Did I make a bad choice? Impact Drivers
Well after much research I finally bought a new Impact driver. The reason for this posting is I’m not sure I made the right choice.
I own two Panasonic drills (12v and 15.6v) which I love using and fine very comfortable in my hand. I fully planed on buying the Panasonic impact (12v) so I could us the batteries and charger interchangeably with my drill.
That was until I went to my local tool supplier and handled them. The older 12v (#6506) was ok however it had only a limit of 860lbs.of torque, no light and no belt holder. The newer model (#7201) has more power (1060 lbs) 2 speed ranges, a light and a belt clip. It also has 3.5 ah Ni-MH batteries while the older model has 3.0. It sounded like the tool I wanted.
So why I did I end up coming home with the new Hitachi impact WH12DM2?
The Hitachi just fits so perfectly in my hand. The ergonomics are perfect. The Panasonics, especially the newer one, felt very cramped and uncomfortable. I don’t have especially large hands but for some reason the Panasonics grip area seems very small and binding. I have since read where other reviews have found the same to be true.
The specs on the Hitachi are almost identical to the newer Panasonic. The only real difference is the Hitachi comes with 2 ah Nicad batteries. There is still much debate over which is better Ni-MH or Nicad for power tools so I didn’t feel that should be the deciding factor.
I guess my question after all this mumbo-jumbo is, would you rather have convenience or comfort (assuming the same preformance) in your tools?
Replies
I'd rather have the Panasonic for a lot of reasons, but one of the biggest is the NiMH batteries.
To each their own I suppose. Impacts rock in just about any brand. I bet you will still be happy with yours in a year or two.
I am defiantly no expert in battery technology but from what I have read regarding the advantages of NiMH vs Nicad is this
Battery life during usage NiMH has a huge advantage, 50% more run time. Also for being environmentally friendly the NiMH is superior.
As far as number of times a battery can be recharged the Nicad is almost double, and the shelf life of a charged battery not in use is also longer with the Nicad. The Nicads are also much less expensive to replace when needed. I have even read where some guys are removing the NiMH cells from the casing when exhausted and replacing them with Nicad.
I am only repeating what I have read by some “battery experts†out there. I would hope someone with more knowledge on the subject might give some better insight. My point here is if these things are true then the battery debate becomes less important when making a choice like the Panasonic vs Hitachi impact driver
I buy what's comfortable and gets the job done ...
what's the convience of having a sore hand all day?
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
Bob,
I have the Panasonic 15.6v and love it. However, one of the primary reasons for my passion is the option of using a 1/2" square drive, 1/4" hex drive, or a keyless chuck; With this system, I can very quickly swap back and forth as the need arises. Many of the other impact drivers I looked at lacked the versatility of the Panasonic.
Use your Hitachi and enjoy it - life's too darned short to spend your time suffering from buyer's remorse!
-Jazzdogg-
Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
Relax your going to be fine with what you got!! I have the mikati 12V version and its great batts last all day.
I have the Hitachi and I love it.
Only reason I bought it is because Bosch hadn't come out with one yet.
I love my Hitachi too. Fit is the best I've ever had in a drill of any kind. I have pretty big hands, and the Hitachi handle is quite slim, but it works for me. The balance point of the tool is exactly at the trigger. It feels like an extension of my hand at times.
NiMH batteries are done after 300-400 charge-discharge cycles at best. Of course, Panasonic is a battery manufacturer....
Wally
The Hitachi just fits so perfectly in my hand.
Yep, can't beat that with a stick.
First cordless drill I ever bought was a Bosch 12 volt specifically because of that. Like a glove, weight and balance was right, ease of accessing the reverse/forward button with index finger and thumb, no coarse seam on the handle. Bought several more after that.
Now I look at the new model Bosch 14.4. Looks and feels chinsied down. Might end up switching over to Panasonic's line.
be concerned
Thanks everyone for the input.
I am extremely happy with the Hitachi’s performance, I guess I just felt like I was cheating on an old girlfriend when I didn’t buy Panasonic this time.
You guys said it best about the handling of the Hitachi that it fits so perfect in my hand. It is the best-balanced tool I have owned. I would have liked the Panasonic to feel the same way, but only for the ability to use the same charger.
Thanks again
Bob
The Hitachi is a great little driver. I cannot say that the Panasonic batteries may not last longer, but I CAN say you will be very happy with the Hitachi!