Hitachi DS18DVF3 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 10 x 2 x 8 inches
Shipping Weight: 10.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
ASIN: B0009HAHDO
Item model number: DS18DVF3

By : Hitachi
Price : $99.00
You Save : $156.56 (61%)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
Hitachi DS18DVF3 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Driver Drill Kit with Flashlight offers professional-grade performance in a convenient package. The drill has a two-speed transmission and 22-stage clutch that make it ideal for working in wood, plastic, mild steel, and aluminum. And with a compact, lightweight design, the drill reduces user fatigue and fits into tight spaces. In addition to the drill, the DS18DVF3 kit includes a bit set, flashlight, quick charger, and more.

DS18DVF3 Driver Drill KitTool Specifications
Chuck Size
1/2"
Max Torque
400 inches/lbs
No-Load Speed
0-400, 0-1,200 RPM
Clutch Stages
22
Tool Length
7.75"
Weight
4.4 lbs
Bit Holders
2
Battery Capacity
1.4 Ah
Charger - Volts Accepted
9.6-18V
Charging Time
35 min
22-stage clutch offers easy adjustments for driving in wood, plastic, steel, and aluminum. .
Kit includes high-quality flashlight, battery charger, and seven-piece bit set..Powers Through the Toughest Jobs with PrecisionThe DS18DVF3 Driver Drill has a two-piece magnet motor that offers class-leading maximum torque of 400 in/lbs, so you can power through even the toughest jobs. And two-speed transmission is controlled by a one-touch speed knob that lets you choose the right setting for your job--either 0-400 RPM or 0-1,200 RPM.
Also, a 22-stage clutch offers easy adjustments for high torque and precision driving in wood, plastic, steel, and aluminum. And with tool-less clutch adjustment, this drill handles precision fasteners, such as drywall screws, without damaging walls.
Compact, Ergonomic Design for Easy HandlingThe DS18DVF3 has all the power you need and is still lightweight and compact enough to provide superior handling. At just 7-3/4 inches in length and weighing just 4.4 pounds, this tool reduces user fatigue and can be used on a ladder or in tight spaces where larger cordless drills can't reach. An added bonus, a non-slip elastomer grip provides comfort and safety.
Adding to this drill's easy-handling features is a 1/2-inch keyless chuck that allows for easy bit changes, as well as a belt hook--with two bit holders--that saves time and adds convenience.
Everything You Need in One PackageThe DS18DVF3 Kit includes more than just the cordless driver drill. It also includes a high-quality flashlight and a seven-piece bit set to get you started immediately. For further convenience, a protective carrying case stores it all for easy portability from job to job.
Long-Lasting NiCD Batteries Charge in 35 MinutesThe DS18DVF3 kit's driver drill and flashlight run on 1.4-Ah nickel cadmium (NiCD) batteries (included), which offer longer runtimes and fewer charges than traditional batteries.
The kit's quick charger fully charges the batteries in just 35 minutes, and you can expect about 300 charges over the life of each battery. An added bonus, the charger is compatible with other Hitachi tools that use NiCD rechargeable batteries (up to 18 volts).
The Hitachi DS18DVF3 Driver Drill Kit with Flashlight is backed by a five-year warranty.
What's in the BoxDS18DVF3 driver drill, driver bit, seven-piece bit set, flashlight (UB18D), two 1.4-Ah batteries, quick charger (UC18YG), and carrying case.

Hitachi's model
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Technical Details

Class leading 400 inch-pounds of torque power through the toughest jobs
Rugged, lightweight plastic body
Ergonomic, soft, and comfortable anti-slip grip
Compact and lightweight at only 7.5-inches in length and 4.4-pounds
Includes drill, flashlight, 2 1.4Ah batteries, quick charger, carrying case, driver bit, and 5-year warranty on drill

Hitachi DS18DVF3 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

Customer Reviews

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.

I bought this drill based on the ergonomics. I picked up and held every drill at the store and this one has perfect ergonomics. The handle is very comfortable and it appears to be perfectly balanced, the weight is perfect, feels light but well made. This drill is the most comfortable to hold by far of any drill I have seen or tested and I looked at every brand in several stores.
The drill has a lot of torque and the clutch is great. I use it as a cordless screwdriver most of the time and a drill on occasion. Most chuck less drills have a hard time holding the bits, but you can use the DeWalt drill bits that have a hexagonal base and it solves the problem completely.
The batteries last a long time and charge in about 30 minutes. It comes with two so you can charge one while using the other. They won't charge until they cool down however (the charger will not charge a hot battery).
If you need a longer run time, you can get NiMH or Li-Ion batteries in anywhere from 1.5Ah to 3.0Ah that fit this drill. If you go with either of those however, you will need a new charger since the supplied charger is only for Ni-Cad batteries. The UC18YRL is a universal charger that can charge all 3 types of batteries.
You can also buy the DS18DFL package which appears to be the same drill with Li-Ion batteries but without a flashlight. For some reason the Li-Ion drill is rated about 6% less torque of 374in/lbs vs this one is 400 in/lbs, although I doubt anyone could tell the difference.
The flashlight is bright and lasts a long time, I use it all the time. The light comes with a spare lamp inside if you unscrew the cover. I had a hard time finding replacement lamps for the light for a while, but then found out the Makita ML180 lamps work perfectly as a replacement so I just pick those up at a local Makita dealer.
I have dropped both the flashlight and the drill onto a concrete floor about several times and both survived without damage except killing the flashlight bulb if the light was on.
I bought two kits I use in two locations and this set has been great in every way. The batteries are getting old so I'll replace them with NiMH or Li-Ion and get the universal charger.
All rechargeable batteries self discharge so if you charge it and store it, it will be dead when you need it. If you use it only occasionally, it is best to store the batteries with a low charge or near empty, not fully charged to extend their lifetime.
When you replace them, you can recycle them at most hardware stores or any Radioshack will accept them. Don't throw them out, the Cadmium is toxic and like all rechargeable batteries, they should be disposed of properly.