So twin packs aren’t exactly a new idea but having two tools you rely on that run on the same battery type, well it’s the sensible way to go.

Hitachi have bundled two of their most powerful drills into one ideal package. The kit comes equipped with two 5ah batteries and Hitachi claims that these can offer twice the capacity of 3ah batteries.

Let’s see what you actually get for your money.

THE HITACHI DV18DSDL 18V CORDLESS COMBI-DRILL



The Hitachi DV18DSDL could be the only combi-drill you’ll ever need. Wrapped in a tough housing and raised rubber body moulds ensures site accidents or small knocks won’t be anything to worry about. Weighing in at just 2.2kg (where at popular combi drills such as the Dewalt DCD985 weigh in at 2.42kg with torque at just 80Nm) you’ll be able to use this all day with ease. The soft grip will assist with reducing fatigue whilst you plough on through your workload.

It’s powerful with a maximum torque of 92Nm (in contrast to the Makita DHP458 at 88Nm), one of the highest in its class, this drill will handle the majority of applications and tasks you need to tackle. The motor can push out 1800rpm in the high speed setting and around 400rpm in the lower setting. The motor itself boasts needle raised bearings which can assist with making the gear box last around 200% longer than prior models.

Other features include a small LED job light which can brighten up those niggly corners and a spindle lock metal belt clip that can be fitted to either side of the tool.

THE HITACHI WH18DSAL18V CORDLESS IMPACT DRIVER



Partnering the DV18DSDL in this kit is the WH18DSAL impact driver.With a maximum torque setting of 145Nm, which is pretty remarkable considering this impact driver is highly compact with a head length of just 166mm.The ¼" hex bit holder is responsible for handling all drilling and driving and the 2600rpm motor will allow you to deal with bolts sized between M6 and M14.
Weighing in at just a mere 1.7kg (The Makita DTD146 weighs in at 1.5kg measuring 138mm showing how lightweight and compact this driver is) the compact body length of this impact driver makes it well balanced and comfortable to use.Boasting the same slim line grip as the DV18DSDL, job light and belt hook.

ANYTHING ELSE? You might be thinking well what else is there to know, well…The 5Ah batteries feature a multiplex protection system which protects the battery ensuring a maximum lifespan, plus these batteries weigh the same as the 3ah meaning a heftier runtime for the same weight, winner.The kit also comes equipped with a side handle for the DV18DSD, UC18YFSL charger and heavy duty carry case.There’s no doubt that twin kits offer you great savings and this 5ah kit is sure to be a great addition to your tool collection.

For more information and/or to purchase this kit click here. 

BEST SUITED FOR..

My discussions with various tradespeople who use these types of drivers (drywallers, metal roofers and cladders) showed a split between those who thought that cordless was the only way to go and others who thought that corded drivers had the power and ease of use to ensure a perfect result every time. Generally speaking, those who worked on drywalling or smaller cladding jobs were cordless oriented, but those who worked on bigger industrial projects preferred corded, their reasons being that most corded drivers were slightly more compact and lighter than cordless.

I guess that time will tell, because at least one major power tool manufacturer has declared that the cordless worksite is the future. Makita also says it is aiming to match the power of the equivalent mains tool with this one. Of course, the new brushless motor and 5Ah Li Ion battery packs are a huge step in the right direction, but in the meantime, we have a choice, so maybe we have the best of both worlds?

Drywall and cladding drivers are not the same as drill drivers because although they can both drive screws, drywall drivers won’t be used for drilling holes. Because you need some push behind the axis of the fixing, the drill grip is designed to guide the thumb and forefinger to sit in a groove at the back of the casing and the trigger is operated by the last two fingers of the hand. This way maximum pressure can be put onto driving the fixing – and starting self-tapping screws into sheet, steel can sometimes take a bit of effort.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

So, on first picking up the DFS452Z, it feels very familiar for this type of driver – the hand simply slips into the correct ergonomic grip with thumb and forefinger on each side of the casing. The generous black rubber grippy over mould really helps because it has subtle ribbing and “pippy” patches. Many of my tradespeople confirmed this view.

USABILITY AND ERGONOMICS

To be honest, there was no need for Makita to redesign the ergonomics because the formula for these drivers has already been well established. Corded driver users would still recognize the place for the scaffolding hook on the top of the casing, the reversible belt hook, the rotatable collar on the front that is used to set the screwdriving depth and the adjustable alloy driver point and magnetic driver that holds the screws ready for driving.

The trigger is large and speed sensitive; it really isn’t very difficult to get the hang of slow speeds to start and speeding up to drive the screws home despite using the last two fingers of the hand on it. A small lever switch on top of the trigger is operated by the third finger and is used to select forward, reverse and lock modes.

BUILD QUALITY

As would be expected from Makita, the build quality is very good, and it is also comforting to see a cast alloy front to the gear and motor housing. Torque depth of the drive control is displayed via a black plastic collar on the main spindle head – clockwise for more torque and the opposite for less. The driver needs to be adjusted so that it sticks out about 3mm to engage the head of the fixing – again easy to do by simply pulling off the torque collar and turning the alloy driver head to suit.

IN THE BOX.. OR NOT

The most popular version of this driver seems to be the “naked” version: that is body only – no battery packs, no charger and no case. Makita users will, I am sure, have the new compatible ones already. Although if you want these extras, you can easily get them, and I particularly favour stackable boxes as they help me keep my tools organized.

JAM PACKED WITH FEATURES

Now that we are becoming very aware of the dangers of deep discharge of battery packs, this Makita has a multi-purpose mini- display on the base under the trigger. A battery motif tells you how much charge is left and when to charge the battery pack. The battery is also automatically protected against deep discharge – it will simply cut power to the motor if the battery level falls too low.

There is also a clever little button to push to select automatic push drive mode. Simply push the button down and hold it briefly and a little red light will tell you that push drive mode is selected. With the trigger lock button pushed in and this mode selected, the driver will only drive when the user puts pressure onto the fixing, and will stop once the fixing is driven home. This is a brilliant way of saving battery power because the tool only uses the minimum of “on” time in this mode.

By following a similar sequence the LED work light, (aimed at the driving head) can be turned off or on – again saving power or increasing utility in darker work corners. It turns off automatically after 10 seconds or so when the trigger is released.

I liked the fact that everything on this tool is designed to be done quickly and easily – changing modes, switching on lights etc. The only tool that might be needed is a pair of pliers to pull the driver from the strongly magnetic driver holder.

The diagnostic charger takes about 40 minutes to give a full charge and after driving fifty or so 35mm screws into plasterboard and timber, the battery still seemed to have a lot to give. Used in more demanding applications like steel cladding, I am sure it would use more power – but then that’s why you have more than one battery pack!

TO SUM UP

The tradespeople who had a chance to try out the Makita liked the layout and ergonomics and the ease of use – even those who did not regularly use such a driver were quickly ably to get used to the grip and using the third and fourth fingers on the trigger. The driver seemed to have enough power controllability via the speed sensitive trigger for them to get a good result pretty well all of the time. Most thought that the driver would be good enough to drive the specified 6mm self-tapper into metal. But a few still thought that corded power might still prevail for a while yet.

Since I mostly use such drivers for stud and plasterboard work I was perfectly happy with this Makita screwdriver. It is well built, comfortable to use for long periods and easy to adjust and handle. Some users might still prefer a collated screwdriver for even quicker fixing, but for fixing individual screws this is as quick as any other.

My guess is that more power will be on the way soon to help more demanding users – and then we may see the competition between corded and cordless hot up even more.

Have you taken out your aerial?

There has been some confusion over the Makita DMR Radio aerials missing from deliveries.

The new DMR Radios have a different packaging arrangement, the new box is now more compact with less internal packaging.

The aerial is now situated under the fold of the box, packaged in a small plastic cover.

The AC adapter has also moved and can be found in the battery compartment.

Applicable to: Makita DMR102, DMR102W, DMR104, DMR104W.

No-Mark Tip Missing?

We regularly get calls and emails asking where is the no mark tip that should have come with my Hitachi finish nailer?

You can find your the Hitachi No-mark tip located on the righthand side of the tool just below the white warning sticker as below.

For more information and/or to purchase the Trend Scribe-Master Pro please click here.

For the second time in 15years Mexico’s most infamous drug lord escaped from a maximum-security prison. Joaquín Guzmán, aka El Chapo or the king of drains and tunnels and his cartel have been credited with building nearly 100 other tunnels on the U.S.-Mexico border, including one he referred to as an "f'n cool tunnel". 12-16 months in the making and costing an estimated $5 million dollars how did he do it?

We dig a little deeper.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

You would be a hard one to please if you weren’t impressed with this saw when you took it out of the excellent stackable kitbox. From the off the tool feels comfortable in the hand with well-designed rubberized grippy areas and with just enough weight to feel substantial, without feeling like a drain on the muscles by the end of the day.

The cast alloy base is solid and accurately made, as are the upper and lower blade guards, giving a feeling that this tool is made for a long service life. Bevel and depth of cut settings are well-marked and easy to set without tools, but for complete accuracy you might need to use a digital angle setter to check, but most jobs don’t need that level of care.

WHAT'S IN THE BOX?

I like the current trend for stackable, high quality kit boxes because they make your trips from van to site so much easier to organize. They stack better at the back of the workshop too. Apart from the complete saw, the box holds a diagnostic quick charger, a spare battery, a dust extraction nozzle and a side fence. The box insert makes packing up at the end of the day really easy because every part has its place.

With its 18v lithium ion battery packs the saw has enough oomph for dealing with cuts right up to maximum depth of 57mm at 0 degrees. I cut 45mm thick, very dry beech with no trouble at all, although you do have to be careful not to force the tool, and you have to keep the blade straight in the cut so it does not bind or burn. To be honest, this saw will mostly be used by shopfitters etc to cut softwood, plywood and MDF up to a max of 30mm thick which will not challenge it at all. To all intents and purposes the Makita has as much power as a similar sized mains powered saw – you really will find it hard to feel the difference.

FEATURES & SPECIFICATION

Dust collection via the optional vac port with a vacuum extractor is very efficient where you have access to mains power for the extractor.
The 5,000 rpm speed ensures efficient and smooth cuts and the blade brake is a handy addition too. A 24 tooth TCT thin kerf blade fitted as standard reduces cutting friction to a minimum and gives maximum battery life.

As mentioned before, this saw handles so well, that it will quickly become an extension to your hand and a favourite “reach for me first” tool. The net weight is 3.3 Kgs and it has a base length of only 350mm, so it is compact enough to use in tight spaces and freehand as well (just do it safely)
In common with most power tool brands these days, the battery rails are designed to accept many older and newer Makita battery packs, so users can sometimes avoid the extra costs of a charger and batteries.

With deep discharge a weak spot of lithium ion, the provision of a “fuel gauge” in the form of a series of lights on the body under the main handle helps the user to monitor the best time to change batteries. When one bar is blinking at you it’s time for a charge.

Having a brushless motor is another key feature that increases power and performance. These sealed motors are impervious to dust, use less power and generate less heat, so all the extra energy goes into improved performance. This is a win-win for end users and also one of the reasons why the new generations of cordless tools are so much better than previous ones.

This Makita also boasts an automatic speed function that regulates the blade speed according to load and the little blower aimed at the kerf near the built-in LED light helps clear the cut line. Another couple of nice touches.

PERFORMANCE & HANDLING

My site partner and I spent a whole afternoon using this saw doing some simple shelf and fence fitting at a private house. Working outside away from a power source clearly didn’t bother us at all as the spare battery was charged. We used it on rough sawn softwood, hardwood and manmade boards and it was competent and easy – just like a professional tool should be. I began to think that I would seriously have to reach into my pocket and buy one. My site mate was convinced – I think he might be counting his pennies already!

One thing that is completely new to me is the inclusion of the strong foldaway bent steel hook on the body. I didn’t use it at all because I am mostly based at ground level. At first I viewed the hook with some skepticism, but after I tried it in various set ups I realized that it could be useful for some trades, especially those working at height in a loft conversion for example. If it really got in the way it is possible to remove it, so no harm done. Or get a Makita model without the hook.

CONCLUSIONS

I confess that I own an earlier version of this saw that is still serving me very well, but the improvements on the newer model transform the performance and handling to such a degree that my kit seems old and dated now. Clearly brushless motors, bigger Ah battery packs and other tweaks make for a tool that is better value for money and has higher specs. I tried and tried to find things that I could improve on the saw, but I think that anything I might say would seem very picky, so I will end by saying that the Makita DHS680 Brushless Circular Saw is just pretty damn good and I would take one on site any day – until the next improved model comes along of course!

WHY HAVE AN INSPECTION CAMERA?

Every competent tradesperson should check walls and floors for pipes and cables before drilling into them, and similarly, there are some situations where a close inspection of a cavity or gap is a smart thing to do before inserting a hand or a tool.  Most trades, especially plumbers, electricians, fitters and general builders will face situations where a leak, a loose wire or some such thing could be a safety issue if not known about – our older housing stock is particularly susceptible in this regard! Think lead pipes, asbestos and unearthed cables.

It could also be great for diagnostics – for example while testing this tool I found out that some of my radiators are suspiciously rusty at some of the joints where I would not have been able to inspect without this camera. I need to think about replacement before winter. An electrician I lent it to used it to help him locate wires, joists and positions for a set of downlighters he was fitting into a client’s ceiling - saving him a lot of exploratory drilling and making good afterwards.

SO WHY THE BOSCH GIC 120C?

I have used some of them, and let’s face it, some of the cheaper inspection cameras on the market can be confusing rather than illuminating. The images they produce can be very poor and they can’t record their results. They do a job, but in the age of accountability, we might need to show clients or specialists exactly what is hidden in the wall or ceiling cavity that is causing the problem.

Also, as digital imaging has improved and we have become used to our phones and tablets automatically showing “up is up” as we rotate them, it was clearly time to incorporate these into a newer generation of inspection cameras.

In short what we get is a feature filled device that is as up-to-date as possible.

So the Bosch GIC 120 C has:-

•    The ability to switch to from colour to a black and white view.
•    The ability to record what we are examining onto the micro SD card.
•    And from there onto a laptop via the micro USB cable supplied.
•    An image rotation button that works in both video and still capture modes.
•    Variable light intensity from 25% to 100%.
•    Image magnification onscreen by 1.5x or 2x.
•    The choice of a rechargeable 10.8 v Li Ion battery pack or an AA battery pack using an adaptor.
•    A 1.2m long waterproof and flexible camera cable that can be quickly demounted for easy storage.
•    Hook, mirror and magnet tools that fit onto the cable for extra versatility.

Clearly you get a truly professional tool for your money.

WHAT'S IN THE BOX?

The whole GIC 120 C kit comes neatly packed into custom-made liners in a stackable Bosch L- Boxx. This includes the camera handset, 1.2m long flexible camera cable, 10.8v Li Ion battery pack, battery charger, Micro SD Card, USB lead, and magnet, mirror and hook tools.
If you choose the AA battery option, you just get the adaptor  - no charger or Li Ion battery pack needed. For me, if you already own a small 10.8v Bosch tool, it is a no- brainer to choose the rechargeable version.

IN USE.. THE IMPORTANT BIT

The most important bit of an inspection camera for me is the flexible camera cable and here the GIC 120 C scores well. The cable is long enough, flexible enough and importantly – waterproof, and can be used in most situations. The tough outer plastic covering didn’t mark easily and was easy to clean and dry off.  This is important – it may be used to inspect the dirtier aspects of plumbing.

Next was the image quality of the camera – the images were clear enough to see and recognize most features whether close or within range of the maximum light output, although they become quite grainy as they reach the limits of light output. On close ups, the glare of the light can cause reflection, so the ability to tone the light output down is a good feature. It really helps me to be able to understand easily the orientation of what I am seeing, so the “up-is-up” pictures offer a realistic view, although there is a way of manually selecting the top of the picture via the control screen.

Anyone used to a tablet, phone screen or TV remote will be able to use the selector controls of which there are only seven. The on/off is self explanatory as are the light intensity button, the reverse image button and the magnify button. All other features are selected by holding down the oblong right hand button and then scrolling through the display menu before selection. To record onto the SD card simply press down the button in the shape of the SD card and it will start recording in whatever mode – still or movie – that you have selected.

Surprisingly, the ergonomics of inspection cameras is quite important because they need to be able to be held still while you record images, but they also need to be able to be moved easily and flexibly in one hand so that an inspection can be carried out. The rubberized handle grips and protective bumpers round the screen make for easy handling and the easy access to SD card slot and USB sockets on the top of the device is great. I also liked the quick-release system for the camera cable that enabled its easy storage in the case.
If I have a gripe, it is a small one – I can’t seem to get my fingers to work those little clips that hold the rechargeable battery on – something I have noticed on my Bosch 10.8v driver too.

VALUE FOR MONEY

Value for money is often code for “cheap” and with a price tag of over £200 this device is not cheap. But it is good value for money – especially for professional users. It can be an important aid to safety and it is usually cheaper to look into a cavity with a camera rather than have to demolish a wall or whatever to see behind it. Truth is, professional users who need one will soon recoup their outlay in time saved and other efficiencies – and with safer operation too because it may avoid exposure to all manner of nasties.
For a significant amount less you could get the GIC 120, nearly the same, but not quite!

FINAL THOUGHTS

My electrician friends were particularly taken with the Bosch as it offered a quick way of examining closed-in spaces and locating cables within wall and floor cavities. With its 8.5mm wide head it could be introduced into tiny spaces, even if this involved drilling the initial hole into the gap. The length of the camera cable was deemed more than adequate and much better than many of the competition. Professionals who use this type of kit regularly will definitely want to look at this one if they need to update.

Corded and cordless SDS rotary hammers are a staple of the building industry – tradespeople need to drill holes in masonry in concrete, use core drills to accommodate pipes and trunking and even for general demolition. So, there are few white vans that don’t have one in one form or another. But, increasingly, the “corded” has become irrelevant and with the introduction of this new Bosch version of the 36v I think cordless is the only way forward.

THE SPECIFICATION

A quick look at the specs will tell you what I mean. With 600W of power input from the 4Ah Li ion battery pack there is a pile of oomph on tap - enough to drill up to 28mm diameter in concrete, up to 82mm in brickwork with a core bit, 13mm in steel and 30mm in wood. The first two are the most significant because that is where this drill’s capabilities are really going to be used.

Impact drilling is fast because of the 0-4200 IPM and 3.2 Joules of impact energy controlled via the variable speed electronic trigger.

Although it helps to have some weight behind this kind of tool, too much and it becomes tiring to use all day, so the very respectable weight of around 4.6 Kgs is a good compromise and assists with the usability of the tool.

KEY POWER POINTS

The two compact and heavily ribbed and rubber “bump protected” battery packs that come with the kit have flat bottoms to allow the tool to be stood on a flat surface. Charging times are a very respectable 30 minutes or so to 100%, but the advantage of Li ion is that partial charges are possible without harming the battery pack. They are also electronically protected against deadly “deep discharge” which is fatal for them, and it is possible to check the state of battery charge via the three green lights on the back of the battery pack – three lights means full charge or nearly so, one light means about 1/3 charge left and a blinking light says “charge me”.

A diagnostic charger monitors battery condition while charging and ensures that the battery can have as many charging cycles as a careful owner makes possible.

SO WHAT'S IN THE BOX?

Included within the strong carrying case are a 13mm capacity keyless chuck with an SDS+ adaptor, a depth stop that can be attached to the auxiliary handle, a tube of SDS grease lubricant and a soft cleaning cloth.

The whole kit, including batteries and charger, fits snugly so it will not move around while being transported and there is dedicated space for bits and sundry extras that tend to collect with tools I find.

ERGONOMICS AND DESIGN

It is clear to me that a lot of extra design thought has gone into this tool. Without scrimping it has been made as compact and ergonomic as possible and yet the body is rigid and tough, with protective rubber bumpers round the key parts and a good pattern of grippy rubber on the handle. Key controls are picked out in red – the two-finger trigger, the forward/reverse on top of the main handle and the mode selector button on the left front of the machine.
It is also possible to get a glimpse of sound alloy castings for gearbox and impact mechanism through the side air-cooling intake. Build quality like this is very reassuring for long tool life.

PERSOANL FAVOURITE FEATURES

But there are two key features that are very important to me on this tool, and this was confirmed for me by the various trades I showed it to. The first of these is the anti-vibration system on the main handle that effectively isolates the user’s hand from the main body of the tool. Similarly, the auxiliary handle has a protective rubber handle for grip and reducing vibration. This brings vibration down to levels where users can work most of the day without the danger of vibration problems. Noise levels also hover around the 90 dBA mark which makes ear protection necessary for sustained use.

A very popular feature was the EPC system switch on the front of the handle loop. By selecting this, the tool has a “soft start” function that makes it a lot easier to start holes in tricky materials where the bit sometimes tends to wander. The mode selection switch goes smoothly from “drilling only” to “impact mode” and then halfway to “hammer only” mode it is possible to move the chuck so that if a chisel is being used it can be set to the correct position.


WHY CHOOSE IT?

My small sample of tradespeople agreed that the Bosch GBH 36 VF-LI Plus is a very desirable tool. It looks rugged and well made and is compact and powerful enough for the intended purpose. User safety is well taken care of with anti-vibration measures and the soft start EPC system. Battery charging is quick and well regulated so there should be no issues with downtime, even though this rotary hammer is likely to be used in demanding applications like small demolitions and drilling concrete and masonry. It is made more versatile by the addition of the rotary chuck.

DEALBREAKER?

As usual, when it came to discussion of the price there was the usual sharp intake of breath. While we all agreed that you get what you pay for, the initial investment was a stumbling block for some, while others said that good tools pretty well always pay for themselves. Cordless versatility doesn’t come cheap and some worksites are not very keen on mains, even the 115v version. So there was an acknowledgement that biting the price bullet might be the only, and in truth, a good solution.