Dealmonger: Hitachi 18V 1/2″ Cordless Drill For $100
Lowe’s is offering Hitachi’s 18V 1/2″ cordless drill/driver kit for $100 right now as part of their Father’s Day sales — about $40-$60 cheaper than we’ve seen it elsewhere. Its two-speed transmission yeilds zero-load speeds of 0-400 or 0-1,200 RPM, and it features a 22-setting clutch, a soft rubber grip, and a keyless chuck. Hitachi claims a maximum torque of 400 in-lbs.
Hitachi DS18DVF3 18V Cordless Drill/Driver Kit [Lowe’s]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
I have this one as a part of their combo kit and, while I know some don’t exactly like it’s “rad” design, I like using it just fine. It just got me through a big kitchen remodel and is still going strong (my last Craftsman 14v was destroyed by the remodel I did in my last home). I know everyone will have an opinion (as y’all pointed out in the podcast) but I like this one just fine. The only annoying thing is that the battery is hard to remove. It sticks a bit unless you pull at the right angle. Annoying – but not the end of the world.
I picked this up a while ago, and after using it for quite a bit, I’m pretty satisfied.
What I like most is that it’s quite a bit more compact than my craftsman drill was. I have to agree with Steve about the battery sticking a bit, but it’s not a big deal.
This is a great price for a great drill.
I have this drill – I think, there were two that looked very much alike when I bought mine as part of a set. Really I wanted the other one, which had what looked like a better chuck. Still, I have been very satisfied with this drill. One feature I would never have looked for, but really like is the bit holder on the front by the battery. Good place to stow that robertson head I need every now and again.
I would never buy any Hitachi tools simply because of the way they look – like a toy or a running shoe! If I had one given to me and could not take it back, I’d paint it.
David – I know what you mean about the chuck. I believe that their professional line of tools have a metal chuck (I’ve seen these at Lowes), but this tool has a plastic chuck. I don’t like the chuck all that much because there’s too much friction so it takes longer to tighten and loosen, but once it’s tight it doesn’t slip at all.
I have this exact tool and have lost the back up battery and charger. HMM where did I put it…do you know where I can get a replacement or do I just buy another drill?
I am HVAC installer and use this hitachi drill everyday. It has lasted me 2 years through heavy drilling into sheetmetal, drywall, studs and many other tough tasks. Will never buy another dewalt again
I have this drill and use it everyday at work. mine has the 2.0 aH batteries though. 1 1/2 years old so far and I use with with auger bits and 3 5/8 hole saw all the time. Hopefully I can make it last longer than jon d’s 😉
Also, I like haveing the only hitachi on a job site full of dewalts, no one ever “accidentally” grabs my batteries or drill.