Impact driver or impact wrench.

[uart]

Currently I have neither, but I'm thinking about getting one or the other (not both). I'm wondering which option would work the best if I wanted to try and get both functions (to some extent) from the one tool.

1. An impact driver with a hex to square (male) adaptor, so it could be used sometimes as a wrench as well.

OR

2. A cordless impact wrench with a square to hex (female) adaptor, so it could be used sometimes as a driver as well.

Ok, I realize these are both compromises. I'm basically just trying to work out which compromise is the best.

 

[stonesfan68]

I went with option number 1 and like it. I can drive screws without any adapters- and that's the bulk of my use of the tool.


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[quad shop]

Which would u use more the wrench or the driver I think that would answer your question. If u do mechanical work more then I think u would be dissapointed with a driver and vise versa

 

[Voi]

Currently I have neither, but I'm thinking about getting one or the other (not both). I'm wondering which option would work the best if I wanted to try and get both functions (to some extent) from the one tool.

1. An impact driver with a hex to square (male) adaptor, so it could be used sometimes as a wrench as well.

OR

2. A cordless impact wrench with a square to hex (female) adaptor, so it could be used sometimes as a driver as well.

Ok, I realize these are both compromises. I'm basically just trying to work out which compromise is the best.

I own a Hitachi 1/4" driver and have 1/4" and 3/8" adaptors for it. I don't own but have used a 1/2" impact wrench. I have never used one with a 1/4" hex adaptor.

I think the impact wrench with the adaptor would be more useful than the other way around, especially if the wrench had more power. When using an impact wrench I seem to need the compactness for tight spaces more than when using a driver.

To further confuse you, Bosch has a 1/2" hybrid impact wrench that accepts 1/4" hex bits. Google seems to be down so I can't get you a link quickly.

It's only 137 foot pounds of torque. I'd love to see them or somebody else come out with a hybrid with higher max torque and maybe adjustable hi-low torque setting.

 

[Voi]

Here are some pics of the Bosch hybrid.

 

[vartz04]

I use the Hitachi 12 volt driver with a 3/8 or 1/4 Socket adapter. Works great. Most of my use is screws so that's why I didn't get the wrench.

 

[uart]

To further confuse you, Bosch has a 1/2" hybrid impact wrench that accepts 1/4" hex bits.

Now that's a good idea, I'll definitely take a look at that.

Which would u use more the wrench or the driver I think that would answer your question. If u do mechanical work more then I think u would be dissapointed with a driver and vise versa

That's my dilemma quad-shop. I could definitely use the impact wrench on my car, but I'd probably have more use for the driver. I've heard a lot of people say that you lose a fair bit of torque when using and adaptor on an impact driver. That's what got me thinking that the other way around might work better.

 

[uart]

Vio I can't see your pictures so I'll upload one. Hybrid driver/wrench. Now that is a good idea.

Edit: Vio you beat me too it with the pics. Yours are showing up now.

 

[quad shop]

It also depends on what size of wrench u are talking about. I'm going to assume u mean the compact ones that are the same size as the drivers. If u are talking about the big hightorque models I think u would be better off having both my little impact driver breaks enough bits and screws with just 110lbs of torque let alone something with 300+. I have a dewalt 18v impact driver that I have adaptors for and I will say u do loose a fair amount of torque also a driver is forward bias wile a wrench is typicaly reverse bias. I know with my setup there is not nearly as much torque in reverse as there is in forward. A wrench is usualy used for taking stuff off not on which further complicates things. Im looking to get the 3/8 wrench tocompliment my big 1/2 wrench and my driver. All that being said I am suprized at how much a driver with an adaptor will do. Sorry for the long winded post guess I had a lot to say

 

[sdguy55]

I went with the driver and put an 1/4 hex to 3/8 square end adaptor. I have the 20v dewalt model.

I bought it thinking that it would be more versatile and i have to say i am glad i went this route. Im a diesel tech and this does 90% of my daily tasks.

So glad i went this way.

 

[uart]

Sorry for the long winded post guess I had a lot to say

Hey thanks. That's all useful info.

 

[Voi]

Hybrid driver/wrench. Now that is a good idea.

I agree. Just wish it had more torque, although I'm not sure comparing it to my Hitachi 18V impact driver is fair. As another poster already mentioned, a driver has forward bias while a wrench has reverse bias. The Bosch may very well have enough loosening power for me.