Do I really need an impact driver

[pistonheadforum]

Hello,

Many companies sell a drill/driver and impact driver in twin packs with batteries/charger for less than a drill and driver seperately. So it seems like bargain to get them both together.

I'm pushing the boat out going for brushless driver models so the price for a twin pack can be significant.

However, does the average DIYer really need an impact driver or it something for hardcore construction mostly? I've seen the youtube reviews and yes, they do drive in the screws but these are often under test conditions. Just how often do I really need to drill a 200mm screw into hardwood? Not very often! Surely most DIY stuff it a bit more tame than that?

So ... do I just get the drill save some money or is an impact driver really the game changer that some people say?

Anybody got the twin brushless drill/impact driver and how often do you use the impact driver and for what? Could you have survived without just the drill/driver? Is it just gathering dust neglected in the carry case?

Thanks in advance.

[Mr Pointy]

Yes' it's a good tool to have. There's lots of discussion over on this trhead:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by Mr Pointy on Saturday 17th April 17:04

[MattS5]

Your won't use it all the while, but when you do use it, you'll love it.
I just dismantled and re-erected a shed a fortnight ago. The driver was so handy for removing and putting back the screws.

I've used it to build a wooden frame for my pizza oven as well, and it just drove the 6 inch screws straight into the 4" square fence posts I used.

I never thought I'd need one, but now wish I'd have bought one sooner

[hotchy]

Do you really need it? No. You can use a combi for everything. Is it very good? Yes.

[amateurdad]

Just get it.

[Carbon Sasquatch]

Interesting that you think you need brushless but are such an occasional user that an impact driver may not get used......

Just buy one, you won’t look back and it won’t be neglected.

[snotrag]

Yes you need one.

You would be far better buying brushed impact and combi pack, then worrying out the cost by thinking oyu need brushless.


Impact driver gets used constantly for DIY here, I'd give up the cordless drill before i gave up my impact driver!

[Little Lofty]

I seem to be in the minority that don’t like them, they are good, but just too noisy to use all day every day. My small light Dewalt will drive in 90mm screws all day long. Impacts tools they are good for tyre fitters and scaffolders as they are great for for large nuts, they simply aren’t needed for woodwork imo.

[neth27]

Little Lofty said:

I seem to be in the minority that don’t like them, they are good, but just too noisy to use all day every day. My small light Dewalt will drive in 90mm screws all day long. Impacts tools they are good for tyre fitters and scaffolders as they are great for for large nuts, they simply aren’t needed for woodwork imo.

I said excactly the same thing on another thread on here and got told I don’t know what I’m talking about 😁

[xstian]

I'm a sparky and I don't have a impact driver. It would be handy, but just another thing to carry around in the van. I do own a 12v drill driver that I carry in my tool bag. I just find that more useful, being able drill small holes and works fine for the screws a use 99% of the time

[paulrockliffe]

neth27 said:

Little Lofty said:

I seem to be in the minority that don’t like them, they are good, but just too noisy to use all day every day. My small light Dewalt will drive in 90mm screws all day long. Impacts tools they are good for tyre fitters and scaffolders as they are great for for large nuts, they simply aren’t needed for woodwork imo.

I said excactly the same thing on another thread on here and got told I don’t know what I’m talking about ??

You don't :-)

I agree on the noise and with using mine all the time over the last couple of years I pretty much always use it with ear defenders on.

What I would say is if you're not sure you need one and you're thinking about getting a second drill to save on swapping over countersinks and the like, get an impact and some hex bits to use with it.

[Bill]

snotrag said:

Yes you need one.

You would be far better buying brushed impact and combi pack, then worrying out the cost by thinking oyu need brushless.


Impact driver gets used constantly for DIY here, I'd give up the cordless drill before i gave up my impact driver!

This. It's worth having one just for changing the mower blade.

[crofty1984]

I love mine. Agree it can be a bit loud.

[Emeye]

Yes it's worth having one but you have to be careful - as an amateur DIYer I've occasionally damaged bits and also took the head off a screw or two. I've learnt that you should have decent quality bits designed for impact drivers and decent screws.

[sospan]

When you do a job and your existing drill doesn’t cut the mustard you realise it would be needed. I bought one earlier this year and used it twice for jobs I KNOW my combi wouldn’t cope with.
I have also started using torx headed screws instead of Pozi/ Philips especially when higher torque is needed so the head doesn’t get mangled by the screw bit.
Using a tool fit for purpose makes the job so much easier.
I have a pneumatic one but won’t be using it any more as the new cordless one is so good.

[neth27]

paulrockliffe said:

You don't :-)

I agree on the noise and with using mine all the time over the last couple of years I pretty much always use it with ear defenders on.

What I would say is if you're not sure you need one and you're thinking about getting a second drill to save on swapping over countersinks and the like, get an impact and some hex bits to use with it.

I’m guessing I haven’t a clue, only been working as a joiner for 35 years. I’m really going to put ear defenders on every day to put screws in.
All the joiners, kitchen fitters, plumbers I know have impact drivers but never use them

[foggy]

Little bit of confusion above re impact drivers and impact wrenches. Drivers are the carpentry tool for rattling screws in, impact wrenches take a socket for nuts and bolts on scaffolding and mechanics etc.

[Glade]

I have the Milwaukee brushless drill driver and impact driver... so far the impact driver has been "overpowered" for my use.

Of you're not careful it'll smash screws too far into whatever you are screwing. I usually have it on the lowest setting. One day I'll be glad of it though I am sure!

[Bill]

I have a 10.8v impact driver too. Perfect for the little jobs like smaller screws, kitchens ( ), flat pack furniture etc.

That said, the trigger on my 18v driver isn't an on/off switch but you do need to be on your toes if you're using it for smaller stuff.

[kambites]

Bill said:

That said, the trigger on my 18v driver isn't an on/off switch but you do need to be on your toes if you're using it for smaller stuff.

Don't most drill-drivers have an adjustable clutch? My Makita certainly does and the lowest settings are pretty weak.