Popular Woodworking 2001-06 № 122, страница 13
Endurance Test Hitachi FDS10DVACordless Drill KitI first wrote nice things about this drill/flashlight set in our very first e-mail newsletter in May 1999 (visit www.popu-larwoodworking.com to subscribe for free). I've been using the tool since November 1998, and it still deserves a place of honor in my shop. It's not the most powerful 9.6v drill on the market, but I paid $85 for it two years ago, and the darn thing is great. The model FDS10DVA has plenty of power for any household chore and everything but the most demanding workshop applications. It has all the features of a much more expensive tool, and it comes with an adjustable-head flashlight that is better than many stand-alone flashlights. After two years of use the set is holding up well. Even after hundreds of charges, the batteries still take and hold a good charge, and the gears still perform well on all the clutch and speed settings. I've dropped the thing I don't know how many times, and I've finally managed to crack one of the battery casings, though the battery still functions fine. Though I've not had any SPECIFICATIONS: Model FDSI0DVA Drill/Driver & Flashlight Street Price: $75 - $85 Battery: 9.6 volt, 1.2 amp hour (2) RPM: 0-280/0-850 Max. torque: 130 inch-lbs. Clutch settings: 5 Charger time: 1 hour Weight: 3.3 lbs. Chuck: 3/8" keyless Brake: Yes Nice Features: • Great price, flashlight, two batteries, two speeds, electronic brake, quality construction, only five clutch settings Recommended Modifications: • Add a soft skin for improved grip • Beef-up the forward/reverse switch Hitachi: 800-706-7337, or www.hitachi.com problems with it, the forward/reverse switch seems a little fragile, and the plastic skin of the drill can be slippery in the cold or when wet. And lastly, the battery's footprint is a little small, which makes this drill tricky to balance on your bench when you set it down. Save yourself some frustration and learn to set it down on its side instead of on the battery. In all, however, these are minor quibbles that shouldn't stop you from purchasing this set. What should stop you from purchasing this drill is if you have unrealistic expectations. I recently read a review of this tool on the Internet by a guy who was pleased with his purchase but was disappointed with the drill's performance when using a masonry bit. Let me clear this up. No 9.6-volt cordless drill should be used with a masonry bit. To expect that of this or any other low-voltage cordless drill is just silly. However, if you're looking for a drill up to the task of drilling up to 1/2" holes in wood, driving home a good number of 2" x #8 screws, or just putting together a piece of knockdown furniture from the store, a 9.6-volt drill is a fine choice. And as 9.6-volt drills go, the Hitachi FDS10DVA is a great performer at an amazing price. At press time, I went online and found this drill/driver kit for sale at Coastal Tool (www.coastaltool.com) for $75 plus $5 shipping — the lowest price we've seen. PW — David Thiel Photo by Al Parrish ABOUT OUR ENDURANCE TESTS It's nice to know how a new tool performs, but most woodworkers also want to know how long the tool will last. Each issue we tell you about tools that have stood up to regular use in our shop for at least a year.We tell you how the tools have fared,any recommendations we have and if the tools have passed the Popular Woodworking Endurance Test. —David Thiel, senior editor 13 Popular Woodworking June 2001 |
