Sponsored Links

Hitachi DB3DL

*Est. $65

Reviewed August 2009
Hitachi DB3DL

Best cordless screwdriver

pros
  • Clutch
  • 10-year warranty
  • Two lithium-ion batteries
cons
  • Only for driving small screws
  • Some reports of clutch problems
 
 
Where to Buy
 
 
 

Average Customer Review

(58 customer reviews)

for $65.70

Search Reviews

Small & Powerful, November 16, 2009

I had been looking for a replacement for my old Craftsman electric screwdriver that was a workhorse on dozens of projects through the years. I saw this Hitachi in the stores but it was at that time over priced but then the pice came down. I was pulled to it due to it's slim profile and the major advantage of being Li-Ion. This little guy is exactly what the doctor ordered for a compact workhorse doing small jobs around the house! I have my own business and it works execellent for all those misc things that have to be fixed, fastned, or drilled. I only wish it had a wall mount/charger to make easier to grab, going into a case can be cumbersome when you want to grab it and fix something quick. I highly recommend this cordless driver.

expand

collapse

Great little tool, August 18, 2009

I have owned and used this little tool for several years now and if it fell apart today I would buy another one. It is so light, dependable, tough and easy to carry. I would recommend this Hitachi Screwdriver to everyone. I have dropped it from second story buildings, used it to hammer in drywall anchors, drill masonry holes in brick and it just keeps on going. Also my little 2 year old boy uses it to play with and if he can't tear it up it must be good.

expand

collapse

Driver drill, July 16, 2009
I'm very happy with this item. it performs as expected and more so. I expect many years of reliable service from this product. The Li-ion batteries are the key and replacement batteries are very reasonable.
Perfect tool for small jobs, June 28, 2009

I bought this driver because I got tired of hauling out the much larger one just to change a few screws (or whatever). It's a lot more convenient in areas where the larger driver wouldn't fit easily. The torque control helps me avoid stripping screw heads when a screw sticks in a tight space. The ergonomics feel good so far--having an articulated handle makes this driver a lot easier to use than a regular screwdriver. I haven't owned it long enough to fully test the lithium ion batteries, but I'm assuming they will be a better alternative than nickel cadmium.

expand

collapse

Works great, June 27, 2009

This tool works perfect for my use. It replaced a NicD one I bought from Home Depot. Sure it was only $15 on sale but I had to charge the batteries in a short time. This tool also has the lock chuck that I find as a great help. Nothing worse than dropping a bit in a computer. I like that I have an off/on switch for the light. My Ryobi impact driver turns the light on once the tool is turning? The batteries charge quickly and last long enough for me. An important feature for me is being able to straighten it out. Many times I need to reach between some shelves or brackets and can not reach the fasteners properly with a pistol grip only machine.

expand

collapse

Where To Buy
 
 

Hitachi DB3DL 3.6-Volt Li-Ion Cordless Driver Drill

 (58 customer reviews)
Buy new: $148.89 $63.43   22 New from $63.43

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

 
 
 

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

This review compares the Hitachi DB3DL cordless screwdriver with seven other models, as part of a larger report on cordless drills. Based on earlier tests published in December 2007, each screwdriver gets separate ratings for speed, power, runtime, battery-charging time, noise and ease of handling.

Review: Cordless Drills, Impact Drivers, Cordless Combo Kits, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, June 2009

2. PopularMechanics.com

This review at Popular Mechanics of nine cordless screwdrivers gives the Hitachi DB3DL top ranking, based on tests of drilling holes, driving screws of various sizes, and overall comfort and ease of use. Minor drawbacks include an inconveniently placed trigger and a body hinge with too much give.

Review: Balance of Power: Best Cordless Screwdrivers: Comparison Test, Roy Berendsohn, June 2007

3. Wired.com

The Hitachi DB3DL ranks second to the Bosch PS10-2 I-Driver in this Wired review of four cordless screwdrivers, but costs much less. Testers find it capable and comfortable, with a good LED light, but find the side-mounted trigger hard to reach and the speed-selector switch hard to keep in gear.

Review: Test: Workhorse Cordless Screwdrivers, Chuck Cage, May 22, 2007

4. Tools of the Trade

This Tools of the Trade overview recommends the Hitachi DB3DL cordless screwdriver for light tasks such as installing cabinet hinges and switch-plate covers. The review also praises the clutch, two speeds and flexible folding handle. Rick Schwolsky and Michael Springer say the lower handle could be longer, with more overmolding.

Review: Lithium-Ion Hands On, Rick Schwolsky and Michael Springer, Jan. 17, 2007

5. J.D. Power and Associates

Hitachi ranks third in this large J.D. Power and Associates customer-satisfaction survey of 10 cordless drill brands, well above the industry average. The rankings are based on six factors, with drill performance most important, followed by ease of use, battery performance, price, versatility of battery system and warranty.

Review: Cordless Drill Owners Particularly Pleased with Lithium Ion Battery Technology, Editors of J.D. Power and Associates, June 5, 2008

6. Amazon.com

Over 50 owners review the Hitachi DB3DL cordless screwdriver at Amazon.com, giving it a high average rating. Owners say it's convenient, comfortable and capable, but about 11 percent report eventual problems with the clutch, and a few complain that the chuck is hard to tighten on bits.

Review: Hitachi DB3DL 3.6-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Driver Drill, Contributors to Amazon.com

7. Toolbarn.com

Only a couple owner reviews are listed for the Hitachi DB3DL cordless screwdriver at ToolBarn.com, both giving it high recommendations for small tasks where a big drill/driver just gets in the way.

Review: Hitachi DB3DL 3.6 Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Screwdriver, Contributors to ToolBarn.com

Cordless Drills Runners Up:

Bosch PS20-2A Pocket Driver *Est. $100

10 picks including: Amazon.com, American Woodworker…

Panasonic EY6432GQKW *Est. $200

7 picks including: Amazon.com, Popular Woodworking…

Bosch PS40-2A *Est. $150

7 picks by top review sites.

Ridgid R86006 *Est. $200

5 picks by top review sites.

Skil iXO3 *Est. $45

5 picks including: Amazon.com, Wood Magazine…

Ryobi P844 Kit *Est. $300

4 picks by top review sites.

Makita BDF451 LXT *Est. $300

3 picks including: Amazon.com, J.D. Power & Associates…

Festool C12 *Est. $375

3 picks by top review sites.

Milwaukee 2401-22 *Est. $100

3 picks by top review sites.

Sears Craftsman 11542 *Est. $100

2 picks including: ToolMonger.com, Sears.com…

Ryobi HJP001K *Est. $80

2 picks including: HomeDepot.com, The Power Tool Geek…

Ryobi P230 *Est. $70 w/o battery

2 picks by top review sites.

     
 
image
Bosch PS20-2A 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Pocket Driver with 2 Batteries
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $101.47   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
     
 
image
Panasonic EY6432GQKW 15.6-Volt NiMH 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $193.49   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
     
 
image
Bosch PS40-2A 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Impact Driver
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $127.99   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
     
   
 
 
 
     
 
image
Skil iXO3 2346-05 3.6-Volt Li-Ion Cordless Driver
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $47.23   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
     
 
image
Makita BDF451 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Driver-Drill Kit
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $288.88   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
     
 
image
Milwaukee 2401-22 12V 12-Volt Li-ion Sub-Compact Driver Kit
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $99.00   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
     
 
image
New Ryobi One+ P230 1/4" Impact Driver (Bare Tool, No Battery)
Buy from Amazon.com
from Amazon.com
New: $55.80   
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
Sponsored Links

Back to top