macnext wrote:No - only $95.50 at Amazone: CHEAPER
http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-DS18DVF3-18-Volt-Ni-Cad-Cordless/dp/B0009HAHDO

Wrong Drill, Ni-Cad = Old Technology

simonwang wrote:When you talk about bits, do you mean screw driver bits or drill bits? The screw driver bits I don't think will explode since it'll probably strip out the screw before the bit gives out. The drill bits on the other hand probably haven't improved since the 70's so they'll be the same as what you had. Thats why you should ALWAYS wear safety glasses when drilling! Lastly I think you mean bigsky not bluesky? Since they are having 2 Li-ion for $78!
http://bigskytool.com/Hitachi_DS18DSAL_18V_1.5Ah_Lithium_Ion_Slide_Battery_Driver_Drill_(Reconditioned)___i1285.aspx?ref=muelbfhebiup

I meant drill bits, indeed.

I guess I was just wondering if titanium is better than oxide shield is better than black gold is better than...

The prices don't seem that crazy on any of 'em, really, so I was just planning to throw a set in with my bigsky order.

Interesting, this deal may have done more for Big Sky (I got one of theirs too) then for Woot itself. But then this is one of the few times I've seen Woot offer a rather poor value.

sf6864 wrote:Interesting, this deal may have done more for Big Sky (I got one of theirs too) then for Woot itself. But then this is one of the few times I've seen Woot offer a rather poor value.

In fairness to woot, no one has found a NEW drill for less than woot is offering.

The "better values" are all more (with an extra batter), or less (recertified), and so on.

jeffiekins wrote:Wow. This is for the steel-toe-boot crowd. Almost no-one needs a cordless drill this powerful.

I own *two* older Milwaukee 18V hammer drills. Unlike my cheaper drills, they have served me without fail for nearly a decade through many projects and much abuse, including numerous falls. By contrast, my el cheapo Grizzly died when I dropped it 2 feet onto concrete once.

I can't speak to this drill specifically, but I do know that Hitachi generally makes quality power tools. I have one of their sliding compound mitre saws, and it is easily the best mitre saw I have ever used.

alrey wrote:I meant drill bits, indeed.

I guess I was just wondering if titanium is better than oxide shield is better than black gold is better than...

The prices don't seem that crazy on any of 'em, really, so I was just planning to throw a set in with my bigsky order.

The coatings are for different types of materials. Black oxide is a standard coating that adds some lubrication but mainly reduces corrosion.

Titanium coatings also add lubrication but primarily extends the sharpness of the blade by as much as 3x. While they are primarily used for cutting metal they can actually cut anything. This coating has a gold color.

BlackGold looks to be something different altogether. I am not familiar with it.

Bottom line, if you plan to drill through metal other than aluminum, definitely get the titanium. Otherwise the black oxide is just fine.

CharlesP2009 wrote:Oh my gosh! Woot's selling a drill with a Li-ion battery!

Love when woot pulls this crap. I just ordered the one with the nicad battery.

Kickass unit and all the fun that is allowed.
I have a 12VDC unit like this very happy with. I also have 4 Bosch 18VDC units. & 5 corded units and would buy this if I could get it by my sponsor. 43 Hammers, 74 screwdrivers, 3 tablesaws, 4 air-compressors, AND I am just joe homeowner (I GOTS ISSUES)

Purchase this and be free of cords

PEACE

I've had mine for about three years (impact) I have never used a better driver.

mm20 wrote:How do these batteries stack up against the competitors? I've had my eyes on a cordless drill for a while now, but battery life is critical for me.

I learned the hard way, get the Lithium-ion battery (like this one), even if they're a little more money. The nicads just don't last. This is a pretty good deal, but do you really need the flashlight? If you don't need a drill like today, I'd wait for a deal on just the drill.

I actually got a similar set at Lowe's a few weeks ago (mine included a circular saw and sander as well). I also paid $99.99. Aside from the sander (which is 100% useless) I'm happy with mine. I got it for the drill and saw anyway. Battery life is good enough for small jobs, but including 2 is great anyway.

So while this is a decent set of tools, it's no deal. You'll be able to do better with a short trip to your local chain hardware store.

I have this _exact_ kit.

This drill is unstoppable and overly adequate for consumer use. I use the light almost daily (when I take my dogs outside at night) - it's super bright and the batter lasts forever.

The drill itself is comfortable, easy to use, powerful, and it does have a dull LED light to help illuminate your target.

I rarely have to charge these suckers. Highly recommended.

I bought this same Hitachi driver drill as part of a driver / drill combo set last year when I had to assemble a giant swingset with ~500 bolts and screws. This driver drill is just fricking amazing, and the batteries last a loooong time, both in use and between uses. I just ordered one of these as a backup, as I hope to be using these for quite a while.

benconsult wrote:I disagree. I have this very drill, and I find it wimpy and underpowered for most drilling applications. It works ok as a screwdriver, but 18 volts or not, this drill is a dog!

I drill holes every day in ibeam, large holes through heavy headers with a ship-auger, and 7/8 through 2x's. I've never found it to be a "dog". I've found it knocks those out six days a week for more than half a decade. What are you drilling? Anything heavier and you're either going to want a 48v Hilti or go corded.

.

.

Woot...nice pic of topic...!

Ubb9K4 wrote:Did anyone actually froogle this?

I see the same model for $110 NIB with 2 batteries at Sears Outlet (DS18DSAL including the silly flashlite).

http://www.searsoutlet.com/18V-1-2-Driver-Drill-1-5-Ah-Slide-LiIon-460-in-lbs-torque-2/d/product_details.jsp?stxt=23016&md=srh1_md&pn=1&ps=50&pid=43955&mode=seeAll

Add in $10 tax and shipping it comes to $130.

I'd rather have the 2nd battery for the extra $25.

I only froogled the drill earlier:

http://www.woot.com/Forums/ViewPost.aspx?PostID=4606983

For those who like to do their drilling in the dark, WOOT presents a must have package!

don't believe the rumors that Woot will be re-offering the Aug 5 woot at a substantially lower price...really. Go to bed...it's ok

odelljoe wrote:I have two of these - I keep one in my truck and one on the job site - I love them - very well balanced and light wieght - bateries outlast dewalt ion batteries

Thanks for the feedback! Much appreciated!

A lot of people seem to think homeowners don't actually drill anything. Silly people. Get a good drill like this, don't listen to "only a contractor needs...".

1/2", 18v should be considered mandatory. (except Makita, they're magic)

If you want to waste money get this one the battery on Hitachi's are good for nothing (about a year) then forget it. Any by the time you need to replace it you will be out of luck because they will change the model or battery shape.. Go with a DeWalt they have kept the charges and batteries the same year over year and last forever..There is a DeWalt set on Amazon for like $50.00 more with free shipping etc and extra battery..also who uses the stupid flash light any of these company's put in these "KITS"..lol

Did anybody get shipping email? i am still waiting for item to be shipped

ansodaria wrote:Did anybody get shipping email? i am still waiting for item to be shipped

Nothing yet....but today is day 5 - my guess is we'll see it ship today....

2 hours later... Yep just got my email...

alrey wrote:I meant drill bits, indeed.

I guess I was just wondering if titanium is better than oxide shield is better than black gold is better than...

The prices don't seem that crazy on any of 'em, really, so I was just planning to throw a set in with my bigsky order.

While I noticed some chatter about bit types, I didn't actually see a good answer to your question. This is what I am planning to use with MY purchase....

http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-728704-71-Piece-Drilling-Driving/dp/B000LEJGM8/ref=pd_sim_hi_3

just got my shipped email! now for round 2 of the waiting game....

Got mine today. Battery had a charge right out of the box! Going to have to get bits and drivers that can handle it, it puts the Black & Decker to shame.

Seems nice, but mine didn't come with the bit. Guess got screwed there.

I just unpacked mine today, it's intended as a Christmas gift, I wanted to check it out. When I run it on high, any clutch setting, with the screw bit in or not, upon stopping it makes a CLUNK sound and you also feel it - shakes the tool. Sound very unhealthy. Does not happen on low. Do I have a dud I need to deal with? I have little experience with cordless drills but ones I have used have done nothing like this. Any comment from more knowledgeable person is appreciated.

I have this drill. Got it for x-mas. I am VERY happy with it. Hitachi is the best around and the 18 volt is the way to go. Lots of power, lots of features (an LED light for low light conditions) and a great warranty. The flashlight that comes with it is JUST AS AWESOME as the drill because it uses the same battery...mine came with two batterys which comes in handy, for sure. One thing people should know about the type of battery used...when you are using the drill and it runs out of juice, it will just stop. No warning...no decrease in power. Some ppl don't like that, but I do...because it means full power right up until the very last drop. Hope this helps!

Well I went thru the Hitachi site and found a "contact us", and submitted my concern on my CLUNK - on Saturday. Now halfway thru Tuesday and no response. Tomorrow I might swing by the nearest "authorized service center" and see if someone will take a quick look for me, maybe give me some options. Otherwise it will have to go back. It's heavy, shipping won't be cheap.

This makes 25% of evenything I have bought on Woot defective, meaning I have to be screwing around in some way to get it handled and probably out some money with nothing to show for it. Logitech, to their credit, sent me a new mouse after an email, all they wanted was a scanned receipt, did not even want the dud mouse. Flip video basically flipped me off - no loss in that junk being discontinued. And Hitachi can't be bothered to respond, sorry, not impressed. I think I am done with Woot, savings (net of the shipping) just do not justify the BS, and it's becoming very obvious that the lot of products sold is more prone to flaws than stuff purchased via more typical venues.

stevematlbch wrote:I just unpacked mine today, it's intended as a Christmas gift, I wanted to check it out. When I run it on high, any clutch setting, with the screw bit in or not, upon stopping it makes a CLUNK sound and you also feel it - shakes the tool. Sound very unhealthy. Does not happen on low. Do I have a dud I need to deal with? I have little experience with cordless drills but ones I have used have done nothing like this. Any comment from more knowledgeable person is appreciated.

hi steve, that's a feature called an electronic brake and is a common feature among drills. Personally, i think it serves 2 basic functions, you don't have to wait for the drill to stop moving before moving it, and it won't over tighten a screw or something. The brake is there on both the low and high speed setting its just that the high setting has so much more RPMs that its got to work faster and harder. I'm not a drill expert, just wanted to share my experiences. Hope this helps!

syobwoc wrote:hi steve, that's a feature called an electronic brake and is a common feature among drills. Personally, i think it serves 2 basic functions, you don't have to wait for the drill to stop moving before moving it, and it won't over tighten a screw or something. The brake is there on both the low and high speed setting its just that the high setting has so much more RPMs that its got to work faster and harder. I'm not a drill expert, just wanted to share my experiences. Hope this helps!

Thanks for the info. I found a phone number and called Hitachi and they told me, that with a defect out of the box, they would tell me to return to the seller, no other option. Now as far as this CLUNK goes, it is extremely pronounced, but I have a contractor (remodeling) friend and I will show to him asap and go by what he says. Let's face it, it has the warranty so things should be ok regardless. It's just when I give a gift I want it to be right, and not something that has to be carted off to a service center right away or after minimal use. I'm less than impressed with Hitachi, had to dig for a phone number, when I got one it was just for TV's and stuff but they gave me the tool number. Not knowing what brand to prefer in power tools, Dewalt, Makita, and Milwalkee just zoomed by Hitachi in my book. And I read a lot of reviews of this drill on Amazon - it gets 4.5 rating because it either works great, or has some major defect right off, or a quick failure - at a higher rate than you would expect (1 in 15 or so it would appear). No one complaining about this issue though.

Great tool, great deal!