Customer Reviews

Hitachi DB10DL 10.8-Volt Lithium-Ion Micro Driver Drill

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I purchased this item, after going to the "Orange" and "Blue" brick and mortar stores, looking to replace my aging Panasonic 9.6V impact driver. I looked at all the other Lithium-Ion based ones in the same voltage class, disliking the Bosch and Milwaukee due to grip size (width), the Skill for lack of an extra battery, the new 12V Ryobi (no clutch), and wasn't going to wait for the upcoming Makita. One other factor I looked at in buying a new drill/driver, was the other tools available/upcoming and a heavy sway for me was their new Saw based on the 10.8V system. It doesn't sound like much, but my job as a computer tech/network engineer, I only need a lighter duty reciprocating saw to cut holes in floor tiles and to cut down telco racks.

So far it has been quite useful in reconfiguring server cabinets, putting a car stereo in my Jeep, and for drilling 1/2" lag bolt holes in some stairs. It isn't a power house, but wasn't purchased to be one. I was actually surprised by the quality of the product and have to say that the 1/4" hex adapter has very little slop and what minor drilling I have used it with, was very little "walk" with the bit I used to for the stairs mentioned above. The length of run time with the Li-Ion packs has been a real bonus. Where removing and reinstalling the myriad amount of screws and bolt to install server gear, I used only 1 charged pack for almost the whole day. The LED ring is pretty useful as well. Working under the dash of my Jeep, I didn't have to balance a flashlight on my chest or worry about ripping a headlamp off my head. The hard case is really nice, yet I find that most situations, I drop the drill, with an attached battery, and a Picquic bit pack, into my notebook case and have a go-to tool available wherever I am working.

My only non-issue really is the 21 torque settings, superfluous in practice, since I have only used 4 (3, 9, 15, and drill) and can't foresee using anymore.

I hope their flashlight and impact driver become available soon (am about to pull the trigger on the saw) and I will have my "whole" set.

I bought this because I like the lithium battery technology which affords a lot of power, long battery life, and good value for a very compact unit. Do not purchase this, however, if you are expecting a normal cordless drill because this unit does not have a Jacobs type chuck for inserting drill bits. As long as you plan to use it with typical driver bits, you will like it. If you are planning on using it as a normal drill with normal drill bits, you won't!

I've used my Makita impact driver to drill holes in places I couldn't fit a regular drill simply by using hex drill bits. So people complaining that this isn't a "drill" aren't improvising. The trouble with the Hitachi is that it tops out at 400rpm. The new Makita 10.8v version has a two speed gear box that tops out at over 1000rpm;sufficient for drilling. The 400rpm Hitachi is annoyingly slow at drilling. The nice thing about this Hitachi vs the others is that the grip is smaller. Nice for wives, which is who I bought this for.

I have a Dremel 7.2 volt Li-Ion rechargable driver. It was OK for nondemanding applications, but any job that required more than minimal torque was more than the tool could handle. This Hitachi 10.8 volt driver, on the other hand, drives 2 inch and even 3 inch screws into studs without a whimper. I haven't used it enough yet to get a feel for battery charge longevity, but it does come with 2 Li-Ion batteries that seem to charge pretty quickly with the included charger. It is very ergonomically designed and comfrotable to hold and use.

I think Hitachi makes some of the best power tools on the market nowadays. They are not the cheapest priced items out there, but if you want quality and dependability, you need to at least consider Hitachi before you lay down your money.

This is a great little tool. I use to use a bigger Dewalt unit, which was nice, but bigger and heavier than needed. The Hitachi should be able to do 99% of what I did with my Dewalt. I was also impressed with how fast the batteries charge (40 minutes). The build quality seems excellent. It comes with some bits (see photo I uploaded), two batteries, charger, and a plastic case. The LED lights are a plus.

Note though, that this doesn't have two "speeds" like my older Dewalt does, having a driving speed and a drilling speed. This Hitachi may be a bit slow for drilling.

Great little screwdriver. Does everything a good electric screwdriver should. Light, very powerful, and well built. The built in light is the best of all the similar products I've used, nice even light.

Several people have already said not to buy this expecting it to be a drill. Very true. It's not a drill, and I don't know why drill is even in the name. Don't judge it by the standards of a drill. Of course it doesn't have a Jacob's chuck. Of course it isn't as powerful as an 18v cordless drill. It's a screwdriver, plain and simple. Don't buy it expecting to take lug nuts off your car tires or drill holes in anything more robust than drywall or plywood. That's what hammer drills and impact tools are for.

I occasionally do installation of distributed sound systems (in churches and such) and hanging speakers in drywall ceilings is the biggest pain you can possibly imagine. This little guy is light enough to hold over my head while screwing speaker mounts into place, but tough enough to drive long lag screws into wood studs or metal brackets.

Also worth saying that, in the course of said speaker installation, it took a fall off the top of an 8' ladder onto a cement floor with barely a scratch. It's a lot more durable than you would think.

And as a last little note, I can't believe how fast the batteries charge. I regularly go from dead battery to full charge in under an hour!

I really like the feel of this tool. I bought it about 6 months ago and charged it up, played with it a bit, but haven't really had a need to use it until now. The battery still had plenty of charge after sitting in the case for 6 months! A NiCad would need a full a charge before using after that long. I like the balance, the controls, and the impression of quality I get from it. The quick change is really handy and if you buy a set of quick change drill bits you will be ready to easily tackle any medium sized job with ease with this little guy. My only complaint is the case it comes in. It is obviously made for a much larger drill and is a real shame to spoil the convenience of a compact drill with a big half-empty case. Because of the built in interior contours of the case (made to fit a larger drill) it isn't practical to use the wasted space for additional bits or drills. But that's not enough of a bother to knock off any stars from my top rating.

Edit: After using this for several months I have grown to really appreciate the built-in light. It really helps you to position the blade on the screw before you start. The trick is to just pull the trigger slightly and the light comes on but the drill doesn't start turning until you pull the trigger more (after you've seated the bit into the screw).

Another update: After more than a year and a half of using this just occasionally to drill a couple of small holes or drive or remove a few screws I finally had occasion to do some serious drilling. On the remaining ORIGINAL charge I still had enough power left to drill a couple of 1/2" dimeter holes through 6" thick redwood posts! After a full recharge I was able to drill another 5 or six 1/2" holes in the same posts.

I'll never buy NiCad powered tools again. Lithium is the only way to go!

I recieved this drill almost a year ago as a birthday gift from my girlfriend and absolutely love it. At first I did have my reservations because of my experience with other 10v tools, and didn't think I would use it since I already had a 18v set. Boy was I wrong. It is the perfect sized tool to have readily available for odd jobs around the house. I use to dread building Ikea, and other furniture my girlfriend would buy but now with this gem, I burn through them no problem. I now look foward to her bringing home a box that says "assembly required." Since it is so much smaller and lighter than my 18v driver, I find that I chose it first as the 18v is just a little overkill for the smaller jobs. I packs just enough punch to get most of the odd ball jobs around the house done. I install car stereos as a hobby and this has proven to be killer in this department too. Since it is smaller I find it easier to use in those tighter spots. I built two Ikea dressers, put up curtains, put up four sets of blinds, hung pictures, hung a couple wall sconces as well as other wall decor, built a crib, built 8 side chairs, and still had juice left in the battery. I'm sorry to read in other reviews that some have run into problems with the batteries. I haven't had any problems so far and always get a good amount of use before they die out. Yes, I will admit that this drill does have limitations but if you're needing that great "odd job" drill, this is a great pick.

I just want to say up front that I bought this unit at Lowe's as an open box ( I didn't get the carry case or manual ) paid $47 for it and is a replacement for the 3v electric screwdriver by Hitachi (one of my son's buddies walked off with it). I do a lot of computer work and need something quick and easy to use on the bench at work I have a panasonic and love it but both the panasonic and Hitachi screwdrivers are round and sometimes roll around I'm hoping this will do better. It is very comfortable and with a 6" bit I can get to everything so far. I've used it on screws in hardware replacement on some kitchen cabinets and had no problems. Battery life is great and recharge is 30 to 40 min. You get 2 so one is always charged. This is not a 18v or 14.4v drill so don't buy it as a replacement for those but as a light duty driver it is great and I'm very happy with it.

No cons on this item. Nothing but pros:
- Well constructed, Hitachi quality
- Compact, great ergonomic design
- Very long battery life, and fast charging
- Variable speed/torque motor packs plenty of punch for any do-it yourself project (I'm not a construction professional, but I'd carry one of these in my toolbox if I was)
- The LED spotlight is awesome. I thought it was a gimmick when I purchased, but it really is a vital feature enhancement that every driver should have.
- Fast and secure bit-changing system

Recommend you get the 20-pcs accessory set to complete your arsenal (PN 728119 @ $15.99). I love this little bad boy. I think you will too.

PS - If anyone has found the standalone 10.8v flashlight for sale, please post link. P/N is UB10DL. I've only seen it available in a combo kit.