HomeDrill Reviews \ Hitachi DV18DL 18-volt Lithium-Ion 1/2-inch Cordless Hammer Drill
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Hitachi DV18DL 18-volt Lithium-Ion 1/2-inch Cordless Hammer Drill

Hitachi DV18DL 18-volt Lithium-Ion 1/2-inch Cordless Hammer Drill


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List Price: $575.56
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Features:
  • Two 3.0 Ah HXP Lithium Ion batteries for three times the life at half the weight of NiCd or NiMH batteries
  • Lithium Ion batteries can be used-inch Hitachi 18-volts DMR and DVF3 tools for even more value
  • 570-inch/lbs of torque to drill and drive through the toughest materials with ease
  • Unique 2-step speed switch lets the user select from 4 speed settings for ultimate control
  • Convenient 5-position belt hook features an-integrated LED work light
  • Product Description
    The lightweight and tough Hitachi DV18DL 18-Volt, 3.0-Ah Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill with 1/2-inch chuck powers through wood, metal, and aluminum with its class-leading 570 in/lbs of turning torque. Ideal for professional use, this hammer drill is backed by a 10-year warranty and features 18-volt lithium-ion batteries that boast three times the runtime of traditional batteries, yet weigh 50 percent less.


    DV18DL Cordless Hammer Drill
    Tool Specifications
    Chuck Size1/2"
    Max Torque570 inches/lbs
    Drilling Capacity - Brick5/8"
    No-Load Speed0-200/400/900/1800 RPM
    Clutch Stages22
    Tool Length9.95"
    Weight4.9 lbs
    Bit Holders2
    Battery Capacity3.0 Ah
    Charger - Volts Accepted7.2-18V Li-Ion, NiCd, NiMH
    Charging Time45 min



    Included side handle installs easily on top of the tool for better leverage.


    Lightweight lithium-ion batteries and a charger (both included) save you time and energy.
    Class-Leading Torque for Tough Jobs
    The DV18DL's two-piece rare-earth magnet motor produces 570 in/lbs of torque to power through brick up to 5/8-inch thick, as well as the toughest wood, metal, and aluminum. And with its 22-stage ratcheting clutch and two-step switch, you can select between four speeds for ultimate control: 0-200 RPM, 0-400 RPM, 0-900 RPM, and 0-1,800 RPM. This hammer drill has an impact rate of 0-21,000 for hammer applications.

    Chock-Full of User-Friendly Features
    In addition to its powerful motor, The DV18DL has a host of features that help you get the job done with comfort and safety. To start, this hammer drill features a soft, ergonomic grip that makes long jobs more comfortable; an included side handle installs easily to provide leverage for drilling through dense materials.

    For added convenience, the DV18DL includes a five-position belt hook with an integrated LED work light and two bit holders. Additionally, a spindle lock automatically blocks the spindle when the tool is not in use, enabling convenient bit changes and providing safety. Finally, an externally accessible carbon brush allow for quick and easy maintenance.

    The Hitachi DV18DL is compact and lightweight, measuring 9.95 inches and weighing just 4.9 pounds.

    HXP Lithium-Ion Batteries Last 3X Longer and Weigh 50% Less
    The DV18DL owes its light weight to two HXP Lithium-Ion batteries. These 3.0-Ah batteries weigh half of what traditional NiCd or NiMH batteries weigh--in fact, tools featuring HXP batteries are on average one pound lighter than tools using traditional batteries.

    Additionally, HXP batteries last three times longer than their competition. Where NiCd and NiMH batteries could be used for up to 500 charge cycles, HXP Lithium-Ion batteries can be used for up to 1,500 charge cycles!

    HXP Lithium-Ion batteries operate within optimal voltage limits, protecting both the tool and batteries from damage. Protection circuitry built into the included batteries and charger monitors the charge and discharge for each battery cell, resulting in peak operating performance.

    Additionally, if a surge in power is detected during use, Hitachi's Over-Current Protection technology will temporarily shut of the power to protect the batteries and tool from being damaged. This feature allows the power to return to optimal voltage, thereby extending battery and tool life beyond any competitive lithium-ion products.

    HXP batteries are backwards compatible with all Hitachi 18-volt DMR, DVF3, and DFL tools. These batteries come with a two-year HXP Lithium-Ion Battery Warranty, which protects against possible defects in materials and workmanship.

    Quick Charger Powers Batteries in 45 Minutes
    The DV18DL's charger will power the tool's batteries in just 45 minutes and features a built-in Cool Air Flow system to maintain optimal charging temperature. The DV18DL's included quick charger will power lithium-ion, NiCD, and NiMH batteries from 7.2 volts to 18.0 volts.

    Hitachi offers a one-year HXP Lithium-Ion Charger Warranty, which protects against possible defects in materials and workmanship.

    The Industry's Longest Lithium-Ion Tool Warranty
    Every Hitachi cordless power tool is designed to the highest standards and rigorously tested for both performance and durability. All HXP Lithium-Ion cordless tools come with a 10-year Lithium-Ion Tool Warranty, which protects against possible defects in materials and workmanship.

    What's in the Box
    DV18DL hammer drill, driver bit (983006), two 3.0-Ah lithium ion batteries, quick charger (UC18YRL), side handle (323001), and carrying case (323230).



    Spotlight Customer Reviews:
    Customer Rating:
    Summary: Workhorse! Get the kit
    Comment:
    This drill is a workhorse. I have purchased many Hitachi tools and found them to always be excellent buys and almost always the least expensive option in their class. Specifically, I own this drill, the 18DMR (not a hammer), and the impact drill from Hitachi. I have run them through the wringer over the last year and a half, dropped them, used them as hammers when one was not available - including beating on the battery - and I have never had one fail, lose juice, or show any signs really of the abuse I have put them through. The batteries are outstanding, recharge very quickly, and hold a charge for 12 or more hours of intense usage. I have used Dewalt, Milwaukee, and others, but their batteries just do not compare. After hundreds of hours of use, the Hitachi batteries can hold the longest charge and deliver full power like nothing. Of course, if you are trying to power through tough material (bore 1 foot deep holes in concrete, etc.) routinely with your drill, you should consider getting a corded version. However, if your goal is ultimate versatility, strength, ruggedness, power, and performance, this is the best deal going. I seriously do not think you can find a better deal for the money.

    One last note. I recommend getting this drill as part of a drill set, such as with the impact driver. It will cost about $50 more, but you get a complete set, two tools, and a charger and battery for the money. Purchasing the two separately will practically double your expense, while you really only need the two batteries for the two tools. I ended up, over time, buying two cordless sets, which came with four batteries which is where most of the expense is, and then added on three more tools (without batteries and accessories). I now have 7 tools, with 4 batteries, all by Hitachi and all interchangeable. Very functional and an excellent deal, saving me hundreds over other brands.

    Customer Rating:
    Summary: ok but not a Dewalt
    Comment:
    I bought mine as part of a 9pc kit and I have a review under the 9pc as well. (check that review as it has other good info)

    Was impressed with the unit at first as it works well for projects around the house and easily drives screws, drills holes etc..

    BUT I recently tried using it to drill 2 2" holes using a Starret hole saw. I was trying to go up into a wall from the basement through 2 2x4's and a sheet of 3/4" plywood. I was able to drill through the sheet of ply with no problem stopped to remove the piece of wood from the hole saw and then started into the 2x4 part drill struggled for about 2-3 minutes before overheating and stopping. At first I thought it was the battery so I swapped the battery for the second one and that worked for another minute or so. After a few minutes of stop and go I made it through the first hole and started on the second. Well never made it even through the plywood before it was just too hot to use so I took a break, ate a quick lunch and tried again. I expected to be able to get back to it and finish I figured 15 minutes had passed and the drill should have cooled down well that wasn't the case it worked for 15 seconds before once again going into protect.

    Finally I just said screw it went to the garage, got my Milwaukee 1/2" corded hammer drill and I swear 15 seconds later I was done.

    Like I said this is a great drill if you are a homeowner but if you are going to use this as a professional MOVE ON! I replaced my Dewalt 18v 4 pc kit that needed new batts (4 batts would have cost me $300 plus my drill was damaged)

    I got a good deal through Tyler tool $760 for the 9pc set (shipped). Should have spent the extra $200 and gotten the Dewalt 9pc and I would have had the right angle drill and a flashlight that works.



    Customer Rating:
    Summary: Very Strong 18V drill - with a couple small flaws (one is fixable)
    Comment:
    I am an avid DIY'er and I now own three of these DV18DL Lithium-Ion drills. They have more than enough torque to handle most any job I throw at them. Just make sure you have a firm grip on the drill or it will torque around in a heartbeat.

    The only problems I have encountered with this drill are with the chuck screw that holds the chuck in place is inadequate and I broke three of them while using a 1" Ship Auger bit to drill through a 8" log I ran into while digging post holes for a split rail fence. Fortunately I had bought the drill from L_o_w_e_s and they exchanged them without issue. The manager I talked to said that he had notified Hitachi of the problem but that they were not going to beef up the screw.

    I ordered a number of chuck screws for various makes & models of 1/2" drills (including corded drills) and discovered that the Dewalt reverse thread screw #605256-01. It is just a bit longer than the Hitachi OEM screw and I haven't broken one since replacing it ^_^.

    The second issue is with the tabs on the case that hold the battery in place. I accidentally dropped it 4' onto a concrete floor. It landed flat on the bottom of the battery. The battery was fine, but both of the tabs that hold the battery in place busted off. Luckily I have a Hitachi repair shop a mile from my home here in Belmont, MI and they replaced the case free of charge within a week. But as I said I now have three of these and four of the 3.0ah batteries.

    The last Drill I purchased was the bare (DV18DLP4) drill from Timberline Tools in July 2009 and they timely shipped one to me ^_^.

    Customer Rating:
    Summary: A great system
    Comment:
    I bought this system with the old style batteries, it's so much better with the new Lithium-Ion batteries. The new batteries interchange with the old.

    Customer Rating:
    Summary: Stay away from Hitachi
    Comment:
    Have one, case broke on first use and now the chuck is stripped . Only used a few times around the house. I will not buy Hitachi again.