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Amazon’s Budget Hi-chica Drill vs. DeWalt DCD791: How Do They Compare?
In the world of power tools, DIY enthusiasts are often caught in a dilemma over whether to invest in a high-end, expensive tool or settle for a budget-friendly option. Today, we’ll be comparing the budget-minded Hi-chica drill from Amazon with the premium DeWalt DCD791 to see how they perform in various drilling situations. By the end of this article, you should have a clearer idea of whether going for a cheaper option can give you comparable performance to a more expensive model.
Overview of the Drills
First, let’s take a look at what each drill offers. The Hi-chica is a two-speed hammer drill driver with a price point of around $80. It has a variable speed of 0 to 500 RPM on low and 0 to 2000 RPM on high, with a hammer mode of up to 32,000 BPM. In comparison, the DeWalt DCD791 is a higher-end drill with a similar range of speeds but a significantly higher price tag of around $230.
Chuck Quality and Wobble
One of the first things we notice about the Hi-chica drill is its ratcheting chuck, which doesn’t hold as well as one might hope. On the other hand, the DeWalt has a superior chuck, providing a better grip on the drill bits. Regarding chuck wobble, surprisingly, the Hi-chica had less wobble than the more expensive DeWalt model.
Drilling Performance Comparison
To compare their performance, we tested both drills using different drill bits in varying sizes, switching between high and low speeds. The Hi-chica struggled a bit when moving to larger bits, requiring a switch to low speed. In contrast, the DeWalt had considerably more power and managed to drill more effectively at high speeds throughout most of the test.
Clutch and Hammer Mode Performance
When testing the clutch on both drills, the Hi-chica performed decently but did not have the same smoothness as the DeWalt. In hammer mode, the Hi-chica was capable of drilling into concrete with a half-inch bit, but at a slower pace compared to the DeWalt.
Are Budget Drills Worth the Investment?
As we saw in this comparison, there can be a noticeable performance difference between a budget drill like the Hi-chica and a more premium model like the DeWalt DCD791. However, the Hi-chica did manage to hold its own in several areas, such as chuck wobble and basic drilling tasks.
For many DIY enthusiasts, an $80 drill may be sufficient for their needs, while others might require the power and performance of a more expensive model. Additionally, the availability of batteries and warranties might be a deciding factor, as some cheaper brands may not offer the same level of customer support and product guarantees.
Looking Forward: Upcoming Comparisons and Drills to Watch
In future articles, we will continue comparing different drills from various price ranges, including models from well-known brands like Hammerhead, which is part of the same company behind Flex and Ego. We will analyze the performance of these more affordable options compared to their higher-priced counterparts to help you make more informed decisions when purchasing power tools.
Conclusion
This comparison has shown that while budget drills like the Hi-chica may not offer the same level of performance and quality as more expensive models like the DeWalt DCD791, they can still be a viable option for certain users. Factors such as your specific project requirements, budget, and long-term expectations should be considered when deciding which drill to invest in. Stay tuned for more drill comparisons that will provide you with the information you need to make the best choice for your projects and toolbox.
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more on my Private Policy page.
This video is the start of an extended series on if it is a smart move to own the best tool a budget DIY tool makes or the lower level of a professional tool brand? We wanted to first get a base on what a very basic budget tool would do in comparison to a large brand. We will continue to build off this video over time.
I would like to see a comparison of DeWalt against its cousin Black & Decker or WEN. Both being about half the cost of the DeWalt.
The Hychika tool seems pretty decent for an $80 tool.
This is a great video. There's one key difference between a Dewalt/Milwaukee/Makita/Flex vs Hychika and that key difference is longevity. How long will a brand like that hold up? If you're only using it a few times per year, then it might last a while. Even If you're doing a bunch of DIY I would say buy once and cry once with the top end brands.
Just bought the Hychika hammer drill for $37 new on Amazon. Since they were giving them a way like that, I though I'd get one. Maybe it'll last. By the way, perhaps you got a defective model Hychika. The one I got does not slip when tightening the chuck.
As you can see in the excellent video, the performance of the DeWalt drill is just marginally better.
My take: I got at Walmart two of the Hychika drills shown in the video for $39.99 ea. and I have now two drills, two batteries and two chargers for less than half the cost of a single DeWalt.
DeWalt is probably more durable, but for the DIYer the Hychika is by far a better deal.
After use in a couple of projects I like them a lot!
This drill looks exactly same as Teccpo brushless drill on Amazon with 2 x 2mah battery packs ….
Are the batteries cross compatible?
I personally would never spend my money on any of those random tool brands from Amazon or anywhere else, some people like them, but I would go with any of the big 3, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita, ryobi ain't bad either, and I got almost all my Dewalt on sale, free batteries, bogos, etc
Just to get this out of the way first, if your worried about run-out on a hand-held drill you're using the wrong tool for the job.
I will sometimes buy one of these budget tools just to see how they perform, but more importantly as a "lender tool" when someone ask if they can borrow my…whatever. The vast majority of them are just fine for the average homeowner who doesn't make a living with their tools. The Hychika hammer drill is currently $46 on Amazon with a 2Ah battery. The Dewalt 2ah battery alone is $100 on the Home Depot website. For the person who needs a certain tool once every blue moon I think there really is no need to pay for a big-name tool. Many years ago I often wondered how much of my thousands and thousands of dollars I spent on Dewalt tools went into the logo on the side of a NASCAR and that used to piss me off.
Just for yucks I bought a Hychika 20V inflator/deflator. It strongly resembles the older Ryobi/Bauer but it will also work with 12VDC via your cigarette lighter outlet which is great if the battery is not charged. I paid $35 for it and it came with a 2Ah battery. It works just fine.
Again, not everyone needs a Makita, Dewalt or Milwaukee, we are just used to making them our go-to brands and feel that Mrs. homeowner should be buying what we buy, but considering that the tool might sit in the basement for years without being used, is that really a good value for her?
I know you're NOT Todd, I never EVER believe the amazonias bs stats and LOVE testing them . if they say 2000rpm…what does it REALLY make?.same for torque, same for BPM, same for their fake Ah ratings. ive bought many 5 and 6 Ah counterfeit grey market batteries, and while they do work, not ONE came anywhere close to th4 stated rating, aaannnd so on… minimal chuck wobble not withstanding… SFMF
Chuck wobble is across good in DeWalt, under load. Hear me out… because it's not as rigid fixed, it deals with misalignments and precession better. Take the red tools that are solidly fixed chucks, and they tend to snap hole saws and drill bits more often, because the bit eats all the vibration etc. Test it.
Rohm drill chucks made in Germany are the best in my opinion
Hi cheeka! How are things 🤣🤣 Amazon drill names are never dull.
good job man! sounds like they each have a "sweet spot" where they perform best/better than the other.
I mean, I've got an old (Ni-Mh days) Dewalt hammer drill that I still use to cut door knob/deadbolt holes with a forstner bit. I picked up some aftermarket lithium batteries for it on Amazon a couple of years ago and it's still going strong. I've seen the same drill (and similar) on eBay for $25-$50 used. I would definitely go for one of those before getting the Hychika. Even with the added $50/battery for the aftermarkets, it's within the same budget and it's a much, much better drill.
for someone who only need to drill mortor once every few years, off brand is good enough.
Will stick with my Panasonic
Considering that you can get 2 for the price of one, I'd go with the Chikita…sorry, Hychika… 🤣
you must have big mitts, cuz they dang near swallow those drills.
To be honest, I don't ever buy my power tools at full price. I always buy the pro-grade stuff (typically Milwaukee Fuel), but I buy them only when there is a sale to take advantage of. Of course, they still cost much more than the budget brands found on Amazon, but it's less extreme of a price gap nonetheless.
Hychika? Gesundheit!
Very interesting looking forward for the next video thanks
These cordless, off brand, tools are simply not worth it. The tools themselves may be ok but the problem will be the batteries. What kind of guarantee will the buyer get that they can get replacement batteries? Without the batteries, the tool is useless.
Thanks! New subscribe here 👍
Thanks Brian 😎🛠️😎🛠️😎
Hey yo Brian! I’m really diggin that Hochoki drill! 🙄😀😂
Actually, Rather interesting as it seemed to perform on a higher level than some of the other stuff I’ve seen from Amazon? Your copy of the DCD 791 wasn’t too bad as far as the chuck goes. I’ve seen far worse with the ‘Assembled in USA’ models of that drill. I really like the DCD 791/796. I prefer the 791, but I own the 796 as it came with the Flexvolt combo kit I purchased couple years ago. It is one of my favorite drills, and the one I usually grab. There is virtually NO run out on the chuck. It is Made in China.
Looking forward to your upcoming videos in this ‘series,’ Brian. 👍👍👍✌🏻😁🇺🇸
Can you tell me about dewalt electro mechanical clutch they use in their angle grinders, are they reliable like in dwe4257-qs?
errr… DeWalt has a known wobble problem, no? That's their thing. And isn't it more useful to compare this Hyundakita to Ridgid and Ryobi ("Rai-Obi"? "Rio-bee"??)?
Great channel, solid info always. My point would be why ever buy non branded tools ? Dewalt and most manufacturers make lower end tools in their lines. For $99 you can get a better dewalt drill , 2 batteries, 1 charger and a bag . Or another name brand and be in that line of tools to expand in the future.
I like me some Ridgid. Too bad they're not making a beast hammer drill no more, so far as I know 7-800inlbs is their to ATM.
Who makes the drills
Who makes the drills