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Compact cordless drivers

A

Avgas

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Aug 7, 2009
Messages
344
Hello, I am looking for a set of compact cordless drivers that will be mostly used for removing and installing screw/bolts on aircraft access panels.

They must be lightweight, as they will be used for extended periods of time, often in a overhead position. They must also have reasonable torque, as some of these screws can be corroded and stubborn at times. Battery life is also important, 2 batteries a plus.

I have narrowed it down to these sets, which consists of a impact driver for removal, and a adjustable torque driver/drill for installation.

Makita 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Cordless Combo Kit (2-Tool)
$159.99
ce2b1444-4eb7-46bc-bdd1-2f3339dfa24a_400.jpg

12-Volt max Lithium-Ion battery - 1.3Ah
2-speed 3/8 in. Driver-Drill delivers 200 in. lbs. of Max Torque (FD02W)
Variable speed Impact Driver provides 800 in.lbs. of Max Torque (DT01W)



Milwaukee M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill/Impact Driver Combo Kit (2-Tool)
$179.99
bc39c31e-ed7e-42fa-a8b3-6aa071be992f_400.jpg

12V Lithium-Ion Battery - 1.4Ah
Milwaukee 2411-20 (3/8 Drill) powerful Milwaukee motor: delivers best-in-class 275 in. lbs. of torque
Milwaukee 2450-20 (impact driver) delivers a best-in-class 850-in/lbs


Bosch 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Combo Kit (2-Tool)
169.99
99ef6607-5b79-457e-a8b3-4d309dfb8900_300.jpg

Bosch 12V Lithium-Ion Batteries BAT411 - 1.3Ah
PS21- 265 in.-lbs. of max torque
PS41 - high torque 930 in.-lbs


The specs are pretty close, does anyone have any experience with these models or manufacturers?
Does anyone know of other sets that fall within this category of compact drivers?
Any feedback is appreciated, thanks
 
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5lima30

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Nov 11, 2010
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Mountains of Western NC
I've had the Hitachi 12v Li-on set for 2+ years and still going strong! I've used them hard and find them to be light and well balanced. They are about $120 at Lowes.
 
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JonnFX

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Apr 23, 2013
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Arizona
I have an older 10.8 Makita set (same except for the newer 12v batteries) from when they first came out and it hasn't missed a lick. Li-ion batteries still work great.

I use them for all sorts of things. They are probably my handiest tools. The only thing that mine doesn't have, that the newer 12v kits have, is the incorporated drill chuck.

I bought mine from Home Depot for $120, but that was a while ago.

I'm sure that some of the other manufacturers have ones just as good. Makita was the only option (that I knew of), when I got mine.
 
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Dusty61

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Jan 10, 2011
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Location
Cincinnatus New York
I have the 3/8 makita impact (not the 1/4 hex impact in the set Above) and it has plenty of juice for my needs, I use it white heavily and it last for a very long time, it has more then enough power for its size, assuming a 1/2 or 13mm would be about the biggest bolt you would be hammering on. Mind you, mine is the 3/8 version. You could get the Snap on 7.2 volt screw gun and the 1/4 square impact if you want that kind of quality, but both of those will likely run 600.00 plus. I have the Snap On screw gun, and I love it for interior Nstuff, dashes, headliners, trim pieces ect. Works wonderful. But it is pricy.
 
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Danglerb

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SoCal
What size are the fasteners?

If they aren't too big, and you are using a hand impact to break loose, you might prefer one of these cordless screwdrivers;
 

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A

Avgas

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Messages
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5lima30 said:
I've had the Hitachi 12v Li-on set for 2+ years and still going strong! I've used them hard and find them to be light and well balanced. They are about $120 at Lowes.
Click to expand...

The hitachi seems to be in a different class, a little heavier and bulkier with the bigger battery

Danglerb said:
What size are the fasteners?

If they aren't too big, and you are using a hand impact to break loose, you might prefer one of these cordless screwdrivers;
Click to expand...

The fasteners are mostly 10-24, we have plenty of ways to get them loose, just looking for a faster, more convenient way, thanks

Hafen_Kafer said:
Buy the Milwaukee M12 and we will invite you to the M12 club
Click to expand...

Hahah the M12 seems to be the bulkier of these sets, here is a video of the m12 impact vs the bosch impact
 
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joedodge

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Tampa, fl
I've had the makita set its ok for the money. I use it as an auto tech daily, that said I'm upgrading to the milwaukee m12 line much nicer product and batteries and more expansion for the money
 
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netcaretaker

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Many Places, right now NC
F

firebox40dash5

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Mar 19, 2012
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I've got M12, and I've done enough ranting and raving about how much I like it. I prefer the brushless Fuel line, but they don't sell a drill/impact kit, and buying a kit and a bare tool to get both starts at $300... though if you buy the drill kit it comes with a 4.0ah XC battery. On the upside, the Fuel hex impact has 100 ft./lb. of torque, and has a low speed/torque mode that seems to top out around 15 ft./lb. FWIW, I use mine to tighten just about anything where exact torque isn't critical. Battery life is insane for me, though I'm using it intermittently, but I've never charged a battery twice in the same day on my drill or impact. I think I've gone a full work week on a compact battery.
 
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TheGrooveking

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An alternate reality in a parallel universe.
With having all of the Bosch 12v line and all of the Milwaukee M12 line except the new Fuel pieces (yet, been busy buying Bosch and Makita 18V stuff) and the 7 pieces of the DeWalt 12V Max line. If I were in your point of having to choose a brand to go with I would think of what ultimately would be all of the tasks/jobs I might ever want to do and the choose which line sells the tools that would fit my needs. Either the Bosch or Milwaukee 12 volt lines are a safe choice, having used these in an industrial maintenance standpoint where they are used / abused and even though they are not pretty after hundreds of hours of use in the last few years they work reliably.

TheGrooveking
 
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Danglerb

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I have a PS40 and the torque does not impress me, haven't used the PS20 I got with it 5 min due to other similar tools I already have.

For a lot of work though I prefer the bend in the middle stick Milwaukee screwdriver, mine is old 2.4 nicad, but still a tech favorite for putting stuff back together with controlled torque.
 
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GSteg

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The PS41 is much better than the PS40 it replaced.

I'm inclined to get one to go along with my Bosch drill, but I'm holding out for a brushless version instead.
 
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Monte

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a brushless Bosch PS31 and PS21 will be available this year, maybe other drills/impacts/drivers in the future too.....
 
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S

SJShaw672

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Jun 12, 2012
Messages
51
Also, Bosch put the battery controller in the tool, so all the tools can use the batteries the best way for them, not just at the same rate (which may not be the best). Everyone else (that I know of) puts the controller in the battery.
 
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GSteg

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If anything, having the controller inside the tool is more beneficial to the manufacturer. They're able to get by without having to make as many controller so they reduce cost. The motor inside the tool will only draw as much power as it needs. A hammer drill will demand more current than a jigsaw.
 
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akapero

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EPWV
Another vote for Bosch. I picked up the PS-20 about 5 years ago, and liked it so much I picked up the PS21/PS41 combo a few years later.

The set comes with 2 batteries and they charge very quickly. They are very compact and very light, and have always had enough power for my uses.
 
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Danglerb

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Whats the difference between the PS40 and PS41 other than how the battery voltage is rated?
 
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