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Hitachi - WH12DM2 Cordless Impact Driver

This cordless driver from Hitachi can drive 250 2-in. screws into 2x4 studs and still keep going

$250.00 (As of 7/1/2004)

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Editor's Review: 12v Impact Driver: My New Best Friend

by Gary M. Katz review date: July 1, 2004

At first glance, the Hitachi WH12DM2 looks like a toy, but this tool rocks. The Hitachi's torque is rated at 1060 in.-lb., and it turns from 0 to 2600 rpm. But there's more to this tool than ratings. A couple of years ago, when I reviewed impact drivers for Fine Homebuilding (FHB #148), most of the batteries died after driving 250 1-5/8-in. screws into 2x4 studs. Using the new Hitachi, I drove even bigger screws (2 in.) and got up to 250 with the battery still going strong.

After I used the Hitachi for a month and then let others borrow it, the motor felt and sounded like new. Features include a no-slip grip, an easy-to-use forward/reverse switch, and a sensitive trigger. It turns almost 0 rpm, which is important for impact drivers. Torque is controlled by using slow speed and by feathering the trigger off/on.

It was the Hitachi's belt hook, however, that won me over. It rotates, making it easy to clip to your tool belt. It also rotates for another reason: so that you can position a tiny penlight mounted in the tip of the hook, say, onto the head of a screw in a dark corner.

Editor Test Results:

Overall Rating	N/A
Runout	N/A
Ergonomics/Balance	Very good
Endurance on a Single Charge	Over 250 2-in. screws into 2x4 studs
Torque	1,060 in./lb.
Chuck/Transmission Quality	N/A

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer	Hitachi
Manufacturer's Web Site	www.hitachi.us/hpt
Manufacturer's Phone Number	800-829-4752
Weight	3.5 lb.
Dimensions	N/A
Chuck Type	N/A
Clutch Settings	N/A
Chuck Capacity	N/A
Speed	0 to 2,600 rpm
Volts	12
Recharge Time	N/A
Battery Type	Ni-Cd
Accessories	N/A

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