I recently wrote about the new Hitachi MultiVolt batteries, but what are batteries without the tools?
Since Hitachi (soon Metabo HPT) won’t be launching the new tools until September 2018, we didn’t have an opportunity to test them out at the recent media. The tools we checked out were either the foreign versions of the 36V tools, or existing tools similar to the new tools that will be introduced. We also saw tools they want to base upcoming 36V tools on. For example, they said the MultiVolt table saw would be based on their current corded version, which was available for testing.
As a reminder, Hitachi 36V MultiVolt tools will not be compatible with their current 18V batteries, as shown in the photo below. The battery will start to slide onto the tool, but it is prevented from engaging the tabs on the tool due to a slight modification of the connector.
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What this means is that you will need new Hitachi MultiVolt batteries to use the new 36V tools, but you should be able to use your existing Hitachi 18V Li-ion chargers.
36V MV Triple Hammer
Here is the 36V Triple Hammer impact driver. First, most importantly, I was told it will not be black like the one in the photo above, but it will feature the same color scheme as the current 18V Triple Hammer.
In the demo area, they had both 18V and 36V triple hammer impact drivers to try. One of the tests involved driving some large 6″ GRK-style screws. To be honest I had a hard time seeing any difference in performance between the 18V and 36V versions in this test.
If you look at the spec sheet for the WH36DB, the foreign model already on the market, the max torque is approximately the same (207 vs. 210 Nm). What they are touting as the advantage is that the 36V version will run longer without overheating and won’t lose speed as fast as the 18V as the battery discharges.
36V MV Hammer Drill
Here’s a shot of the 36V MV Hammer Drill in front of the Hitachi DV18DBFL2 18V Brushless Hammer Drill (middle) and the DV18DBL2 18V Brushless Hammer Drill (rear), their most powerful hammer drill.
I can’t find any specs on this new drill, but I’ll comment that the 36V drill was definitely able to power through in some drilling situations where the 18V DV18DBL2 Brushless Hammer Drill stalled.
Finally, I’m not sure which drill in in the video below, but you can see the Reactive Force Control (RFC) in action at the end. Hitachi describes RFC in the following way:
If a sudden load is applied to the tip tool and the rotational speed of the motor drops rapidly, the output is stopped before the tool main body is swung, and the load on the operator is reduced.
36V MV Impact Wrenches
Hitachi will be introducing two 36V MultiVolt impact wrenches, in 1/2″ and 3/4″ sizes.
They only had the 1/2″ impact wrench available and no very-high-torque applications for us to test it on.
36V MV 7-1/4″ Circular Saw
First off, the 7-1/4″ saw is still under prototype, so they showed us their MultiVolt 6-1/2″ circular saw that is available overseas. They said that the 7-1/4″ saw would be based off this saw.
If you watch the video below you’ll see the saw’s “silent mode.” From Hitachi:
The Silent Mode improves motor efficiency, while lowering the noise. The operation mode automatically switches to the Power Mode when the motor load increases, enabling smooth cutting according to cutting conditions.
Credit to Murray Kruger (@krugerconstruction on Instagram) for demoing the saw.
36V MV 4-1/2″ Angle Grinder
I only managed to snap this one photo of the 36V grinder as somebody was throwing sparks. I’m not sure where it was hiding. Hitachi says that it is a 4-1/2″ angle grinder that also will work with 5″ wheels. It’ll come in two flavors, one with a side locking switch and and the other with a paddle trigger.
36V MV Rotary Hammer
Here you can see a version of the 36V MV Rotary Hammer that will be released in September. The one released in the US will be a 1-9/16″ SDS Max hammer.
36V MV 10″ Sliding Miter Saw
Hitachi did not have the 10″ cordless miter saw ready, so they showed us the 6.5″ (165mm) 4200 RPM miter saw with the laser cut line that’s available overseas. They said the 10″ saw would be based on this one.
It’s a shame that they aren’t releasing this saw here. It was super light and compact, weighing only about 22 lbs.
36V MV Reciprocating Saw
I don’t recall seeing any MultiVolt reciprocating saws on my visit. I could have missed it, but all I saw was an 18V saw and a corded saw. I don’t have much info on this recip other than it’ll have orbital action.
10″ MV Table Saw
Lastly, there will be a 10″ MultiVolt cordless table saw. It’s due to be released next April, 2019. They said it would be based on their current 10″ corded table saw that was released last year.
What impresses me most about this benchtop saw is that it can rip materials up to 35″ wide (see video below). Let’s hope this feature makes it into the Multivolt table saw.
Blythe says
I take it grex screws is supposed to say grk or spax?
Benjamen says
Yes…GRK. I was recently in Home Depot looking at nails :>)
Nathan says
I’d be curious as to how their impact wrench will do. Would like to see a comparison between it and the latest form milwaukee and dewalt?
maybe this will be what kicks dewalt into making a flexvolt impact – I honestly don’t see much point but I could see it being more efficient since it would draw less current and in theory run cooler.
jec6613 says
Also their high torque impact could use a bit more power, especially on the 3/4″ model. An Extra High Torque version would probably sell decently.
Tool Of The Trade says
I’m sure if you took a dremel to the tabs, the batteries would fit and work. I did it to some batteries that I had from broken tools for my b&d matrix. It was a similar thing with some bostitch and Stanley batteries I had laying around. I only had one b&d battery and I needed more. So when I saw that the batteries were the same aside from the tabs, I took the dremel to the tabs. Ended up with 5 batteries for my matrix. Of course they will never tell you this information because they want you to buy their batteries instead of providing information on how to can use the same product with other tools by doing a very simple modification. As long as the slots are the same and it slides in, why not save money?
Paul K says
In this case, you would be trying to power a 36v tool with an 18v battery.
Bob says
Just like printer manufacturers aren’t selling printers, but selling ink, the tool makers aren’t selling tools, they’re selling batteries. 🙂
Matt says
I checked out the Hitachi 18v 6 1/2 inch saw. Honestly, it felt like the nicest cordless saw I’ve held. I don’t know how it would hold up or how powerful it is but it ‘felt’ quality and was laid out exactly how I like. If the 7 1/4 inch is based of of that, they’ll have a really nice saw.
Mattd says
I am only excited about these 36v hitachi tools because of the rumor of the corded adapter.
D says
I like Hitachi’s approach more than Flexvolt. The Flexvolt batteries are huge. Hitachi looks to have a very flexible and intelligent design. It can do 18V and 36V, and I’ve read somewhere it will also offer 72V with two batteries (x2). This would only be 1 more row of cells in total over the Flexvolt (20 vs 15 cells). If this is true, the Hitachi battery system would be perfect; it could have both 18V drills and 72V OPE and use the same packs!
Jason says
I think Milwaukee might be showing off something similar they are teasing something that’s going to be the M18 platforms evolution.
Philip says
Well flexvolt has 2×20 v and 2x60v. They could do 4 x 60v. To me flexvolt dewalt has done hand tools with best configuration and are inline to do bigger no hand tools with 4 batteries. They already have 2 4 battery chargers… And can do all 4 in 1h 20 min!
Joe says
One main difference.. Flexvolt batteries can be used on the 20v, 60v,120v ( ya I know 18v,54v) and hitachi can’t..so your buying a lot of new batteries for one platform.
It’s always funny when everyone crashed on Dewalt for doing the Flexvolt line ( except for us Dewalt fans) “ what a joke” buying new batteries “ Milwaukee has the right idea, 1 tool, 1 battery” …now just about every manufacturer is doing 2 battery set up or like hitachi, to get more power, to compete with the best, Dewalt.
Milwaukee will have to eat crow and do something to compete., 2x 18v ? There moto cant stay 1 battery, 1 tool..
I’ll be interested in hitachi’s power, because Makita 2x System is not even close to Flexvolt power.
firefly says
Could you point me to the 120v battery?
Joe says
In case you really don’t know, 2 / 60v for a 120v tool ( ya 54v)
Mattd says
No. The 36v batteries can be used in the 18v tools. They are backwards compatible exactly like the flexvolt. The benefit to doing 36v is they can probably release an adapter so u can use 2x 18v batteries just like how makita does it. I feel this will be more versatile than dewalts flexvolt.
firefly says
Hmm 2×20=40. 3×20=60. 3×40 = 120. 6×20=120 so what’s the different? Oh and 2×40=80. Dewalt can’t do that. Does that mean Hitachi is better now?
For what it worth, while I am not a fan of the “FlexVolt” terminology I prefer the Dewalt 60v voltage choice over the Hitachi 40v. But time will tell which is better. Obviously Dewalt have much better brand recognition than Hatachi, so market penetration wise I think Dewalt have Hitachi beat by a long shot.
Philip says
The best is who made tools that work best. 2 bat’s on a hand tool is no good. Dewalt inline to keep making tools that make sense!
ktash says
The Reactive Force Control (RFC) looks like a good thing! So does the silent mode on the saw. It will be interesting to see how they act in real life. Nice post on these.
Bob says
Just what the world needs, another proprietary battery format.
I stopped buying tools and started buying battery platforms. The tools are not that expensive, it’s the batteries that cost. Someone that does a lot of projects and repairs around the house needs 5-6 electric tools, 8-10 batteries, and 2-3 chargers. When my tools wear out, I don’t want to be forced to buy more batteries. If the batteries for a new tool won’t fit DeWalt, I won’t buy it. Am I in love with DeWalt tools? No, I’m committed to their battery platform, which I judge will not become obsolete before the rest.
Luis Soria says
As always, we get only the leftovers of the rest of the world. Do you like X or Y tool? Too bad, because it is not available in Murica… And bosch… The same history… 🙁