Power Tool Product Names: Are They the Same Across Europe?
Discover how Makita, DeWalt, Bosch and Milwaukee name their products in the EU. What do suffixes like -XJ, -QW and RTJ mean?
When buying power tools in the Netherlands, Germany, or France, you might wonder: Is a Makita DHP485 in Germany the same as in the Netherlands? The short answer: yes. But there are nuances you should know.
Model Numbers Are Identical Across the EU
The good news: base model numbers from major brands like Makita, DeWalt, Bosch, and Milwaukee are identical in all EU countries. A Makita DHP485 is exactly the same device whether you buy it in Amsterdam, Berlin, or Paris.
This makes sense from a manufacturer’s perspective: one product line for the entire European market is more efficient than separate models per country.
What Do Those Letters After the Model Number Mean?
Where it gets interesting is with the suffixes - the letters that come after the model number. These indicate:
- What’s in the box (body only, with batteries, etc.)
- Which region the product is intended for
Makita Suffixes Explained
| Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Z | Body only (no battery or charger) |
| RTJ | 2x 5.0Ah battery + charger + Makpac case |
| RMJ | 2x 4.0Ah battery + charger + Makpac case |
| STX | With accessory set |
Example: The Makita DHP485 comes in these variants:
DHP485Z- Machine onlyDHP485RTJ- Complete set with 2x 5.0Ah batteriesDHP485RMJ- Complete set with 2x 4.0Ah batteries
DeWalt Suffixes Explained
DeWalt uses regional codes after the model number:
| Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| -QW | Continental Europe (NL, DE, BE, etc.) |
| -XJ | Europe (often body only units) |
| -GB | United Kingdom |
| N | Bare unit indicator |
Example: The DeWalt DCF899 (impact wrench):
DCF899N-XJ- Body only for European marketDCF899P2-QW- With 2 batteries for Continental Europe
Bosch Professional Suffixes
Bosch keeps it relatively simple:
| Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Solo / no suffix | Body only |
| -2 | With 2 batteries |
| -6 | With 2x 6.0Ah batteries |
Why This Matters for Consumers
1. Cross-Border Price Comparison
Since model numbers are identical, you can compare prices between Dutch, German, and Belgian webshops. Just watch out for:
- Shipping costs
- Warranty handling
- Plug types (usually the same in the EU)
2. Accessories and Spare Parts
Accessories and spare parts are interchangeable within the EU. A Makita battery bought in Germany fits your Dutch Makita machine.
3. Reviews and Specifications
You can safely read a German or Dutch review about a product - the specifications are identical. Only the included accessories may vary per variant.
US vs. EU: Here There ARE Differences
Note: American models can differ from European variants:
- Voltage: 120V vs. 230V
- Materials: Some American DeWalt models have plastic gearboxes where European versions have metal
- Model numbers: Can differ (e.g., different suffixes)
So don’t buy tools from the US for use in Europe unless you’re certain they’re compatible.
Summary
| Aspect | Within EU | US vs. EU |
|---|---|---|
| Base model number | ✅ Identical | ⚠️ May differ |
| Specifications | ✅ Identical | ⚠️ May differ |
| Suffixes | ⚠️ Vary by package/region | ❌ Different |
| Accessories compatible | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Often not |
| Voltage | ✅ 230V | ❌ 120V |
Conclusion
For consumers in the EU, the system is actually quite convenient: you can safely shop across borders, read reviews from other countries, and exchange accessories. Just pay attention to the suffixes to know exactly what’s in the box.
Have questions about a specific model? Check out our product database where we collect all variants and specifications.