Are Hitachi and HiKOKI the Same Company? Learn the tool history, rebranding journey, and differences between these power tool brands.
If you have been in the market of late shopping for cordless power tools, then you would have noticed two names that appear to be practically the same thing. Hitachi and HiKOKI. Multiple buyers have asked if these are different companies, if one brand replaces the other, or if the tools are still from the same maker. That question isn't going away and is even more prevalent when you look at tools like the HiKOKI MultiVolt 6-piece Combo Kit, where many users remember similar-looking tools with Hitachi branding just a couple of years ago. The good news is that it is much simpler than it sounds. These two companies are closely intertwined, and knowing their history can help you make more confident buying decisions. This may be reconsidering older Hitachi tools while buying newer HiKOKI to directly compare and wonder why the brand change or deciding on a HiKOKI MultiVolt Combo Kit, but understanding how the company came about in growth will better explain exactly why many contractors stick with this business. Until fairly recently, Hitachi was one of the most trusted names in power tools. They gained a strong reputation as a manufacturer of durable drills, grinders, saws, nailers, and more with high-quality tools designed for the professional tradesman at work sites throughout the globe. Even tradesmen who have been on the job for decades still use Hitachi tools that are reliable in 2023. The Hitachi name became embraced with reliable applications for sturdy construction due to their dependable quality and durability. Hitachi has had a long legacy, with professionals from construction sites to workshops to home renovations relying on Hitachi tools for tough jobs. Why Did the Name Change? The reason why a lot of people get confused by all this is that it didn't stop using the company name — it just changed its power tools arm to a different brand name. In many of their international markets, the power tool division formerly called Hitachi Power Tools became HiKOKI in 2018. The shift came after restructuring around the business and new ownership, but intended to give a focused global branding for the company's professional power tool siblings. The logo has changed quite a bit, but a lot of the engineering knowledge, manufacturing history, and product development is still similar. Essentially, this is the rebranding program for a certain power tool brand that most people knew simply as Hitachi. One of the most common questions asked by buyers is whether the same company makes the tools, and the answer is yes. From Hitachi to HiKOKI, the company transitioned to a new name while continuing and building on decades of high-quality cordless and corded power tool engineering and innovation. While the factories, product designers, and manufacturing standards were still oriented towards professional-grade gear. This applies to that older breed of Hitachi tools that many users actually love, so customers can feel entirely comfortable upgrading through to the newer HiKOKI products as they identify with the quality and reliability they have been used to for years. When the name changed, concerns over obtaining spare parts, batteries, and other accessories for Hitachi tools already in use by customers were widespread. Luckily, it was not the case. HiKOKI awas lso were maintaing applicable support of older product lines but announcing updated models with 18V battery technology and new generation brushless motors. With lots of accessories still compatible, professionals were able to use the tools they already knew and trusted while slowly easing into newer equipment. It was this smooth transition that helped to keep consumer confidence in the brand alive, and made it more palatable for long-time Hitachi users to adopt HiKOKI. Arguably the most important change since rebranding is HiKOKI's new platform for MultiVolt batteries. Compatible batteries could now auto-operate on both 18V and 36V tools, making this technology one of the best-selling features of the company Users were able to run all sorts of cordless tools with the same sophisticated batteries, rather than administer distinct battery systems. That flexibility jumped into popularity immediately with both pro contractors and the hard-core DIY set, and established products like the HiKOKI MultiVolt 6 piece Combo Kit as almost a must-have for even budget-minded buyers driven by long-term value and convenience. HiKOKI created themselves as applicable deluxe cordless tool brand, although others continue to search for Hitachi tools online. The company remains focused on brushless motors, battery technology, outdoor power equipment and professional-grade cordless tools to tackle the toughest applications. HiKOKI tools available today are built to compete with power tool heavyweights whilst also continuing the same high level of engineering which made Hitachi such a respected name in the first place. For new-to-the-brandd buyers who may never have owned Hitachi tools in the past, HiKOKI is simply a well-regarded manufacturer with smart new cordless solutions. Specific tool and battery model co-dependents: HiKOKI has many, but not all,l cordless tools that use the modern MultiVolt platform, ale many Hitachi batteries were compatible with older Hitachi tools. There are still some cross-product line batteries and chargers, but not all older batteries will work with all new tools. If you have older Hitachi equipment and are upgrading it, be sure to always check compatibility between replacement batteries or chargers. You won't run into this problem getting going with a HiKOKI MultiVolt Combo Kit because every tool in the kit is intended to work together as they all share the same battery platform. Almost nothing is more important to a professional tradesman than consistency. They want tools that work—day in and day out without downtime. HiKOKI Commercial-Continuing the legacy from the Hitachi days, HiKOKI has gained a reputation for manufacturing cordless tools that can take on tough commercial construction, renovation, woodworking,, and mechanical tasks. Today, continuing use of the latest durable battery systems, strong brushless motors, and long-time industry-compatible high-life cycles, as well as effective gearboxes and comfortable design,n have all supported a high perception amongst professionals. The many contractors that had once trusted Hitachi years ago have remained loyal after the transition because they are still enjoying the same reliable performance from HiKOKI equipment. The HiKOKI MultiVolt Combo Kit is frequently the best buy for buyers who are entering the HiKOKI ecosystem. Rather than buying separate standalone tools, the combo kit offers a comprehensive cordless setup that revolves around the manufacturer’s smart new MultiVolt battery system. You can expect several bezels, multiple batteries, a top-quality charger,r and all in one storage unit with many kits. Since all compatible tools run off the same battery platform, growing your tool collection down the line is much easier and cheaper. If you're a contractor or serious DIY'er, having a complete kit to start with provides great long-term bang for buck. Buyers looking at the cost to purchase a home often look exclusively at the price tag,g but the bigger picture is generally different — and should be told. The Hikoki multivolt 6-piece cordless combo pack is regularly much more affordable than simply purchasing the tools separately. Besides the tools themselves, the kit often comes with batteries, chargers, and storage accessories that you would otherwise have to buy separately. Not only is this approach more economical, but it guarantees that everything will indeed be compatible from the start. If you're building a cordless collection, most of the time, it's cheapest to get a full combo kit! Keep in mind that when looking at the Hikoki multivolt 6 piece cordless combination pack price, you're getting more than just six cordless tools. You also get the benefit of a battery platform designed to power future tools without needing additional chargers and other separate battery systems. The boosted value proposition comes in the form of the MultiVolt technology, professional-grade design, and future-proofed compatibility. While at first glance the initial purchase cost may be higher than entry-range cordless kits, many carpenters feel that the return on investment to buy better and more efficient tools outweighs or justifiesitselfs anyway. Which brings us to—Hitachi is HiKOKI! And are Hitachi and HiKOKI the same? In practical terms, yes. HiKOKI is the new brand name for the power tool division of what was formerly known around the world as Hitachi Power Tools. Although the branding changed, the company continued to sell higher-end power tools for people who wanted reliable performance and quality engineering in a true professional-grade tool. The company used this transition to launch exciting innovations, including the MultiVolt battery platform, while carrying on a legacy that Hitachi had been building for decades. Whether you're an old hand upgrading older Hitachi kit, or a first-time buyer of a HiKOKI MultiVolt 6-piece Combo Kit, you can rest assured knowing the brand has a legacy behind it of decades of dependable battery-powered tools. Key Specs Type: MultiVolt Combo Kit Battery Chemistry: Lithium-Ion (Li-ion)Recharge Time: 30 MinutesMax Torque up to ELT in-lbs, depending tool Battery Capacity: 36VTool Weight, full combo kit (rlx1): ELB lbs (specify the weight of individual tools) Buy NowIntel Core i910850H or higher48GB RAM19360 Mhz64GB XPCDrivesLEDsFan Fansdimf ExternalgraphicsAll weights and info are approximateWhat We Like Power-packed 18V & 120W inverter compatibilityBaseline performanceGreat long-term usabilityDual chargingNo throttle down & torque specs get lower as you start moving weakSlightly bulkySame size at all speedsMore power stopped delivering voltage before rigid300 Pound Lift-A-Round Drive PackYou won't run out if you also have a cheap rest test.The Story Begins with Hitachi
Does the same company make the Tools?
Existing tools made by Hitachi have been rebranded as Metabo HPT.
The Introduction of MultiVolt Technology
The Importance of HiKOKI Name Today
Are Older Hitachi Batteries Compatible?
Why Professionals Continue Choosing HiKOKI
Should You Buy the HiKOKI MultiVolt Combo Kit?
What is the Difference Between Buying a Combo Kit vs. Individual Tools?
Is the Price Worth It?
Final Thoughts
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