Hitachi WH18DL 18-volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver

by Hitachi

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Hitachi WH18DL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Impact Driver is a powerful, lightweight cordless tool ideal for most drilling, driving, and fastening applications--everything from hanging doors and installing cabinetry to tightening carriage bolts, driving lags, and sinking deck screws. With an industry-leading warranty and Hitachi's exclusive HXP lithium-ion technology, the WH18DL Impact Driver is a reliable tool that has plenty of power to get the job done.

This impact driver features a two-step speed switch for toggling between power and save modes. View larger.

A five-position belt hook with integrated LED light allows you to work in dimly lit areas. View larger.

WH18DL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Impact Driver Tool Specifications Maximum Torque 1,330 in./lbs. Capacity Small Screw: 5/32"-3/8" Bolt: 1/4"-9/16" High Strength Bolt: 1/4"-15/32" Drive Dimension 1/4" Hex No-Load Speed 0-2,600 RPM Impact Rate 0-3,200 Protector Yes Belt Hook Yes LED Light Yes Battery Type Lithium Ion Battery Life Cycles 1300 Overall Length 6-3/8" Net Weight 3.5 lbs. Standard Accessories 2 Batteries 1 Charger 1 Carrying case

Powerful Drilling, Driving, and Fastening
With enough power to rival professional automotive wrenches, the WH18DL has an industrial-grade two-piece motor that features heavy-gauge copper coils for maximum power and long-lasting performance. And you know the WH18DL will pack a punch: it delivers an impact rate of up to 3,200 BPM, a no-load variable speed of 0-2,600 RPM, and up to 1,330 in./lbs. of torque. For ultimate control, a unique two-step speed switch allows you to select between two power settings: Power Mode (0-2,600 RPM) and Save Mode (0-2,000 RPM).

With all that power, you have to keep things cool. Thankfully, Hitachi's unique cool flow technology sends a steady stream of air to the motor, which enables the impact to run harder and longer than most impact drivers without risking burnout.

Full of User-Friendly Features
Like all Hitachi tools, the WH18DL is full of features that were designed with the user in mind. To start, a non-slip Elastomer grip keeps you in complete control of the tool and provides comfort for all-day jobs. What's more, the driver weighs only 3.5 pounds, so it is extremely easy to maneuver and transport. A patented five-position belt hook with integrated LED offers easy portability, as well as illumination in dimly lit areas.

For further convenience, the WH18DL features a quick-change bit system that makes changing drill bits as easy as can be. The 1/4-inch hex chuck requires no tools for bit changes--simply pull out, insert the bit, and release the chuck. An added bonus, integrated storage right on the tool holds two additional bits.

Additionally, the WH18DL is fitted with externally accessible carbon brushes and replaceable armature for easy maintenance and longer overall life.

HXP Batteries Last Three Times Longer and Weigh 50% Less
The WH18DL owes its light weight to two HXP Lithium-Ion batteries (included). These 3.0-Ah batteries weigh half of what traditional NiCd or NiMH batteries weigh. In fact, tools featuring HXP batteries are on average one pound lighter than tools using traditional batteries.

Additionally, HXP batteries last three times longer than their competition. Where NiCd and NiMH batteries could be used for up to 500 charge cycles, HXP Lithium-Ion batteries can be used for up to 1,500 charge cycles! An added bonus, the included quick charger replenishes the battery power in just 40 minutes, so you have less down time.

HXP Lithium-Ion batteries operate within optimal voltage limits, protecting both the tool and batteries from damage. Protection circuitry built into the batteries and charger monitors the charge and discharge for each battery cell, resulting in peak operating performance.

And if a surge in power is detected during use, Hitachi's Over-Current Protection technology will temporarily shut of the power to protect the batteries and tool from being damaged. This feature allows the power to return to optimal voltage, thereby extending battery and tool life beyond any competitive lithium-ion products.

HXP batteries come with a two-year HXP Lithium-Ion Battery Warranty, which protects against possible defects in materials and workmanship.

The Industry's Longest Lithium-Ion Tool Warranty
Every Hitachi cordless power tool is designed to the highest standards and is rigorously tested for both performance and durability. All HXP Lithium-Ion cordless tools come with a Lifetime Lithium-Ion Tool Warranty, which protects against possible defects in materials and workmanship.

About Hitachi: A Tradition of Innovation
Hitachi Power Tools (Hitachi Koki USA, Ltd.) provides professional-grade power tools for a variety of applications, including woodwork, metalwork, concrete, drilling, cutting, and fastening. Hitachi is a leader in power tool research and development and has achieved many firsts in the power tool industry. Today, Hitachi continues the tradition of innovation and engineering with new features in addition to classic quality.

What's in the Box
WH18DL Impact Driver, two 3.0-Ah Lithium-Ion 18-volt batteries, cross-compatible charger, and case.

Product Description

18V, Lithium-ion, 1/4", Hex Impact Wrench, Maximum Torque 1,330 In LB, 1/4" Hex Chuck, No-Load Speed 0-2,600 RPM, Impact Rate 0-3,200 BPM, Belt Hook, Led Light, Battery Type Lithium-Ion, Battery Life Cycles 1,500, Overall Length 6-3/8", Weight 3.5 LB, Class Leading Torque, Includes: 2 Of 3.0 AH Lithium -Ion Batteries, Quick Charger, Carrying Case, Lithium-Ion Batteries Are Backward Compatible With DVF3 & DMR Series Tools.

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Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 11.8 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: B000JEYJ1S
• Item model number: WH18DL
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #47,106 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #50 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Impact Drivers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The king of impact drivers, November 12, 2007

By 

Jared Stiff (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hitachi WH18DL 18-volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver (Tools & Home Improvement)

First of all, if you're new to the world of impact drivers you have to get on board. It's just as simple as that! But seriously, if you're still driving screws/lag bolts/whatever with a drill or a ratchet, you're just working too hard. The torque is astounding, and this unit nearly matches the big beefy pneumatic impact drivers in a much nicer package. So when you see those giant lag screws you need to attach that deck ledger with you will not even sweat putting them in.

I think the bigger advantage is that, unlike a drill, the impact action means that the torque is in bursts so it doesn't crank the drill around. With a drill you are usually doing just as much work as the drill (though with a bit of mechanical advantage). Even screwing in a bunch of smaller screws requires you to counteract the twisting force. Not so with an impact driver. You can virtually drive small and large screws alike with two fingers (the way you'd hold a wine glass).

Now about this tool in particular... This tool is meant to drive screws more than large bolts. I have a beefy impact driver I use for most of those applications simply because the tip of this driver is for a "standard" hex shaft bit with a ball-detent. I'm sure the driver has the power to drive them if you have the right bit. I've been using it for over a year now (I got it at a trade show the week it was released but before it was in stock). The battery life is outstanding. They hold their charges well between uses, and have survived banging around the back of my van for a while now.

The fit, finish, and features are all excellent. The light is nice and now some others have copied it (though I do like the compact Makita where the light automatically turns on and off with the trigger), and comes in handy working in dark cabinets and tricky spaces.

The battery protection kind of made me pause the first time it happened, but it's a great feature and shows how Hitachi put in the extra thought in engineering for the new battery technology. Most competitors will let you run your batteries to the ground, which will quickly kill the life of your battery. The cost of the battery is a large part of the investment and I'm happy it doesn't let me cheat. Even if you know you should swap out the battery, how often would you stop immediately and get a new battery? You'd probably be like me and try to get that one last one. And just a couple more... Usually I don't like tools to think for me, but I'm OK, and actually thankful, with this feature. Now if only we could do something about those seatbelt warning bells...

Anyway, the cost of this system is high, and I'm not sure if it's included in any of the packages, which is a shame because the two best pieces are the drill and the driver. My partner likes the compact Makita, but this thing will outwork it any (and every) day.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hitachi WH18DL - Solid Performer, March 13, 2008

By 

R. D. Mahaffy (Yorktown, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hitachi WH18DL 18-volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver (Tools & Home Improvement)

Bought this back in Feb '08 and have used it a number of times for smaller projects, though my big projects are ahead. Impressed so far and I give it 5 stars for build quality, value, performance, and general coolness (I like the look that some find toyish).

One area that I'd like to see improved is the grip. (This is entirely personal, and not major enough to detract from the overall rating of the tool) I have smaller hands and find the lower portion (ring, pinky finger) of the grip to be slightly larger than I like. For reference, try out the Makita Impact Drivers (Makita BTD140 LXT 18 Volt Lithium-Ion Impact Driver Kit, Makita BTD142HW 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver). They have the most comfortable grips IMHO. But this does not detract from the Hitachi which has more torque, faster RPMs, etc. (Exception being Makita's new BDT141 which has 1330 lbs. torque)

Battery life has been outstanding. I have not drained the first battery yet, seen absolutely no loss of torque/RPM as happens with standard batteries. My 18V Black & Decker 18V drill cannot hold a candle to the WH18DL.

Another buying point for me is the little white (red on some) switch on the handle that allows you to slow the RPMs. Handy when you don't want to drive too fast. Makita does not have this option, fwiw. In the fast mode you get from 0-2600 RPM and in slow you get from 0-2000 RPM - and it makes a big difference. The Makita models go fro 0-2300 RPMs only. So for me, the Hitachi allows for more nuanced work.

Uses: I've used this for BOTH drilling and driving. Drilling is not its strong point but it works and works well. I've used a 1/2" spade bit to drill through 46 year old 2x6 rafters. Was like slicing through butter.

But when I used a regular hex drill bit - 1/4", the ratcheting mechanism kicked in for a brief sec and things slowed down a smidge but still finished the job well. Awesome to have one tool to accomplish both tasks.

Using high-speed mode was really impressive. Driving and unscrewing screws, lag bolts, etc., is super fast and easy. Unscrewing 3.5" wood screws was so fast I had to let the fasteners cool down before I handled them (in pressure treated lumber).

Using the WH18DL to hang drywall is a breeze. I have a bigger drywall project coming up, but so far, most screws are set perfectly (using the slower mode). The ratcheting starts just as the screw sets so you can back down and get a perfect drywall set w/o a drywall bit. Your mileage may vary.

Don't think this tool is *only* for driving screws, bolts, etc. You can use it as a drill within reason (another reason I chose over the Makitas is faster RPMs). Drilling is not its primary function, but it will work fine for lighter drilling (haven't tried it in masonry yet, but on the list).

The integrated LED light/belt hook is a nice feature, and useful though I thought it wouldn't be. I think I'd prefer a slimmer metal belt hook, though. And I like Bosch's light integration around the "chuck" better. Jury is out as to whether the yellow LED is better than a white LED which other impact drivers have.

If you have a honey-do list that is loaded with driving fasteners, then let your spouse know you have found a tool that will speed you through it like never before and leave you less fatigued to boot! :-)

While I poured a lot of time into research, I did not spend a lot of time looking at DeWalt's offerings as they were beyond my price range. Though I did get my hands on them at the Home Depot. Decent, small like the Makita. Rigid's 18V ID was nice, but larger and heavier. If you want to see what the grip feels like on this WH18DL, you'll have to go to your local Lowe's and try out some of these green HXP Lithium Ion models (our Lowe's did not have this particular model but had the sister drill and others so I could get an idea of what to expect).

I also looked at Bosch's 10.8V Litheon impact driver which is a great idea, but did not like the feel in my hand tho I loved the general size of it. The grip is thick all around, and its a nice unit otherwise. In terms of torque and RPM's, it is not in the same class as the Hitachi.

So if you only use a drill (corded or cordless) to do your screw driving you don't know what you're missing. If you have ever torqued your wrist drilling a stubborn screw or lag bolt and ended up throwing back Advil caps as a result, this tool will be your saving grace. Torque is in abundance, but thanks to the ratcheting mechanism, it doesn't transfer to your wrist. So you can drive fasteners till the sun sets and be less fatigued when done.

Overall: Highly recommended.

-Value includes 5 year warranty compared to Makita's 3.

-More torque, RPMs than equivalent Makita models in price range.

-Good grip, a little "large" at the bottom of grip for those of us with smaller hands. Reason for the larger bottom is that it has a columnar battery post/insert as opposed to Makita's slide-in battery. Not sure which is a better technical design, but there you have it.

-Use for driving fasteners AND light drilling

Hope this review was helpful.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First review incorrect, January 21, 2007

By 

Perico Island - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hitachi WH18DL 18-volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver (Tools & Home Improvement)

The first reviewer stated that he could not regulate the clutch on this driver and that the clicking was kind of loud - um, it's an impact driver - that's how they work, it's not a clutch that ratchets, that is the impact mechanism working - that's why there is twice the torque in an impact driver as in a standard driver-drill... This impact driver is stronger than almost all other brands, and actually is not as loud as most other brands.