Precision Over Power??? - Hikoki's Newest Japanese Impact Driver

The Newest Japanese Triple Hammer is here! Is it worth the cost to import or should you just wait for the North American model - I'll cover all of that and more!
#metabohpt #hikoki #impactdriver #jdm
Links to buy:
Impact Drivers:
Hikoki WH36DD - Red (Affiliate Link): ebay.us/7Ctxy8
Hikoki WH36DD - Black (Affiliate Link): ebay.us/i0GVxP
Hikoki WH36DD - Green (Affiliate Link): ebay.us/BG99s3
Metabo HPT 18V Bolt (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/4afDaeQ
Metabo HPT 18V Bolt - Kit (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/4bvZYIr
Metabo HPT 18V 1st Gen (Affiliate LInk): amzn.to/3wtPSJe
Metabo HPT 36V 1st Gen - Not Tested (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/4bdbpFa
Hikoki WH36DB - Black (Affiliate Link): ebay.us/7Td8aU
Amazon Japan Site:
Hikoki WH36DD - Full Kit: www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Recharg...
Bits:
Vessel BW-15 Gold (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3wkKI29
Vessel PH2 Long (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3Ur4XmR
Vessel Go-Sai 5 Pc (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/4b8LMp4
Vessel Go-Sai Torx (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/4dtrDeD
Labear Torx Bits (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3Ka3uwB
Labear Metric Hex (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/4b77lGl
Legal:
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network, Amazon Associates, etc.

[@goncalovazpinto6261]

Great review!👍 Who would have thought Forrest Witaker was so into power tools!😉

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks!

[@georgedavall9449]

Ummm, ok…. 🤔😳🙄😆

[@goncalovazpinto6261]

@@georgedavall9449 😁

[@goncalovazpinto6261]

@@georgedavall9449 😁

[@goncalovazpinto6261]

@@georgedavall9449 😁

[@Nicky14P]

Another great video. Love the shirt. I used to live in Salt Lake and I would go to the Scheels in Sandy all the time!

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks! Yeah I got a free shirt when I bought a bike. Really comfortable shirt.

[@alphad1395]

Finally! Nice review 🎉🎉

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@derekrundlett8450]

I got the yellow one. It’s a real head turner on the job site . On my makita tdt172 I stuck a piece of hard rubber in the collet to compensate for the slop. I’ve had no issues with it. Have yet to do it on my tdt173 and wh36dd.

[@dcl97]

I like it, I don't need or want an impact driver that makes as much torque as an impact wrench. I have an impact wrench for that. I still think the M18 surge is the best impact Milwaukee makes. Small, quiet, precise, that's what makes a good driver.

[@TinkerWithTools]

The surge in good for a lot of things and the M12 especially gets picked over the other M12 options almost every time but there are times where I just want more power than it has. But you can’t beat it for quiet or even how nice it is to use.

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

Good test. Is that the new C3612RSH3 behind you? The new miter saw?

[@TinkerWithTools]

It is not. It’s an older Hitachi sliding 12” miter saw. I have considered going cordless though. I have dream saws that I want to buy but they are all a little pricey.

[@brianf9619]

Everyone likes those DeWalt style lights on their impact drivers ....... I think Matabo is pushing that "Right Tool for the Job" mentality and thats why their not pushing more torque in their impact drivers, they want you to use an impact Wrench on those bigger screws , which would be the smart thing to do ..... 👍🖖

[@TinkerWithTools]

Yeah, driving an occasional 8" is certainly capable with these tools, but if you are going to be sinking 100 of them, I would like go for impact wrench at that point.

[@user-ny5py1ij4n]

Да,...уж ..."достали" уже в погоне за крутящим моментом ....🤢

[@shadow2load]

My best experience with any impact driver is the first gen with an 18v 2ah battery. When I upgraded to the 2nd gen I went for the 36v. The weight of the battery really kills the smooth feel. Wish they could make a 2v slim battery.

[@sizif717]

Same with me. I use the first gen 18 volt tripplemhammer with the small 3.0Ah battery for 6 years now, every day - and it is a breeze. I have plenty of those batteries in my drawer - so runtime it is never an issue. There is no point in 36V impact driver for now, just more expensive, no more power, just sticking with larger batteries with no option for compactness.

[@TinkerWithTools]

This is where something like Dewalt's tiny powerstack battery is a really gem. It's small like these batteries but delivers performance more like a 5ah battery, just for not as long. I wish other companies would jump on that idea and give us something like it. Drill and saws see a real benefit from high voltage but the impact seems to be a little unmoved by it.

[@vitorgarcia5537]

Amazing results... Did u prefer this new hikoki or the makita td173?

[@TinkerWithTools]

Tough call. I have always said Hikoki/Metabo HPT's triple hammer is about 90% of what you get from a Makita. I think for the quick insert collet and the location of the control/better light, I would give the 173 a slight edge... but it's close. I actually have another video in the works with the comparison between those... so I'll be sure to mention it in that video.

[@86Sando]

I think it’s cool that Makita and Hikoki bring out impacts in different colors. 👍

[@TinkerWithTools]

I honestly don’t understand why Milwaukee or DEWALT don’t do special editions. With the rabid following that they have I think it would just be extra $$$$

[@86Sando]

“Rabid” haha. Dewalt did a McLaren racing edition but was only available in Europe. Such a shame.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Yeah they have done that McLaren which is the DCD800 in a different skin and then the 100th anniversary is the DCD799. They have a pretty solid foothold in the Uk from what I understand.

[@86Sando]

Really wish they released them here is Aus but oh well. I really enjoy your content mate. Keep up the good work.

[@TinkerWithTools]

We feel the same way. And thanks!

[@clearriver5987]

Nice review ⚘️🫶 what is the max rpm

[@TinkerWithTools]

3400 RPM in power mode but it does offer 3700 rpm in its self drilling screw mode.

[@El_Diablo_LI]

@TinkerwithTools My buddy will be traveling to the US later this month from Japan. I can check with him to see if he can pick up one of those Yellow Hikoki impact drivers from a local merchant there if you'd like? I often ask him to bring some "sold only in Japan" tools over when he comes so there shouldn't be any issues if you'd like me to ask?

[@TinkerWithTools]

I appreciate the offer but right now I have all my budget awaiting new releases of tools in the coming weeks so I wouldn’t be able to swing it right now. Cherish that connection though. That is awesome!

[@JimDoubleYa]

Do you know if we can import the HiKOKI track saw? I can't find an online store that will import to the U.S.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I haven't seen anywhere I can buy it. Just a few Hikoki circular saws.

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

I use jis bit most of the time since I use vessel electric screwdriver but I found the key to go jis to us drivers. Engineer dr-22 is a bit extender that's on us az though not perfect it will let you convert any jis bit on us driver. Give it a try it's 10ish dollars won't solve all wobble but it works. Fyi made in Taiwan disappointing but it's defently impact rated at least.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I appreciate you sharing. I have already ordered it. honestly wish they made an even shorter one in the 2" range, but I am excited to try it.

[@MattHmm-rq6dn]

Yea me too but I have that one and the 6in one there not perfect but it's the best solution I've found. even buzreg hasn't found a perfect solution and he has reach in the Japanese market backship ect.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I have a smaller one from vessel but even that only works with longer American bits on the the end. The shorter bits have a tendency to make it in there and get stuck. I have tried other items from Engineer before and they have been good. Plus with the double detent this looks like it should work for both types of collets.

[@SM-uy7oj]

Does it overheat? I found that the previous model severely overheated with the longer screws. Thank you.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I haven’t noticed excessive heat with this one so far. The testing I do is back to back with one impact driver doing all of its tests and I didn’t notice heat from any of them during that. I’ll report back if I notice anything in the future though.

[@dustinkrebs8229]

Is what mode did you have the impact drivers on?

[@TinkerWithTools]

All of the impact were in their power mode, where they have max RPM and IPM combination.

[@ProxyFinal]

It is an improvement over the first generation

[@TinkerWithTools]

It is and it’s an improvement in many ways over the second gen Bolt. I just struggle with the fact that without the app connectivity it doesn’t really have a feature other than the light that really stands out as significantly better. And with the 18v bolt at $129 on Amazon most of the time that feels like a more value oriented choice. But make no mistake I do love it.

[@ProxyFinal]

@@TinkerWithTools I was just thinking about the Makita price hike as of late. Despite Metabo HPT also being of Japan origin, they still manage to keep the price relatively on the value spectrum. Makita on the other hand, weak yen currency gave them the excuse to raise price on all their tools. For this reason, I have been looking at alternatives and thank god for Hikoki.

[@Leonghank]

@@ProxyFinal Weak Yen should make their product cheaper not more expensive. So it's not an excuse.

[@tanorkewl8360]

Sickkkk

[@jasonvandervalk3679]

In my opinion tools don't need apps.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I don’t have an issue with a tool having an app as long as 1) there is value in it that would be hard execute outside the app 2) the tool is still completely functional with out it. In this example they could have included the thin screw mode as an additional mode on the tool instead of putting it solely in the app. Having all the customization is great but if I don’t have the Bluetooth battery then I am missing out on potential functionality aside from just the customization.

[@devonboyer626]

on the individual level most people probably don't need apps for their tools. On a business owner/contractor level I could see the apps being extremely useful in regards to outfitting your entire crew. Especially for tool monitoring and consistent, repetitive task management.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Yeah that is a component that I failed to mention. Tool tracking in terms of location could be really helpful as well

[@gregorsamsa1364]

Almost nothing needs an app. But they can provide conveniences

[@james2042]

Well its either more on board leds and displays, or a Bluetooth connection to an app. At this point there's not really a good way to improve tools like impacts as we're pretty much maxing out what a 1/4th bit can handle in terms of torque, and more speed just causes more problems with stripping fasteners. Apps allowing things like programmable rpms, trigger response curves, programmable torque outputs, and the ability to save these to fastener specific profiles to optimize the driver for a specific fastener, on the fly, would be huge

[@RayW808]

They shipped Li-Ion batteries international?

[@TinkerWithTools]

The seller I bought from only sells the tool. But depending on where you live there are some products that Amazon JP will ship internationally including this tool (at least where I live). But you can also just use the Metabo HPT batteries on this tool if you don’t go that route.

[@georgedavall9449]

This made an ‘Impact’ on my day! 🙄😂🤩

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks George!

[@georgedavall9449]

@@TinkerWithTools You’re Welcome !!!! 👍 Oh, BTW, the DCD 799 I purchased has one of the best chucks ever for a DeWalt drill! In fact, it may be one of the best out of all the drills I have owned, with regards to runout?!! I’m glad to see the Quality being stepped up in the Mexico factory! It’s a keeper! $129.00 for the Kit, VS 99.00 for the 794. 799 has a better charger ( although I don't need another one; I will give it to my SON. ). And the 799 kit includes a CP 3.0, VS the 2.0 of the 794 Kit. I know I know, a NO Brainer! DCD794 going back, and I will return, and exchange the 800 for another. The gear train in the DCD 800 sounds rough and feels the same? I may just return it? For my heavy duty drill requirements I have the Power Detect drill, as well as the DCD 796, which has been a good drill, and one I primarily use for drilling KREG holes. It has survived being left out in the rain, and keeps on going. Chuck is very good on it, with virtually no run out. Take care!

[@TinkerWithTools]

That’s awesome that you got a good one!

[@georgedavall9449]

A. W. E. S. O. M. E.

[@telepolo]

I really like your videos and they are very helpful for people to selecting the one to buy but my gosh you seem to be flooded with tools and batteries there so if you happen to be interested on donating milwaukee or dewalt batteries then it will be greatly appreciated because I use those on a backup inverter to supply power when the power goes off during bad weather emergencies

[@TinkerWithTools]

Currently, the tools that I still have are all used in testing. Typically when I move on from older tools I try to find someone local to me to donate them to, but if I ever have something where I decided to move on from large quantities, I'll make it known here on the channel.

[@telepolo]

@@TinkerWithTools Ok thank you

[@JimDoubleYa]

Very cool! They made a big mistake by not carrying over the HiKOKI branding globally. It drives me nuts that it takes us so long to get these tools in the North American market and the Metabo-HPT branding is odd and annoying. They need to rip off the Band-Aid and rebrand for North America. People will gripe for a year, but then we'll all get over it.

[@TinkerWithTools]

yeah, I think that it would have been as successful as the Metabo name. I think they felt Metabo was more well regarded but it just created confusion.

[@james2042]

Impact drivers were desigened as a solution to cordless drills having no power when battery tech was so current limited. Instead of direct gear reduction they rely on stored potential energy between strikes. Really without going to a bigger striker (like an impact wrench) you cant really do much with an impact driver power wise. Speed is just about the only thing, having the power to turn the motor faster and still hit the hammer hard enough for useful work. Thats why the best imo will drive a screw effortlessly and fall flat on their face for a lag bolt

[@TinkerWithTools]

I agree to a certain degree but I also think that is why you have a seen a shift from just lag bolts to have a huge selection of structural fasteners that I basically designed to be driven by an impact driver. It’s not the perfect tool for driving 8” GRKs repeatedly all day but for the occasional larger fastener they will still get the job done.

[@james2042]

@TinkerWithTools of course tools can bleed over into other categories, and a 1/2 inch anvil adapter is a lot smaller than an impact wrench in a toolbox. And some companies make these absolute powerhouse impacts that can do just that. I'd put it along the lines of doing rips in sheet goods with circular saws vs track saws or table saws. Circular saw will get the job done but it's not optimal.

[@sizif717]

It pretty much seems that the impact drivers are the only power tools that don't benefit from 36V. I suppose they will need to make a bigger , dedicated 36V motor and body - so it be more powerful, which they don't do. It is the same with Makita impact drivers. 36V is only a downside that you can't fit a smaller 2.0Ah or 3.0Ah for lightness and compactness.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Yeah, there really isn't much benefit to higher voltage on the impact drivers other than having an impact driver if that is your tool platform.

[@user-lf3ym5uy7y]

The big brands are losing to the lowest brands do to half the price same results.

[@sinanates334]

8 inch grk test celarly shows your osb layers give wrong results. I think a 6x6 would be more accurate.Just an advice I like and watched all your tests

[@TinkerWithTools]

Could you clarify what you mean by wrong results. While I do think you will get different times with a 6x6 I have found that there are challenges achieving consistent results in a solid wood as well, ie wood splitting, knots etc.

[@sinanates334]

@@TinkerWithTools “wrong results” ı mean in some tests. Osb itself is a nonuniform material. Old 18v starts to behave like a 20 year old impact last seconds while screwing 8” grk . I am not criticisng dont get it wrong. Before watching ı expected new 36v one to be slower but its not. Great test

[@TinkerWithTools]

Okay I just wanted to understand what you mean. I did run additional 8” GRKs after filming as a check and there were a few that performed more around the 10 second range but then were still one or two that produced that odd behavior. It could also be contributed to the fact that it’s a 5 year (to me) impact driver at this point.

[@tanorkewl8360]

Just some advixe the music is killing me bro

[@TinkerWithTools]

I appreciate the feedback. Is it just this song or just music in videos in general?

[@dgreer5537]

It’s art. We’re here for the content

[@georgedavall9449]

Wow, really? * plays a 🎻 for you tankora! 🙄 It will be alright, don't worry! 😆

[@matthewbishop9255]

This just proves that using a drill is the far better option.

[@TinkerWithTools]

To each their own I guess! A drill would drive faster for sure and there are times I prefer a drill but there are certainly times where an impact driver is my preferred tool!

[@gregorsamsa1364]

How are you defining "better" in this context?

[@mos8541]

.. a 36... Double Dee?? hah.. smFh

[@aussiehardwood6196]

So basically they all performed the same 🤔

[@TinkerWithTools]

Additional refinement on each generation is the main take away for me.

[@aussiehardwood6196]

I'm in the market for a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) 18v impact driver, my eyes are on the Makita DT173? But maybe these Hikoki's are worth a look too!

[@TinkerWithTools]

I’ll have a video either this week or next comparing them and giving my thoughts on them.