Best Impact Drill/Driver?
A woodworker at WoodNet recently asked for advice on picking a new cordless impact drill/driver. Here’s how he plans to use the new driver:
“My use will be for driving self-tapping screws in metal building repair, pocket-hole screws in wood, deck screws, and other woodworking applications.”
Most notably, some Woodnetters advised him against getting an impact driver for those uses. They suggested he go for something with a clutch to give him more finesse for metal connecting and pocket-hole screws.
That said, they also offered up their favorite impact drivers which I have counted here for you:
Makita: 6 Votes Total
Makita 12-Volt Cordless NiMH Impact Driver: 2 Votes
Makita 14.4-Volt NiMH Cordless Impact Driver: 2 Votes
Makita 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver: 2 Votes
Ryobi: 2 Votes
18V Ryobi: 2 Votes
Craftsman: 2 Votes
Craftsman 14.4 volt Impact Driver: 2 Votes
Bosch: 1 Vote
Bosch PS10-2 Litheon 10.8-Volt Lithium-Ion I-Driver Kit
More Finesse:
Bosch PS20-2 Litheon 10.8-Volt Lithium-Ion Pocket Driver
Bosch PS40-2 10.8V Impact Driver
Here’s the conversation thread at Woodnet: impact drill/driver
I found it interesting that a similar poll in the Family Woodworking forum liked DeWalt cordless drills the best with Makita second. Of course, this wasn’t a poll for impact drivers, but rather just standard drills/drivers.
Cordless Drill Buying Advice:
Buying advice Cordless drills
Top 11 Cordless Drills/Drivers FamilyWoodworking Poll
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Leo Says:
December 9th, 2007 at 1:30 am
I have worked both metal studs and wood and an impact works great for self tappers and “you do get a feel for it”, “finese” you do know when to stop driving in the screw, you feel it( unless you’re Joe rough-n-tough no brain, strip the screw every time “A”) I can see why some steer away from impacts for these types of applications because you will strip your screws and you will know it. The impact gives that extra push especially in those odd positions, imagine with a reg. screw gun ? you’ll get tired quicker. Get the Makita 2-drill kit a great combo(its an impact & drill gun),”if” you’re doing alot of pocket hole screws you’ll be set the clutch is important. The Ryobi are a great,great deal for the price.
Which ever you decide to buy, get a lithium-ion battery type, its the newest technology(much lighter,power,keeps its latest charge status when not in use where as ni-cads cells start losing it)