For more than 100 years of practice, the Japanese manufacturer Hitachi has learned how to make high-quality power tools. Its popular models lead the rankings of quality products. It was the widely used parameters of devices at a bargain price with a peculiar design that caused the popularity of models.
About the best parameters
In an effort to diversify the range of drill drivers, Hitachi produces a variety of tools.However, some types of models, due to their “backward” characteristics, are still not included in this rating. This applies to batteryless, wired models. And models with nickel batteries.
Because it’s wrong to label a model as “the best” if its technical characteristics are much worse than the one that is really better. Lithium batteries are vastly superior in all respects, negating the price difference. Not to mention wired models.
Chargers have become so simple that their absence has almost no effect on the price of the device, but the possibilities and ease of use are cut down in order for models without batteries. Therefore, they are not considered in this article. Although it makes sense to purchase this type of screwdriver because of its simplicity. But he won't be the best.
Why lithium batteries are better
There are a large number of batteries, but the people have developed an idea, mainly of lead-acid. True, now, mobile phones have changed the concept of batteries and they use only lithium. This is facilitated by a number of qualitative characteristics.
Alkaline batteries, or they are also called nickel-cadmium batteries, are 2 to 4 times more efficient than acid batteries, but more expensive. And if you assemble a screwdriver on an acid battery, you get a bulky and heavy structure, the charge of which is only enough for a couple of minutes. Therefore, nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries have always been used in portable designs. Later, lithium was developed.
The main disadvantages of nickel batteries compared to lithium batteries are the need for their complete discharge, especially before storage, as well as the parasitic “memory effect”.As a result, the screwdriver must be constantly completely discharged after work, and charged before work.
But an already half-discharged battery cannot fully screw a screw into a durable material. You have to fiddle with it, sometimes for several minutes, to completely drain the battery. And then wait until the battery is fully charged. If you immediately start recharging, then the “memory effect” will appear, and the battery will begin to lose voltage at half the discharge.
If at this stage the battery is not “cured”, then it can then be thrown away altogether, which, by the way, many do. The lithium battery is completely free from these shortcomings. And if a tight screw is caught in the process of work, then 3 minutes of recharging will fix the problem without harming the expensive battery.
We bring to the attention of readers a description of really excellent screwdrivers, one of the best manufacturers - Hitachi.
Hitachi DS18DBL2
This multifunctional screwdriver belongs to semi-professional models. Focused on power. The device is designed compact and easy to maneuver. It is also maximally balanced and is a fairly powerful device. Convenient and practical quick-clamping design of the chuck for fastening drills.
The maximum torque of the machine is 136 Nm. The number of revolutions is 2100 rpm. The battery here is used with a capacity of 5 A / h and a voltage of 18 volts. There is an LED indication of the battery charge level. Includes charger and 2 batteries. This makes it possible to use the device professionally. The motor used in this model is brushless. These parameters alone speak of the high positive qualities of the model.
Additional functions include such as: reverse; impact drilling; drilling. Professionals do not often recommend using vibro. For this type of work, they prefer to use a specialized tool. Because with frequent use of this function, play may occur in the chuck. Still, the presence of such a mode adds to the apparatus in the column of dignity. But the most important thing is that sometimes it is very necessary. If the screw is stuck and does not want to move further, in the impact position, the screwdriver will drive it in a matter of seconds. There are similar models without this mode.
There is also electronic speed control, 2 speed modes. The first speed has a maximum speed of 500 rpm, the second - 2,100 rpm. The power button is missing. Vibration at the first speed is 5,600 beats / min, at the second - 21,000 beats / min.
The handle is made with a rubberized coating, although almost everything has it, even the budget models of Hitachi. There is a backlight. The battery of this model, like all subsequent ones in this description, is high-current lithium. Chuck diameter from 1.5 to 13, screw diameter from 6 to 10.
Weight - 2.5 kg. The price is 30,390 rubles.
Hitachi DS18DBL2
Advantages:
- convenient, powerful and high-tech;
- ergonomics combined with quality;
- durable body of the device and good weight distribution;
Flaws:
- there are batteries of poor quality, albeit lithium ones;
- with frequent use of the drilling with impact function, the chuck backlash appears;
- high price, but if you consider that 2 batteries, and capacitive, then it's normal.
Hitachi DS14DSAL
This screwdriver is designed for universal use.Depending on the processing material, you can select the desired mode, torque coefficient. The presence of a thin handle and a rubberized surface increases the convenience of using the device. A special holder allows you to mount a drill driver on the belt belt. It is available in almost all Hitachi models.
In this model of a 2-speed screwdriver, a battery with a capacity of 1.5 A / h, a voltage of 14.4 volts is used. Brush motor. And although there are 2 batteries in the kit, the price of the device is much less than the model already considered. Naturally, charging the battery for a long time is not enough, but the ability to quickly charge the battery fills this gap. Includes light and charger.
The maximum torque has dropped significantly and is 45 Nm. Still, the model has good functions and opportunities for a variety of applications. To do this, mechanical switches and a 2-speed gearbox are provided, providing 22 + 1 degrees of torque. The first speed is 0 - 300 rpm, the second 0 - 1,500 rpm. There is a spindle lock, keyless chuck.
Included with the drill-screwdriver is a case where all the parts of the device are placed. And although the case could be made smaller, more compact, but this is not a drawback, but rather an advantage. It easily accommodates additional devices and tools. For example, you can put screws, dowels, wire. It is also not superfluous to equip with an additional screwdriver, put a couple of keys, wire cutters. The need for additional cases or bags may disappear.
Easy access to electric brushes in case of need of their replacement is provided.There is no impact, but there is a reverse and an engine brake for serial tightening of screws, the maximum diameter of which can be 8 mm. The diameter of the clamping equipment is from 1.5 mm to 13 mm.
The device weighs 1.7 kg. The price is 17,230 rubles.
Hitachi DS14DSAL
Advantages:
- light enough;
- fast charging, batteries are charged in less than an hour;
- although the volume of batteries is small, charging them is enough for 1.5 - 2 hours of work, such as screwing screws into drywall.
- quickly change drills, nozzles.
Flaws:
- the backlight shines more at the edges, it does not shine well in the center;
- in some instances, it is poorly balanced and, when rotating at idle, brings the hand a little, but does not interfere with work.
Hitachi FWH14DSL
This is also a universal and compact screwdriver designed for fixing materials such as wood, metal, plastic. It can also effectively unscrew even rusted nuts and bolts. Equipped with a metal, external, square chuck
The battery voltage is 14.4 volts. The battery capacity is 3 Ah. Maximum torque 145 Nm. One of the popular models.
A potentiometer with electronic adjustment of the engine speed is mounted in the power button. The frequency of which depends on the effort of pressing this button. There is a power button lock. There is a reverse lever switch. Also the engine speed switch, 2 positions. The first speed is for more complex work, the second is for simple operations with a higher engine speed.
There is a special device for mounting the device on a belt. And a hand strap. This may be necessary when working on a stepladder when your hands are busy with another tool.
The maximum engine speed is 2,600 rpm. The maximum impact frequency in hammer drilling mode is 3,200 strokes/min. A permanent advantage is the brushless motor.
For work with insufficient visibility, there is a built-in LED backlight. Included is an extra battery with an air-cooled pulse charger. You can charge the battery from which you can in just 45 minutes. There is an LED indication of battery charge. All parts are packed in a special case, which is very convenient when carrying or transporting.
Weighs only 1.6 kg. The price is 18,850 rubles.
Hitachi FWH14DSL
Advantages:
- powerful, you can unscrew the wheel hub nuts with it;
- the presence of a case;
- convenient electronic control of operating modes;
- works quietly, does not spark, consumes less. Benefits of a brushless motor
Flaws:
Hitachi WH 14DCL
This is a single speed angle screwdriver with a bit chuck. And despite the small dimensions of the device, it has high technical characteristics. It has a lithium battery with a capacity of 3 Ah. The supply voltage of which is 14.4 volts. You can charge such a battery in 45 minutes.
The maximum number of revolutions is 2,100 rpm, while the maximum torque is 50 Nm with electronic control of the engine speed. There is also a reverse. In the "vibro" mode, the frequency is 3,200 beats / min. This model occupies a good position in the ranking among its category, 90.5% of models lag behind it.
The device comes with a case and 1 replaceable battery with a pulse charger. The device has an extraordinary shape, 36 cm long. It weighs 1.6 kg. The average price is 7,170 rubles.
Hitachi WH 14DCL
Advantages:
- powerful and compact, yet convenient;
- short battery charging time, light weight and large battery capacity.
Flaws:
Hitachi WH10DL
It is also an impact and single speed screwdriver, but not an angle one. Small and compact, has a large torque - 105 Nm. The maximum number of revolutions in this model is increased to 2,300 rpm, the number of strokes is 3,000 strokes/min. The engine speed is electronically controlled, depending on the force of pressing the start button. Equipped with a reverse switch.
The screwdriver is equipped with a battery with a voltage of 10.8 volts and a capacity of 1 Ah. There is an additional battery and charger with a 139 mm power cord. All parts of the kit fit into a special case.
Bit chuck type. Its diameter is from 4 to 6.35 mm. Lead 0.9 kg. The price is an average of 10,990 rubles.
Hitachi WH10DL
Advantages:
- durable;
- compact and convenient.
Flaws:
- may come with a bad battery;
- brush motor.
Hitachi WH7DL
This compact folding screwdriver and wrench in one is very convenient to use. Its maximum torque is 25 Nm, at a rotation speed of 2,400 rpm. The number of strokes - 3,200 strokes / min. Single speed with reverse and spindle lock. Adjustment of rotation of the engine - electronic.
The voltage of the lithium battery is 7.2 V, the capacity is 1.5 Ah. The battery is charged in 30 minutes. In the package, along with the case, there is an additional battery and charger. Equipped with LED lamp.
A distinctive feature of this model is a swivel, folding handle.This is very convenient for its use in hard-to-reach places, for example, when repairing vehicles. The presence of an impact mode allows you to unscrew the screws or nuts even on rusted joints.
Weighs only 580 grams. The price is 11,930 rubles.
Hitachi WH7DL
Advantages:
- compactness, speed and power;
- ease of use in hard-to-reach places.
Flaws:
- RPM too high, no speed switch.
Hitachi DS18DBEL
This model could well be attributed to the first lines of the rating for its versatility and high technical characteristics. And although she won less demand, it still makes sense to include her in the description.
Two-speed drill-driver on a lithium battery with a voltage of 18 V and a capacity of 5 Ah. At the first speed, the maximum speed can reach 400 rpm, at the second - 1500 rpm. The mechanical torque adjustment switch has a number of positions - 22 + 1 drilling. The chuck diameter is 13 mm, the maximum drilling diameter in metal is 13 mm, in wood - 38 mm.
The advantage of this model, a pistol design, is the presence of spotlights, a reverse switch and an engine brake. The brushless motor is equipped with electronic protection and has a high efficiency, which is very practical for battery models.
The kit comes with a charger and a capacious plastic case. Weighs 1.9 kg. Its price is 24,190 rubles.
Hitachi DS18DBEL
Advantages:
- powerful, comfortable, high-tech.
Flaws:
- the chuck may loosen, the chuck head itself does not sit tightly to the screwdriver.
Of course, this review did not include many of the approved Hitachi screwdriver models.Because the range of models of this manufacturer is quite wide and is replenished with new models over time. They are superior in technical characteristics even to those described above, but probably did not have time to gain popularity. Hitachi power tool models have been used for years and achieved good user reviews.