Hitatchi Cordless Tools?

[kartracer55]

Well Im sure most of you know that I am a huge fan of DeWalt cordless stuff, but I must say, I am strongly considering buying some Hitatchi stuff.

Long story Short, I need a 2nd full set up of Batterys, Chargers, a Drill and an impact to live at school in our shop and I have been strongly considering this new "redesigned" Hitatchi line. Some smokin deals out there on Ebay (much cheaper than DeWalt or Milwaukee) and it seems to be a much better value than Ryobi.

Can anybody comment on the reliability of their most recent cordless stuff? I am specifically looking at their DS18DLP4 18v Driver....

http://www.hitachipowertools.com/store_item.php?iID=645&arrPath=1,2,20,p645,

At 570 inlbs, this thing is no dog. Since I primarily drill steel with it, I was curious as to how it has been holding up for people. I'm a bit concerned with the handle which looks to be plastic, and hopefully isn't an indication of ramant plastic use internally.

Thanks
Jim

 

[Patz]

I have the kit with the most popular Hitachi 18V cordless tools.
The drill is badass, i love it. By far the best tool in the kit.

It has more than enough torque for any use, and a high quality 13mm jacobs chuck.
It have seen some hard use and have held up just fine. The handle is all plastic but is still pretty sturdy. It is made in China, but as said it is pretty sturdy.

The machine itself is rubber coated plastic, the rubber will take up some shock if the drill is dropped.

The power save switch is a big joke! All it does is prevent the trigger from getting all the way in.

The batteries loose a bit power in cold weather, but i suspect this is true for all li-ion batteries?

Also the reciprocating saw in the same line is very good.
The impact drivers are good and have OK impact power, lightweight but a little poorly screwed together. Have held up fine though.
The circular saw is underpowered and should only be used for light work.
The lantern is miserable. It will only blind you whatever the situation.

Be glad you don't have to buy Hitachi power tools here in Norway, i saved about 60 % when i bought the tools from the US (including freight and 25 % Norwegian VAT).

 

[willf650]

I have a Hitachi set and like it. I got it because it was jut $10 more than just a new Dewalt drill. I already had a Dewalt set but wore out the drill. The Hitachi came with a recipricating saw, drill, latern, Lion batteries and a mail in rebate for a 1/4 hex impact. I like the shoe on the Dewalt recip saw better but the Hitachi smokes it in power. In short I wouldn't hesitate on the Hitachi stuff. At this point I think DeWalt is over priced for what you get and other brands are closing the gap on the availability different types of cordless tools. The one thing I liked about the DeWalt better is the case, I hate those nylon bags allot of tools are passing off as a case nowadays.

 

[a390st]

The good Hitachi is good. The cheap is cheap. The cheap drills have the crappiest chuck I've seen. Their better quality tools are as good as most anything else. The batteries are pretty decent. Their production routers are very good. The cordless drills are good if you don't buy the cheapies. Don't expect anything out of their 5 yr professional warranty, though.