12 Volt Impact Driver or Cordless Screwdriver?

[acdagc]

I'm thinking of getting either a 12 volt impact driver or cordless screwdriver. I think I will get either the Milwaukee 2450-22 or 2401-22 so the batteries will be compatible with the other Milwaukee tools I have.

I'm not sure which to get. I would mostly use it to drive screws into wood for projects around the house. I have a Sears 19.6 volt cordless drill that I use for that purpose now but its NiCd batteries are always run down when I want to use it. I also have problems with it being prone to strip out screw heads, which is probably my fault but irritating anyway.

I've been very happy with the battery life on my other Milwaukee Lithium battery tool and thought I'd get this. My goal is to get the tool that would be less likely to strip screw heads and would be likely to have some battery life when I want to use it.

I saw an infomercial yesterday for the Rockwell 3Rill which I guess I'd consider too since they are running a "free batteries for life" advertisement... although that sounds too good to be true.

Any suggestions as to which of these tools might be most appropriate?

Thanks

 

[theoldwizard1]

I would mostly use it to drive screws into wood for projects around the house.

Impact.

 

[Monte]

both

 

[ajchien]

impact.

but you're on the GJ forum, so the default answer is both.

 

[trboxman]

both

This.

 

[Robbie UK]

Impact is first choice and buy the screwdriver if/when you need or can afford it. Impact drivers are versatile, powerful yet gentle on fasteners as they are less likely to strip the heads.

Cordless impact drivers are the miracle of the 21st century!

 

[cotjocky]

Depends on what you plan to use it for the most. Around the house on small screws, daily use on vehicles, ********* construction? Also battery and drill size matters depending on what your general use is.

If you are stripping screw heads, it's most likely that your bit is worn out or you are using the incorrect bit for the fastener.

Most drills have a torque limiter on them to help prevent over tightening and stripping.

Keep in mind screws are only going to be turned in and out so many times before they wear and strip. Especially stuff like brass door hinge screws.

 

[demonspeed]

I'd say impact. To me it seems like they can do everything the screwdrivers do, and then some. I recently got the 12v max dewalt impact driver, and I love it. I use it a lot on smaller stuff, interior screws, things like that.

 

[Monte]

I would get something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001T3AECQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[acdagc]

The combo kit above sounds pretty tempting but I just don't use these things that often. Sorry for the heresy! I just saw the other post saying Milwaukee would give you a free battery, Hackzall or Right Angle drill driver if you buy some of their M12 tools. The 2450-22 impact gets you a free tool and the 2401-22 doesn't. That plus your comments made the decision easy. Thanks for your help.

 

[Skin]

If its thin wood or laminate i'd get the screw gun. Impact drivers are great for 2x4s and general assembly but **** for delicate work. The clutch settings on a screw gun really come in handy there.

Essentially all the tool manufacturers offer single tools [impact or screw gun] for around $100 or a combo package of both for $140 so just in my opinion its a no brainer.

 

[acdagc]

I haven't seen the combo pack of the 2450 and 2401 for less than $199. That combo includes a light which I don' t really need. Buying both the 2450-22 and 2401-22 on Amazon is only about $3 more and you end up with four batteries and two chargers. Thanks for the advice on the delicate work.

 

[Skin]

The Bosch CLPK27-120 kit is ~$150 new on Amazon with a whole bunch in their warehouse deals department for $130. If you arent familiar with warehouse deals its where Amazon unloads units with very minor cosmetic defects, usually to packaging, that they cannot sell as new.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0046ZRYPE/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

Both Bosche and DeWalt tend to run some really good sales around the holidays as well [not that its much help now]. Paid $140 for the DCK210S2 kit, which also included an extra battery promo, back in Decemeber. Seems every year they run a deal like that.

 

[Responder]

impact.

but you're on the GJ forum, so the default answer is both.

I love that answer!

 

[MattT]

If you're stripping phillips screw heads try some decent ACR bits. That and switch to torx head screws where you can.