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 £27,415Avg. savings £6,037 off RRP*Used from £10,222
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,030Avg. savings £3,117 off RRP*Used from £11,327
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,644 off RRP*Used from £9,295
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,025Avg. savings £3,551 off RRP*Used from £9,690
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford and Renault EV deal: Fiesta and other new EVs will ‘feel like Fords’
Ford with Renault

Ford and Renault EV deal: Fiesta and other new EVs will ‘feel like Fords’

Renault boss Provost confirms new Ford supermini EV will feel like a Ford, not a rebodied R5
News
19 Feb 2026
It “makes sense” for Geely to build cars in the UK
Geely Starray UK - front action

It “makes sense” for Geely to build cars in the UK

The third-largest Chinese manufacturer could have a new car building home in Britain
News
18 Feb 2026
Skoda Kodiaq Edition X adds extra kit but costs £2,000 less and dodges tax
Skoda Kodiaq Edition X - front 3/4

Skoda Kodiaq Edition X adds extra kit but costs £2,000 less and dodges tax

A new special variant celebrates 10 years of the Kodiaq with new Edition X trim
News
18 Feb 2026