Approx Cost £90
+ Pros : Light, 2 Li-ion batteries, Fast Charge, Powerful, Precise
- Cons : Not suitable for large masonry bits
Specs:
2-Speed Variable & Reverse
13mm keyless Chuck
22 Torque Settings
Electric Brake
Max. drilling capacity in masonry 13mm, wood 38mm, steel 13mm. Max. torque 38Nm. Weight 1.27kg.
Contents: DV18DCL2 combi drill, 2 x 1.5Ah li-ion batteries, charger, box
Review:
Hitachi have a reputation for good quality tools and this combi drill/drive does not disappoint.
The Hitachi 18v Combi drill is supplied with two Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. This may not seem like much of a headline but this has some serious pluses. The batteries charge in a fraction of the time of a Ni-cad battery and the supplied charger will take the batteries from empty to full in under an hour. Li-ion batteries also weigh far less than their Ni-cad equivalents, helping the drill to stay light despite a very solid build quality. It’s worth noting that if you’ve never used a Li-ion battery tool then be prepared for when the juice runs out. The drill will just stop, no warning but you’ll be ready with another spare battery and you’ll be pushed to deplete this in the hour it will take to have another one charge.
The drill feels well balanced in the hand and long jobs won’t leave your arm feeling tired. I’ve used this for all sorts of jobs, from putting up plasterboard ceilings to drilling deep 26mm holes for automatic door closers. This really is an all rounder.
Two gears (hi/low) provide enough power for most jobs. Drilling timber, even railway sleepers is a breeze using the high gear and the low gear will carry on driving screws as long as your wrist can hold on. A very powerful motor which refuses to be beaten.
The drill, 2 batteries and charger are supplied in a solid plastic case. A very nice product indeed.
