Replies

1. 
   mudman | Sep 24, 2007 10:30pm | #1

   I have one and it is all I use for driving screws. Lighter and more powerfull than my 18v Dewalt drill. Takes a little time to know when to stop before over driving. Never cams out of philips head screws.

   Pardon my spelling,

   Mike

   Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.

    

   EDIT.. Spend the money on an air filter or better yet a cyclone dust collector with canister filters. That will make your shop far safer than switching to a $300 dust mask.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 9/24/2007 3:36 pm ET by mudman

2. 
   Knotscott | Sep 25, 2007 02:32am | #2

   I've got a Ryobi made Craftsman 19.2v that's new to me, and so far I'm really pleased with how the impact driver performs compared to a straight cordless drill....definitely a better mousetrap for driving screws.

3. 
   Quickstep | Sep 25, 2007 05:04am | #3

   Ditto What Mike said. Using the impact driver to drive screws makes the cordless drill last a LOT longer. I have the Makita. Driving small screws is a little tricky; you have to be careful not to overdrive or break them. I love the impact driver. It drives even big screws effortlessly.

4. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 25, 2007 06:10am | #4

   I think an impact driver is of limited use in the shop -- with furniture and cabinet projects.

   But it's the cat's meow when it comes to construction and carpentry.

   I would look at either the Makita or Panasonic 12 volt guns -- both are very good quality, and 12v is muscular enough to handle anything but large lag bolts.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

5. 
   [email protected] | Sep 25, 2007 06:42am | #5

   I have had the 18-volt version for a few years now.  I originally bought it to use doing pocket hole screws.  I use it for that, and building jigs, fixtures, etc. 

   I only turn screws by hand now if I can't figure out how to get onto the screw with the impactor. 

6. 
   forestgirl | Sep 25, 2007 07:01am | #6

   I don't have one (yet) but there was an excellent article a year or so ago that provided an excellent explanation of all the moving parts involved in an impact driver, and what made the better ones (read: more expensive) worth the investment -- quality of parts and materials, precise coordination of the moving parts, for examples.  That article convinced me that when I do buy one, it'll be one of the top tier, so it will perform correctly for a long, long time!

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
7. 
   Vic Damone | Sep 25, 2007 09:03am | #7

   I purchased the Hilti. The way these things stay coupled with the screw head is worth the price of admission. The little diode lights are truly helpful. If there's a draw back it's that their a little noisy.

   Vic

8. 
   cigarmike | Sep 25, 2007 04:25pm | #8

   I have the 14.4 DeWalt impact driver and love it. I have been using it for all of my screw driving tasks. Used it last night to send some fine thread screws into some hard red oak on a project. The impact action really helps drive those screws home.

   Another good example of the effectiveness of these machines: used the impact driver to drive some 1/4"  lag screws into the wall studs to attach some lumber racks. Made quick work of this driving task. Used a 1/4" adapter in the drill to attach a socket.

   You will find lots of uses for this tool. Good luck and watch those fingers.

9. 
   dude | Sep 26, 2007 09:28am | #9

   havent used mine in the shop much (ridgid) but this week i am putting the deck boards on a deck for a customer and found out how good they are

   only need to put in about 3000 3 1/2" screws

   bought a bosch to try out yesterday and it works even better and dosent get as hot as the rigid