Hitachi D10YB 4.6 Amp 3/8-Inch Right Angle Drill

Comment: I've tried very hard to like this drill, but it just isn't as functional and easy to use as it should be. I purchased this drill rebuilt at an attractive price from an authorized Hitachi rebuilder, and it arrived just as if it was new.

I primarily needed a right angle to make quick easy holes in studs and joists for electrical work; one of the most common needs for such a drill. Amazon's description specifically says this drill is well suited for electrical and plumbing applications - it isn't.

I usually drill 3/4" or 1" holes using auger bits. In order to drill these larger holes you need a slow speed to start and gradually ramp up your power & speed until you achieve optimal drilling. You just cannot efficiently do that with this drill, since the variable speed dial and the slide switch are independent. It is very difficult to adjust the speed dial with one hand and simultaneously try to hold the drill, hold the slide switch ON, and drill your hole. You really need both hands on the drill for larger holes for one thing. And even if you are nimble and strong enough to do all of that, it often won't work because the bit needs a running start, so to speak, in order to power through the wood. If you try to drill a large hole with a fast initial speed, the bit will bite and stop, and you will either break a bone or get your hand crushed as the drill body rotates with your hand on it (make sure you do not have the switched locked ON - use the safety ON position for such holes, which will turn the drill off as soon as you release the switch; hopefully before your hand is crushed too bad). A previous reviewer experienced the same problems using an auger bit, and he switched to spade/paddle bits with better results. I'll give that a try but it takes longer for spade bits to drill through - I wanted something that would work well with auger bits, for quick, easy & safe holes.

The frustrating thing is that this drill seems to be high quality and it does have plenty of power, even for larger holes. This is why I still gave it 3 stars. But it REALLY REALLY needs a variable speed slide switch, otherwise drilling larger holes is a chore, and unsafe.

I suspect that with smaller diameter bits, this drill would be much more functional. You can probably start right out with your optimal drill speed and not have to adjust speeds and/or worry about the bit biting/stopping and having your hand crushed. But since a common use of a right angle drill is for larger augured holes for electrical and plumbing, I feel that Hitachi made a big mistake by not having a variable speed switch and/or by not giving warning that the drill is not suited well for large diameter bits.

Comment: I'm wiring a new cabin and needed something to drill 1 inch holes through studs and joist. I wanted low speed high torque for use with self feed auger bit but this tool would not drill unless it was set to high speed. It worked using high speed but you better hold on as you break through the board, this is a real knuckle buster! I switched to a 1 inch spade bit and that was much better, I could lower speed and it was smooth and less dangerous. Also tried a hole saw but that takes too much time. I did not have any problem with the switch as some complain about, that works fine for me. Bottom line though is this lacks torque at slow speed with bigger self feed bits, but I think that's typical of most 3/8 drills.

Comment: This is a good product.
Absolutely no problem with the switch or anything else.
I have used this drill for driving screws and drilling in tight spaces and I'm very happy with it.

Comment: I bought this Hitachi because of the Amps and reviews from other customers. I had a Dewalt battery operated right angle and it would not handle the number of holes I had to drill. I was continually having to change out the battery or wait for the charge....and yes my batteries were good! I've gotten to drill number of 2 1/2" holes with this unit and it has worked great. I've also had the opportunity to drill a 4" hole with this drill - and again it worked great! If you are looking for a great little right angle drill - the Hitachi D10YB is a great choice.

Comment: I bought the hitachi drill to replace a no-brand drill that burned out after only a bit of use. I have had it a month, and so far it seems like a very solid, very well made machine. I have not had it long enough to know for sure, but it has the feel of a machine that will last a long time. There has been discussion of the switch on the machine. I have used mine for drilling between stud spaces, where the switch seems to work very well, and as a sander for a lathe. The switch does not work well in this application, it is too hard to keep on, but i have used an arm band (i had one around for "tennis elbow) to "lock" the switch on while sanding. This is easy, fast, does not get in the way, and works fine. I would have preferred some way to lock the switch on for use in sanding, but am OK with the drill as is.
I considered the Milwaukee close quarter drill, but needed a true right angle for some of my drilling. I also considered the Makita, but the Hitachi has a more powerful motor and was less expensive.