Hitachi DS18DVF3 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
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List Price: Our Price: $86.98 You Save: $168.58 (66%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $79.00 (click here) Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Hitachi DS18DVF3 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
Customer Review: A lot of bang for the buck
Summary: 4 Stars
Although the batteries do not seem to last very between charges, there are two of them in the kit along with a quick charger. The specified torque is impressive, but I think that it may be slightly exaggerated. The ergonomics, weight, and overall dimensions are nearly ideal. The box and Hitachi website indicate a 5-year warranty, but the warranty card itself indicates only a one-year warranty. The chuck is pretty cheap, and the trigger doesn't seem very well-made. The design of the carrying case leaves a lot to be desired. All in all, after about 6 weeks, it appears to be a good drill for light to moderate homeowner duty. The quality of the drill is probably a cut above other drills available in the $99 price range, but it is certainly not worth the $150 that Lowes now charges. If you are willing to spend $140-$150, you will probably be able to get a Makita mForce or Bosch Compact Tough 14.4V-18V model and be much happier.Customer Review: An adequate drill for moderate use.
Summary: 4 Stars
Working in the Tools dept. at Lowes, this was my first choice for my own arsenal. I bought it for $99 a few years ago and was imediatly pleased with it. I used it for building some benches and other misc. projects, in which it performed very well. I still have it two years later, and the batteries (NiCad) are still very strong, and the over all condition is still pretty good (though I treat it really well.) I was pleased with the construction of the commonly complained about drill parts, the chuck, though plastic is quite durable, the gear shifter is very solid, not lose or shakey, and the high/low speed switch is solid, but I have the rare occation where it wont switch all the way and I have to play around with it to get it to high from low or vice-versa.
My minor complaints are 1) (the previously mentioned speed switch), 2) the weird belt hook thing that, though works hanging from your pocket or belt, I usually forget its there and if I extend it for use it gets hooked on other things, the built in bit holder though nice in theory, is really hard to get your bits out of, (even the longer ones) and 3) the forward/reverse switch is really lose.
My major complaints are 1) at 400 Inch Lbs torque, its under powered for larger projects, I helped my dad repair his deck, and driving those screws into composite decking (pre-drilled holes) the drill did OK but I was hopeing it would do better, 2) the RPMs only go to 1200, most 12v pocket drivers worth buying now are equal to or faster than that. 3) NiCad. 'nuff said. (though the life is nice)
Before you conclude that I dislike this drill I am stll giving it 4 stars. Its great for a home owner who does home owner type projects. Its comfortable and it has plenty of power for smaller jobs. Its well balanced and compact. I am very impressed with the NiCad batteries, performing as well as they did the day I first used them 2 years ago. Working at Lowes, I sell a good number of these and my customers are pleased with the product. I got mine for $99 Ive seen it as low as $79 but the average price is around $129.
Customer Review: Awesome for the homeowner and a GREAT PRICE!
Summary: 5 Stars
I got this set for just over $100 and all I can say is WOW! I have been using it now for 6 months with no images. I have remodeled parts of my house with it and it has worked wonderfully. Dewalt Batteries cost $90 at Home Depot and this entire setup was just $15 more! To be clear, I have used this item heavily. It even slid off my roof when I was putting on some siding on the 2nd floor and no problems at all. Great kit for the price. Highly recommended.Customer Review: Battery
Summary: 3 Stars
The battery charges in an hour, but it doesn't keep a charge longer than 1.5 hrs.?????Customer Review: Best homeowner drill
Summary: 4 Stars
I upgraded to this when my 12v Black & Decker was unable to unscrew a drywall screw that we inherited with our house. In college, I've had great experiences building large projects with borrowed Dewalt tools, and I was a firm believer in that brand. But now that it's time to buy, I didn't think I could justify the incredibly high cost.
So after doing some research on Consumer Reports and on here, I thought I'd give Hitachi a try. The price, at $125 on Amazon, is $100 less than the 18v Dewalt, and I find it performs just as well for my purposes. The construction is not heavy-duty, but it is far better and sturdier than the 12v Black & Decker, and it should be fine as long as you don't plan to drop it or run over it with a truck (I assume this can happen often at a construction site, but will not happen at my house, knock on wood).
I am a new firm believer in Hitachi tools and will likely continue to build out my toolset with this brand.