Hitachi 18V Lithium Ion Tools!

Yesterday our local Hitachi Rep came in showing off his new toy - an 18v Lithium Ion Driver/Drill. One nice thing about the Hitachi Lithium-Ion platform is that it is completely compatible with its existing battery system, so all you need is the new battery charger that can handle lithium ion and all systems are a go.

I think the new drills look a better than their old DMR series of drills. The new drills look more futuristic robotic and more masculine in my opinion, compared to the reptilian look of their old drills. I had a chance to compare the li-ion drill with the old drill side by side.

One large advantage I can immediately see is that this is the first cordless drill-driver I know of with a 4 speed gear selector. While many still sport a 2 speed, some are finally moving to 3 speed, but Hitachi went straight to a 4th option. That should make for a much closer match to the job you're doing. Not necessary for the homeowner, but professionals will see the benefits immediately.

The new drill is lighter (as it should be with li-ion batteries) but it was bigger and bulkier, which I was a little surprised with considering all of Makita's Li-ion tools are more compact. Of course the Hitachi Rep told us how much better their Li-ion performed compared to Makita's - which is definitely possible - but I will wait until I see some actual test results, and get a chance to try them out myself before making a verdict.

This article has been submitted by Chris of KMS Tools.