Hitachi DS12DVF3 12-Volt Ni-Cad 3/8-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

List Price: $155.64 Discount Price: $69.95

Features:

• Class leading 230 in./lbs of torque to power through the toughest jobs
• 22-stage clutch for high torque and/or precision driving; soft, non-slip elastomer grip for increased user comfort
• Convenient 5-position belt hook features an integrated bit holder
• Includes drill, flashlight, two 1.4Ah batteries, quick charger, carrying case and driver bit
• Compact and lightweight-only 7.5 inches in length and 3.3 pounds; 5-year warranty

Accessories:
Milescraft 1390 Drill90 Right Angle Drill Attachment	Hitachi Power Tools 728091 Quick Change 10 Piece Drilling and Driving Set with Countersinks	Hitachi 728765 21-Piece Quick Change Drill & Drive Bit Set	Irwin 3041006 Speedbor Max 6 Piece 1/2-Inch to 1-1/4-Inch Self Feeding Spade Bit Assortment	Hitachi 728119 Quick Change 20 Piece Drilling and Driving Set

Customer Reviews:

A surprisingly powerful little drill [Posted on 2007-07-30]
I have two of these drills now. The first was originally purchased for use at my lake home. I also had a Dewalt 14.4 that I lugged back and forth, just in case I needed to do anything heavier duty.

It turns out, this little drill can go head to head with that Dewalt, and now I much prefer it over the bigger and heavier Dewalt. (The Dewalt was 3 or 4 times more expensive originally as well).

What surprises me about the Hitachi is the torque it has. Its fortunate that it has such a good adjustable clutch because this little thing has the power to twist off screw heads if you're not careful. Amazing for such a light and handy drill.

The trigger has a great feel to it as well. One can feather it on and off to screw in something delicate and it responds exactly as you would expect. It doesn't keep spinning like the Dewalt tends to.

I ended up buying the second drill for home here, and leaving the Dewalt up at the cabin "just in case". The Hitachi is the first one I reach for now.

If Hitachi is listening, my only disappointment in this drill is the lack of two bit holders. The Dewalt gives me storage for a flat bit, a phillips and a square drive. With the Hitachi, I've had to leave the flat bit in the shop. Also, the bit holder that is there isn't very reliable. If you drop the drill, you better check the ground and make sure your second bit isn't laying there. But this isn't a show stopper.

Also, the magnetic bit holder included with the kit remains in the shop as well. If you use something like this primarily wandering around outside your shop (as I do up at the lake), you'll almost certainly want a quick change bit holder with a more positive action to it (Dewalt's are VERY good). If you rely on the Hitachi bit holder, you'll lose bits. The bit holder plus a bit is also way too long to feel like you can get any leverage with it.

I never use the flashlight, so can't really comment on it. I also don't use it all day every day, so can't really comment on battery life. It always seems to have enough juice when I need it. If not, the battery is quick to change, and doesn't "stick" like the Dewalt tends to do.

All in all, I would definitely recommend this drill. I think it is one of the best bargains for the price. I have a Hitachi reciprocating saw as well that I really like, and will give Hitachi a shot for my other tools as they wear out and need replacing.

Perfect "in between" drill [Posted on 2007-09-05]
I spent a lot of time researching a light-weight drill to use for my small duty tasks and projects. The Hitachi 12v fit the bill perfectly. I teach school and have my summers off. I've put a lot of time and money over the last four summers into an addition, a new kitchen, and a new bathroom that I've done most of by myself. I've been using my 18v Makita for everything and it has never failed, but I have always cursed the thing when working in tight quarters or above my head for long periods of time (ceiling fans and drywalling ceilings). I finally decided that a lighter drill was necessary and I debated over getting a big cordless screwdriver (Dewalt, Ridgid, Bosch "Pocket Driver")or a small drill. After comparing many brands, I found the Hitachi to be the most powerful drill for its' size and price: 230lbs torque and 3.5lbs in weight. It is also nice to have a chuck and not a hex head. At $80 it's hard to beat, and it comes with a flashlight. The Dewalt (80lb torque) and Ridgid (100lb torque) screwdrivers are the most powerful, but their weight is the same as the Hitachi 12v drill. The super-light Bosch was very tempting but I was afraid that it would be underpowered. I know that cordless screwdrivers and 12v drills are not the same, but seriously consider your needs and power requirements and you might just find as I did: this drill is the perfect tool to bridge cordless screwdrivers and drills (run-on sentence).

work horse [Posted on 2007-11-12]
This drill is light weight, yet very powerful. When you have to hold a drill all day, you want to make sure it's as light as possible and the battery lasts. The fact that it recharges in 30 minutes is another great feature. Highly recommended.

Little drill that might [Posted on 2007-12-07]
It is small and light and that's the best part. I can get into tight spots where my Dewalt doesn't fit. It comes with 2 batterys but I find has enough power for most jobs. I like the flashlite too. Really nice and bright.

Excellent compact drill [Posted on 2008-05-03]
My toughest decision when shopping for this drill was whether to get this Hitachi or a DeWalt. Let me say that so far, I am not disappointed in the least. This little bugger is powerful, well-balanced, extremely compact, and a pleasure to use. I wasn't excited about the light, but it has been a real helper, too. This is a great drill at a great price.

Click here for more details and discount information...