Impact driver

[bradg07]

I'm going to bite the bullet and get a impact.

I already have a 18v dewalt ion drill. It's about year a old. So the battery is good.

I don't know if to buy a 18v dewalt impact. Or buy this
http://m.lowes.com/product?langId=-...10051&productId=3265405&store=595&view=detail

I love how small it is and hear great things. They are both the same prices
My main question how much of power differents?

I'm leaning towards bosch bc of the size.

 

[87Pomona]

What type of work are you going to be using the impact for?

 

[bradg07]

What type of work are you going to be using the impact for?

Home use, Renovations etc

 

[bcradio]

I use my Bosch 12v tools 90% of the time and love them. However, the other 10% of the time I require 18v tools for the power. 12v won't do it all for you but the vast majority it will. Make sure you are ready for that last 10%.

 

[Conductor562]

I'm a Milwaukee guy but I gotta say, the 12V Max impact is a fine little driver. I can't stand the handle on the Bosch. It's almost flat on 1 side and just feels awkward in my hand. In most cases I feel safe saying Bosch builds a better tool, but the 18V and 12V Dewalt drivers are great. The LED setup on the Dewalt is nice too. Much better than my Milwaukee. Personally, I'd drop a little extra coin and get an 18V though.

 

[87Pomona]

Home use, Renovations etc

Why not go with the Bosch 18v 1/4 chuck impact driver? You'll have some extra power in case you ever need it.

 

[Conductor562]

Or wait a month or so on the new Bosch ¼" Driver / ½" Wrench

 

[ChrisF250]

Or wait a little bit and get milwaukees new m12 brushless impact driver that has 1200 in lbs of torque, which is comparable to almost any brands 18 volt model.

 

[Nosferatu]

I've become a big fan of Bosch tools. I have the 18v impact driver and use it anytime I have a screw to drive home, I reach for the impact driver. I have built 2 decks, a fence and numerous other random projects with it. It drives 3" screws into wood with authority. If the 12v is even half as good as the 18v, I would highly recommend it.

I must ask though, why not go with the DeWalt since you already have the battery and drill? Part of what I like about my Bosch set (Hammer drill, 1/4 impactor, sazwall, circular saw & flashlight) is the battery interchangeability. This set has pretty much replaced their corded counterparts for me.

 

[LSU]

I was/am a big fan or cordless tools but the battery issues finally wore me out and drove me back to corded tools.

I still have an original Mikita cordless drill that I had 20+ years ago. It is in a blue metal case and was very expensive. I loved it but the cost of the batteries wore me down.

I'm now down to a cordless Rigid Drill which I love.

I'm not back to buying corded tools. Where I'm using them I usally have power and, other than running an extension cord, I don't have to worry about if they're charged enough for a full days work.

if you're doing DIY and hobby type stuff I'd suggest you look at a corded Milwaukee or something similar. No where near as slick as a cordless but if you're looking for long term tool usage I think in the long run it is a better less expensive tool.

If job site power is an issue, go with the cordless.

 

[ChrisF250]

Have you ever used a quality lithium ion set? I've left batteries in my truck in the dead of winter and in the heat of summer and they still work fine three years later.

 

[5mall5nail5]

FWIW I have the Cman C3 LiOn impact driver and love it.

 

[JoeHelms]

Is the Bosch combo kit you linked to the same price as a bare-tool (i.e. no battery) DeWALT?

If so, then certainly get the Bosch... but from a quick look around Amazon, it seems you can save $100 or more if you can use the current DeWALT batteries and charger that you have.

Then again, if you only have 1 DeWALT battery with your drill, that probably isn't enough. Do you have the older 18v Dewalt stuff, or the new "20v Max" labelled 18v stuff? I guess that could come into play as well.

 

[IndyGarage]

The biggest issue with cordless tools is batteries.

I believe the tool companies have found a way to force you to buy new tools by making new tools incompatibile backwardly, and pricing the older batteries sky high.

That Bosch compact driver is really good. I have one and use it all the time. It will drive dozens of 3inch screws on a charge and it does it quickly and easily.

I wouldn't recommend it for someone who builds decks every day - for them get a full sized 12-18v impactor and it will work all day on a charge. For the homeowner the compact on is fine.

HD had the Makita drill and driver kit plus two batteries on sale for $99 a couple months ago, so I bought one - The impactor works almost as good as the Bosch, but the battery life is significantly less. I like the Makita drill better than the Bosch.

 

[bradg07]

I was/am a big fan or cordless tools but the battery issues finally wore me out and drove me back to corded tools.

I still have an original Mikita cordless drill that I had 20+ years ago. It is in a blue metal case and was very expensive. I loved it but the cost of the batteries wore me down.

I'm now down to a cordless Rigid Drill which I love.

I'm not back to buying corded tools. Where I'm using them I usally have power and, other than running an extension cord, I don't have to worry about if they're charged enough for a full days work.

if you're doing DIY and hobby type stuff I'd suggest you look at a corded Milwaukee or something similar. No where near as slick as a cordless but if you're looking for long term tool usage I think in the long run it is a better less expensive tool.

If job site power is an issue, go with the cordless.

Ya I feel the same way. Everything cord but a drill and hopefully a impact.

Is the Bosch combo kit you linked to the same price as a bare-tool (i.e. no battery) DeWALT?

If so, then certainly get the Bosch... but from a quick look around Amazon, it seems you can save $100 or more if you can use the current DeWALT batteries and charger that you have.

Then again, if you only have 1 DeWALT battery with your drill, that probably isn't enough. Do you have the older 18v Dewalt stuff, or the new "20v Max" labelled 18v stuff? I guess that could come into play as well.

It's 18v and not 20 max. Ya it's a bare tool for dewalt. But the cost are the same. At my local lowes they are both 120$.