The main advantage of impact drivers is their ability to drive in numerous fasteners quickly . The added force offered by the tool saves your hands and wrists as you work. This can help extend the time you can comfortably work on your project. Also, the impact driver is much less likely to strip your screws when in use.
Is it worth getting an impact driver?
Repetitive Jobs. For repetitive jobs like hanging drywall or building a deck, an impact driver is an excellent tool . It drives screws quickly and reliably, with more power but less weight than a drill vs impact driver, making these jobs faster and easier on your body.
Can you use an impact driver as a drill?
Yes, you can use an impact driver . ... You can make small holes in light-gauge steel and soft wood with an impact driver using a standard hex-shank drill bit, but if you want to make holes larger than 1⁄4 inch in heavy steel, hardwood, or pressure-treated lumber, you need a bit rated specifically for an impact driver.
When would I use an impact driver?
Like the cordless drill, an impact driver uses rotational force to drive a screw and saves its bursts of quick power when it feels resistance. You would use an impact driver for long screws or large fasteners when working with wood . An impact driver is also lighter than the hammer drill, making it easier to handle.
How powerful of an impact driver do I need?
Generally speaking, an impact driver with 1500–1800 in-lbs that puts more emphasis on higher RPM will do 95% of the work faster than one with more torque and slower speeds. Our rule of thumb: If you need to reach for a socket adapter, you're better off grabbing an impact wrench!
What is the most powerful impact driver?
One of the strongest impact drivers is Bosch 25618-02 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 1/4-Hex Impact Driver . If you've ever needed to complete a task in a tight or difficult-to-reach area, the Bosch Hex Compact Tough Impact Driver with Slim Pack Battery will come in handy.
Do I need special bits for an impact driver?
An impact driver looks like just a drill to the untrained eye, but they are very different tools, starting with how you load their bits. ... If you add an impact driver to our arsenal, you'll need to invest in some quality 1/4-inch hex bits , which are available to fit any type of screw head.
Is an impact driver better than a drill?
The main difference between a drill and an impact driver boils down to power and rotational action. ... Impact drivers tend to be more compact and lighter than most drills , but impact drivers usually deliver more power for a given size of tool while also keeping the driver bit more completely engaged with the screw head.
Can you drill into concrete with an impact driver?
Can I Drill With an Impact Driver? If you're drilling holes at 1/4-inch or under, you'll be able to drill through brick and some concrete with an impact driver . Impact drivers have a freakish amount of torque, but they are not designed to be used like a regular drill or hammer drills.
How does an impact driver work?
An impact driver senses when you need additional torque and creates rotational impact force with a spring, hammer, and anvil . As the motor turns the shaft, the spring compresses and then releases forcefully, driving the hammer rotationally against the anvil. This action happens rapidly.
What is the difference between an impact driver and an impact wrench?
One of the key differences between these impact tools is the drive style . Impact drivers use a 1/4-inch hex collet that accepts 1/4-inch hex shank bits. Impact wrenches typically use a square drive that you attach a socket to. There are also 7/16-inch hex impact wrenches that utility workers often carry.
What is the smallest impact driver?
Ridgid's 12v impact driver has the smallest overall footprint, though both the M12 Fuel impact driver and Surge have slightly smaller head lengths. Bosch takes the win for the lightest overall 12V impact driver, weighing just 2.1 pounds with its 2.0Ah battery.
Do Impact drivers have torque settings?
Impact drivers do not have torque control , so the only way to adjust the amount of torque being delivered is by using the speed control trigger (or by selecting a model with several gears). These tools are extremely powerful, producing up to 150Nm of torque!
How do I choose an impact driver?
- Drive long screws. You can drive long screws because impact drivers generate a lot of torque.
- Bore big holes. Impact drivers can easily handle big bits for boring large holes.
- Easier driving. ...
- Sound protection. ...
- Hex shaft drill bit. ...
- Easy on the arm. ...
- Combo kit. ...
- Hex-shaft accessories.
