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Cordless drills & tool kits

Hitachi DB3DL
Hitachi-DB3DL-Cordless drill & tool kit-image
Approximate retail price:
$66.00
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Summary: This 3.6-volt cordless screwdriver from Hitachi has a 1/4-inch chuck and two speed ranges. It comes with two Li-Ion batteries and a smart charger.
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Community icon12 people have reviewed this model.
Type: Cordless screwdrivers
About - Hitachi DB3DL

The Hitachi DB3DL is part of the cordless drill & tool kit test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, cordless drill models like the DB3DL are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.


Speed:
Speed of drilling and driving screws.

Power:
Twisting force for tightening and loosening.

Run time:
This reflects how much work the drill can perform per battery charge, as measured on a dynamometer.
About This Brand

Hitachi cordless drills are geared to the contractor market and are available in multiple sizes, weights, and voltages. Hitachi cordless drills are widely available online, in hardware stores, and at Lowe’s.

Features & Specs - Hitachi DB3DL
info Battery type Li
info Battery recharge time (in minutes) 30
info Speed ranges 2
More features and specs
User Reviews - Hitachi DB3DL
Consumer Reports User Reviews
Already own it? Write a review
By from
 
1.0
Poor Quality, Lack of Variable Speed
2/14/2011
Pros
Good Battery Power
No Bit Slippage
Cons
Lacks Variable Speed
LED light worthless
Poor Quality
Ridiculous Appearance
Best Uses
Screwdriver
Comment:
I bought this to replace my B&D when its ancient technology NiCad battery (non replaceable) developed a memory. Initially, I liked the product, although the LED light is next to useless, and it is easy to forget that it is on. After a year or so, the on/off switch became balky. I was about to have the switch replaced, but the clutch began slipping. Now it is in a landfill somewhere.
By from
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
 
4.0
Very Satisfied.
9/23/2010
Pros
Compact
Easy To Use
Ergonomic Design
Good Battery Power
No Bit Slippage
Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
All Around
Frequent Use
Gifts
Overhead/Tight Spaces
Comment:
This is designed for light to medium work, but it has held up under my occasional abuse. It is actually more powerful than expected, especially when using a freshly recharged battery. Do not try to unlock bolts and screws--use wrenches or other heavier tools--then use this to quickly back out or screw in. Fast recharge and decent charge life. All features are used and appreciated.
By from
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
 
3.0
great tool - weak construction - horible
8/27/2010
Pros
Compact
Easy To Use
Ergonomic Design
Cons
Best Uses
Comment:
no help on repair from hitachi now they require receipt..... wont use date of manufacture. so much for 10 year warranty... dont drop or get it damp.
Other User Reviews
 
4.0

(based on 3 reviews)

By
User has 3 of experience with this product
 
3.0
06/10/2008
Strength
Small size, good performance, god battery ife
Weakness
none
This is a very good product. Hitachi has come a long way with there tool line. This driver performs well, a little under powered compared to the newer screwdriver offerings from other manufactures but nonetheless a good household tool.
By
User has 2 Days of experience with this product
 
4.0
03/14/2008
Strength
Price, two batteries, 30 minute charge time. Small form factor
Weakness
Does not include any bits or nut drivers
I did a lot of research with friends of mine who are contractors and they always referred me the Milwaukee which has been the benchmark for power screwdrivers for years. Best price we could find is $85 for the Milwaukee with the charger. Best price for the Hitachi was $45... but it wasn't price that sold me on the Hitachi, it was the lithium-ion battery which they gave not one, but two!!!! The Milwaukee uses the old school nickel cadmium which dies after a few years are expensive to replace.From a future standpoint is dramatically more robust, more clutch settings, a built-in light, additional battery included in the price 30 minute charge time was enough to seal the deal.Only downside is that I had to go out and find a bit and socket set because Hitachi does not include any. But a quick stop at the hardware store and $15 fixed that.Since I only use this for like hobby and households use this is more than enough power screwdriver for me.
By
User has 2 Months of experience with this product
 
5.0
01/27/2008
Strength
Lightweight, Flexibility, Light
Weakness
None
After reading other reviews on the Hitachi DB3DL Screwdriver I decided to try it out. I already had a lithium ion from Ryobi and Black&Decker. There is much to like about the Hitachi. Even at only 3.6 volts and weighing less than 1 pound, it provides 44 in/lbs of torque. I have used it to drive sheetrock screws into solid pine wood. I have learned to appreciate the LED light and now find myself regularly using it. A big advantage it has over my other lithium screwdrivers is that it comes with two removable lithium batteries. The batteries charge fast and seem to a long time. The physical flexibility of the screwdriver (angled or straight) along with the forward/reverse button make it easy to use for many different applications and access limited areas. I liked my first one so well, I bought another.
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