Here is the ultimate value in 18-volt cordless combo kits. The KC18DVF3 kit from hitachi includes: a DS18DVF3 18-volt drill, a C18DMR 6-1/2-inch circular saw, a CR18DMR reciprocating saw, and a UB18DL lantern. The drill delivers 400 in/lbs of torque and has a strong 1/2-inch keyless chuck. The circular and reciprocating saws are combo kit exclusives. The circular features a lightweight magnesium tool housing, a durable steel base plate, and an exclusive spotlight to help see cut lines in dimly lit areas. It comes with a 24-tooth, 6-1/2-inch carbide blade. The reciprocating saw features keyless blade change and externally accessible carbon brushes on the motor, to make changing worn brushes quicker and cheaper. The flourescent lantern can be set to switch automatically to a smaller LED light to extend battery life. This kit also includes 2 battery, a 50-minute charger and a heavy duty carrying bag.Here's a great cordless combination kit with tools will see you through most any jobsite or do-it-yourself task: drill/driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, and a lantern. Right off the bat, the powerful 18-volt tools in this combo kit look just plain cool. The ergonomic grips beg to be grasped, and when you wrap your hand around them, these tools feel good. But pull the trigger and discover something even better than good looks and a good fit: power.
The truth is, this drill/driver is a kick to use. When we got our hands on it, it felt goooood. Hitachi's new design makes this drill look like something out of a sci-fi flick, but it's got down-to-earth power and torque that, quite frankly, surprised us. Pop a bit into the 1/2-inch keyless chuck and admire the two speed ranges of 0-400 in low and 0-1,200 in high, and even tough jobs are no match for its whopping 400 in./lbs. of torque and 22-position clutch. For all that power, it's pleasantly light, and if we had a couple hours of overhead work to do, we'd be happy to be using this.
The circular saw, like the drill, is surprisingly lightweight but definitely powerful. It cuts through 2-1/4 inches at 90 degrees with a 6-1/2-inch blade, plenty for most circular saw jobs, and it has a max bevel of 47 degrees, because sometimes, the world just isn't square. The left-side blade is perfect for right-handers, and the included blade is actually darned good quality. But the thing we like best is the awesome molded grip that just fits beautifully into your hand. Because of that, it's supremely easy to maneuver and a pleasure to use.
The recip saw is an aggressive workhorse with an impressive 1-1/8-inch stroke to make quick work of whatever task is at hand with a maximum of 2,100 strokes per minute. It's easy on your body, too, thanks to a smart, well-balanced design. The tool-free blade changes are fast and easy, the way we like them. The only down side is the noise level - we'd really recommend hearing protection when you're using this saw. The lantern is a nifty accessory, easily providing enough light to work by in a spot where electrical power is a problem. And the bag is sturdy, handsome and feels like it will hold up to years of tool-toting. We think this is the perfect kit for the home do-it-yourselfer as well as the pro. -- Kris Jensen-Van Heste
What's in the Box
Drill, circular saw, recip saw, lantern, one 18-volt battery, 50-minute charger, carrying bag
