Best cordless screw driver?

[StaggeringGoat]

I have a project coming up that involves a lot of 3" long wood screws. I hate screwing them in with the 18v drill I use now, my arms get sore, there is a lot of slippage, and the battery doesn't last long enough.

Basically what I'm wondering, is there a better tool than a cordless drill for driving screws? It seems like my drill has plenty of torque to get the job done, it's just unpleasant after a while. Would I be better off with some sort of impact driver for screwing into wood? I've tried using the square drive screws and that seems to help a little but not much. Basically I'm looking for the "nail gun" of screws. Cordless. Any ideas? Something where I don't have to put so much pressure on the driver?

 

[4wd4ever]

I bought a Ridgid set and couldn't be happier! For a home DIY guy it's perfect! Comes with a lifetime warranty on the batteries too! That's what sold me on them! Got the impact driver and built my 10x14 cedar deck with 3" screws all on one battery! That's aprox. 650 screws....I think...I didn't count...lol

 

[MrMark]

The impact drivers slip less and seem to be a little faster. They are really loud to the point of annoying though. They do pack a lot of punch in a small and light package if you get like a 14.4 or even 12V li-ion driver. I use a 12V and it has enough power for me. They provide zero reaction torque, which is both good and bad as you can imagine. Sounds like you should probably invest in a Bosch 14.4V impactor. I think it's the only one of any quality anymore.

 

[MrMark]

Oh, maybe you need a deck/drywall type screwgun if you are driving that many screws. Those tools are really nice and fast.

 

[StevenB]

I like my ridgid & ryobi 18v impact driver. Bosch, Makita, Metabo & Milwaukee is a good brand.
Found your budget & go from their.

 

[StaggeringGoat]

So, maybe something like this?
http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Am I correct with the impact driver I wouldn't have to put nearly as much pressure on the screw?

I'm kinda confusing myself here, since my drill seems to have plenty of power/torque to drive screws, but it always makes my arms hurt from the downward pressure I have to use.

 

[MrMark]

You are generally correct. However, if the screw is ****, like electrical type screws, then you still need to push down or you will ****** it more.

I think the 18V impact drivers are overkill.

 

[Stuey]

Impact drivers are nice, but there's no adjustable clutch. Not an issue since you're primarily dealing with 3" screws.

Switching from Phillips to square-drive or torx head screws may reduce stripping and be easier on your arms as well.

 

[StaggeringGoat]

What do you guys think about this set? I like the price...
http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

The 12v impact claims 950 in/lbs torque while the 18v claims 1400 in/lbs. What does that mean in real life when it comes to deck/framing type projects?

However, if the screw is ****, like electrical type screws, then you still need to push down or you will ****** it more.

Off topic, what the hell is it with electrical screws? Why do they all ****?!?!

 

[MrMark]

Just cheap hardware. I asked a guy at Sieman's customer service about it and he admitted that the hardware was cheap. He said it was industry standard. Compared to automotive or marine or just about anything it is just ****.

Funny story. I had a SCE linesman tightening my lugs on a service entrance and I handed him a preset torque wrench. He had no clue and he said I better do it. The super was there and he looked on. I said OK and said "look you didn't have these anywhere tight enough." He said, yeah, but I had them SCE tight and we don't want to go any tighter because this stuff is cheap **** and we'll strip it. I laughed and said, "you are right." I felt that it was about to strip when I was tightening it with a calibrated torque wrench.

 

[MrMark]

I personally wouldn't buy ridgid power tools but you can try it and return it hassle free if it doesn't work out. You can really do that pretty much with anything that Home Depot sells, though. 12V is great for electrical, automotive, and general use and IT WILL drive 3 inch screws. But if you are doing a deck you should get 14.4 or 18V to pound them in.

 

[StaggeringGoat]

I personally wouldn't buy ridgid power tools

Any particular reason? I liked the lifetime warranty thing...even on the battery, that's the only reason I was looking at them. Most of my tools are Harbor Freight but it's time for a quality driver...

 

[MrMark]

I try not to buy Chinese tools, and the ridgid are all China. I know that most are now China, but when I bought mine you could still get Germany or Swiss or even US. I probably only have 2 or 3 China tools total so it is just something I am very conscious of. The reviews of the Ridgid products and the batteries are decidedly mixed and the service on the warranty is definitely an issue from reading here. I just think if you don't care about buying China stuff, the Makita or Hitachi are going to be better products. I would pay a little more and support the Maylasians by buying Bosch. I've basically switched to Bosch since Milwaukee went to China.

You could search on Ridgid warranty issues to see what I mean.

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Makita, Milwaukee, and Dewalt are all almost impossible to go wrong with. Bosch if you like a higher price tag and the whole German thing. And for something like 3" screws, I'd definitely go with an impact and either square drive or Torx screws.

I used an 18v Dewalt impact to put screws into hardened fiberglass structural members when every drill/screwgun we had - including some monster Hilti ones - started crying halfway through the first screw.

 

[Zeke]

Don't over think it. Today's battery tools are all pretty good. Just don't buy a toy.

 

[slickgt1]

Go with the Makita like this.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0019OZ3HQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have 6 now. Oldest is over 5 years old. This driver went through some ****. It went from working inside, to working outside, in the rain, dropped off a 2 story building, threw it once against the wall in frustration, it has been abused. Very dirty now, but still works like a charm. Battery is still decent. Yea I don't get the same amount of time out of each battery, but still damn good. Light, easy on the wrist. Has built in LED.

I compared it to the bosch and Porter Cable cheapies at HD the other day. This Makita is still lighter and feels more durable. Those batteries also charge quick. Less than an hour.

The charger also has fans in it. So you can stick a warm bat to charge, and use the bat right out of the charger.

 

[oldgoat]

What do you guys think about this set? I like the price...
http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

The 12v impact claims 950 in/lbs torque while the 18v claims 1400 in/lbs. What does that mean in real life when it comes to deck/framing type projects?

I got a PC 12v and while I like the drill the impact seems to draw down pretty fast so I'm not impressed with it. The 19.2v PC will drive a lot but weighs a ton.

 

[BlindViper]

What do you guys think about this set? I like the price...
http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

The 12v impact claims 950 in/lbs torque while the 18v claims 1400 in/lbs. What does that mean in real life when it comes to deck/framing type projects?




Off topic, what the hell is it with electrical screws? Why do they all ****?!?!

Those compact screw guns are geared really low and take forever to drive lots of screws.

I have this http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053. I can drive a 6 inch screw with out pre drilling a hole. While impact drivers lack a clutch the power is very very controllable with a variable trigger. I had a dewalt 18 vt nicad impact and the trigger sucked. The batteries charge in about 30 min. They have hangers that go on the side to clip on your pockets/belt. Get the greet makita dont get the white one. The white on has a 1.8 amp hour battery the lxt has 3.0 amp hour. I could run my impact more then double the time as guys using a white makita.

 

[Mike_C]

I love my milwaukee m12 hammer drill and impact driver set.

 

[dbreid]

Why not just get an actual screw gun? A assume you are driving Drywall or Decking screws? Hilti makes a very nice screw gun and you can get the belt feed speed loader for the front of it. Blam Blam Blam.

 

[Zick]

I bought this set; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F7BIMG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
and it's been awesome!
This was by far the best bang for the buck deal I could find.

 

[5lima30]

Like others said an impact driver IS the only way to go IMHO. I've had good luck with the Hitachi Li-on models, but I don't think you go could go wrong with a Bosch or Milwaukee either.

 

[jdub63]

I have the Mikita Impact driver set from HD.

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/tools-hardware-power-tools-drills-cordless/makita-18-volt-lithium-ion-battery-2-tool-combo-kit-164568.html

Fast long lasting charge. I also bought the larger battery, now I buy "tools only" and use the three batteries in rotation.

My biggest concern with the driver was trying to set the clutch, it loves to rip the heads off sheet metal screws. Lots of torque.

jdub

 

[StevenB]

Just food for thought, the Dewalt & Bosch radio can charge their cordless batteries.

 

[BlindViper]

Just food for thought, the Dewalt & Bosch radio can charge their cordless batteries.

And both are huge! lol

 

[theoldwizard1]

Dewalt 18V Impact Driver. The "old" model (DW056) works just as good as the new one (DC825).

Buy some good "impact ready" driver bits. Worth the money.

 

[Conor]

I LOVE my Bosch 12v impact driver.

I cant say it enough, its seriously one of my best power tool purchases ever.

Its ultra light compared to a 18v impact driver. so 99% of the time i grab it over my 18v hitachi.

i bought JUST the impact driver for 140 and it was totally worth it. comes with 2 batteries and they charge in 15mins. its NOT a toy, test one out you wont be disappointed.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003LST02W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Steevo]

I have the DeWalt 12v Lithium screw gun and Impact gun set, and the 12v impact will drive things my 18v DeWalt drill won't, and does it without buggering the screws under load, because the impact hits both toward the screw and rotationally.
The only drawback to the 12v unit is battery life when driving long deck screws, like 3-1/2" coated exterior type. If I was building a deck, I'd want the 18v lithium big brother to mine.

 

[theoldwizard1]

BTW,

For driving 3" screws into wood you want an impact driver.

THIS is a Dewalt DW920 cordless screwdriver. NOT capable of driving 3" screws into wood. Great for disassembly of appliances or light machinery that use sheet metal or machine screws.

 

[Sureshot]

I have an older Rigid 18v impact driver and it is my favorite tool. I use it for all kinds of assembly and disassembly. I keep the socket adapters handy and use it for small screws to lug nuts. Of course I follow with the appropriate tool to get the proper torque but it sure speeds things up.

 

[green.bubbly]

I LOVE my Bosch 12v impact driver.

I cant say it enough, its seriously one of my best power tool purchases ever.

Its ultra light compared to a 18v impact driver. so 99% of the time i grab it over my 18v hitachi.

i bought JUST the impact driver for 140 and it was totally worth it. comes with 2 batteries and they charge in 15mins. its NOT a toy, test one out you wont be disappointed.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003LST02W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I second this. Mine spent four weeks sitting on the roof of a deer stand in the woods. Thought I had lost it. A few months ago, I was fixing a fence and dropped it in a puddle of water, completely submerged. Pulled it out the water and kept on going. It has since been my favorite and most used tool while building my garage.

 

[bdkruger1]

I LOVE my Bosch 12v impact driver.

I cant say it enough, its seriously one of my best power tool purchases ever.

Its ultra light compared to a 18v impact driver. so 99% of the time i grab it over my 18v hitachi.

i bought JUST the impact driver for 140 and it was totally worth it. comes with 2 batteries and they charge in 15mins. its NOT a toy, test one out you wont be disappointed.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003LST02W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Amen !!!!!!!!!!

 

[rvr6000]

I really like my Bosch 18 volt impact driver but I think any of the better brand drivers are just as good. As far as screws I did my entire deck with square-drive deck screws and used the same bit for the whole thing......couldn't have even come close with a phillips bit.

 

[wssix99]

What brand driver do you currently have? If you have a DeWalt drill, you can just add a Lithium Ion battery to what you already have and cut the weight in half.

DeWalt has been the greatest with this by not screwing their customers in to buying new tools to upgrade batteries.

 

[MNBackpacker]

Sounds like you're dealing with two primary issues; strip out and hand/arm fatigue.
For the strip out, just using Square Head/Robertson or Torx head screws will go a long way.

For fatigue, you need to reduce both the torque your arm is countering, and weight. A lightweight impact gun would meet that need. I think 18V is overkill and weight you don't have to carry. That's giving you extra torque (which isn't an issue here) and longer drive time. However, modern Li-Ion batteries can be charged pretty quickly, so having an extra battery that can be charging while the other drives will often address that.
Although not inexpensive, Panasonic makes some top of the line drivers. Part of that is it's a company that leads in battery composition, which is a huge part of the device. They have a line that's also IP56 rated, so pretty darn tough, too. Having been through Porter Cable (the older, better stuff), Bosch and Makita, I'll say I won't be going back since getting both a drill and driver from Panasonic. They're holding up well.
If however, this is a short term project and you don't see much of a future need, there is no harm in going with a lesser priced reputable product (with good warranty) if it will meet your desired goals... But I do think an Impact device would be best. (Wear hearing protection. It gets annoying fast.)

 

[Deltarat]

Impact Driver. I don't use a drill for screws anymore. I wish I had tried one years ago.

 

[Jayincali]

Impact drivers is night and day difference than a drill. If all you have is a drill, try some impact driver bits. Last way longer than regular drive bits. Also if the bit keeps skipping in the screw head, swap the bit. Even though the bit is harder than the screw, it still wears the bit down. Try that first and you will see a huge difference.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I use the hell out of my Dewalt 18V impact driver. If I dropped it and broke it tomorrow, I'd stop what I was doing and go get a new one. Mine came in this set, which was closed out for a heck of a deal.

 

[petee_c]

Makita 18v Li Ion impact. Screw in 500 2.5" construction screws in November to build a backyard rink. Also Robertson is way better than Philips

 

[slowthump]

I will second the advice to get an actual corded screw gun. I love my old 18v makita but if you have a lot of screws the corded screw gun saves a lot of time. It is about 2x faster than a cordless is even in high range. Nice and quite too.