Skip the impact drivers. They are way over used. Plus, a regular 12 volt driver gives so much better feel for driving smaller fasteners in and not causing damage.
I have an impact driver, but I hardly use it. I regret getting it.
also, impact drivers are OBNOXIOUSLY LOUD!!! Very hard on the ears and annoying as hell. I will tolerate using one, but only when necessary.
As always, horses for courses. Non-impacting drivers can be very good for tiny fasteners in delicate materials. I still use my old 10.8V Bosch compact driver (remember those?). It sounds like a fisher price toy, but works so well for lots of small items.
Impact drivers are best for when you are driving a fastener that's either "in" or "out." Say, wood screws. You know when to stop because you can see how deeply it's driven. With with bolts and other screws, it's not just an in or out thing-- it's HOW TIGHT it is.
With some experience with a particular impact, it works basically the same as a cordless impact *wrench* and can be useful for small fastening jobs. I find impact drivers much harder to control because of the higher rpm and BPM. They just aren't the right tool for most bolted joints-- that's what impact wrenches are for.
And if one had to choose between an impact wrench and impact driver, the wrench is preferable in every case where brute speed isn't the prime directive. For a production builder who needs productivity, the drivers make a compelling case as a one-tool option.
But with bit sockets, the wrenches can do everything the drivers can do, just with less speed and more control.
As for noise, you should have some good ear protection and know how to use it.
