Cordless screwdriver or impact??

[flippin]

Anyone that has used a cordless impact will never be without one. The benefits are immense when compared to chucking everything into our cordless drills for the most part. That said, when we are required to work on smaller fasteners and delicate materials (dash work, interiors, plastics) at what point would a cordless screwdriver be the better tool. Clearly at this point, torque and power are not the issue. As just a hack, I am curious to see what the pros think. Snap-On, Milwaukee and all of the others offer both in their compact range of cordless tools and obviously for good reason.

Thanks in advance,

Paul

 

[hard12catch33]

I am curious for feedback also, I have been in the market for the Milwaukee (2406) 12v cordless driver but not sure how much I would actually use it.

 

[slickgt1]

I'm not a mechanic. Contractor and do a lot of fine cabinet making along with custom furniture. I have to be honest with you. If there something so delicate that I need a screw driver, I use that, a good ol fashioned screw driver. But my impact is always at my side. Just make sure you have one with a good sensative trigger so that you can modulate the torque. My milwaukee 18v is a dud I swear. My makita is great, but the battery issue is starting to piss me off.

Fine home building just gave the Dewalt impact a 2 out of 3 as a best in its class. So I might be picking up a few dewalts soon.

Point is, try the tiger before you buy, as I promise you will use the impact more often when you can control the speed and torque.

 

[kamesama980]

I have the M12 non-fuel driver and impact and love them both. +1 for if it's that delicate, I use a hand screwdriver.

Only drawback I've found with the impact is putting in 3" drywall screws into lumber in certain situations (lumber's attached to a 4x8 plywood panel) the panel acts like a drumhead and makes a deafening noise. Power wise, they're about equal but the impact is much less likely to strip phillips and much more likely to get stuck/rusted fasteners due to the impacts, not the torque.

 

[smogtech]

take a look at the m12 fuel impact driver. the new m12 fuels have a power setting on them. Bridges the gap between impact driver and cordless screwdriver.

 

[cburnscrx]

I just have both. I think it's easier than trying to get 1 tool to do both jobs. I really wouldn't want to use my DeWalt impact driver installing a doorknob any more than I would want to use my cordless screwdriver to drive lag screws.

 

[Dave in Mass]

Seconded on using a screwdrive when appropriate. They aren't just for toolbox display.

Last weekend I picked up a DeWalt combo set of 20V Li-ION Impact drive and cordless drill. So far I am pretty impressed with both.

They are in a case so probably not too much of an issue to use either but...

The impact has a 1/4 inch end that only accepts 1/4 inch drivers. If I wanted to use my impact to drill a hole with a regular drill bit or put a non 1/4 inch driver in, Anyone aware of a 1/4 inch adapter I could pop in there that would have a keyless chuck on the end of it. Seems like if not, I would need to buy all new drill bits with a 1/4inch end instead of standard round drill bits?

Is that clear? Any suggstions?

 

[firebox40dash5]

take a look at the m12 fuel impact driver. the new m12 fuels have a power setting on them. Bridges the gap between impact driver and cordless screwdriver.

Yep, IIRC it's like 11 ft/lb. And you can always feather the trigger, it's not like it's a 120V corded 1/2" impact where it's on or off. I use the low power mode on mine to start threads in horrible positions, if it starts hitting right away I know it's crossed up, and it won't damage the threads. It also happens to be great for oil pans, trans pans and diff covers, gets it in the ballpark to finish with a torque wrench.

You can make the Fuel impact into a screwdriver, but not the other way around.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Impacts were not allowed on the production floor for reintalling any interior vehicular components due to stripped fasteners and over-torqued small fasteners that ended up breaking plastic parts.

The cost of breaking dash trim or bits was expensive enough. It was the dumb-*** floor guys that just kept slamming together the parts and 3 months later the broken plastic dash tab that took 3 hours to get to would stake squaking and rattling bad , an hour to replace and another 3 hours to re-assemble started eating into TAKT time and thus profit.

When the line of cars to fix for in-house ^&%*-ups is longer than the real customer line you know you have a problem.

Just like any other tool the user needs to be cognicent of it's limits and it's possiblity of doing more harm than good if misued.

Small drill/drivers for re-assembly. Small impacts are fine for most fastener removal.
I still like ratcheting screwdrivers for things with plastic tabs.

If not doing work in my own vechile myself I am VERY careful of who I do take it to.
Too many hacks in too big of a hurry that deny any wrongdoing or broken shiz when they ****** things up.

If I had a nickel... LOL but true.

 

[jjjrmx5]

but...

The impact has a 1/4 inch end that only accepts 1/4 inch drivers. If I wanted to use my impact to drill a hole with a regular drill bit or put a non 1/4 inch driver in, Anyone aware of a 1/4 inch adapter I could pop in there that would have a keyless chuck on the end of it. Seems like if not, I would need to buy all new drill bits with a 1/4inch end instead of standard round drill bits?

Is that clear? Any suggstions?

Jacobs and many others make small keyless chucks with the 1/4" hex adaptor on the other end to use as a std. drill in your 1/4" hex impact.

HD and Lowes both sell them.

I have a few.

Great for the odd occasion when you only have one tool but not ideal for me for daily use.

Usually run $8 to $20 or so.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-3...Impact-Driver-763198-1/100128244#.UoUj5lLrFac

 

[flippin]

Completely agree that when I am so concerned about the fragility of my workpieces I will use a conventional screwdriver. For things like dash work the speed associated with power tools is undeniable. I am an impatient guy, I'm Japanese, I won't even wait for my fish to be cooked!!

 

[quad shop]

Yes they do make a chuck adapter for impact drivers http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000KKWLE8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1384457053&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70 I've never used one but on a round bit I don't know if u would be able to get the chuck tight enough for the bit not to spin when it started to impact

 

[BlksnshN]

I picked up the Matco 3 piece kit off of E-Bay for $249.00. 1/4 Impact, Screw Driver, and LED light. I love all three of the tools. If you can find one for a good price, it's a great kit.

https://scontent-a-ord.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/996021_695187173826373_1413548686_n.jpg

 

[Dave in Mass]

Yes they do make a chuck adapter for impact drivers http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000KKWLE8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1384457053&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70 I've never used one but on a round bit I don't know if u would be able to get the chuck tight enough for the bit not to spin when it started to impact

Jacobs and many others make small keyless chucks with the 1/4" hex adaptor on the other end to use as a std. drill in your 1/4" hex impact.

HD and Lowes both sell them.

I have a few.

Great for the odd occasion when you only have one tool but not ideal for me for daily use.

Usually run $8 to $20 or so.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-3...Impact-Driver-763198-1/100128244#.UoUj5lLrFac

Perfect. Thank you. I am glad you put the HD link because I went to my local Lowe's looking for one last weekend and the guys had no idea what I was talking about.

 

[Dave in Mass]

Yes they do make a chuck adapter for impact drivers http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000KKWLE8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1384457053&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70 I've never used one but on a round bit I don't know if u would be able to get the chuck tight enough for the bit not to spin when it started to impact

Good point on tightness on a round bit but they do make em and even though I have a drill, this would probably be a good thing to throw in the case along with the impact drivers bits for the driver and the screwdriver bits for the drill.

You guys rock.

 

[Dave in Mass]

I picked up the Matco 3 piece kit off of E-Bay for $249.00. 1/4 Impact, Screw Driver, and LED light. I love all three of the tools. If you can find one for a good price, it's a great kit.

I did also pick up the LED Worklight to go with the DeWalt set. Seemed a bit pricey on its own, but it was too cool not to buy and my B&D Million candle power rechargable has given up the ghost after 7 years of use -- May just be a bulb though so in short time, I may have both.

The B&D to me was a great flashlight but not a worklight since you couldn't leave the light on without your hand on the trigger. It had two dinky LEDs for a "worklight" but frankly, I only found them useful for finding the flashlight if you put it down in a dark space to free your hands.

 

[DamnYankee]

I use my impact for most of my fastening, but there are some jobs it's just too much tool for (both in size and power).

For those jobs, I initially bought the Hitachi cordless screwdriver (this one). It has great reviews and the price is pretty reasonable. After using it for a few days there were a few things I didn't like about it. So I bought the new DeWalt gyroscopic screwdriver. Other than wishing it had a regular trigger, it's perfect for those jobs that the impact is too large for. And it has a good amount of power.

Here's a video (click) review I did of the two. It's pretty long and I didn't get everything in the frame, but it might be helpful to you.

 

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

Great timing! I'm looking for an impact drill as well. My buddy has a DeWalt and I got to use it -- nice!

1. I need one so can anyone (preferably in the trades) recommend a quality, reliable unit? I don't want to know about the ones someone just bought a week ago or the ones that get used once or twice a year, I'm talking the [almost daily use] type of experience where your job depends on it. I prefer the units with the built-in LED work light and adjustable trigger, just in case it matters.

2. Also, what's the recommendation towards voltage? I see 12v, 18v, 20v, etc. More torque, longer lasting, what?

 

[firebox40dash5]

2. Also, what's the recommendation towards voltage? I see 12v, 18v, 20v, etc. More torque, longer lasting, what?

What are you doing with it? I've got 12v and 18v and each is more suited for my what I use them for than the other. The 12v is stupid light and pretty compact, great for interior/trim work or disassembling lights or intake manifolds and such. The 18v is a decent bit bigger and a whole lot heavier, but it's also got a bunch more torque for bigger stuff.

Personally, I don't see the point in an 18v hex impact driver for automotive work, unless everything else you're going to get is 18v and you want to avoid having another line of tools. Otherwise it's pretty much bigger and heavier than it needs to be- with brushless 12v hex units over 100 ft/lb, much more than that and you'll be twisting or breaking socket adapters, and I don't think I've had a screw head that my M12 Fuel driver couldn't turn, and didn't just strip out the head.

Dewalt looks like they're working on brushless stuff to compete with Milwaukee, and Bosch might not be far behind. I love brushless motors in impacts and drills, the power and runtime both beat the hell out of brushed motors, plus the ability to dial down the power for delicate work. They're a no-brainer IMO for daily pro use.

 

[pipsters]

I use the impact to disassemble and when I put stuff back together on my cars I use the screwdriver at a low clutch setting then torque the final amount by hand. I have cracked enough plastic trim and dash pieces to know when to work slower and not faster.

 

[johninct]

I got one from Snap-on.

 

[johninct]

I'm sorry, last post incomplete. I got a 1/4" hex on one end and a keyless drill chuck on the other end from Snap-On.

 

[Ign]

I've got the non-Fuel M12 screwdriver and use it around the house for Johnny Homeowner stuff. It's too slow tho for much and that's why I think the new Fuel would be awesome as it's 2 speed; this also means you could more effectively use the 1/4" hex shank drill bits (which I also keep in the house for sinking wall anchors, etc).

 

[ez-duzit]

For drilling and running screws mostly in wood my 1st generation US-made Sioux Tools and Milwaukee close quarters, corded, angle drills do the heavy lifting. But I am quite satisfied with my old DeWalt 12v cordless drill.

 

[cheechi]

A lot of questions in this thread sound like people who have a cordless drill but don't know how to set the clutch.

That 1-15 or whatever numbers on your drill are to limit the torque it can put on a fastener. If you already have a drill, it is more than what that cordless screwdriver could do. Granted, the drill is slightly heavier because it can do more things. If you're on a production line all day the screwdriver has its place but for everyone else, buy an impact/drill kit and use each tool for the appropriate purpose.

And yes, a screwdriver or a ratchet/thumbwheel is the right answer for a lot of these situations.