Hitachi Power Tools DS12DVF2 12 Volt Cordless Drill Kit with Flashlight

List Price: $109.00

Features:

• Includes flashlight and 7 piece bit set
• 2-speed transmission and 22-position adjustable torque setting
• Maximum torque is 195 in./lbs.
• No-load speed of 0 to 350 / 1,050 rpm
• Variable-speed switch with electronic feedback power control

Accessories:
Milwaukee 48-89-0050 29 Piece 1/16-Inch to 1/2-Inch Cobalt Twist Drill Bit Assortment in Metal Index	Milwaukee 48-89-0045 13 Piece 1/16-Inch to 1/4-Inch Cobalt Twist Drill Bit Assortment in Metal Index	DeWalt DW2551 6 Piece 1/16-Inch to 1/4-Inch Hex Shank Twist Drill Assortment	DEWALT DW2552-1/16-Inch Hex Shank Drill Bit	DEWALT DW2555 5/32-Inch Hex Shank Drill Bit

Customer Reviews:

Impressive, solid little drill. [Posted on 2004-05-09]
Weight and price lured me to this drill. I work in a cabinet shop and found the 18 volt yellow and 14.4 volt red drills the other blokes had a bit bulky and heavy for all-day use (plus, I have access to their drills and our electric ones, as well). For screw and glue assembly this drill is a gem--it delivers just enough torque to sink everything home and won't break the heads off coarse drywall screws. Pre-drilling / Countersinking operations take a little longer than with more powerful models (and since time is money, I often keep a second, more powerful drill handy for the pre-drilling. I've drilled pocket holes with this Hitachi from time to time, but prefer to use an electric drill (or a heavy cordless drill on a jobsite) with the Kreg jig. I've also drilled dowel holes in 1 3/4 Mahogany with this drill--not without some effort, though. The light weight and compact size of this drill have come in handy for all of us--several corners in a recent kitchen remodel could only be reached with this drill, not with the larger cordless units.

My purchase of this drill prompted one shop member to purchase an even lighter 9.6 volt yellow brand. Initial impressions are that the two are about equal. One disadvantage to the yellow 9.6 volt is that it cannot be stood upright on its base. Since each falls in the same price range, I'd recommend the Hitachi for this one reason.

Battery expenditure is fairly frequent, and perhaps a negative for some reviewers / readers. But keeping the spare in the charger has never left me without juice. Just remember to take the charger to the job site!

I can't comment yet on the longevity of the batteries (still going strong after a year of daily use). When they do finally die, I'll be able to get two for 70 bucks by purchasing another drill! (not bad, since some brands charge 70 bucks for one battery alone). Also worth noting is that Hitachi makes a 12 volt hammer drill that uses the same batteries.

I really don't use the flashlight, but it is nifty in that the head angles and it is free-standing. Rather, I use the flashlight's space in the case for bits and so on The case, by the way, is not as rugged as other brands (especially the sliding hinges). My assumption is that Hitachi has eliminated the frills of a great case to keep the price low.

For the price and performance, this little Hitachi is a great buy. It probably all a home do-it-yourselfer needs, and again, it works for 90% of the jobs in the shop. It has taken some abuse and suffered some job site falls, but has not been damaged. Yes, eventually, I will be buying a second, heavier duty drill--probably the red 14.4 workhorse (now that it has been beefed up to well over 400 lbs. of torque), but a second drill will simply complement, not retire this drill. I highly recommend this little Hitachi.

Unparalleled Value [Posted on 2005-02-28]
For the price, this 12-volt cordless drill by Hitachi cannot be matched. It is reliable, durable, lightweight, comfortable in its use, and the battery life is well above average.

I am a professional auto mechanic, and use it on a daily basis as a light-duty electric nut driver. My only criticism is that the self-locking chuck is too quick to release when challenged by the laws of physics...which was easily cured by an extra twist with a pair of channel locks.

I use an 18-volt Ryobi for most of my home projects, and the 12-volt Hitachi is a far superior tool, and at considerably less expense - more compact, superior battery life, and lighter weight give it a clear advantage over the heavier, bulkier Ryobi.

This tool is a must for non-professional home-improvement types, and professionals may be surprised by the overall versatility and usability of this tool.

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