Hitachi KC18DDL 18-Volt Li-Ion Impact Driver and Drill Combo Kit

5 Reviews

1. i can’t begin to describe how these tools have made life easier. it’s made me a much more efficient DIYer. which is great, because we have a third coming very soon!

2. I won’t attest for “professional” use but for you above average home-owner (or Ranch hand) these drills are great. Received this combo last week and started putting it to work on misc jobs around the farm. Finally decided to put the drills to the test putting a 2×8 border around a small horse arena. Both drills have loads of power and could easily drill 3.5″ screws through the 2x8s and into the heavy creosote (i.e. dense, hard) posts. Even with the “save” mode the drills had no trouble and care had to be used to ensure the screws weren’t pulled through the 2x8s (no pre-drilling needed). Battery life is excellent and both drills lasted a full day (5-6 hours) of continuous use with no noticeable loss of power. Only advice is to get a kit with a quick-change bit for the larger drill but these drills are perfect for medium to heavy use. The only downside is the cordless charger is a bit on the loud side (it has a fan to cool the batteries when they charge) but it’s worth the occasional noise considering how long the batteries last and the quick charge time (hasn’t taken more than 30 mins to fully charge the batteries).

3. Got this combo kit last Thursday. Used the impact drill to drive (7) 1/2 X 4 inch lag screws into a 2X10 ledger. Then used the power drill to drill various 2.5 and 3 inch deck screws into the ledger/joist hangers for a deck extension.

   Then used the power drill with an auger attachment to pre-drill my 16 inch wide by 16 inches deep holes in the ground for my deck footing piers. Drill did not die. Just backed out of tree roots and then kept going. Started at 7am and the power drill battery died on me at 6:30pm. Switched to the impact drills battery and kept digging holes. Charged the dead battery, but by quitin time (8:15pm) didn’t need to change the 2nd battery.

   This is exactly the type of performance that I wanted. Though I’m by electricity, I did not want to hassle with corded tools (other then my handy chopsaw). Got the circular saw and reciprocating saw coming enroute through Fed Ex tomorrow. After the rain passes by Wed of this week, I should be able to test the way the batteries last with the circular saw/sawzall. Got some 6 X 6 posts, 2X10X12 & 2X4′s to rip.

   Judging by how the batteries performed with drilling the holes for the piers, I’m expecting them to allow for quite a number of rips. I think I’m getting my monies worth ouot of the drills, that’s for sure.

   IT WAS VERY IMPRESSIVE HOW EASY THE IMPACT DRILL DROVE IN THE LAG SCREWS. EASY.

   The 3 inch deck screws went into the treated lumber like it was slicing through butter. REALLY.

   The battery life is AWESOME. I wanted the Makita tools. After reading up on Hitachi and now having used them, I don’t regret passing on the higher priced Makita tools.

4. first the drill: this thing has plenty of torque for just about any job including masonry and metal working.

   drill driver: i love this thing for those long bolts or jobs where it takes a lot of elbow work. only issue is it’s not as much torque as i would like (if you cant get the nut/bolt loose with a wrench dont expect this thing to), but if i wanted a torque monster i should have gotten a real impact wrench . i have friends that swear by the brand D drills and they are all jealous by these things now, all i will get is hitachi now, i love them. all in all i’m very happy with both and would recommend these to anybody especially for the package price which is about as much as just the drill alone.

5. Hitachi makes high quality products. However, beware of the battery problem. The batteries are actually ok but they will need to be replaced eventually. When the time comes, they are so expensive that you might as well buy a new kit; this way you will have a spare tool.