Anybody have experience with Hitachi power tools?

[thirdgenlxi]

I've been looking to buy a 1/2" drive cordless impact to use at work (I wanted one before at my old job, but even more so at the new one). Snap-On guy was $500+ for theirs just for the 1/2" drive, but I went to that used tool place over in Athens today and he had a Hitachi 18v 1/2" drive cordless impact with 2 batteries, charger, case, ect for $200. It was very very clean and looked damn near brand new, or very lightly used.

I'm not necessarily brand specific... though most of the stuff in my toolbox is Snap-On and Matco simply because we got their tool trucks every week so it was convienent if I needed to buy something quick or get something replaced under warranty. But as long as it's good quality I really don't care about the specific brand... I know Snap-On you're paying alot just for the name, but I just want something that isn't going to fall apart on me from daily use.

I've never used Hitachi stuff before though. So... anybody have experience with their power tools?? Yay or nay?? This guy takes trades too and I've got an almost new circular saw that I've only used a few times and a brand new package of blades, I could probably get the price down some

This is the one here.....

http://www.acetoolonline.com/Hitachi...it-wr18dmr.htm

[Flexin]

The only thing I can tell you is that when I had my detail shop I was looking for a better buffer. A lot of people recommended the Hitachi to me. I read a lot of reviews on them and most were positive. I didn't end up buying one before closing the shop. I just didn't have the money. I still want to buy one.

James

[ericr]

Hitachi makes good power tools. Cordless drills are good, used to use them at an old job and they lasted. I've had good luck with DeWalt too.

[Digifox]

Hitatchi + Power tools should not mix!!!!

Seriously...they make phone systems....
:dunno:

But if they are as good as the phones then they is the shizzel

[JoshuaTree]

Makita LXT Li-Ion FTMFW!

I work as an electrician. I use my LXT drill every day (the "compact"/white body one - its a bit lighter than the 'heavy duty' ones). Almost everyone in my company has ditched DeWalt in favor of the Makita, and the battery packs (both 1.5Ah and 3.0Ah) charge in much less time than any other system.

[Amber Lamps]

I use an impact every day. The best I've ever owned is a Panasonic that I bought 8 years ago and I still use it. It's been dropped,the case is cracked and it will still drive 1/2 concrete anchors home and break loose tire lugs.

To the question at hand,I've used Hitachi power tools a few times and they are not bad. Whoever said Hitachi shouldn't make tools is stupid and doesn't know anything. Hitachi is one of the largest corporations in the world and makes everything from cranes to dime sized super magnets. My main advice is that you stay away from used battery operated tools unless you get a mega deal. The tool may be in good shape but the batteries may have been misused and at the end of their lives. In my experience,replacing the batteries is much more expensive than buying a whole new set. Also,stay away from NiCad and get NiMH or Li batteries. They last longer,deliver more consistent power and don't develop "memory" as easily.

At work we have/had;
Bosch-works good,expensive,tough,Li battery
DeWalt-junk,NiCad battery,fragile,heavy
Craftsman-junk,cheap,buy the warranty!
Panasonic-works good,short warranty,tough,EXPENSIVE,NiMH battery
Makita-works ok but low on torque,Li battery,light,small
Rigid-works good,is inexpensive,Li battery,lifetime warranty,light
Hitachi-works ok,light,ok torque,decent price


Here's some ideas,
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...3+90401+529793

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...3+90401+527286

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...3+90401+501763

http://www.cpoprotools.com/products/zrr964.html

Now some of these have a 1/4 style "chuck" but you can get adapters cheap to make it accept 1/4,3/8 or 1/2" sockets.

[Cutty72]

I'm a fan of DeWalt and Mac myself. Just what I have experience with.

[RCM78]

If Bosch makes what you want I would look at it. Bosch makes good stuff. But stay away from there Skill line. It's made for homeowner use.

[Flexin]

Originally Posted by Digifox

Hitatchi + Power tools should not mix!!!!

Seriously...they make phone systems....
:dunno:

But if they are as good as the phones then they is the shizzel

Hitachi also makes heavy equipment. I have operated a few of them and they are great machines.

James

[thirdgenlxi]

Cool.... Thanks everyone for the replies! I went ahead and bought it tonight.... too good of a deal to pass up I think. I went over there to look at it again, turns out it's a factory refurbished (which I usually find to be better than the original new products), and comes with the factory warranty (the dude there said 6 months, but the warranty stuff that came with it says 5 years). Either way, great price and it feels very solid, so we'll see. I traded in a circular saw, orbital sander, and a package of saw blades I had laying around the house here that I hadn't used in years, and got $37.50 credit, so this ended up being $162. Not too bad I don't think





I'm fully charging the first battery now, and taking it into work tomorrow.... we'll see how it does