Intro
Some jobs demand more from a drill than a battery can deliver. When you are boring large-diameter holes through dense hardwood, mixing plaster or mortar, or drilling repeatedly into concrete and brick, a corded hammer drill brings a level of sustained power and endurance that cordless tools simply cannot match. There is no battery to run flat halfway through a task, no waiting for a recharge, and no gradual drop in performance as the charge depletes — just consistent, full-power drilling from the moment you pull the trigger until the job is done. For serious DIYers renovating a house, tradespeople who depend on their tools every day, or anyone tackling heavy masonry work, a mains-powered impact drill with a robust accessory kit represents exceptional value: you get professional-grade torque, high-speed drilling across multiple materials, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing the tool will not let you down mid-project.
Generalities
Corded hammer drills sit in a different league from their battery-powered cousins. Where an 18-volt cordless might deliver 40 to 60 newton-metres of torque on a good day, a mains-powered unit can push past 100 Nm — the kind of force that drives auger bits through old oak beams or mixes a bucket of tile adhesive without breaking a sweat. The trade-off, of course, is the cable: you need access to a power socket, and you will want an extension lead for outdoor or large-site work. But for anyone whose projects are centred around a workshop, garage, or renovation site with power available, the unlimited runtime and brute force of a corded hammer drill make it the clear winner. Makita has been a dominant force in professional power tools for over a century, and their HP1631KX3 impact drill carries that heritage into a package that is both powerful and surprisingly affordable.
In this review, we examine the HP1631KX3's real-world performance: its motor power and torque, the two-speed gearbox and hammer function, build quality and ergonomics, the included accessory kit, and how it stacks up for the most demanding DIY and light professional tasks. If you have been weighing up whether to go corded or cordless for your next big project, this review will help you decide.
Description
The Makita HP1631KX3 is a 710-watt corded impact drill that plugs into a standard 230-volt mains socket and delivers a formidable 100 newton-metres of maximum torque — more than double what most cordless drills in this price range can muster. Its two-speed gearbox offers a low range for controlled, high-torque screwdriving and a high range that spins up to 3,200 revolutions per minute for fast, clean drilling. The hammer function adds a percussive action that lets the drill punch through brick, concrete, and stone with ease — making it a genuine all-rounder for masonry, wood (up to 30 millimetres diameter), and metal (up to 13 millimetres). The 13-millimetre keyed chuck provides a rock-solid grip on drill bits, and the lock-on button for continuous operation is a welcome feature during long drilling sessions.
Design-wise, the HP1631KX3 follows Makita's proven ergonomic blueprint. The pistol-grip body is wrapped in a soft rubber overmould that absorbs vibration and provides a secure hold even with dusty or gloved hands. At 1.9 kilograms, it has a reassuring heft that speaks to its solid metal gear housing and durable construction, yet it remains balanced enough for extended use without excessive arm strain. The forward-reverse switch is positioned for easy thumb access, the variable-speed trigger gives precise control from a gentle crawl to full 3,200 RPM, and the auxiliary side handle can be adjusted 360 degrees for optimal leverage when applying high torque — essential when driving large auger bits or mixing heavy compounds.
In everyday use, the corded design is both a limitation and a liberation. You are tethered to a power outlet, which means planning your cable route and keeping an extension lead handy for garden or site work. But in return, you get unlimited runtime — drill fifty holes in a brick wall and the motor keeps going at full power without any drop-off. The two-speed gearbox clicks positively between ranges, the hammer mode engages with a satisfying mechanical feel, and the lock-on button means you can set the drill running and focus on guiding it rather than maintaining trigger pressure. The 3,200 RPM top speed is genuinely fast — you will zip through softwood and sheet metal in seconds.
The kit includes an accessory set that covers the essentials: a selection of drill bits for wood, metal, and masonry, plus screwdriver bits for common fastener types. While not as comprehensive as some 200-plus-piece kits bundled with other drills, Makita's included bits are of notably good quality — the masonry bits in particular hold their edge well through repeated use in brick and concrete. The drill ships in a sturdy cardboard box rather than a moulded plastic case, which is a small cost-saving measure but means you may want to invest in a tool bag or case for storage and transport if you plan to move it between job sites regularly.
The HP1631KX3 measures 29.6 by 7.5 by 20.4 centimetres and weighs 1.9 kilograms — compact enough to fit in a tool chest yet substantial enough to feel planted during heavy-duty work. Makita provides a one-year spare parts availability guarantee, and the drill is backed by a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars rating from over 3,100 customer reviews. While it sits at number 58 in the Impact Drivers category — a competitive space — the sheer volume and consistency of positive feedback over many years confirms this is a tool that delivers reliable performance for the long haul.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Massive 100 Nm of torque from the 710 W motor — effortlessly drives large auger bits, hole saws, and mixer paddles that would stall most cordless drills
- Corded design means unlimited runtime with zero performance drop-off — drill fifty masonry holes in a row and the motor delivers the same power on the last as the first
- Genuinely fast 3,200 RPM top speed in second gear — softwood, sheet metal, and plastic are drilled through in seconds rather than the slower pace of typical cordless tools
- Hammer function adds percussive impact for drilling into brick, concrete, and stone — making this a true all-rounder rather than a wood-and-metal-only drill
- 360-degree adjustable side handle gives you excellent control and leverage when applying high torque, reducing the risk of the drill twisting out of your grip
- Makita build quality is evident throughout — metal gear housing, smooth two-speed gearbox, and a keyed chuck that holds bits absolutely firm under heavy load
- Strong long-term reputation — over 3,100 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars, proving real-world reliability across years of use by both DIYers and professionals
Cons
- Being corded means you are always tethered to a power socket — outdoor or remote jobs require an extension lead, and you lose the freedom of movement that cordless drills provide
- At 1.9 kg it is noticeably heavier than most cordless drills — extended overhead work or one-handed operation becomes tiring faster
- The included accessory kit is relatively basic — a selection of bits rather than the comprehensive 100-plus-piece sets bundled with some competing drills
- Ships in a cardboard box rather than a moulded plastic carry case — less convenient for mobile tradespeople who need rugged, organised transport between job sites
- No integrated LED work light — when drilling in dark corners or inside cabinets, you will need a separate light source to see what you are doing
Use cases
The Makita HP1631KX3 is the ideal corded hammer drill for serious DIY renovators, workshop users, and tradespeople who need sustained high-torque power for heavy drilling in masonry, wood, and metal — with no battery limitations to slow them down.
Full-Scale Home Renovation
When you are stripping a house back to brick and rebuilding room by room, the HP1631KX3 becomes your go-to tool. The hammer function powers through masonry for running new electrical conduits and plumbing chases, the 30 mm wood capacity handles structural timber drilling for joist work, and the unlimited corded runtime means you can work a full day without pausing to swap or charge batteries.
Concrete, Brick, and Stone Drilling
Mounting heavy items on external walls — satellite dishes, security cameras, external lighting — requires drilling deep, clean holes into brick or concrete. The 100 Nm of torque and hammer function make short work of these materials, even with larger-diameter masonry bits, and the adjustable side handle keeps the drill steady when the going gets tough.
Mixing Compounds and Materials
The high torque and lock-on button make this drill an excellent impromptu mixer for tile adhesive, plaster, paint, and thin-set mortar. Unlike a cordless drill that would drain its battery in minutes under mixing load, the corded motor handles continuous mixing without breaking a sweat — a genuine time-saver during tiling and plastering projects.
Large-Diameter Wood Boring
Drilling 25 to 30 mm holes through hardwood posts, beams, and thick timber — for running cables, fitting dowels, or installing gate hardware — demands torque and speed that cordless tools struggle to sustain. The HP1631KX3's 3,200 RPM top speed and 710 W motor power through these tasks cleanly, and the keyed chuck prevents the bit from slipping under load.
Metal Drilling and Light Fabrication
With a 13 mm capacity in steel and a fast second gear, this drill handles bracket fabrication, vehicle repairs, and metal frame assembly with confidence. The consistent power delivery of the corded motor means you get clean, round holes in sheet metal and profiles without the bit wandering — something that underpowered cordless drills often struggle with.