I've tried very hard to like this drill, but it just isn't as functional and easy to use as it should be. I purchased this drill rebuilt at an attractive price from an authorized Hitachi rebuilder, and it arrived just as if it was new.
I primarily needed a right angle to make quick easy holes in studs and joists for electrical work; one of the most common needs for such a drill. Amazon's description specifically says this drill is well suited for electrical and plumbing applications - it isn't.
I usually drill 3/4" or 1" holes using auger bits. In order to drill these larger holes you need a slow speed to start and gradually ramp up your power & speed until you achieve optimal drilling. You just cannot efficiently do that with this drill, since the variable speed dial and the slide switch are independent. It is very difficult to adjust the speed dial with one hand and simultaneously try to hold the drill, hold the slide switch ON, and drill your hole. You really need both hands on the drill for larger holes for one thing. And even if you are nimble and strong enough to do all of that, it often won't work because the bit needs a running start, so to speak, in order to power through the wood. If you try to drill a large hole with a fast initial speed, the bit will bite and stop, and you will either break a bone or get your hand crushed as the drill body rotates with your hand on it (make sure you do not have the switched locked ON - use the safety ON position for such holes, which will turn the drill off as soon as you release the switch; hopefully before your hand is crushed too bad). A previous reviewer experienced the same problems using an auger bit, and he switched to spade/paddle bits with better results. I'll give that a try but it takes longer for spade bits to drill through - I wanted something that would work well with auger bits, for quick, easy & safe holes.
The frustrating thing is that this drill seems to be high quality and it does have plenty of power, even for larger holes. This is why I still gave it 3 stars. But it REALLY REALLY needs a variable speed slide switch, otherwise drilling larger holes is a chore, and unsafe.
I suspect that with smaller diameter bits, this drill would be much more functional. You can probably start right out with your optimal drill speed and not have to adjust speeds and/or worry about the bit biting/stopping and having your hand crushed. But since a common use of a right angle drill is for larger augured holes for electrical and plumbing, I feel that Hitachi made a big mistake by not having a variable speed switch and/or by not giving warning that the drill is not suited well for large diameter bits.
(15 customers reviews)
Customers Rating=4.5 / 5.0
More Detail For Hitachi D10YB 4.6 Amp 3 8 Inch Right Angle Drill
- Right angle drill with 4.6 Amp motor ideal for tight-corner, plumbing, and electrical applications
- Dial-in speed control for 500 to 2,300 RPM with load
- Durable cast-aluminum gear housing; slide switch with lock-on trigger
- Includes industrial 3/8-inch chuck, chuck key, and removable side handle
- Weighs 3.3 pounds; 5-year limited warranty
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