Hitachi DS12DVF3 12-Volt Ni-Cad 3/8-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

This 12-volt two-speed drill/driver has a two-piece magnet motor and a 22-position clutch that together put an impressive 230 in./lbs. of torque in your hand so you can effortlessly drive screws into the hardest woods. The two-speed transmission is controlled with a one-touch button on top of the tool body, giving you the choice of 0 to 350 or 0 to 1,050 rpm, and operations are smooth at either speed. The 3/8-inch chuck is keyless, of course, for super-easy bit changes, and the jaws grab and hold the bit securely with zero runout.

We're always on the lookout for easy battery changes, and this one qualifies, because it's easy to disengage and slides off without a struggle. It's a good choice for smaller hands, and not just for the easy battery removal: the whole drill weighs just 3.3 pounds and measures up at not quite 8 inches long. The grip is extremely comfortable and again, great for smaller hands. Balance is perfect, and we can imagine working overhead for hours with this drill without strain. It maneuvers perfectly into the tightest spots, places that beefy 18-volters just can't go.

The belt hook is a nice feature, with five angles to choose from: 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 degrees. We like the bit set that comes with this package, too, and have found Hitachi bits to be reliable and durable over the long run. The flashlight also is a nice addition, and it runs off the same battery as the drill. The beam is powerful and the light stands independently, and you can't ask for more than that. Finally, Hitachi's got one of the best warranties, with 5-year coverage. This is a set you won't regret buying. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

What's in the Box
Drill/driver, flashlight, two batteries, quick charger, carrying case, bits

The Hitachi Story
Hitachi was founded in 1910 as an electrical machinery repair shop by Japanese entrepreneur Namihei Odaira. Since then, Hitachi has grown into a global company operating in industries ranging from tools to computing. The company's flagship office remains in Japan, but it has offices all over the world.

Hitachi's history in the power tools business really got started in 1948 with the launch of Hitachi Koki, an electric power tool manufacturing unit designed to meet Hitachi's growing industrial needs. Hitachi Koki pushed the envelope few key areas, most notably high-speed motor, precision machining, and electronic control technologies. In 1973, Hitachi Koki began exporting tools to markets worldwide.

Hitachi Koki's goal from the start was to eventually produce and sell all of its products locally. In 1980, it launched Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A to market tools in the United States (it didn't start producing tools in the U.S. until 1994). During the 80s, Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A. built its reputation for quality on the success of its pneumatic framing nailer and sliding compound miter saws. At the same time, it poured resources into research and development in other areas, leading it to a number of firsts power tool technology. Hitachi pioneered the sliding compound miter saw, cordless impact driver, collated automatic screw driver, pneumatic concrete nailer, cordless screw driver, metal stud cutter, portable rebar cutter/bender, 10-minute rapid charger, 2.0, 2.2, and 2.4 Ah Ni-Cad batteries, 3.0 Ni-MH batteries, and the use of rare earth magnet motors in cordless tools.

Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A. was renamed Hitachi Koki U.S.A. in 1994 to denote the addition of manufacturing to the United States. Today, it sells more than 1000 models of electric power tools, focusing on compact/high out-put motor technology. The company has obtained recognition under the ISO 9000 series international standards for quality assurance. Hitachi Koki also received ISO 14001 certification for environmentally sound management.