I want to buy an impact driver, but I’m faced by many choices. There are voltages that range from 9.6 to 18v. Torque ranges from 740 to 1330 and ipm of 2500 to 3200.
If I’m using the normal range of wood screws and lags, how much of an impact driver do I need for woodworking? It seems that 1330 in-lbs of torque is overkill and maybe 740 is too small.
Ron in South Mississippi
Replies
14.4 v worked very well for me. If you're driving lots of lag bolts, or are construction oriented, go 18 volt, or corded (!). For general purpose work, 14.4 is a good balance between power and weight.
For woodworking, I reach for my 3 speed cordless drill/driver with clutch. The impact driver is way overkill for most of my WW projects.
Cheers,
Seth
Impact drivers are great for carpentry tasks (e.g. deck building), but not all that useful for normal cabinet making chores (although they are terrific for installation of wall cabs).
Power / Size: unless you're driving lag screws all day, a 12v will be more than adequate -- with the added advantage that it is light weight and compact.
I can vouch for the Panasonic and Makita brands. I started with a 15.6 volt Panasonic, but went to their 12 volt model -- just as powerful, light, small, fits easily in a tool pouch.
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"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Thanks all. I just placed my order for a Bosch, 12V, li-Ion, reconditioned for $119. Although I would have liked to have the Makita or the Dewalt, I couldn't find one at the right price. The Bosch comes with a charger, case and two batteries.
I think you will be very happy with your choice. The Bosch is very small and light but with a relatively thick grip that fits most guys' hands very well. It also runs much slower than the bigger Makita and DW impacters, which for woodworking means better control. BruceT
Thanks. The Bosch is on the way. Can't wait.
It's just a tool, Ron. Don't start salivating. ;-)
I have a 10.8 V Bosch impact driver, and am very fond of it (in an appropriate, manly, tool-loving sort of way, of course).
-Steve
What is the latest on the hydraulically operated ones I thought I read about a little time ago.
Supposed to be much quieter?
Been using a friend 18 volt dewalt to screw up 2 x 12 fir ceiling parts. Sweet, that impact is just an arm saver and tends not to strip out screws,
Just me .)2 cents.
"What is the latest on the hydraulically operated ones I thought I read about a little time ago."What do you do, hook 'em up to the garden hose?BruceT
Ha Ha ,I may have got that wrong,the new system was said to be quieter that one we are familiar with.
Did I just dream it?
Let us know how you like the Bosch. My husband and I bought the 18V Makita set for building our deck, and they are true workhorses -- will never again be without an impact driver -- but I'm interested in getting something a little smaller for shop use.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I ordered the Bosch impact driver on the 14th and received it on the 17th. It was a reconditioned tool, 12V and came with a 30 minute charger, two Li-ion batteries, two driver bits and a soft carrying case all for $119.99. The new price was $179.99. It doesn't show any signs of wear, no scratches, etc. I tried it out on a few sample screws and lag bolts and it drove them without any hesitation. The grip is comfortable, the weight is light and it has a three LED light built into the nose of the tool. I tried it out on slotted head screws and it drove them without slipping off the head, something that always happens when using drill/drivers. I would recommend this tool to anyone without reservation. I got mine from CPO.
Are the Bosch 10.8 V and the 12 V the same tool? I remember reading that the batteries are being marketed differently. I believe you can use the 10.8 V batteries in the 12 V tool and vise versa.
I bought both the Bosch Impact driver and the drill driver combo at Lowes, was clearanced as a display set, the two tools and charger(no batteries). They were originally asking $60.00 for it, but when I realized the batteries were not included I got them to mark it down to $40. I was one happy camper. Both tools work great and I really love the size and power. Perfect for the shop.
I have the Bosch 12 volt lith. Impactor and sister drill. It came as a kit for 159.00 w/case, 2 batteries and charger, several bits. Best ever, I wish I got 2 sets. One for the job and one for home.Ron in Peabody
Wolfman, the Bosch 10.8 and 12 volt are the same tool. Bosch just relabled the tool this year to 12 V. Not sure why they didn't do it from the start.Kent --Lubbock,Texas
As I understand it, it was a marketing thing. Li-ion cells have a nominal voltage of 3.6 V. The Bosch driver uses 3 cells in series, so 3 × 3.6 V is 10.8 V.
Like any battery, the voltage of a Li-ion battery isn't constant. It's higher when it's fully charged, and lower when it's nearly discharged. Well, somebody at some other tool company (I don't know which one) noticed that a fully-charged Li-ion cell is actually pretty close to 4 V. They figured that they could then describe a 3-cell pack as having "12 V peak voltage" (whatever that's supposed to mean).
So, Bosch did it the right way, then some other manufacturer fudged the numbers, and then Bosch had to fudge them, too.
-Steve
Thats what I remember reading also.
The specifications as listed in the instruction book, states 10.2/12 volts.
I am probably getting in on this thread late, but I have the small 10.8v driver from hitachi, and it is nice for hinge screws etc. the 10.8v hitachi impact would also be nice for the shop, I think.
http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-WH10DL-10-8-Volt-Cordless-Lithium/dp/B001E5CIXM/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1245510837&sr=8-6Webby
"I tried it out on slotted head screws and it drove them without slipping off the head...." That alone makes it worth the price!!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
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