Skip advert
Advertisement

Makita DTW281

Top quality from this compact Makita, which was close to taking the win here

Makita DTW281
Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

Best price: £289 | Battery: 18V Li-ion

Top quality from this compact Makita, which was close to taking the win here. The tool has a good balance – it sits comfortably in the hand with a well positioned direction change slider. Punchy brushless motor easily spun off our test bolt and felt like it could have handled a far tougher test. Unlike the Makita we tested last time, this has variable torque and a battery monitor to go with the handy work light above the trigger.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,435Avg. savings £6,350 off RRP*Used from £10,120
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £3,064 off RRP*Used from £10,995
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £11,990Avg. savings £703 off RRP*Used from £10,000
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £3,383 off RRP*Used from £12,690
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Radical new Citroen C4 Picasso to make MPVs cool again
Citroen C4 Picasso - exclusive image

Radical new Citroen C4 Picasso to make MPVs cool again

Citroen is going back to what it does best: new ELO-inspired MPV could spawn family of family-friendly models
News
28 Sep 2026
Volvo plots new Range Rover rival, and it'll dwarf the XC90
Volvo XC90 - front cornering

Volvo plots new Range Rover rival, and it'll dwarf the XC90

Volvo’s design boss is eager to bring a new ‘F-segment’ SUV to market, and it could arrive before the end of the decade
News
28 Sep 2026
Cupra Raval vs Renault 5: classy electric superminis go head-to-head
Cupra Raval vs Renault 5

Cupra Raval vs Renault 5: classy electric superminis go head-to-head

The sporty Cupra Raval is the first of the VW Group’s electric superminis on sale, but can it get the better of the retro-themed Renault 5
Car group tests
29 Sep 2026