DeWalt Impact Driver ovewrheating

[bigstevek]

New member here! Thanks in advance for your input.

I have a new DeWalt 20V brushless drill/driver set (DCF787 and DCD777). My first project using either was to install a security door jamb reinforcement plate. It required me to ream out the deadbolt receptacle to allow it to slide more smoothly. I used a titanium hex grinding bit to cut through the wood and an old nail protruding from the backing 2x4. After running the driver for about 2 minutes, the motor began to cut out and became too hot to touch. After allowing it to cool, I ran it again, and the same thing occurred. I switched the bit to the drill, and it worked without issue.

I am reading mixed commentary online, some stating that the impact driver is not intended for long-term use but rather for short, high-torque bursts such as driving in screws and bolts or for driving small sockets. I'm just trying to get some feedback before I look into returning/exchanging it.

 

[RTM]

Sounds like mis use from here. I wouldn't use impact mode for anything but driving
fasteners.¢¢

 

[GeoBruin]

New member here! Thanks in advance for your input.

I have a new DeWalt 20V brushless drill/driver set (DCF787 and DCD777). My first project using either was to install a security door jamb reinforcement plate. It required me to ream out the deadbolt receptacle to allow it to slide more smoothly. I used a titanium hex grinding bit to cut through the wood and an old nail protruding from the backing 2x4. After running the driver for about 2 minutes, the motor began to cut out and became too hot to touch. After allowing it to cool, I ran it again, and the same thing occurred. I switched the bit to the drill, and it worked without issue.

I am reading mixed commentary online, some stating that the impact driver is not intended for long-term use but rather for short, high-torque bursts such as driving in screws and bolts or for driving small sockets. I'm just trying to get some feedback before I look into returning/exchanging it.

I suspect you're on to something with what you have read regarding burst vs continuous use of an impact driver. Also, it sounds like you are using some kind of "grinding" bit in the impact driver, something like a die grinder bit maybe? In any case, that really is outside the standard use case for an impact driver, and it sounds like something that would generate a lot of heat itself.

Even with the biggest baddest lag screw out there, an impact is not going to run for more than a dozen seconds at a time, and there won't be much side load on the bit/chuck. Your use sounds like it's pushing the tool way past it's intended use in both regards.

 

[Rabid Badger]

1) It's DeWalt's low-mid range impact driver and you're working the hell out of it.

2) Impacts aren't drills. Yes, they can spin a drill bit, but that doesn't mean they should.

You said you bought the combo kit, why are you trying to use the impact for that in the first place?

 

[Hakeem]

I use my dewalt driver to drill through studs sometimes as it’s smaller than a drill. Pretty standard amongst tradesmen but even going through double studs I don’t run it for more than 20-30 seconds. 2 minutes is a real long time to have any kind of impact tool running. A drill is definitely the better choice for sustained operation.

 

[bigstevek]

Sounds like mis use from here. I wouldn't use impact mode for anything but driving
fasteners.¢¢

That was my fear, but also makes me less concerned.

 

[bigstevek]

1) It's DeWalt's low-mid range impact driver and you're working the hell out of it.

2) Impacts aren't drills. Yes, they can spin a drill bit, but that doesn't mean they should.

You said you bought the combo kit, why are you trying to use the impact for that in the first place?

After 20 years of using the same B&D drill (it finally died), I bought new tools and didn't know better. I've never owned an impact driver!

 

[bigstevek]

I use my dewalt driver to drill through studs sometimes as it’s smaller than a drill. Pretty standard amongst tradesmen but even going through double studs I don’t run it for more than 20-30 seconds. 2 minutes is a real long time to have any kind of impact tool running. A drill is definitely the better choice for sustained operation.

That was my thought after reading some posts, but wasn't sure. However, I am less concerned now. Once bitten, twice shy!

 

[bigstevek]

I suspect you're on to something with what you have read regarding burst vs continuous use of an impact driver. Also, it sounds like you are using some kind of "grinding" bit in the impact driver, something like a die grinder bit maybe? In any case, that really is outside the standard use case for an impact driver, and it sounds like something that would generate a lot of heat itself.

Even with the biggest baddest lag screw out there, an impact is not going to run for more than a dozen seconds at a time, and there won't be much side load on the bit/chuck. Your use sounds like it's pushing the tool way past it's intended use in both regards.

Having never owned an impact driver before, I wasn't sure. You know- new "big boy" toys. Thank for the input!

 

[Rabid Badger]

After 20 years of using the same B&D drill (it finally died), I bought new tools and didn't know better. I've never owned an impact driver!

I still remember the first time I drove a screw with an impact driver almost 20 years ago. It seemed like magic.

 

[bigstevek]

I still remember the first time I drove a screw with an impact driver almost 20 years ago. It seemed like magic.

I just needed to pick the right tool - now I know!

 

[finn]

I have four impact drivers , a Milwaukee, Dewalt, Bosch., and a Skil.

I use all of them to drill, using hex shank bits, up to an inch and a quarter.

Never had an issue, even with the low cost Skil.

 

[dogdog]

Return it, dewalts are junks. My old craftsman impact driver can spin for a long time and it’s not getting hot. Same with the Kobalt ones

 

[KnurledNut]

Its defective, return it. No impact driver should cut out like that, nor run that hot. I’ve abused impacts for years and they take it. This is not normal.