Hitachi DV18DGL
Best price: £119.00 Batteries: 2x18V Contact: 01908 660663, www.hitachi-powertools.co.uk
This Hitachi mixes price and performance well. Like the Panasonic it's quite heavy, but the balance is easy on the wrist. There's good trigger control at low speeds, plus power when needed during the screwdriving test. Wire brushing was easy even when heavily loaded.
We liked the bit holder in the base, but missed a charge indicator. Keen price means you get just a 1.5Ah battery, which left it mid pack in the stamina test, some way behind the best.
