Do I even need a Drill/Impact driver anymore?

[nutjob]

I have Dewault 18v stuff, 1/2" drill/impact and a another 3/8" drill and a 1/4" hex impact. This is for DIY home stuff, tools could sit for 3-4 months between jobs. I need batteries, so I think its time once again to upgrade to another cordless solution.

I picked up the 18v Fuel 3/8" square impact and the 12v Fuel 1/4" hex. With a few adapters I think these 2 tools will cover almost all my needs.

Add a 1/4" hex chuck, I can now chuck up any of the round shank stuff for smaller jobs. Add a 3/8" sqaure to 1/4" hex and a 3/8" square to 1/2" chuck and this will cover the bigger drilling/driving jobs I come across.

Question is, I have not used any type of impact driver for drilling. Anyone have any experiance with doing this? Looking at drill bits up to 1/2", spade bits up to 1 1/2" and hole saws. Working in both wood and metal.

I have a corded 3/8" and 1/2" drills if needed but would like to hear if the impacts work well with just drilling stuff.

Thanks

Kevin

 

[Frank Dukes]

for $99 for two xrp nicads id pick up some dewalt batteries just to have if i were you. you could probably do what you need with the drivers but they are different tools for a reason.

 

[beakie]

I don't like drilling spade bits, or hole saws with impacts. nor any metal with an impact.

maybe I'm doing it wrong, but never works as well for me.

 

[bad_idea]

I am a weekend warrior myself and couldn't go with out my cordless drill. I chuck a pilot bit in the drill and a bit for driving said fastener in the impact driver. Drill, drive, drill, drive, repeat. No bit changing.

 

[cgv69]

From what I understand, drilling with an impact driver is not a good idea.

for $99 for two xrp nicads id pick up some dewalt batteries just to have if i were you.

You could do that or for about $30 more, you could get a M12 or M18 Fuel drill (bare tool) for which you already have batteries and a charger for.

The third option is, if you don't drill that often and/or don't already have one... just pick up a used corded drill for probably around $30

 

[nutjob]

I am a weekend warrior myself and couldn't go with out my cordless drill. I chuck a pilot bit in the drill and a bit for driving said fastener in the impact driver. Drill, drive, drill, drive, repeat. No bit changing.

This is what I have been doing for years, 2 tools. Just wondering about getting by without another tool - drill purchase for now.

I am getting rid of the Dewalt stuff, its time to move up to the latest technology and I feel the Fuel stuff is the right stuff and will be a good investment.

Kevin

 

[Zeke]

From what I understand, drilling with an impact driver is not a good idea.

I don't know who even thought of it unless using a carbide masonry bit.

I don't have any 18v stuff so I don't really know that power. I still like my assortment of corded drill motors. I drive screws with cordless driver drills and drill some smaller holes. The impact driver I have does do a great job on longer deck screws.

 

[strutaeng]

Yes, I wouldn't use an impact for drilling. I only have an impact/drill 12V by Bosch, and I think the manual said something about kickback if you tried using your impact for drilling.


Use the right tool for the job.

 

[cheechi]

I don't like drilling spade bits, or hole saws with impacts. nor any metal with an impact.

maybe I'm doing it wrong, but never works as well for me.

I definitely don't like using hole saws with the impact. Spade bits, some can handle the impact, some can't.

My Bosch daredevils (but specifically not the flat ones, some have a curved paddle) or the Irwin speedbor that are basically silver/deming style hold up pretty well but sometimes I get the feeling through the tool they'd be happier in a drill than an impact. This is all through construction pine. I wouldn't use an impact through metal either, at least not with hole/spade cutters.