When planning home repairs, a person faces a problem: how to choose the right tool for the job? First of all, attention is drawn to well-known brands that imply build quality and high performance. For example, HITACHI FDV16VB2 is an impact drill, which, due to its price and convenience, is available to a wide range of customers. In addition, the installed 550 W motor allows you to perform even heavy and long work. This information is declared by the manufacturer, it is on it that the emphasis is placed in video reviews that encourage potential buyers to make a purchase. How different are the actual characteristics of the drill from the declared ones? Let's figure it out together.
Getting to know the tool
The drill is delivered in a cardboard container, the inscription on the colorful packaging says that the tool is made in China. Let's clarify right away that HITACHI is a Japanese brand, as indicated by the inscription on the nameplate, which is on the body of the drill. Here is the first discrepancy, but we will not focus on this. After unpacking the box, we immediately see a storage case made of black plastic. The case looks quite comfortable and fits well in the hand. This is already an indisputable plus - the problem with storing the tool has been solved. After opening the case, a rather meager equipment catches the eye: there are not even sockets for storing drills.
Drill HITACHI FDV16VB2 looks quite acceptable. The case is made qualitatively, there are no gaps and backlashes. The design of the instrument is quite original: the plastic case is interspersed with rubber inserts. The color scheme is black and green. The drill is electric, as evidenced by a long cord, which is supplemented with a special lining at the junction with the body. This eliminates strong kinks in the wire.
The launch key attracts attention. This is a fairly large key that has a soft stroke. The spindle speed controller is also located here. This arrangement looks a little strange, because during operation you can accidentally touch the regulator.
A little higher is the switch for the direction of rotation of the spindle (reverse). Here, the manufacturers were at their best: the reverse is located under the thumb, it switches smoothly, the position is fixed.
The drill is impact, with a power of 550 W, so there is a mode switch next to the chuck. In order not to accidentally change the operating mode, the key is protected by a rubber pad.
The kit includes:
- Drilling depth limiter.
- Quick release chuck.
- Additional handle (removable).
Note that the product can be sold without a keyless chuck. Therefore, check with the seller for details. The cost of the tool is about 3,000 rubles.
Specifications
Let's see what manufacturers can please in terms of technical equipment. So, the technical parameters of HITACHI FDV16VB2-NA:
- The type of tool is an impact drill with a pistol grip.
- Weight - 1.6 kg.
- Power - 550 watts.
- The maximum spindle speed is 2,900 rpm.
- Operating modes - drilling and drilling with impact.
- Number of speeds - 1.
- Cartridge - 2 options: key and quick-clamping. Chuck diameter - 13 mm.
- Power supply - network connection.
Among the useful options is the speed limiter. This function allows you to control the rotation of the spindle by gradually pressing the start key. At the same time, the electronic limiter does not allow the engine to accelerate too much, which has a positive effect on drilling accuracy. The drill has a start key lock and a reverse function. The first feature allows you to completely eliminate accidental pressing, the second helps to unscrew self-tapping screws and screws, and remove the drill from the material in case of jamming.
If we talk about the maximum allowable drilling diameters, it looks like this:
- Wood - 25 mm.
- Concrete - 16 mm.
- Metal - 13 mm.
It is not recommended to exceed these parameters - the engine may not withstand the load.
Advantages
To have a complete understanding of the capabilities of the tool, you need to read user reviews. Let's see what satisfied customers have to say about HITACHI FDV16VB2 550W impact drill:
- Build quality. The case does not crack even after prolonged use. Interestingly, after a year of work, even the development of the gearbox is not noticeable.
- Power. 550 W is more than enough for home use. Engine power makes it possible to work with any building materials used in construction.
- Long cord. Many buyers like that the length of the cord allows you to do without carriers and extension cords. Note that professionals usually use several tool connection points for work, so the length of the cord does not play a big role for them. However, if buyers like this moment, it should be noted.
- Compact dimensions. Due to its light weight and dimensions, the drill can be operated with one hand without using an additional handle. This is very important when working in hard-to-reach places.
- Price. The model is sold in an affordable price segment. Given that the build quality does not cause any complaints, the product can work for a long time. Therefore, the price / quality ratio is observed at a high level.
Flaws
It is surprising that such a convenient and reliable (according to the manufacturer) tool has a lot of drawbacks. Here are the negative reviews about this model:
- The location of the mode switch button. The rubber pad does not protect against accidental pressing, so during operation, the drill spontaneously switches to another mode of operation.
- Low power. Manufacturers claim that the HITACHI FDV16VB2 drill is equipped with a powerful 550W motor. User reviews say the opposite: 550 W does not even smell, when working with hard materials, the drill overheats, does not cope with its task. When working with metal and concrete, there is a noticeable smell of burnt plastic.
- Cord. The connection cable is long, but made of hard plastic, so it is possible that it will crack at sub-zero temperatures.
- Quick release chuck. This element spontaneously unwinds, it is inconvenient when tightening (fine corrugation burns the palm), it is quite difficult to fix the drill.
- There is no impact force. The impact mechanism clearly does not cope with its task (the absence of the declared 550 W affects), therefore, the tool is not suitable for wall chasing and other similar work.
Conclusion
HITACHI FDV16VB2 has a lot of design flaws. Remember, at the beginning of the review, there was a slight discrepancy in the country of origin? It is possible that this model is assembled in China, which is indicated by discrepancies in the declared technical characteristics with real indicators. In addition, the inclusion of a keyless chuck in the package is not clear: user reviews note that this is an absolutely useless and unfinished element. The power of 550 W should provide a full cycle of repair work, however, in practice, the drill is suitable for drilling only soft materials.
Of course, the build quality is not satisfactory even among skeptics, but the tool must fully possess the declared characteristics. We draw the following conclusion on this model: a drill with a large stretch can be considered an impact drill, the amount of W is not enough, a keyless chuck is a marketing ploy. Therefore, the product is suitable for infrequent use at home. Give preference to the key cartridge - not very convenient, but reliable. Given that we are talking about a Japanese brand, the drill deserves 5 points out of 10 possible.
