Let's talk 1/4" impacts vs hex drivers

[Chris_PT]

I may be in the market for a nice cordless 1/4" impact (maybe an impact + drill combo) soon. I really like what I'm reading on Milwaukee power tools, although I don't know if one could go wrong with some of the other brands ie. Bosch, DeWalt, Hitatchi, etc.

I see many people have the 1/4" hex drivers that accepts various bits. What do you guys think about a Hex driver vs a true 1/4" impact? Pros/cons of each? Experience?

Here are the tools I am eye-balling:

http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2452-22

http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2453-22

http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2653-22ct

Of course, I'm not sure if any of these will be in a combo pack with a nice drill, but I'd like that if it becomes available.
Thanks!

 

[quad shop]

Impact drivers hit harder driving in than backing out, where a true 1/4" impact wrench should do both equally well. That being said I use my dewalt impact driver with a hex to square drive adaptor all the time. Its great for any engine and other small work just don't expect it to take off lug nuts or something like that.

 

[Zelatore]

I'm quite interested in this topic as well. I recently changed all my cordless stuff to Milwaukee M18 and was thinking I'd add an impact this time around since I've never had one. But I'm not really sure which one would be best since I don't exactly know what I'd use it for most often.

As often as not I use my drill (currently an M18 fuel) as a driver for screws. Working on boats they aren't often big/heavy things like lags, but usually a whole lot of basic retaining screws for some access plate or something. Around home, it could be used for anything from setting deck screws to just drilling a hole. For that sort of work I would think one of the little hex drivers a good bit set would be the choice.

But maybe I'd start using it for mechanical wrenching if I had it? I typically reach for a 3/8 ratchet when working on the truck/boats/bike/etc, so I would think a 3/8" impact would be the answer here, right?

I do have an old 1/2" air impact, but it's about worthless plus I don't like dragging the air hose out. This is the only impact I have any experience with so I'm really unsure about the best choice in a cordless impact. And Milwaukee has no shortage to chose from!

(BTW, if anybody has one they would like to swap for a drill, I have a new Milwaukee M18 2602-20 hammer drill I'd trade you for.)

 

[Dan Jacobs]

I have Makita 18v li/ion 1/4 impact driver and 3/8 impact that look like they're the same tool with different ends. I use the 3/8 all the time for engine disassembly. Works great.

However I am going to buy the new IR 20v 3/8 because I have the 1/2 and it's unbelievably strong and I am a tool junkie

 

[shoturtle]

I do not think you will see a combo kit for at least a year. Their m18 fuel is not combo yet, and they have been out for a year.

 

[TheGrooveking]

In my opinion if I had to choose only one I would go with a 1/4" hex impact because it is more versatile. As to the issue of an impact wrench having higher torque in reverse as compared to forward this is of always the case, two we are discussing 1/4" hex driver or 1/4" drive impact wrench neither of which generate a lot of torque so I think that should not weight into it. Additionally it will be very easy to find a great 1/4" impact driver that will offer twice the torque of almost any 1/4" impact wrench. Just remember to get an pact ready 1/4" hex to 1/4" or 3/8" sq. drive adapter. I found out the hard way by using a Irwin adapter and after driving over 400 1/4" self drilling screws into 1/8" thick steel and when done I could not get my drive adapter out of the collet/chuck.

I have 12 different 1/4" hex impact drivers and will report the makita 18V LXT beats them all.

TheGrooveking

 

[Chris_PT]

I do not think you will see a combo kit for at least a year. Their m18 fuel is not combo yet, and they have been out for a year.

Thanks, that's was another question. Perhaps I'll buy them separately.

In my opinion if I had to choose only one I would go with a 1/4" hex impact because it is more versatile. As to the issue of an impact wrench having higher torque in reverse as compared to forward this is of always the case, two we are discussing 1/4" hex driver or 1/4" drive impact wrench neither of which generate a lot of torque so I think that should not weight into it. Additionally it will be very easy to find a great 1/4" impact driver that will offer twice the torque of almost any 1/4" impact wrench. Just remember to get an pact ready 1/4" hex to 1/4" or 3/8" sq. drive adapter. I found out the hard way by using a Irwin adapter and after driving over 400 1/4" self drilling screws into 1/8" thick steel and when done I could not get my drive adapter out of the collet/chuck.

I have 12 different 1/4" hex impact drivers and will report the makita 18V LXT beats them all.

TheGrooveking

Thanks for the info. I recently saw your "impact drawer" and respect your opinion via first hand knowledge. I have a Snap-On 3/8" and 1/2" cordless impact, so adapters up a size wouldn't be necessary.

I like the idea of a 1/4" hex impact driver, I was just curious if I would miss anything by skipping up a 1/4" impact wrench. Hell, I'm sure I'll have both at some point, so maybe I'll go with the hex driver first.