Dewalt - got the Drill/Driver but not the Impact. Mistake?

[GirlnAgarage]

Been wanting the Dewalt 20V cordless combo for a while. Off an on I saw the sales for the Drill/Driver-Impact Combo but never jumped. I'm ignorant as to what I'd be using the impact driver for

Yesterday at Lowe's gathering materials for a project I saw the Drill/Driver for $169 and they had the impact/drill/driver combo for $259 (Christmas they were $199 ). I stared at both, my husband standing by the cart needing a snickers bar (he was getting tired of waiting and told me to just choose one already). My hangup, "What would I use the impact driver for?" and couldn't spill out an answer. So I picked the drill/driver only. (<-- dumb for two reasons really)

Last night I put together the workbench. Used the new drill/driver combo. "This thing is great!" Midway through as I'm still slow because of having to swap out the drill bit for the driver bit I'm thinking, "Heck I need two of these things". Then it dawned on me. Was this why I was suppose to get the drill/driver & impact combo kit?

So did I flub that purchase?
Is driving deck screws into 2x4s with the driver bit so I don't have to be swapping out the drill bit for the driver bit what I'm suppose to use the impact driver for?

:tard:

Next question, go buy another drill/driver or that impact driver?

 

[reptilezs]

an impact driver is most excellent for driving deck screws in. i love mine, effortless to use. see if you can borrow one to try

 

[theoldwizard1]

You don't know what you are missing by NOT having an impact ! While it is great in driving screws, where it really shines is in REMOVING screws.

Also spend the money and get IMPACT bits. They will last longer.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Just what I need, a tool that I don't know I'm missing.

So the 1/4" impact driver is the one I'd be using for this kind of hardware work, right?

Wilco on the impact driver bits.

 

[Slowboat]

Mistake!

 

[uart]

Is driving deck screws into 2x4s with the driver bit so I don't have to be swapping out the drill bit for the driver bit what I'm suppose to use the impact driver for?

Next question, go buy another drill/driver or that impact driver?

Yeah, it can be useful to have both for that reason. The impact driver is better for busting stuff loose, but a drill/driver can give better torque control for driving screws without stripping them in my opinion.

One option for doing the type of work you describe with just the one drill/driver is to get yourself a good quick release bit adapter and a small set of hex shank drills. Something like these :http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=233829

Or these:

These are a good way to make the most of a single drill/driver, especially for doing simple pilot hole then screwing type jobs.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Just what I need, a tool that I don't know I'm missing.

So the 1/4" impact driver is the one I'd be using for this kind of hardware work, right?

My son had a Dewalt set (Drill/driver, reciprocating saw, panel saw, light) but no impact. We had an out door deck that need to come down. The drill/drive wouldn't touch the screws, but repeated hits from the impact got them all out !

Get a hex to 1/4" and hex to 3/8" adapter. They work well with your standard sockets on nuts and bolts that are not too tight.

 

[chipper]

Return it and get the combo

 

[Syntax_Error]

For driving fasteners in bulk you need an impact driver. For driving fasteners precisely you should have a drill. Impacts can jump off a screw easily and send the tip of your bit into your work surface. I don't use my impact as much as I did when I first bought it. I find my self going back to my drill for most everything. A drill is a much more precise tool for my line of work, but in finish carpentry brute force is not really needed in this kind of tool.

 

[BD1]

Both are awesome. Actually you can get drill bits for the 1/4''impact. Just look here at ALL these GOODIES. http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Dewalt+impact+drill+bits&qpvt=Dewalt+impact+drill+bits&FORM=IGRE

Buy the husband a box of Snickers or, and go get it ! You could also check AMAZON too. They may have some bare tool sales.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

uart, your reply made me stop in case I was missing the forest for the trees. I do after all have a drill/driver, that uses two speed settings, built specifically for drilling holes and driving screws.

A quick change adapter would be great. Our light duty B&D PivotPlus utilizes a quick change system that works well. (Hardly touch it, it's been lost in a box of stuff and not recharged in a long long time. Lost the few bits that were with it too). I suppose the important thing going to a quick change system is that the bits are quality.


Syntax_Error, you raise a good point about controlling the tool and the venue in which it is used.


BD1, you're an enabler

 

[Dave in Mass]

I have had the combo for a couple of months. I have probably used the impact about 75% of the time compared to the drill.

Maybe I am overusing it but it is just so cool and fast I find myself reaching for it.

 

[tshetter]

For all of you saying an impact jumps the bit off of the screw head you need to put some more pressure onto the tool.

And as for control setting screws, just go easier in the trigger. I hang drywall with my impact and would never go back to using a drill ever again.

Using the drill to do the predrilling and the impact to set and remove screws is the proper way to go about it. There is no going back to setting screws with a drill once you have used an impact to do the job

It is a world of difference and you will wonder what took so long to buy the impact.

 

[loranger]

Just buy a bare tool impact off ebay for cheap. I think I got mine brand new in a soft case for less than $80. My drill came with 2 batteries and the charger so I didnt need another.

 

[BajaBound]

I just bought the m18 fuel combo drill and impact driver. Having the 1-2 punch is important.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

You need that impact. I have the 18 volt set and the drill doesn't even come close to the power of the impact. My drill is just good for that...drilling holes. If you don't mind sharing a battery get the bare impact from eBay.

 

[Voi]

Honestly if I could only have one I'd rather have the impact and use it with a keyless chuck adaptor than just have the drill.

http://www.grainger.com/product/42W...2W517&ef_id=UwzLnAAAAVjktc-V:20140225170223:s

But get both.

 

[uart]

And as for control setting screws, just go easier in the trigger. I hang drywall with my impact and would never go back to using a drill ever again.

Yeah good speed control is the key. Sometimes if you don't have a really clear view of where the screw head is gonna end up I still prefer the more controlled torque of a regular drill driver, especially on soft stuff. Once you get the torque setting adjusted for the job you're doing then you can just drive them until the torque clutch spins, without having to worry about driving stuff too far and splitting timber etc. Plus they're a lot easier on your bits than an impact and make a **** load less noise.

Anyway, I've got to admit that I've only recently bough my first impact driver and haven't had a lot of opportunities to use it yet. So I may change my tune in the future. But yeah, now I can be as noisy as the next guy when I'm working.

 

[Stuey]

There's no need for you to buy one!

I/ToolGuyd would be happy to send you a 20V Max DCF885 impact driver kit, for FREE.

The only catch is that I would ask you to report back in 6-months or so about how you used your new drill/driver vs. the impact driver.

The driver is in like-new condition, and while the Li-ion batteries are a little old, they have barely been used as well.

This kit was provided to me as a "thank you" parting gift after the 20V tools were launched at a Dewalt media event 2 years ago.

I can only ship the full kit to you if you're in the continental USA.

I/ToolGuyd would cover the shipping fees.

 

[neonlazer]

There's no need for you to buy one!

I/ToolGuyd would be happy to send you a 20V Max DCF885 impact driver kit, for FREE.

The only catch is that I would ask you to report back in 6-months or so about how you used your new drill/driver vs. the impact driver.

The driver is in like-new condition, and while the Li-ion batteries are a little old, they have barely been used as well.

This kit was provided to me as a "thank you" parting gift after the 20V tools were launched at a Dewalt media event 2 years ago.

I can only ship the full kit to you if you're in the continental USA.

I/ToolGuyd would cover the shipping fees.

Better not say no to that. Lol

 

[mobiledynamics]

I have 4 impacts and 2 drills.....
2 Fuel Drills, 2 Fuel 1/4 Impacts and 2 Panasonic. All brushless.

Given the same task at hand, let's say a handful of 3 1/8 Screws, I will grab the drill over the impact. Then again, I mainly use all GRK's, which does help in the cam-out

I grab the impacts when it's a long days work.....but I generally grab my drill 85% of the time, just because I hate hearing the impacts.

 

[MonoxieChild]

I/ToolGuyd would be happy to send you a 20V Max DCF885 impact driver kit, for FREE.

 

[jdl25]

There's no need for you to buy one!

I/ToolGuyd would be happy to send you a 20V Max DCF885 impact driver kit, for FREE.


I/ToolGuyd would cover the shipping fees.

TAKE THE MAN UP ON THIS! Awesome impact.

 

[woody 73]

Take the man up on his offer

 

[Fordman7795]

The impact is amazing at driving self drilling screws into sheet metal

 

[dldarrow]

One important feature that I didn't see anyone mention so far is the impact driver will be less likely to twist out of your hand under load. My wife was using my drill driver at about head level when the screw got caught and the drill twisted in her hand and smacked her in the face. That wouldn't happen with an impact driver.

 

[BD1]

To me the impact is the go too tool. I feel it has better balance and will fit almost anywhere.
This is a super accessory , Milwaukee offset drive adapter. Kinda pricey but saved my day many times.
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/accessories/fastening/49-22-8510

 

[rharman]

There's no need for you to buy one!

I/ToolGuyd would be happy to send you a 20V Max DCF885 impact driver kit, for FREE.

The only catch is that I would ask you to report back in 6-months or so about how you used your new drill/driver vs. the impact driver.

The driver is in like-new condition, and while the Li-ion batteries are a little old, they have barely been used as well.

This kit was provided to me as a "thank you" parting gift after the 20V tools were launched at a Dewalt media event 2 years ago.

I can only ship the full kit to you if you're in the continental USA.

I/ToolGuyd would cover the shipping fees.

Take that deal, GnG!! Then, send him a Snickers bar or two.

 

[NUTTSGT]

My Dewalt impact driver doesn't get put away, it lives on the workbench. If it died today, I'd be going to HD to buy a new one, no questions asked.

Like Chipper said, take it back and get the combo.


or take Stuey up on his offer.

 

[ishiboo]

I use my drills for driving screws.

Only time I use my impacts is for bolts or if a screw is really stuck. The hammering noise drives me nuts and my drill puts the screws in faster. In fact my 36v drill will put in most lag-bolts and lumber fasteners as well, the 18v impact takes FOREVER on those and its a ton of hammering.

I would have picked up the kit so you had it as it's cheaper than buying separately, but now you have Stuey's wonderful offer so you're all set

 

[mobiledynamics]

LOL ISHBOO. I was thinking I was the only one who preferred a drill....

 

[theoldwizard1]

For driving fasteners in bulk you need an impact driver. For driving fasteners precisely you should have a drill. Impacts can jump off a screw easily and send the tip of your bit into your work surface.

Not if you're leaning on it ! If your stripping out heads, you need a new bit.

I don't use my impact as much as I did when I first bought it. I find my self going back to my drill for most everything. A drill is a much more precise tool for my line of work, but in finish carpentry brute force is not really needed in this kind of tool.

I NEVER would think of using an impact for finish carpentry.

 

[MonoxieChild]

Im starting to think i need to add a Impact Driver to my collection also. Ive wanted one, but never had an actual reason i thought i needed to go buy one. Ill have to keep my eyes open for a good deal on a Dewalt one in the future.

 

[uart]

Im starting to think i need to add a Driver to my collection also. Ive wanted one, but never had an actual reason i thought i needed to go buy one. Ill have to keep my eyes open for a good deal on a Dewalt one in the future.

That's exactly how I felt about it too Monoxie. I've got too many cordless drills (due to an obsessive compulsion to rebuild packs , I'm always bringing my old ones back to life). So I've been trying for ages to convince myself that I didn't need yet another cordless tool in the collection. However, everyone here always raving about them finally got the better of me , and just last week I finally relented and bought one.

I still think it's a case of horses for courses. The impact seems like it will be perfect for tougher stuff and high torque applications, but at this point I still think I prefer to use a drill with very fine torque control for the lighter stuff.

One big difference is that the impact is darn noisy little sucker.

 

[uart]

Given the same task at hand, let's say a handful of 3 1/8 Screws, I will grab the drill over the impact. Then again, I mainly use all GRK's, which does help in the cam-out.

I hadn't heard of those, is it this brand: http://www.grkfasteners.ca/index.html

BTW. Do they use torx heads on all of their screws? Torx are definitely king when it comes to not cam-ing out and ease of use in general with cordless/power drivers!

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Very generous offer Stuart, thank you. Check your PM/Email.

 

[Syntax_Error]

Not if you're leaning on it ! If your stripping out heads, you need a new bit.

you cant always lean on it. Also using a drill or impact above your head all day wares you out also leading to a jump. Sometimes you are in a tight space or standing atop a ladder and cant find your leverage.

There is a place for every tool. My impact is much more shallow chuck to back of the motor than my drill is, so in a confined space I WOULD grab my impact every time over a tool that physically doesn't fit

 

[Stuey]

Your new (like-new) Dewalt 20V impact driver kit is on the way!

 

[928'er]

Kudos Stuey. Nice gesture!

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Your new (like-new) Dewalt 20V impact driver kit is on the way!

I am eagerly awaiting the delivery truck. Thank you Stuart