Hitachi Power Tools has announced the launch of its new line of 14.4-Volt cordless products including a driver drill, hammer drill, impact driver and impact wrench. Powered by HXP batteries, the company says that their new lithium ion technology generates three times the life of standard batteries. They are significantly lighter, too, and this reduces the overall weight of the tools that they power. These lithium ion batteries are uniquely backwards compatible, meaning they will also work in some older 14.4 Volt models. HXPs have a longer life, approximately 1,300 to 1,500 cycles (the number of times a user can recharge the battery), as opposed to about 500 times for recharging standard batteries.

The DS14DL
A brand new Cordless Driver Drill (shown at right), this tool is ideal for drilling and driving into wood, plastic, mild steel and aluminum. It offers 460 in/lbs of torque to drill and drive through tough materials. It comes with two high-capacity 3.0Ah HXP lithium Ion batteries. A unique two-step speed switch is located on the side of the handle and gives the user the ability to select from 4 different speed settings (0-200/400/850/1750 RPM) for more control. Other features include an externally accessible carbon brush for quick and easy maintenance, replaceable armature, 2-piece rare-earth magnet motor and a 5-position belt hook with integrated LED job light for convenience. Compact at only 9.21" in length and lightweight at 4.4 lbs, the DS14DL feels like a 9.6V tool, while offering the power and performance of a 14.4V. The HXP lithium ion battery works in all 14-Volt DMR and DVF3 tools, for more options. The DS14DL comes complete with two HXP batteries, quick charger, side handle, carrying case and driver bit. The suggested retail is $239.

The DV14DL
This new 14.4V Cordless Hammer Drill (at left) is ideal for tightening and loosening fasteners, drilling into wood materials, plastic, steel, aluminum, brick and concrete block. It offers class leading 460 in/lbs of torque to hammer through the toughest jobs. A two-step speed switch is located on the side of the handle, offering four different speed settings. It, too, has an externally accessible carbon brush, replaceable armature, 2-piece rare-earth magnet motor and a 5-position belt hook with integrated LED job light. It's only 9.84" in length and 4.6 lbs, and comes complete with two HXP batteries, a quick charger, side handle, carrying case and driver bit. The suggested retail is $259.

The WR14DL
The last of the new 14.4V Lithium-Ion cordless tools from Hitachi is an impact wrench, designed for tightening carriage bolts, driving lags and sinking deck screws. It produces an incredible 1780 in/lbs of turning and tightening torque. It comes with two high capacity 3.0Ah HXP Lithium Ion batteries that run the industrial-grade, 2-piece motor. It, too, features Hitachi's unique two-step speed switch, and it has a square chuck that accepts all 1/2" sockets. Other features include Hitachi's externally accessible carbon brush, replaceable armature, 2-piece magnet motor and a 5-position belt hook with integrated LED job light. The impact wrench is only 6.58" long and 3.3 lbs, great for working in tight spaces or compromised positions, and for tackling heavy projects. The suggested retail is $259.

Hitachi HXP Batteries
These new batteries are 3.0Ah, so they last longer between charges. They maintain a steady charge from the moment the trigger is pulled until they need to be recharged, ensuring that the user will tap the full power during use. HXP battery technology reduces the weight by approximately a pound per tool, which improves manageability and lessens fatigue. The Universal charger from Hitachi will charge 7.2V up to 18V lithium ion, as well as NiCd and NiMH batteries. The HXP batteries come with overload and discharge protection, so they won't overheat or lose power. And they are backwards compatible so those who already own and use Hitachi 14.4V DMR or DVF3 cordless tools can invest in Hitachi Lithium Ion tools and use the HXP battery in their other Hitachi models.

For more information, including the full line of Hitachi products and support, please contact Hitachi Power Tools at 1-800-829-4752 or visit www.hitachipowertools.com