Hitachi WH10DFL

Coming into this new class of tool, the Hitachi WH10DFL 12V Peak Lithium Ion Micro Impact Driver may be exactly the right new tool the wood shop worker or DIY homeowner may need for jobs in the shop and around the house. It is lightweight at only 2.2 lbs. powered by a 10.8V (12V Peak) lithium ion battery and uses the familiar compact quick change 1/4” hex chuck for simple bit replacements. The big draw to these tools is torque and the fact that the impact will drive a screw into hardwood without snapping it off or stripping it. I have several of these types of guns ranging from big 18 volt models to several 12 volt and now this little 12 volt peak which is actually about a 10.8 volt impact driver under load. Note that all cordless tools now marketed as 12V Peak, or 12v Max are still the actual 10.8V batteries under load they have always been. I chose this one for its combination of light weight, compact size, comfortable grip and great balance in my hand..

Here are the specifications on this driver:

Chuck Size----------------------- 1/4” Hex

Torque--------------------------- 840 in/lbs.

No-Load Speed------------------- 0-2,500 RPM

Impact Rate---------------------- 0-3,000 BPM

LED Light------------------------ Yes

Battery Type--------------------- Lithium Ion

Battery Capacity---------------- 1.5 Ah

Voltage--------------------------- 12V Peak

Handle Circumference---------- 5-1/8”

Length---------------------------- 5-15/16”

Weight--------------------------- 2.2 lbs.

I find this driver excels at almost every single application I have asked it to perform. In the course of my testing, the tool has assembled subwoofer cabinets out of ¾ inch MDF, and a cedar picket fence driving over 100 1-5/8 inch screws into western red cedar fence boards on a single charge. I also liked it for use with pocket hole joinery because it’s compact size allowed me to fit into some difficult tight areas. On a big drywall installation job the driver shined, as it was able to charge a battery as fast as I was able to run them dead. This 2.2 pound impact is nice and light allowing you to work over your head for long periods of time with minimal fatigue.

One feature I love on this tool is the selectivity of the trigger, one of the very best I have ever seen in any drill or driver. The trigger is so selective you can make the drill crawl along at a slow rate, or a medium pace, or wide open; simply feather the trigger and it responds better than any trigger I have used. Another great feature is the LED light which is in the right place and is more effective than on many other drivers or drills. On Hitachi the light is pointed right at the bit, not just forward.

Lastly, with 840-inch pounds of torque this little driver that could, does and does well. This is enough to drive a carriage bolt, lag screw, or deck screw so if you have been holding out for a less expensive more comfortable solution to driving screws and bolts this is what you have been waiting for. The WH10DFL micro impact driver is a real joy to use. It’s become my go to driver in the shop. The kit sells for around $120 and comes with a driver, carrying case, 2 lithium ion batteries and a quick charger. Currently there is a Lifetime Warranty on all Hitachi Lithium Ion power tools and batteries have a 2 year guarantee. This little gem gets 5 out of 5 stars on my 5 star performance scale. It is definitely a winner.