Hitachi DV18DMR 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Hammer Drill

It's funky design might turn you off but this is one solid powerful drill. With it's 550 in/lbs of torque, a great chuck, 3 amp/hr batteries, excellently balanced and a very precise feel. This is a pro-grade drill that takes alot of abuse and they back it up with a 5 year warranty. I bought a hammer drill this time because I have to drill into concrete all of the time and this drills into it effortlessly. I was a Panasonic fan but the one I had quit on me after a year because of all the abuse I put a hand drill thru. I heard of Hitachi's reputation so I switched. I am a big hitachi fan now.

While still new this drill appears to be very well made. With a five year warranty, it's real hard to go wrong. The drill has lots of power and run time with the Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. The chuck ratchets tight like my DeWalt DC988. The bright adjustable LED accessory light on the handle, which can be switched to the other side, is not only a great idea, but someone should have thought of this a long time ago. The drill is well-balanced. The forward, lock and reverse select has postive detents. The color scheme is cool and the housing is actually designed to let sweat run away and not make the drill slippery. Nice thought, but I use gloves when the going gets tough.

Now to some faults: Since it is so new, even Hitachi didn't know where batteries for the light could be purchased. It comes with 2 X AAAA (yes 4 A's). It is also called an "N" battery. I bought two extra Duracell "Medical" batteries MN9100B2 for $3.83. Like any 18 volt hammer drill, it is...Read more

Hitachi DV18DMR 18 volt Hammer Drill

Very nice unit all around. It is heavier than similar units but that allows for precise metal drilling. All around great first rate unit!!!