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Hitachi isn’t one of the most dominant players in the USA cordless power tool market, but they make some fine tools. I drilled plenty of holes and drive in plenty of fasteners with an older Hitachi 18V drill, before donating it to Habitat for Humanity.
They last made headlines in 2013, when they launched a sizable expansion of their 18V Li-ion cordless tool platform. Hitachi’s 18V platform now includes brushed and brushless motor drills and drivers, a jig saw, planer, right angle drill, circular saw, reciprocating saw, grinder, blower, vacuum, impact tools, and a work light.
Hitachi has been pressing forward, and recently announced their first-ever brushless oscillating multi-tool, model CV18DBLP4. The new brushless oscillating tool will be sold as a bare tool, and is compatible with all of Hitachi’s 18V slide-type Li-ion battery packs.
Features include:
- Tool-free blade change mechanism
- 6,000 to 20,000 oscillations per minute speed
- Variable speed dial
- “Auto-mode” speed select, which lets the tool determine the appropriate oscillation speed
- Soft startup
- Constant speed control
- Universal accessory holder is compatible with a majority of available accessories
- LED worklight
- Low battery indicator light
- Includes bi-metal plunge cutting saw blade
Hitachi also mentions that the feel of the brushless tools in hand reflects Hitachi’s detailed attention to balance, soft grip handle and pressure points; making this tool extremely comfortable to use, especially in odd positions or in tight places.
Price: $200
Available: Now
Buy Now(via Amazon)
I’ve used my fair share of oscillating multi-tools, and discussed the best oscillating multi-tools in a roundup-style recommendations post. Hitachi is a little late in the game, but I’m curious to see how well the new oscillating tool performs.
The tool-free universal accessory holder is a plus, as is the brushless motor. The automatic speed selection feature is a new concept for this type of tool, and has added to my interest. Finally, all the talk about the feel in-hand has me convinced that this might not be a “me too” type of tool.
I’ve been somewhat jaded when it comes to oscillating multi-tools, but find myself excited to see Hitachi jump into the game. It sounds like Hitachi might have designed their new oscillating tool to give competitors something to sweat about.
I am also curious to see how well the tool-free blade change mechanism works. Not all tool-free mechanisms work alike, and so this is one feature that I have found can make or break a tool.
If you happen to get your hands on one before I do, please let me know what you think of it!
