A question about torque

[Tom White]

If there is one spec of which I have no clue, it is torque.

I am looking for a new cordless drill, to be used around my property. It won't be used for building structures like sheds or anything that large, just simple repair and replace work. I'm talking about things like replacing three or four deck boards, and a couple deck steps, or maybe the hand rails on those steps. Just those sort of jobs.

I realize it doesn't take much to drill (or pre-drill) holes for the screws, but what about driving deck screws, that kind of thing. No drilling into concrete or metal, only for use on wood.

My old, old, old one was so old I don't think they even listed the torque spec back then. HA!

What sort of torque is actually need for work like that? The range listed on these tools seems to vary quite a bit.

I guess something to remember is that it would be used sparingly. All my other tools (circular saw, jig saw, angle grinder, etc) are corded, or two-cycle (blower, chainsaw, etc) so I'm not looking to buy into a family of tools.

Believe it or not, I actually do have a decent knowledge of tools, but just never really understood the torque requirements for different jobs.

 

[Superbec]

Hi TOm and welcome

For what you want I believe any lithium powered drill will do, I have a 3.6v driver that has enough torque for wood screws til 3-4mm like. It's not fast though.

I also have a 18v Bosch impact driver that brakes most common sized screws . so too much can be not so good for your aplication.

I think a name brand 10,8-12v drill or driver is what you want, some of them come with accesories and can be a 1/4 driver or a drill in the same tool.

 

[jkwilson]

For driving screws, look at an impact driver versus a drill. So much better it's worth getting a two tool set with a drill and driver.

 

[gdocktor3]

I would recommend a 1/4" impact driver. This way you can buy drill bits with 1/4" drive ends as well as a 1/4" drive chuck for larger drill bits if you need to predrill holes. Impact drivers range from inch pounds of torque to 200 ft lbs +/- depending the model and your budget. Cordless is nice because you can bring it anywhere and use it right away. It ***** running extension cords for 2-3 screws out in the back corner of your yard. Most cordless chargers offer maintenance modes where you can leave the battery on charge without ruining it. Dewalt, Milwaukee, Bosch are all top of the line professional grade tools. Ryobi and HF are debatable whether or not considered pro and diy grade, but work well. Your budget is the biggest factor. This day in age, any brand of tool is sufficient for homeowner work imo. There are many YouTube videos comparing and testing all the top models. I personally have used Makita, Dewalt and Ridgid 18 volt impact drivers, 20v Dewalt and 12 volt Milwaukee. They all got the job done just fine.

 

[theoldwizard1]

For driving screws, look at an impact driver versus a drill. So much better it's worth getting a two tool set with a drill and driver.

I have to agree ! Once you have used an impact driver on some tough screws, you will wonder why you have not bought on before !

 

[BMack37]

Definitely an impact driver. You can buy kits with a drill, impact and two batteries pretty reasonably and pretty much any impact driver is going to do what you need and more.

Milwaukee is my brand of choice. They have huge selection in both the 12v/18v lines and often they're the most powerful in class.

 

[Citation]

I would suggest something like this set.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CQ1RGI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It's often on sale for around $100. We have this exact set at work. At home I have a Riobi made Craftsman setup (NEXTEC) that is about the same size and shape. I picked it up from the outlet store for something silly low like $70 with a small saw, sander, drill, impact driver etc. I'm normally not that fond of Craftsman cordless tools but when the price is right...

Anyway, my typical attitude is don't spend too much if you won't use it all the time. The batteries are typically in bad shape after 5-6 years and often the cost of fixing the batteries is too much.

I second the idea of getting an impact driver. The drill just isn't as good for doing screws. It's also nice to have a pilot drill bit in one and the screw driver bit in the other.

 

[guy48065]

The only corded tool I reach for anymore is a big hammerdrill used for 1/2" and larger masonry bits. You really have no idea how handy cordless tools are--especially a 1/4" impact driver--until you use them a couple times.

A small impact driver will drive a 3" "drywall" screw into oak without snapping it, while a low-speed high-torque drill can snap the head right off. It sounds counter-intuitive, but that's been my experience.

 

[nh_yota]

Get a two-piece set with a drill and a driver, that way you can drill holes with one and fasten screws with the other - no need to swap out bits.

 

[Raymond Fast]

I don't own an impact driver. I'm sure it's a great tool, but I've got a basic Dewalt cordless drill that meets all my needs. I use it for projects inside and outside, home improvements, etc.

I had a cordless drill from Harbor Freight. The drill was great, but battery life was an issue. Even after purchasing a third battery, I found that they wouldn't stay charged long enough to complete some jobs without having to stop and wait for one to recharge. I invested in the Dewalt last spring and have been very pleased.

I'm not saying don't buy an impact driver, just that (if you're like me) you probably don't need that much tool.

 

[finn]

Once you get an impact driver, you'll never go back to a drill for installing and removing fasteners.

Bosch make a nice, reasonably priced drill/driver set.

 

[Tom White]

OP here.

I want to thank everyone for their input on this thread.

But,

While there was good discussion on drills, and the benefits of impact drivers, no one really addressed the original question concerning torque.

So, let me ask it another way.

How much torque does it take to drive a 2-3" decking screw through a 2x4?

Does that make it a clearer question?

 

[Tom White]

Hi TOm and welcome

For what you want I believe any lithium powered drill will do, I have a 3.6v driver that has enough torque for wood screws til 3-4mm like. It's not fast though.

I also have a 18v Bosch impact driver that brakes most common sized screws . so too much can be not so good for your aplication.

I think a name brand 10,8-12v drill or driver is what you want, some of them come with accesories and can be a 1/4 driver or a drill in the same tool.

I want thank you in paricular for your input. You came closer than anyone to answering the question.

I guess maybe I just wasn't clear enough as to what I wanted to know.

 

[Philbert]

Once you go impact you dont go back lol
I like mine alot

 

[Kielbasavw]

Torque is when you wake up in the morning and take a piss, when you push down on your morning wood to aim. And your heels lift off the ground.... that's torque.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I want thank you in paricular for your input. You came closer than anyone to answering the question.

I guess maybe I just wasn't clear enough as to what I wanted to know.

don't worry, pretty much any tool you can buy now with 12 volts or higher has enough torque to break that screw off. Even middle of the road 10V gear will do it. ~250 in/lb or so.

 

[larry_g]

How much torque does it take to drive a 2-3" decking screw through a 2x4?

Does that make it a clearer question?

That is a spec that is not commonly published. There are a few variables in your equation that will affect the answer. Type of wood, dryness, finish of the screw, diameter, standard point or cutting point on the screw. Like most have said a good driver will do the job.

Think about pushing a nail into some wood vs. driving it in with a hammer. That is the difference between a driver and an impact driver. With an impact you also do not have to counter the full torque of the screw with your wrist.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[guy48065]

Think about pushing a nail into some wood vs. driving it in with a hammer. That is the difference between a driver and an impact driver.

Excellent analogy!

With 3 speeds, 20 clutch positions, 2 or 3 "modes" (drill, drive, hammerdrill) I think the mfr's might prefer to avoid the confusion of torque specs...tho I agree at least a "maximum" should be published.

 

[rick carpenter]

Think about CPO (Certified Previously Owned) tools for good value. I have a ~4 yr old 18v Bosch CPO impact that is still going strong. I also have the non-Fuel Milwaukee M12 combo. With enough use you'll develop the right touch with impacts. I hung sheetrock for a week straight with my Bosch.