Hitachi KC18DDL 18V Cordless HXP Lithium-Ion 2-Tool Combo Kit

Comments about 18V Cordless HXP Lithium-Ion 2-Tool Combo Kit:

The only thing I don't like about this tool is its color. I like my tools to have an eye-catching color so they don't get left on a jobsite, and these have an almost camoflauge color. Especially bad when laid down in grass if working on a deck or other project outside. I have orange reflective tape on both tools, batteries and the charger to prevent them getting lost.

I've owned this set for 3-4 years now, using them as a professional home remodeler and I can tell you without question it's the most powerful drill and driver I've ever used. Below I reference using these tools with deck screws because that is the most demanding task that a remodeler would routinely use them for.

I've driven thousands upon thousands of 2.5, 3, 3.5, & 4 inch deck screws with these tools. Dewalt's most powerful set doesn't even come close to these (I own a set of Dewalts best too). Even the drill from this set can drive any size deck screw easily. (I typically only use the drill to drive deck screws when the louder noise of the impact driver would be disruptive to homeowners, but the drill is fully capable of driving any size deck screw.)

Just as tests I've driven 4" deck screws into all manner of wood, including old growth chestnut timbers, brazillian ipe, oak timbers, treated timbers (all without predrilling) and the drill never bogs down. Of course you always wanna predrill to prevent the wood from splitting but those were just tests - if those deck screws weren't hardened they would have snapped off during some of those tests. My dewalt drills are incapable of performing those same feats.

The driver is ridiculously powerful and can drive any size deck screw into anything with or without predrilling (always use impact rated bits & extensions in the impact driver - it'll destroy normal bits or extensions within 3 to 5 screws). The impact driver can turn at very high rpms so its best to shoot all your screws with the driver in a production environment where speed is money.

The batteries have an exceptional life, and after using this set professionally in home remodeling for years, the batteries still perform just like new. The chuck on the drill is also high quality, this chuck hasn't worn out like Dewalt chucks are prone to doing, and my hitachi drill also has an all metal chuck -- no plastic. Every professional who has ever seen me use these tools has asked to try them and are amazed by how powerful they are. It's just immediately evident with the first screw you drive with either tool. I recommend this exact set regularly -- its just an exceptional set. One of the best tool purchases I've ever made.

Comments about 18V Cordless HXP Lithium-Ion 2-Tool Combo Kit:

I put these tools on the project the day I got them in. Cut my time on the pier deck by about 4 hours. Enough to buy the tool. Used 3 1/2" stainless square drives in treated 2x8s. The crew asked for another kit of these drill/impact combo. I figured ok since they generated a good profit on the last job.

Comments about 18V Cordless HXP Lithium-Ion 2-Tool Combo Kit:

The only thing (besides the styling) that bothers me at all is the early shut-off from the battery protection circuit. It gives no warning, so it can surprise you sometimes, but, since I use it in a shop, the charger is always very nearby. If that extends battery life, then it's worth it.