1/4 impact drivers, hex or square?

[plinker]

I decided to buy a 1/4 impact socket set the other day, now I need an impact. I'm leaning towards the Bosch 12v since I already have a couple of their tools. The PS41 is likely what I'd buy.

I question using the 1/4 hex to 1/4 square adapters though. Are they problematic enough to warrant buying a square drive impact?

 

[FigureItOut]

A square drive would be an impact wrench, whereas the hex drive would be an impact driver. There's some overlap in function but the difference goes beyond the drive style.
That being said, I own the ps41 and with an adaptor it'll function perfectly fine as a 1/4" impact wrench, and you'll have the driver functionality and bit selection as well.

 

[AV tinker er]

I agree getting a impact driver is better, if you are worried about the loss of torque using the extension grab a 3/8 impact wrench.

 

[bcradio]

Yes I would say get the impact driver first and if you find yourself using the adapter a lot then invest in a 1/4" impact wrench.

 

[alpaca]

I'd get the square impact

For one they are shorter so there's more getting in tight areas. 2 there is pretty much no wobble compared to a hex to square adapter and 3 less torque loss due to the adapter.

If you want to use it as a 3/8 or something just stick a 1/4 to 3/8 adapter on it

 

[Finky198]

For 1/4 drive the hex style is more applicable it works with Automotive and Construction

If your only doing automotive work I would suggest the square drive in 3/8 if you don't already have one

 

[E46erak]

For my low power impact (M12 Fuel) I went with a hex drive because there were more options readily available, and at better prices. You can also find hex versions more often than not in combo kits or promos which save you even more. Plus that makes the more compact tool useful both around the house with quick change tools, and on automotive stuff with hex to squares.

Now when it comes to more power I'll probably go with a square drive for automotive high torque use (lugnuts, suspension, etc.), unless you want to do some serious housework like building a deck.

 

[er3456df]

Anybody know for sure whether there's a difference, other than the drive-end?

 

[FigureItOut]

Yes, a driver will have a fraction of a second of positive engagement between the motor and the drive, and will also have a downward force in addition to the torque impact.
I spent a few minutes on Google trying to find diagrams of the two anvil styles but didn't find it immediately. I'll look again a little later and see if I can't get some good info and a good illustration.

 

[1950mercury]

If you get the hex driver. Checkout sk 1/4 hex to 1/4 locking square drive bits they are awesome

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BC4TB08/?tag=atomicindus08-20...

 

[Fedwrench]

Not to muddy the waters but, I think it depends on what you're using it for. I have both in Milwaukee M12 Fuel trim. I can tell you that my impact driver with the spring loaded hex bit holder gathers dust. Why? because I'm usually using 1/4 drive impact sockets to loosen trim or upper engine fasteners and the square drive with its hog ring retainer works best for me. no extra length, fuss, or power loss from using a hex adapter
As for driving screws in plastic, in cramped spaces like under a dash, nothing works better for me than the little Snap on CTS561. It's not as powerful as the M12 driver but, it's small profile and great access makes up any lack in power. Besides, how much power do you need for trim screws?

I strongly second the SK locking power impact adapters mentioned above. I think I got mine from the last Epstein SK day. However, they're handy as hell and well built.

 

[scissorman]

I decided to buy a 1/4 impact socket set the other day, now I need an impact. I'm leaning towards the Bosch 12v since I already have a couple of their tools. The PS41 is likely what I'd buy.

I question using the 1/4 hex to 1/4 square adapters though. Are they problematic enough to warrant buying a square drive impact?

I have a Milwaukee M12 Fuel 1/4" hex driver and I do use a hex to 1/4" and sometimes even hex to 3/8" adapter and I constantly break the adapters. I've used the Milwaukee shockwave, dewalt, bosch and one other I cant remember and i've broken all of them. I also have a 3/8" square impact that I use as well but when you need to install/remove a fastener in tight places the M12 fits the bill so I just deal with buying adapters when I break them.

 

[areyouanywhere]

Anybody know for sure whether there's a difference, other than the drive-end?

They both use the same style impact mechanisms. There could be a difference in the hammer or spring to get more or less power maybe... you could compare part numbers in the breakdowns to find out for sure. I was able to drop a 3/8 anvil into my Makita brushless 1/4 hex and it works great.

 

[johndeereman]

I own both and use both just for different purposes.

 

[WhiffySpark]

My impact driver never gets used. My 1/4 inch impact gets used every day

 

[rockinacummins]

As Fedwrench said, depends what you use it for. I use my impact driver when putting sheet metal on buildings and building things out of wood. However, I really really want a 1/4 impact for doing mechanic work. You said that you had just bought some 1/4 impact sockets, so I recommend the square drive. Advantages of this will be a little more torque and a LOT more clearance when compared to an impact driver with a hex to square adapter.

 

[plinker]

I am borrowing a Porter cable impact driver for now, So I'll see how that works but I think I will end up with a square drive impact in the end. I'm leaning towards Makita since Bosch does not have an actual impact as of yet, but we'll see what the sales next month will have.

My plan is to use the 1/4 impact for new truck build work ( air valves, solenoids, junction boxes, ete...), I'm sure I'd find other use's later. I figure for 1/4 to 3/8 bolts it should be ideal.

Those S-K adapter look rather nice, Epstein's has a better price though. The 31160 1/4 extension set is a really good buy from the looks of things.

 

[allinon72]

I'd rather get the impact wrench and the 1/4" hex adapter. Less loss of torque and best of both worlds IMO.

 

[Voi]

Those S-K adapter look rather nice, Epstein's has a better price though. The 31160 1/4 extension set is a really good buy from the looks of things.

The 31160 and 32160 are not the same type of extension. I'm having trouble with the Epstein's link ATM but looked them both up on my phone last night and if my memory is serving me correctly the Epstein product was just a regular extension.

The 32160 adapters do look sweet but I'd also consider just getting a cheap set of the Black and Decker impact adapters. They're one of the shorter adapters out there, IIRC, and cheap enough to leave in a couple of tool boxes so they're always handy. Shorter is good when it comes to socket adapters in impact drivers.

Now with that said, this thread is the first time I'm learning of the SK locking adapters. I think I'm going to get a set.

 

[Jawn]

I really like my hex impact driver. I use it more for screws (such as using a hex shanked Phillips bit) than with a socket. But I have 1/4 hex to 3/8 square socket adapters and occasionally use it that way. Great for lag screws or just zipping smaller hex bolts in/out without having to drag out an air line.

 

[Moose364]

I have both in the Milwaukee M12 and use both, but for you if it is for around the house and garage then go with the Hex, if it is just for working on bolts and nuts then get the square drive,

 

[er3456df]

They both use the same style impact mechanisms. There could be a difference in the hammer or spring to get more or less power maybe... you could compare part numbers in the breakdowns to find out for sure. I was able to drop a 3/8 anvil into my Makita brushless 1/4 hex and it works great.

That's what I thought. Same effect, possibly different amounts. Thanks.