.
28. Blow-out bulb: Optional accessory for cleaning dust from holes.

Specifications

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice. Battery cartridges may differ by country. Weight is according to EPTA-Procedure 01/2003.

Intended Use

This tool is designed for impact drilling in brick, concrete, and stone. It is also suitable for screw driving and drilling without impact in wood, metal, ceramic, and plastic.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

⚠️ WARNING: Read all safety warnings and instructions. Failure to follow warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.

Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

Cordless Hammer Driver Drill Safety Warnings

1. Wear ear protection ? when impact drilling. Exposure to noise can cause hearing loss.
2. Use auxiliary handle(s) if supplied. Loss of control can cause personal injury.
3. Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces when the accessory may contact hidden wiring. Contact with a "live" wire can make exposed metal parts "live" and cause electric shock.
4. Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces when the fastener may contact hidden wiring. Contact with a "live" wire can make exposed metal parts "live" and cause electric shock.
5. Always ensure a firm footing. Be sure no one is below when working at heights.
6. Hold the tool firmly.
7. Keep hands away from rotating parts ⚙️.
8. Do not leave the tool running unattended. Operate only when hand-held.
9. Do not touch the bit or workpiece immediately after operation; they may be extremely hot ? and cause burns.
10. Some materials contain toxic chemicals. Prevent dust inhalation and skin contact. Follow material supplier safety data.

Important Safety Instructions for Battery Cartridge

❗ CAUTION: Do not let comfort or familiarity replace strict adherence to safety rules. Misuse can cause serious injury.

1. Read all instructions and cautionary markings on the battery charger, battery, and product before use.
2. Do not disassemble the battery cartridge.
3. If operating time becomes excessively shorter, stop immediately. This may indicate overheating, risk of burns, or explosion.
4. If electrolyte gets into eyes, rinse with clear water and seek medical attention.
5. Do not short the battery cartridge:
   • Do not touch terminals with conductive material.
   • Avoid storing with other metal objects (nails, coins).
   • Do not expose to water or rain ?️.
   A short circuit can cause high current, overheating, burns, or breakdown.
6. Do not store the tool and battery cartridge where temperatures may reach or exceed 50°C (122°F).
7. Do not incinerate the battery cartridge, even if damaged. It can explode in fire ?.
8. Be careful not to drop or strike the battery.
9. Do not use a damaged battery.
10. Follow local regulations for battery disposal.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Tips for Maintaining Maximum Battery Life

1. Charge the battery cartridge before it is completely discharged. Stop operation and charge when tool power decreases.
2. Never recharge a fully charged battery cartridge; overcharging shortens service life.
3. Charge at room temperature (10°C - 40°C / 50°F - 104°F). Let hot batteries cool before charging.
4. Charge the battery cartridge if not used for more than six months.

Functional Description

❗ CAUTION: Always switch off the tool and remove the battery cartridge before making adjustments or checks.

Installing or Removing Battery Cartridge (Fig. 1)

❗ CAUTION: Always switch off the tool before installing or removing the battery. Hold both tool and cartridge firmly to prevent dropping and injury.

• To remove: Slide the cartridge from the tool while pressing the button on its front.
• To install: Align the tongue on the cartridge with the groove in the tool housing and slide it in until it clicks. Ensure the red indicator on the button is not visible, meaning it's fully locked.

❗ CAUTION: Always install the battery cartridge fully. If the red indicator is visible, it is not locked and may fall out, causing injury. Do not force the cartridge; if it doesn't slide easily, it's not aligned correctly.

Battery Protection System (Lithium-ion battery with star marking) (Fig. 2)

This system automatically cuts off power to extend battery life. The tool stops if:

• Overloaded: Tool draws abnormally high current. Release the switch trigger, stop the cause, then restart. If it doesn't start, the battery is overheated; let it cool.
• Low battery voltage: Battery capacity is too low. Remove and recharge the battery.

Indicating Remaining Battery Capacity (Battery cartridges with "B") (Fig. 3)

Press the check button on the battery cartridge. Indicator lamps light up for a few seconds.

Note: Indication may vary slightly with ambient temperature and usage conditions.

Indicating Remaining Battery Capacity (Country Specific) (Fig. 4)

Pulling the switch trigger shows remaining capacity via LED display:

Note: LED display turns off about 1 minute after releasing the trigger to save power. Slightly pull trigger to check capacity. If the tool doesn't work even with a charged battery, let it cool. If the problem persists, contact a Makita service center.

Switch Action

❗ CAUTION: Before installing the battery, check that the switch trigger operates correctly and returns to "OFF" when released. (Fig. 5)

To start: Pull the switch trigger. Speed increases with pressure. Release to stop.

Lighting up the Front Lamp (Fig. 6)

❗ CAUTION: Do not look directly into the light.

Pull the switch trigger to light the lamp. It stays on while the trigger is pulled and turns off 10-15 seconds after release.

Note: If the tool overheats, it stops automatically and the lamp flashes. Release the trigger; the lamp turns off in one minute. Wipe the lens with a dry cloth; avoid scratching.

Reversing Switch Action

❗ CAUTION: Always check rotation direction before operation. Use the reversing switch only when the tool is stopped. Changing direction while running can damage the tool. When not in use, set the lever to neutral position. (Fig. 7)

The lever changes rotation direction: Press from side A for clockwise ↪️, side B for counterclockwise ↩️. The switch trigger cannot be pulled in neutral position.

Speed Change

❗ CAUTION: Always set the speed lever fully to the correct position. Operating between settings "1" and "2" can damage the tool. Do not change speed while the tool is running. (Fig. 8)

To change speed: Switch off the tool, then slide the lever to "2" (high speed) or "1" (low speed). Ensure the lever is correctly set before operation. Use the appropriate speed for the job.

Selecting the Action Mode

❗ CAUTION: Always set the ring correctly to the desired mode mark. Operating with the ring between marks can damage the tool. (Fig. 9)

This tool has an action mode changing ring. Select one of three modes:

• Rotation only: Turn ring so arrow on tool body points to mark.
• Rotation with hammering: Turn ring so arrow points to mark.
• Rotation with clutch (screwdriving): Turn ring so arrow points to mark.

Adjusting the Fastening Torque (Screwdriver Mode " ") (Fig. 10)

Torque is adjustable in 21 steps using the adjusting ring. Align graduations with the pointer.

First, slide the action mode change lever to the symbol. Torque is minimum at "1" and maximum at the marking. The clutch will slip at various torque levels. Drive a trial screw to determine the required torque level for your material.

Note: The adjusting ring does not lock if positioned halfway between graduations.

Assembly

❗ CAUTION: Always switch off the tool and remove the battery cartridge before performing any work.

Installing Side Grip (Auxiliary Handle) (Fig. 11)

Use the side grip for safety. Insert it so the groove on the arm fits a counterpart on the tool. Tighten by turning clockwise. It can be installed on either the left or right side.

Installing or Removing Driver Bit or Drill Bit (Fig. 12)

Turn the sleeve counterclockwise to open chuck jaws. Insert the bit as far as it will go. Turn the sleeve clockwise to tighten. To remove, turn counterclockwise.

Installing Bit Holder (Fig. 13)

Fit the bit holder into the protrusion on the tool foot (left or right side) and secure with a screw. It can hold bits up to 45 mm long when not in use.

Adjustable Depth Rod (Fig. 14)

Used for drilling uniform depth holes. Loosen the clamp screw, set the rod to the desired position, then tighten the clamp screw.

Hook (Fig. 15)

Convenient for temporarily hanging the tool. Install on either side by inserting into a groove and securing with a screw. Remove by loosening the screw.

Operation

Hammer Drilling Operation (Fig. 16)

❗ CAUTION: A strong twisting force is exerted when the bit breaks through, the hole clogs, or when hitting reinforcing rods. Always use the side grip and firmly hold the tool with both the side grip and switch handle. Failure to do so may result in loss of control and severe injury.

1. Slide the action mode change lever to the hammer drilling symbol (T). The adjusting ring can be set to any torque level.

2. Use a tungsten-carbide tipped bit.

3. Position the bit, then pull the switch trigger. Use light pressure; do not force the tool. Keep the tool steady.

4. If the hole clogs, do not apply more pressure. Run the tool at idle, then partially withdraw the bit. Repeat to clear the hole.

Blow-out Bulb (Optional Accessory) (Fig. 17)

Use to clean dust from the hole after drilling.

Screwdriving Operation

1. Slide the action mode change lever to the screwdriver symbol ( ). Adjust the adjusting ring to the desired torque level.

2. Place the driver bit tip in the screw head and apply pressure. Start the tool slowly, gradually increasing speed. Release the trigger as soon as the clutch engages.

Notes:

• Ensure the driver bit is inserted straight to avoid damaging the screw or bit.
• For wood screws, pre-drill a pilot hole 2/3 the screw diameter to ease driving and prevent splitting.
• If the tool is operated until the battery is discharged, let it rest for 15 minutes before using a fresh battery.

Drilling Operation

❗ CAUTION: Excessive pressure will not speed up drilling; it damages the bit, reduces performance, and shortens tool life.

A tremendous force is exerted when the bit breaks through. Hold the tool firmly and be careful. A stuck bit can be removed by switching to reverse rotation. Do not hold loosely, or the tool may kick back abruptly. Always secure small workpieces in a vise.

If the tool is operated until the battery is discharged, let it rest for 15 minutes before using a fresh battery.

1. Slide the action mode change lever to the drilling symbol ( ). The adjusting ring can be set to any torque level.

2. Proceed with drilling.

Drilling in Wood

Best results are obtained with wood drills having a guide screw, which pulls the bit into the workpiece.

Drilling in Metal

To prevent slipping when starting, make an indentation with a center-punch. Place the bit in the indentation and start drilling. Use a cutting lubricant for metals, except for iron and brass, which should be drilled dry.

Maintenance

❗ CAUTION: Always switch off the tool and remove the battery cartridge before performing inspection or maintenance.

• Never use gasoline, benzine, thinner, alcohol, or similar solvents, as they can cause discoloration, deformation, or cracks.
• For product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, repairs and adjustments should be performed by Makita Authorized Service Centers using only Makita replacement parts.

Optional Accessories

❗ CAUTION: Use only recommended accessories. Using others may pose a risk of injury. Use accessories only for their stated purpose.

• Drill bits
• Hammer drill bits
• Screw bits
• Blow-out bulb
• Makita genuine battery and charger
• Grip assembly
• Depth rod
• Hook
• Rubber pad assembly
• Wool bonnet
• Foam polishing pad

Note: Some items may be included as standard accessories and may differ by country.

Technical Specifications

Noise

Typical A-weighted noise level according to EN60745:

• Sound pressure level (LpA): 85 dB(A)
• Sound power level (LWA): 96 dB(A)
• Uncertainty (K): 3 dB(A)

Wear ear protection ?.

Vibration

Vibration total value (tri-axial vector sum) according to EN60745:

• Work mode: impact drilling into concrete
  Vibration emission (a_h,ID): 6.5 m/s²
  Uncertainty (K): 1.5 m/s²
• Work mode: drilling into metal
  Vibration emission (a_h,D): 2.5 m/s² or less
  Uncertainty (K): 1.5 m/s²

The declared vibration emission values are measured using standard test methods and can be used for comparison. They may also be used for preliminary exposure assessment.

⚠️ WARNING: Actual vibration emission may differ based on how the tool is used. Identify safety measures based on estimated exposure in actual use conditions.

EC Declaration of Conformity

For European countries only.

Makita declares that the machine(s):

• Designation of Machine: Cordless Hammer Driver Drill
• Model No./Type: DHP481

Conforms to the following European Directives: 2006/42/EC.

Manufactured in accordance with: EN60745.

The technical file is available from: Makita, Jan-Baptist Vinkstraat 2, 3070, Belgium.

Date: 22. 8. 2013

Signed: Yasushi Fukaya, Director, Makita, Jan-Baptist Vinkstraat 2, 3070, Belgium.