Cordless Impact Driver

[bigtiller]

My drill is an 18 volt Bosh that is nearly 7 years old with the big ni-cad battery. What are the chances that a new 18 volt lithiun- ion battery will work in it? If it will work then I know what I will be shopping for. I like the 18 volt, the weight isn't that bad compared to useing a drop cord.

 

[radioman]

Well - I can tell you for sure to stay away from skil brand. batteries don't last.

It seems like 18v is standard for cordless so anything less is just having less power and run time and easier on wrists. I am currently using C3 sears stuff like the little pump, drills, impact driver, reciprocating saw , etc. I have them for over a year and its a bit on heavy side compared to others brands I used but its cheap and uses the same battery for everything. the impact drill is much mighter then the regular drill so it works fine for my purposes.

 

[EddieWalker]

I've pretty much changed over to Makita for everything, including my cordless tools. I have the Makita 18v Litium Ion system. The batteries hold a charge for years, and they charge up in about 15 minutes. They are compact and easy to carry on my tool belt.

The impact driver will drive a 3 inch screw as far as the tip will reach into the wood. I don't think there's a limit to how far it will go in. It's half the size of the drill, with three times the power. What is really amazing is the impact action doesn't put any pressure on your wrist. My drill will hurt me if I try to hold on to it, and it only has 450 lbs of torque. The impact driver is over 1,400 lbs.

I've put in quite a few 1/2" x 5" lag bolts with it too without any effort at all.

It doesn't have a chuck, but instead you just snap in the six sided fittngs into it. I have one with a 3/8" socket adapter, and use it to drive everything that I've come across. From 3/4 in nuts on carriage bolts to self tapping screws into metal roofs. It just keeps going.

Makita has a small LED light on the end of their tools. It's very handy in low light, and tight spaces. Just try working under a cabinet or in attic, and you'll really appreciate having a light!!!

Eddie

 

[QRTRHRS]

My Hitachi has an LED light too. They are nice to have.

There is one thing not yet mentioned about impact drivers and that is that they can be noisy! I have not looked into the db levels they generate but depending on the application, they darn near approach a framing nailer for noise.

By the way, the current issue of Fine Homebuilding has a test report on 18V Lithium Ion driver drills if anyone is in the market. This is a good time to hit the home center of your choice for xmas specials on tools. You can usually get prices that match or beat on line pricing.

 

[Kays Supply]

This got me to thinking. I just ordered a DeWalt impact on Ebay yesterday. I thought it was a bargain, until I went to my local Rural King and found that they sell a basic impact without battery or charger for only $10 more. Oh well, I didn't get hurt . It will be here in a couple days.

 

[EddieWalker]

There is one thing not yet mentioned about impact drivers and that is that they can be noisy!

Good point. I wear ear plugs just about all day long. In fact, I keep three things in my left, front pocket. Chapstick, pocket knife and ear plugs. Every morning, I make sure to have those three things before leaving.

Eddie