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Impact driver driving screws too deep in 2x4 workbench?

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wahoowad

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I'm kinda knew to using my compact impact driver (Porter Cable PCC640) - it's almost 10 years old, just been using my drill/driver mostly but decided to get some use from it building a few workbenches. It has a variable speed trigger - no modes. I feel like I have to run it full speed to get the impact action, but when I do it drives my 2 1/2" and 3" screws really deep in the workbench. I tried to back off the trigger as it gets close but it all happens so fast that it's hard to do so. I could go back to my drill/driver with the variable torque clutch but the impact driver otherwise seems like the better tool.

I just bought this Dewalt SureSet thinking this would help manage the depth the screw is driven. But not sure if this is what I should be doing or perhaps it's how I'm using my single mode impact driver? Just seems I'm driving those screws half way thru the 2x4 and somehow that seems wrong.

DW2507-P1.jpg
 
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wahoowad

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I saw the drywood dimpler at the store, wasn't sure if it was material specific. I hoped this Dewalt thing worked the same way. It seems to so far.

I also thought about switching to a more panhead style screw that won't pull into the wood.

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RTM

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What are you driving it into? The same particle /OSB board mentioned elsewhere? Soft pine 2x4? Most of those will easily overdrive, not give enough feedback to slow down the impact driver u til it’s too late.
 
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benny27

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Funny I always over drive with a drill but hit my mark with the impact.

let off the trigger before full depth. Then blip the trigger till you hit your mark.
 
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tarmy

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Since this is GJ…and it is a site where tools and more tools is the best course of action…

OP…get yourself a Milwaukee Hydraulic driver M18. Spectacular control right down to the 1/4 turn of the bit…WAY more control and ease of use than an Impact driver…even theirs. In fact, I have 4 M18 Fuel impact drivers I will make you a great deal on cause I only like to use the hydraulic drivers now…
 
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wahoowad

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@tarmy - got a link some can read up on those drivers?

Is my single-mode driver outdated? I don’t know what additional modes provide in terms of control.
 
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finn

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Both of my corded deck screw / drywall screw drivers, a Dewalt and a Makita, have provisions to prevent overdriving, something that impacts don’t.

Right tool for the job, although a skilled operator can come close with a regular impact.

The corded deck screw drivers are probably pretty inexpensive on the secondary market. Both of mine are probably over twenty five years old by now.
 
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Raisedonadeere

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tarmy said:
Since this is GJ…and it is a site where tools and more tools is the best course of action…

OP…get yourself a Milwaukee Hydraulic driver M18. Spectacular control right down to the 1/4 turn of the bit…WAY more control and ease of use than an Impact driver…even theirs. In fact, I have 4 M18 Fuel impact drivers I will make you a great deal on cause I only like to use the hydraulic drivers now…
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Amen to the Milwaukee M18 Surge Hydraulic driver. Biggest jump to sweetness I have ever made when replacing a tool. I had a porter Cable impact that did some jobs and convinced of the benefits of the impact tool vs drill drivers, and because of battery platform change I went to Milwaukee. The Surge is just so compact and quiet and easy to control. Not quite as powerful as some other impact drivers but you will not see the limitation driving 4" deck screws. Now a 12" x1/2" lag bolt will slow it down and perhaps exceed its capability.
 
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Rabid Badger

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wahoowad said:
@tarmy - got a link some can read up on those drivers?

Is my single-mode driver outdated? I don’t know what additional modes provide in terms of control.
Click to expand...
The problem isn't necessarily that it's single-mode, but the type/quality of the trigger switch and control circuitry play a big part.

Is it a variable-speed trigger, or is it just off/full blast?
 
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JradM

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wahoowad said:
@tarmy - got a link some can read up on those drivers?

Is my single-mode driver outdated? I don’t know what additional modes provide in terms of control.
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Yes: toolguyd.com - my favorite tool review and news site.

In my opinion, the M18 is great, the new super-short Dewalt is also fantastic (DCF850) or the brushless three speed 887. There's many good options from all the colors that would be upgrades though

Your impact driver is "outdated" in the sense that there has been a ton of development since that particular unit was released. I have the same one - as well as some newer offerings. Just because it has long since been surpassed doesn't mean it can't still drive screws though.

Compared to the newer impacts, that unit is heavy and also feels like it has a very heavy anvil. I definitely notice the difference between it any my Dewalt 887, for example. It seems to hit slower, but heavily. You would probably have more luck with finger controlling a newer unit. I find the Porter Cable tests my reflexes too.

Multiple speeds means you do not need to rely as much on your finger control. Smaller and more rapid hits also helps. Trigger lag and sensitivity are also factors.
 
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ChevyEFI

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I have an M18 Surge. It definitely does not drive the ever living hell out of fasteners like an impact gun does. I would say if you have a frequent use for wood fasteners, look into it. If you happen to be local to me, drop a line to try one out.
 
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wahoowad

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That M18 Surge sounds sweet but I'm not into Milwaukee battery line :sad:. I've got my Porter-Cable stuff running on 2014 batteries and have started switching over to Ryobi as I love the range of tools
 
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JradM

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wahoowad said:
That M18 Surge sounds sweet but I'm not into Milwaukee battery line :sad:. I've got my Porter-Cable stuff running on 2014 batteries and have started switching over to Ryobi as I love the range of tools
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If you don't want to switch battery platforms, spend a ton of money and are not using this tool professionally - I'd suggest the Ryobi HP impact driver.

Ryobi's HP line is a step up in quality from what they typically offer. It's more expensive than their regular impact driver too, but good enough that you probably could use it professionally.

It's got 3 speeds and an "assist mode" (I think that's for sheet metal screws or some such). 2,200-inch/lbs. of torque (I'd have to go check, but I think your PC has 1400 in/lbs) and 4,000 IPM. It would be a substantial upgrade.

The problem with Porter Cable is that the parent company Stanley Black & Decker has largely abandoned it. I have a bunch of them and mostly like them, but there hasn't been a new Porter Cable 20v tool in years. There is a brushless PC impact driver you could upgrade to, but I would avoid investing more in that brand unless you scored a deal or something. The Ryobi HP I mentioned is several years newer and would definitely outperform the brushless PC.
 
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benny27

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good deal going on now if you could use some more batteries.
2 batteries and charger for $99 then pick a free tool. The Ryobi quiet strike is on the list too.

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wahoowad

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That P290 Quietstrike is selling for $79 at HomeDepot but only $39 at Amazon....hmmm.

Bah, my Porter Cable is still running fine so I think I'll stretch some more use out of it until those batteries all fail or the unit dies. I think I just need to heed the advice and make sure I finesse it at the end for the right amount of screw depth. I think I was being too neanderthal with it.
 
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ToolRoom

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I think it is 90% practice/familiarity, I can drive drywall screws in with mine and just drop the heads below flush first go 9 times out of 10 - and I only do drywall once in a blue moon. Borrowed someones dewalt on site once to put up a batten and near went clean through it first time I pulled the trigger. Some have better triggers than others, but I guess it is mostly down to what you are used to.
 
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Dakotadadv8

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Before buying an impact driver I had 2 drills, 1 corded Dewalt, and one cordless Makita drill/driver/hammer. Built many large projects using these 2 tools, drill, then drive, repeat. You can use this combination for anything even drilling into concrete, use good and correct drill bits. I do like my Dewalt 1/4 impact driver.
 
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Dakotadadv8

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whateg01 said:
Those don't do everything. Let's see a drill break a lugnut loose that's been torqued to over 100 ft*lb and not twist your arm in two.
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I agree I use the Dewalt 1/2 drive impact wrench DCF894B from Lowes primarily for lug nuts for my truck and cars. When I need a workout I break out the Snap on 24 inch breaker bar with chrome sockets.;)
 
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tyyost

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Switch back to your drill and set the clutch, the impact you have either has too little trigger control or you need to practice and get the dynamic of how it is driving in the material. Even older impact drivers could crank a 3” deck screw through 2x lumber if you crank on it.

As an alternative, you may want to consider washer head screws like GRK with your impact. They are strong and the larger head helps snug things up before they get overdriven.
 
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