The Makita DML805 is a corded and cordless LED work light designed for workshops, renovation projects and general jobsite lighting.
Its main advantage is flexibility. An Australian DML805 can operate from a compatible Makita 18V LXT battery or 240V mains power. It produces up to 750 lumens and provides a broad, adjustable light rather than a narrow torch-style beam.
Although newer work lights offer substantially greater brightness, the DML805 remains useful for people who already own Makita LXT batteries and value runtime, portability and AC operation.
This guide is based on manufacturer documentation and current Australian product information. It is not presented as a hands-on test.
Quick verdict
The DML805 is best suited to small and medium work areas where 750 lumens is sufficient.
Its strengths are:
- Battery or mains operation
- Long runtime at moderate brightness
- A fully adjustable light position
- Compatibility with the Makita LXT platform
- A relatively compact and stable design
Its biggest limitation is brightness. The newer Makita DML811 reaches 3,000 lumens, making it more appropriate for lighting large rooms or open worksites.
Makita DML805 specifications
| Specification | Makita DML805 |
|---|---|
| Light source | 20 LEDs, 10W total |
| High brightness | 750 lumens |
| Low brightness | 450 lumens |
| Lighting modes | High and low |
| Australian power options | 240V AC or compatible battery |
| Battery operation | One 14.4V or 18V Makita LXT battery |
| Runtime with BL1830 | Approximately 5 hours on high or 10 hours on low |
| Dimensions | 214 × 261 × 328mm |
| Weight with battery | Approximately 2.3–2.6kg |
| Head adjustment | Up to 360 degrees |
| Battery supplied | Normally no |
| Charger supplied | Normally no |
| Optional accessories | Tripod, vice and anti-glare film |
The official manual lists 100–240V, 50–60Hz AC operation, although specifications and plugs can vary between countries. The current Australian retail listing describes the locally supplied model as operating from 240V AC or an 18V battery. Official DML805 manual, Australian DML805 listing.
Corded and cordless operation
The DML805 can operate in two ways.
For portable use, it accepts one compatible Makita LXT battery. The original article’s claim that the light requires two 18V batteries was incorrect.
When mains electricity is available, the Australian version can also be connected to a suitable 240V outlet. This allows the battery to be reserved for locations where a power lead would be inconvenient.
When purchasing a used or imported DML805, check the voltage, frequency and plug shown on its rating plate. Do not assume that every overseas version has the correct Australian plug simply because the international manual lists a broad voltage range.
Brightness and lighting modes
The DML805 contains 20 LEDs and has two output settings:
- High: 750 lumens
- Low: 450 lumens
High mode is intended for situations where maximum illumination is required. Low mode reduces brightness while extending battery runtime.
On paper, 750 lumens should be adequate for illuminating a workbench, a section of a room, a ceiling space or a small renovation area. It is not intended to replace the much brighter area lights now available for large construction sites.
The LEDs also produce considerably less radiant heat than traditional halogen work lights. This makes the DML805 more comfortable to use in confined areas, although the light should still be kept uncovered and properly ventilated.
Battery runtime
Makita’s manual provides the following approximate operating times with a 3.0Ah BL1830 battery:
| Mode | Approximate runtime |
|---|---|
| High | 5 hours |
| Low | 10 hours |
The current Australian retail listing states that a 5.0Ah battery can provide approximately 8.5 hours on high. Actual runtime will vary with battery age, charge level, temperature and operating conditions.
The light includes a battery-protection function. When the battery becomes low, most of the LEDs switch off and one remains illuminated briefly before the unit shuts down.
This protects the battery from excessive discharge and gives the user some warning that a replacement or recharge will soon be required.
Battery compatibility
The official manual lists compatible 14.4V and 18V Makita slide batteries. In Australia, the DML805 is most commonly promoted as an 18V LXT work light.
It is a skin-only product in many stores, meaning the battery and charger must be purchased separately. Buyers who already own compatible Makita LXT tools can use their existing batteries.
Always check the battery compatibility information supplied with the individual light, particularly when purchasing an older or imported unit.
Adjustable light position
Adjustment knobs on both sides of the frame allow the lamp to be aimed at the required area. The Australian product listing describes a 360-degree adjustment range.
This makes it possible to direct the light:
- Forward across a work area
- Downwards onto a bench
- Upwards towards a wall or ceiling
- At an angle from floor level
The frame also serves as a carrying handle. Makita identifies an optional tripod and vice attachment for users who need to raise or secure the light.
The manual says the light should be placed on a flat, stable surface. When an optional tripod or vice is used, the total installed height should not exceed 1.75 metres.
Can the DML805 be used in rain?
The DML805 should not be treated as a waterproof outdoor floodlight.
Its instruction manual warns users not to operate it in damp or wet locations, expose it to rain or snow, or wash it with water. It also carries an indoor-use symbol.
This is important because product photographs sometimes show work lights being used in outdoor-looking jobsite environments. Follow the instructions supplied with your particular Australian unit and keep its electrical connections protected.
DML805 compared with the DML811
The DML811 is a newer and considerably more powerful alternative.
| Feature | DML805 | DML811 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum output | 750 lumens | 3,000 lumens |
| Other settings | 450 lumens | 1,500 and 750 lumens |
| Number of LEDs | 20 | 30 |
| Lighting modes | 2 | 3 |
| Battery platform | 14.4V/18V LXT | 14.4V/18V LXT |
| Approximate weight with battery | 2.3–2.6kg | 4.1–4.8kg |
| Best suited to | Smaller work areas and longer runtime | Larger spaces requiring more light |
The DML811 provides four times the DML805’s maximum output, but it is also larger and heavier. The DML805 may therefore remain the more convenient option where portability and moderate illumination are more important than maximum brightness. Official Makita DML811 specifications.
Advantages
- Operates from a battery or Australian mains power
- Compatible with the widely used Makita LXT platform
- Two useful brightness settings
- Good runtime for its output
- Adjustable light direction
- More compact and lighter than the DML811
- LEDs generate less radiant heat than halogen lights
- Optional mounting accessories are available
Limitations
- Only 750 lumens at maximum output
- Battery and charger are normally sold separately
- Not intended for exposure to rain or wet conditions
- Only two brightness settings
- Less suitable for illuminating large worksites
- Overseas versions may have a different plug or electrical configuration
Who should consider the DML805?
The DML805 makes the most sense for someone who:
- Already owns Makita 18V LXT batteries
- Needs a portable light for a workshop or renovation
- Wants the option of using 240V mains power
- Values battery runtime more than extremely high output
- Needs an adjustable light for a defined work area
A brighter model such as the DML811 may be more appropriate for large rooms, open construction areas or jobs requiring several thousand lumens.
Frequently asked questions
How bright is the Makita DML805?
It produces 750 lumens on high and 450 lumens on low.
How many batteries does it use?
The DML805 uses one compatible Makita LXT battery. It does not require two batteries.
Can the DML805 plug into an Australian outlet?
A locally supplied Australian DML805 is designed for 240V AC operation. Check the rating plate and plug before using an imported or second-hand unit.
Does it include a battery and charger?
It is commonly sold as a skin-only product, so a battery and charger are not normally included. Check the contents of the specific listing before buying.
How long does the battery last?
Makita specifies approximately five hours on high or ten hours on low with a 3.0Ah BL1830 battery. An Australian retailer lists approximately 8.5 hours on high with a 5.0Ah battery.
Is the DML805 waterproof?
No. The manual says not to use it in damp or wet locations and not to expose it to rain or snow.
Can it be mounted on a tripod?
Yes. Makita lists a tripod and vice as optional accessories.
Final assessment
The Makita DML805 is a practical work light for existing LXT users who need moderate illumination and the convenience of battery or mains operation.
Its 750-lumen maximum output is modest compared with newer models, but it offers useful runtime, easy positioning and a relatively compact design. It remains well suited to workshops, maintenance work and smaller renovation areas.
Buyers requiring much greater output should compare it with the DML811, while anyone purchasing an imported or used DML805 should confirm the electrical rating and included accessories before use.