Best cordless screw driver?

[Ziggy'sSpeedShop]

I love my Dewalt 12v max Drill and Impact driver kit i probably use the impact every day i'll never use a drill to drive screws again impact is the only way to go. I don't even use my 14.4v Dewalt anymore.

 

[slickgt1]

OOPs, I posted the wrong link above

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

1, 330 in.lbs. of Torque (this thing will take some of your wheel lugs off)
3.5lbs.

Like I said above, this has been durability tested in the work area. This driver has made us shift our cordless tools from Dewalt to Makita. There is nothing out there that stands up to the way this tool has performed and lasted. It is a bit pricey, but we have not had even one break, not one battery go flat, nothing.

Batter lasts longer than anything we have had before. Once it does slow down, swap out bat, and keep going. The only maintenance we have ever done to these, is blow them out with the compressor, and use paint thinner to remove tar, or some other ****.

 

[hoodlumkurt]

the makita 18v impact driver is probably the best tool ive ever owned. Battery fully charges in 10 mins. Ive used mine for 6 years in highrise construction and I have never had a problem. It runs self tappers through 2 layers of 12 gauge steel no problem.

 

[Vinny]

Good topic, was wondering about impact drivers myself. I recently bought the Craftsmen C3 Impact wrench and saw they had an impact driver for sale also. I already had a drill, and figured an impact driver would destroy screwheads rather than help them go in. Had a lot of trouble building a dolly for a car out of 4x4s and my drill lacking the torque, but from what I read, impact is the way to go to counter this in the future. C3 Impact will complement the two extra batteries and one hour charger I already have nicely.

 

[slickgt1]

the makita 18v impact driver is probably the best tool ive ever owned. Battery fully charges in 10 mins. Ive used mine for 6 years in highrise construction and I have never had a problem. It runs self tappers through 2 layers of 12 gauge steel no problem.

Two days of screwing zips, and the bat never needed a charge. There is nothing that compares. And I try the cheapo bosch, PC, ryobi from time to time. Some contractor has it. Then they try the makita and throw theirs in the trash. 12v just doesn't pack the punch at all. The rest of the makita line, sawzall, skill saw, grinder, all work really well with the same batteries. I now have almost the entire line. It just works. Everyone that values their hands and tools is rocking the Makita now.

The only 12v I've ever seen that sort of works, is the Milwakee mini sawzall. It is perfect for opening up sheetrock.

Really though, if you don't do it for work, and have a lot of other batteries, go with that brand and buy just the impact of that brand. I consider this Makita pro grade.

 

[Addrock]

+1 on the Bosch 12v impactor! I have used mine professionally and DIY EVERY day for 2.5 years, built decks, garage, everything else it finally fried and was serviced under a week. I also have a Ridgid x2 set including an impacter (bad switch on Drill and impact) wouldn't recommend and Makita both had and have on order LOVE the Makita tools!

Ridgid tools:stay away 3 of 4 tools are useless because of switches! 3 switches in a month.

 

[little d]

All of the above mentioned are great for different reasons but......STUEY hit the nail on the head!!! I don't care if you spend a bilgilion dollars on a one off gold plated custom driver, after a while of driving phillips head screws they all ****! USE THE TORKS OR SQUARE TYPE BITS.....problem solved.

 

[Addrock]

IMO impactors stop cam out. I don't ware tips out (I use about 3 Philips bits per year, fewer square and use 10,000s of fasteners per year).

 

[Warrenator]

Change out your phillips bit when they look a little damaged, once they are a bit bent they will start camming out every time. Lean on the tool a little bit to keep it from camming out while driving phillips head deck screws. My wife can't seem to figure this out, strips every screw, hands the tool back to me and it works fine. Also, buy impact driver bits, not screwdriver bits, they are made of better steel and last longer. I use the DeWalt 5 packs, $3.94 at home depot.

The square drive or torx screws are probably better but cost more. I use phillips, like the coated deck screws that are made for treated lumber, the coating seems to lube the screw and make it easier to drive into wood. Bar soap or wax on the screw helps too.

Love love love my Makita impact driver. Bought the drill/driver/light/charger combo pack.

 

[gahrajmahal]

Sounds like you need to reinforce yourself. I have those same problems wrist and arm chronic tendinitis. When I am getting ready for a marathon screw driving session I put on some neoprene wrist supports. I get mine at the local drugstore. They are black neoprene, a flat band about 3 in. Wide x 10 in. Long. There is a hole you slip your thumb into and you wrap it around your wrist over the back of the hand first and around. Think
LIke a boxer does with tape. They are stretchy and secure with Velcro. They are infinitely adjustable, so you can tighten / loosen as needed. This really does the trick for me, although I wouldn't hesitate to make your new tool purchase. Sounds like lots of good advise here.

 

[Crizzle]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0046ZRYPE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thinking about picking up this pair.

 

[slickgt1]

I go through about 4 bits a year. But I also buy the impact specific, and don't just limit myself to Philips. I use it for every type of screw. A lot of decks, a lot of cabinets, a lot of frames. I never have problems. I would never switch back either.

Picked up my old 18v XLT dewalt, EFFFF that, now way, too heavy. Still has a ton of power though, but no good for all day. Wrists will fall off.

 

[StaggeringGoat]

Wow, thanks for all the replies everyone. I guess it's time for me to get an impact driver!

 

[Andy Griffith]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0046ZRYPE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Thinking about picking up this pair.

Those Bosch units sure look good.

Today I finished up three days of installing various things in my RV. Running 110 cable, low voltage cable, and all manner of A/V cable throughout the RV. Inside the cabinets, under cabinets, under the floor, in the walls, on the walls etc.

There is just not a lot of room to work in these spaces and much profane language was used. I used my corded right angle drill and my corded 45* drill a bunch on this job. I tried to use my dewalt 18V 'compact' drill driver but in most cases it was just too large to fit in the space, and in the cases where it would fit I got real tired of holding that thing above my head to drive those screws.

The Bosch look to be really compact and I really like the fact that they don't have that big arsed battery hanging off the end of the handle.

So if I understand this correctly, this set has both the PS21-RT and the PS41-RT impact drivers for $160. Both of these are in fact impact drivers and the only difference is one is smaller? The both take the same battery?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0046ZRYPE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Or you can get the PS41-2A for $142.
What is the difference between the PS41-RT and the PS41-2A??
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003LST02W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

What type of chucks do these drivers have? Looks like the hexagon type and the driver bits chuck directly into it? Does it have some sort of collar that works with certain bit styles to secure the bit?

Thanks