I wish my car ran as good as this drill. This is my first Hitachi tool and its the smoothest running drill I own. And I have lots of different brands. Plenty of power, enough to drive 3" screws into pressure treated lumber with ease (while being in a tight space). The controls took a little getting used to. It has an on/off switch with a speed dial at the bottom. But it's very easy to shut off, just tap the switch. It's got the old fashioned keyed chuck, but after going over it, you can get into tighter spaces with it (especially with the side handle off). Keyless chucks are bigger so you can grab hold of them. Whether your drilling or driving, this is the perfect tool for tight spaces.

First of all, I want to clarify something in another review of this product. The type of switch on this product is for tight space! It is impossible to maintain a firm grip (control) on a power tool and operate a paddle switch at the same time. I have used tools in both construction and automotive all of my working life. For example: the old Snap on air ratchets had a index finger (trigger finger) switch. The other inexpensive tools have a paddle switch that all of us in the business call, knuckle busters! I own both types. With a paddle switch type, if the tool is under load or starts to get away from you, of course you can't just let go of the tool to shut it off! If you hang on, as we all do, your hand and tool can become sandwiched between other material such as 2X4's with nails or screws or sharp metal. I had it happen with a high torque air ratchet, where the tool was under load and pulled my hand into metal radiator, shroud and fan blade, tearing the flesh from my knuckles and the back of my hand. While screaming in pain, I had to contort my body and use my left hand to disconnect the air line from the tool to shut it off, after the damage was already done! This is probably not going to happen in construction but you get my point Why do most high speed grinders and cutters not have these paddle switch's???? Hitachi engineers were really on the ball with this tool design! Once again "one up on the competition"! The best in it's class! I bought this tool for the following reasons: the type of on off switch, speed control dial, reverse and forward, and of course Hitachi's excellent quality and ergonomics. I am delighted with all of my Hitachi tool's, great tool's!

The switch on this drill is difficult to operate. Myself and two other guys had problems with it. The drill is either locked on or off. If the bit jambs you can not quickly stop the drill or for any matter it is difficult to stop. This is a problem and will probably burn up the motor when it is jambed and attempts to turn. I guess if Hitachi makes a better switch or even a simple trigger it would be a great drill. I am returning mine tomorrow.

I bought the Hitachi mainly based upon price because I don't intend to use this drill on a daily basis. There are some times that only a right-angle drill will do. It is well built and a solid performer but the slide swith is a real bummer! Mostly you will NOT want the drill to run continuously. I whittled away the small catch on the slide (good-bye warranty) and find a much better drilling experience. I now control when the drill runs. But for the switch I would have given it 5 stars.

Nice compact and professional drill that seems to have the best price. Switch works fine. You can both tap it on/off or you can slide it down and hold it (it will stop if you release). I would certainly recommend this drill assuming I have not problems with it down the line.

I like this drill. I have no problems with it. I friend of mine is always bitching when he uses it. Because of the switch. I believe that his problem is that he turns it up too fast. And if you smack the drill around when you are drilling the holes the switch shuts off. The switch slides up yo turn it on and then you just tap the bottom and it shuts off. I got it for a good price over 2 years ago and I have used it to basically rewire and plumb my entire house. And the plumbing involved running radiant heating tube in the floor. It has gotten A LOT of use and is still going strong.
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br /I would buy it again.

Bought for a friend(I use the Bosch 1132vsr rt angle). I tried it before I gave it to him!!!!Love the side handle-helps put some pressure on the work!!!!Paddle switch much easier to manipulate than the bosch 1132's switch!!!!Speed dial is great for setting the exact speed needed for drilling!!!!

Excellent quality throughout. Others have complained about the switch, but I find it very easy to use. The trigger slides easily into the "on' position, and a simple squeeze pops the catch and it slides back into the off position. For me, this makes a lot more sense than a trigger switch when working in tight quarters.

This was purchased to drill two holes in a tight spot on an engine. This drill was very compact, and fit well within the tight space. I liked the switch, it was nice not to have to hold it "on" yet still be able to shut it off quickly.
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br /Definitely a good tool.

I recently added the Hitachi D10YB right angle drill to my toolbox in preparation for a project rebuilding a camper. I've been using it heavily for two days, and have the following observations:
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br /PROs: the drill has strong torque at all speeds. The controls for direction and speed are easy to access. The "paddle" type on/off switch is a lifesaver when you are reaching into tight corners. With the low speed, you can also use this as an electric screwdriver in places you can't get with the standard gear (but be careful - its easy to twist the head right off the screw!) The reversible screw-in handle is very handy, and without the handle on you can get into even tighter corners. The chuck is a key type, and really holds bits and drivers well - round and hex shaft (I haven't had a bit come loose yet); the chuck is guarded just a touch above the top and sides: this means you are less likely to mar your finished surfaces than when trying to lay a big nosed cordless drill with a keyless chuck on its side to squeeze near a ceiling or in a cabinet, AND it means you aren't accidentally loosening the chuck when you bump into a wall while running in reverse.
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br /CONs: the Paddle switch took me a few holes to get used to, but now I love it.
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br /SUMMARY: quiet. Powerful. Feels good in my hand. This one is a real keeper!
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