If you are a construction professional, chances are you already know that impact drivers took the world by storm, replacing common drills in most places of work. However, if you are a DIY handyman that is new to this whole tool business, you might just be hearing about it. So, what is the difference between drills and impact drivers and do you really need an impact driver if you already own a perfectly good drill? The answer is yes, you need a driver and here is why.
While drills will excel at some jobs, impact drivers provide more rotational torque and add a bit of tapping to the entire process to smooth things along. This is extremely helpful in some cases as it makes it easier to push those screws through the drywall, or unscrew a particularly nasty screw. Operating an electrical impact driver is easy and smooth but keep in mind that they are loud little buggers so wearing ear protection is a necessity if you want to avoid damaging your eardrums. Also, try not to use them in the dead of the night; your neighbors won’t really appreciate it.
Since they excel at their job impact drivers are a must have in any household. We are well aware that there are many different types and sizes of impact drivers so we decided to help you out a bit and point out only the best of each type. Fortunately, if you are here with us you probably already know what you are looking for, but if you are by any chance a newcomer and you can't figure out which is which fear not, we are here to help you out. Since impact drivers are a really versatile tool at some point of your life you will need it. The only thing you need to look at is how serious you want your impact driver to be.
Image | Impact Driver | Price | Our Rating |
---|---|---|---|
$$ | |||
$$$ | |||
$$ | |||
$$ | |||
$$ | |||
$$ | |||
$$ | |||
$$$ | |||
$$$ |
There are different types of impact drivers. Some are divided by the angulation they provide, others by the type of power they are run off. The most basic division is between manually and electrically operated impact drivers.
Since we know how difficult it is to choose a tool, especially when you don’t know anything about them, we decided to give you a hand and list four most common types of impact drivers. This guide will briefly explain the benefits of each type so you can make an informed decision when buying one.
Manual versions of impact drivers are used in conjunction with a hammer. The design enables you to screw or unscrew bolts that require greater torque than a screwdriver can provide. This is accomplished by hammering the impact driver that will, in turn, rotate thanks to the inner core that is splinted to the outer casing at a curve. This transfers the blow of the impact to the tip that then unscrews or screws a bolt more easily.
Manual impact drivers are used by amateurs and people who do not require a professional-grade tool on a daily basis. The cost of it is relatively low, and it can be a lifesaver in certain situations.
Lisle 29200 3/8" is the strongest manual impact driver on the market. It's made from only the finest steel. This driver is the best solution if you are dealing with frozen, rusted or corroded screws. It is small, compact and portable. It comes in a little toolbox that features all the hex bits you'll ever need.
Lisle 29200 weights one pound and it is 10 centimeters long. It is made out of high-quality steel which makes this tool extremely durable and impact resistant. This driver also has specially-made, non-slip handle that allows it to stay firmly in place and protects your hands. It uses magnet technology to make switching different types of bits easier and faster.
Most users were extremely happy and satisfied with this product, but some noted when it's brand new it's very hard to disassemble it. However, it is only natural for it to be a bit hard at the beginning since it was never used before. Our advice is to give it some time. This problem will resolve itself after several projects.
Lisle 29200 3/8" Hand Impact Tool Set is an amazing, handy tool kit. Easy and compact, it will make a great addition to your tool collection. Highly durable and affordable we can guarantee that you will be very happy with this product.
When it comes to impact drivers that professionals use, you will notice that they are mostly electrical. This is because they get the job done faster. Corded impact drivers are something you will most likely see in an auto-repair shop. Mostly they are used in shops where electricity is readily available.
They will often perform better than their cordless counterparts and they have the added benefit of never running out of juice. As long as the electricity is flowing, they will keep on working, which is more than we can say for the cordless variety.
Black & Decker BDEDMT is an electrically powered, corded impact driver. It is extremely versatile and suited for different types of jobs such as drilling, screwing, cutting, and even sanding. Depending on which attachment you are using this power tool can replace any other you have in your tool box. This driver is compact, lightweight and it comes with 7 ft. long cord which allows high maneuverability.
Black & Decker BDEDMT weighs 4 pounds and has 4.0 Amp motor that generates enough power for any project. This tool is capable of handling any type of work, whether you are an amateur or professional constructor. Speed is regulated with the grip on the trigger and can reach 1200 RPM. To avoid overdriving and stripping, this driver has an eleven position clutch which will help you control and regulate rotation.
Almost all buyers are extremely happy with this product, but some noted that all attachments except driver/drill need to be bought separately. Having that in mind, from a financial aspect, you still save a great amount of money since you aren't buying a whole new power tool that is expensive.
Black & Decker BDEDMT Matrix AC Drill/Driver is the best, corded power tool on the market. Thanks to its versatility, this driver allows you to get the most for your money. No matter which job you have in store for this tool, it will provide you with high-quality service every single time.
Cordless drivers are the most popular impact drivers on the market currently. This is because they appeal to a larger consumer base. Most DIY handymen will opt to buy a cordless driver because it is easier to maneuver and it doesn’t have a cord that can be restrictive at times.
One thing to consider when buying a cordless driver; they are portable, convenient and overall great, but if you are not carrying a spare battery around then they can easily become a useless dead weight. Depending on the type of job you are handling, the battery will dry out faster or slower. Make sure you have an additional battery close by so you can continue working without a delay.
DEWALT DC970K-2 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver is a cordless impact driver that offers great versatility and portability. It is small and lightweight, making it easy to transport in your tool kit. Although it's small, this impact driver has a great amount of power stored in its 380 Watt motor. Whether you need to fasten small screws around the house or you need to drill a big hole in the wall, this driver can help you with both.
DEWALT DC970K-2 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver weighs only 5 pounds when fully assembled and battery added. This driver is powered by the 18V XRP battery allowing you to use it 15 hours or more without stopping. It features two-speed options easily adjusted so you can tackle any job at hand.
A lot of buyers stated that they are extremely satisfied with this product, but some noted problems with the plastic chuck, which is not measuring up to their expectations as much as the steel ones do. With that said, we assure you that as long as you stay within the limitations of this great power tool all your tasks will be done quickly and easily.
DEWALT DC970K-2 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver Kit is one of the best power tool investments that you can treat yourself to. It's cost efficient and with that in mind that makes this product even more desirable. Whether you are assembling small cabinets for your kitchen or drilling a big hole in your garage for new tool shelf, this cordless impact driver/drill will provide you plenty of power so you will be done in no time at all!
These impact drivers are unique thanks to how conveniently they can do some jobs that regular drivers will struggle with. The main difference between them and regular impact drivers is that the part where the torque is released (aka the part where the driver does its dirty work) is placed at a right angle. This allows you to reach some harder-to-get-to places more easily.
They are mostly electrically powered, but you might be able to find some that work on compressed air. We recommend electrical right-angle impact drivers - they are more convenient and cut down on the costs.
Craftsman 9-17562 Nextec is a Lithium battery-powered versatile right angle impact driver. This driver is portable and compact, allowing you to use it around the house and on the job. Great for small jobs that any other drill or screwdriver might find challenging. This driver is an excellent addition to any tool kit. Ergonomic design makes this power tool easy to use, even for longer periods of time, and thanks to its light weight anyone can handle it.
Craftsman 9-17562 Nextec weighs 2 pounds and nicely fits in the hand. Its battery life holds up from 3 to 4 hours depending on the job at hand, and what must be noted is that some big jobs such as car repair might drain the battery faster than usual. Since it's small and handy, you can put it in your toolbox comfortably without it being too heavy to lug around.
All buyers agree that this is great right-angle impact driver and they were satisfied with its performance, but some stated that forward/reverse switch is badly placed. It is easy to accidently hit the switch and reverse the drive. Note that these things can happen if you hold the driver too loose. A firm grip is highly advised.
Craftsman 9-17562 Nextec 12-volt Right-Angle Impact Driver is a great addition to your toolbox. With great performance-to-price ratio, this driver is great choice regardless of whether you are complete amateur or professional. Keep in mind that this driver is capable of reaching those tight corners and gaps while other impact drivers have problems doing the same.
Not all impact drivers are made equal and that is why it is sometimes difficult to choose the one that will suit your need perfectly. There are, however, some key features that you need to consider when you are buying an impact driver and here they are in a convenient list: