Hitachi DB3DL2 3.6-Volt 1/4-Inch Hex Drive Screwdriver

• Comes with (2) 1.5-amp-hour, 3.6-Volt lithium-ion batteries
• Handles convert from straight grip to pistol grip
• Features adjustable clutch with 21-stage torque
• Built-in LED light for added visibility
• Comes with a lifetime lithium-ion tool warranty and a 2-year lithium-ion battery warranty
• Comes with Hitachi's lifetime Lithium-Ion tool warranty

This is my 2nd Hitachi power driver....same one. I had my 1st one for over 3 years , which I totally rely on for work as a PC tech. The forward / reverse switch started getting sticky. I will be sending it in under its life time warranty for repair (a big plus). The new model apprantly is a little thicker with a grip and almost an inch longer....the switch feels better...comes with a brighter LED light...and overall its more quieter / smoother. There's a lot of torque...too much even @ the lowest setting (1) for my personal use most of the time. I also use it for personal home jobs...which has the potential for heavy duty functions. The battery life is good....and uses the same type. It only takes 30 minute for full charge. Great tool!

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Before getting into the review, I need to comment that I am a stickler about my tools. I tend to find one brand that has a great reputation, works well for me and proves reliable, and then I usually stick with that brand. Over the past 20 years, I've been particularly pleased with both my Porter Cable and Bosch acquisitions and have centered my tool acquisitions around these fine brands.

After much deliberation, I decided to get the Hitachi DB3DL2 instead of the Bosch PS10-SA. While the Bosch has excellent reviews and a deserved reputation for being extremely powerful, it was a bit "too much" for what I was seeking to do with a small and compact driver. When I need major drilling or driving, I'll always turn to my big PC 19.2V drill/driver. But, when I want a small driver for general light screw driving around the house, I need something that is fairly compact, light, but still plenty powerful. But, not TOO powerful. And, many of the reviews on the Bosch stated that the PS10-2A was just a little too big, and a little too powerful (in fact, it apparently has a reputation for stripping or over-torquing screws).

While I have seen many different Hitachi tools (with very happy owners), I had never really considered purchasing one for fear of going with a new brand. Also, the 3.6V power source concerned me as being "too light, too little". But, I decided to give it a try with the intent on returning the driver if it didn't prove its worth. Well, this little guy is now my primary driver around the house and will be enjoying a long and fruitful life here at home. This is an outstanding tool.

First, the DB3DL2 is very light and comfortable in the hand. It drives screws in an out like a banshee, and you get a really respectable service life out of a single charge. I haven't had any problems driving screws for the installation of window blinds or tight electrical box screws. I've also driven large #8 and #6 screws into wall studs with ease. The clutch system on this driver is excellent for the small driving work for which the system was intended -very easy to dial in and find the correct torque release setting.

The LED lighting on the front of the driver is welcome for dark area work, such as cabinet installation or electrical work (where you don't have a power source for illumination). Battery installation and removal is easy, though the visual cues for battery insertion could be better (it's a hit or miss type insertion where you may have to turn the battery a little to find the correct orientation to complete the insertion). Battery charging is straightforward and only takes about an hour. The folding pistol grip is great when you need to quickly change the orientation of the driver for a little more torque, but it easily converts back to a typical straight driver configuration (which I find I use most of the time).

No real issues to report. It has been a super-reliable, very well designed and made driver which has been a welcome new tool and brand to my tool box. I won't hesitate to purchase another Hitachi tool from this point on, and will include Hitachi as another "preferred vendor", along with Bosch and PC. I highly recommend this fine tool.

PROS:

Perfect feel "in hand" light but stout, perfectly sized (even for someone with gargantuan paws such as me), and a great rubberized grip which gives you confidence when holding the driver. Excellent ergonomics

LED lighting on the front which reasonably illuminates the work area. The Bosch does not have such a light, and that was a major factor in my decision to get the DB3DL2.

Excellent clutch system which is ideally set for the light-duty torquing that this driver was intended to do. It works perfectly and is easy to dial in.

Very strong driver when you need it -this little guy can really crank when you need it (especially if you have the clutch set in drill mode).

So far, great battery life and consistent torque and power.

CONS:

I wish there was a way to lock the handle in either "straight" mode or "pistol" mode. While I've not yet run into a situation where the driver has collapsed while in use, it would provide a nice sense of security when really pushing down hard on the driver in "straight" mode.

The battery is round and keyed, and it will only fit into the grip in one way. However, there isn't any immediate visual cue that says "insert this way only" -such as a pair of identical symbols on battery and grip, or an asymmetrical shape which instantly indicates how the battery should be inserted. Not a big deal as you will find the correct rotation of the battery in a few seconds, but it could be improved.

There is a single LED light on the front of the driver, but it is not directly centered on the work area (offset by about an inch). DeWalt puts three lights on their drivers for consistent illumination of the work area from all angles. Adding one or two additional LEDs would really help in this department.

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I purchased this Hitachi screwdriver to replace a Milwaukee 6547-22 2.4-Volt Two Speed Cordless Screwdriver for which I've had to purchase three additional pairs of batteries beside the ones supplied with it. The third replacement set failed after they had only been in use for five months.

Admittedly, I am a very poor steward of batteries I often forget that I have placed them in the charger. Without a near-perfect charger (which experience tells me the Milwaukee is certainly not) NiCad's quickly fail. When subject to the abuse I give them. Again, citing my own experience, LiIon batteries are much more tolerant of the abuse I give them or the currently available chargers are better suited to my form of abuse i.e. I have never had a failed LiIon battery.

The Hitachi screwdriver is almost identically the same size and weight as the Milwaukee but seems to go about three times longer on a freshly charged battery.

They both have the same torque limiting feature and the very handy rocker forward-stop-backward switch and the speed selector switch is in the same place on each. The Hitachi has a positive action bit holder (that I find the be a mixed blessing because I use a magnetic bit holder) and a marginally useful flashlight led.

Hitachi also gives a two-year battery warranty, which may be useful if my prior experience with LiIon batteries does not persist.

On net: The Milwaukee tool has served me well for a very long time and, but for the battery problems, I would never have replaced it in its time, it was a five-star product. I think that the Hitachi screwdriver is a worthy successor.

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I purchased one of these about 2 years ago and have used it daily for my work. This thing is amazing! The adjustable clutch works perfect and even though it's only 3.8v, it will drive in fairly large screws. I have used, abused, and done more with this screwdriver than any other one I have seen. People often comment on it and say "where did you get that"? I think I am going to buy another one just in case they discontinue it.

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I bought this to primarily use for my son and I's R/C hobby, but it has quickly became a go to tool for around the house jobs as well. It beat's pulling out my heavy 19.2 drill. The battery lasts and lasts and when it starts to fade, just swap it out with the spare ( a nice option as some only come with on battery). The batteries charge quickly as well.

The clutch works flawlessly. It's very sensitive and on the lowest setting is perfect for our r/c cars. They go just far enough that I can finish tightening by hand, which I really like.

The only gripe I have, but is in no way a deal breaker, is I wish there was a way to lock it in either pistol or straight. I hope the hinge doesn't wear out, but since I use it 99% of time in pistol, it shouldn't. Also I like having the option to use it as a straight driver. Some lower priced unit's do not offer this.

For the price, this screwdriver cannot be beat. I have used other's priced twice what this one is and there is no way they are worth it. Give the Hitachi a shot and don't look back!