How To Choose An Impact Driver - Best Review Of The Year
Brandon Carter Mar 27, 2023 7:09 AM
Now and then, a tool leaves us wondering how we ever got by (or at least functioned!) without it. The impact driver cordless fits that description, according to most artisans. We struggled to get our drills to produce enough torque to drive long bolts into tough materials for years.
Were they using a drill to move a rusted-out, outdated screw or bolt? Not simple. Back then, a number of screws had rounded heads or were half-sunk. Getting enough rotational force to make the turn was a matter of torque. Regular drills were rarely able to handle the most difficult tasks, at least not without putting a lot of stress on the tool or fastener.
Since the advent of practical cordless impact drivers in the early 2000s, our work has always been different. If you do not already have one, we advise getting one! Here are the things to consider when picking the best impact driver.
Here are some tips on what to look for when purchasing an impact driver to assist anyone wishing to add this essential piece of equipment to their toolkit.
Impact Driver
Source: Amazon
The Brushless Motor
Finding an impact driver can only be easy if you know what you're searching for. Thankfully, brushed and brushless impact drivers are available, but most concur that a brushless motor is the best option. Although brushless motors are more expensive, they require less maintenance and last longer. Brushless motors are more effective, don't get as hot, work with all modern electronics and smart gadgets, reduce heat, and help modern electronics. Although a brushed motor can perform admirably and is less expensive, several brushless advantages are lost.
Brushless Impact Driver
Source: Amazon
Variable RPM Ranges
Although impact drives are made to exert a lot of force, only some jobs necessitate the whole amount of that force. Watch out for models with adjustable RPM ranges when selecting a driver. Some options give RPMs between 0 and 3000 at three or four-speed levels. It would be best if you turned the revs up and fully pulled the trigger when the work is challenging. Additionally, make sure that your impact driver's motivator has a variable speed so that you may distribute the revs throughout a range of RPMs as opposed to having just 4 fixed speeds.
Thanks to this, you will have more control over how quickly and slowly you move while working.
Simple-to-Use Controls
Like conventional drills, all impact drivers have a clockwise/anticlockwise switch and trigger. Find a model that lets you change directions using your thumb and index finger. A control that completely locks the trigger is another useful feature. This crucial safety measure will prevent the battery from draining if the trigger is unintentionally pulled in your tool belt or toolbox. In the absence of a trigger lock switch, you can detach the battery from the impact driver when not in use. Speaking of batteries, opt for ones that include a power gauge on the battery itself so that you can easily tell when they need to be recharged.
18 Volt Driver
Impact drivers come in both 12V and 18V varieties, and a 12V driver has roughly the same amount of torque as an 18V. The inch-pounds required by an 18V impact driver will be higher than those required by a 12V driver, though. The 12V driver may be adequate for many tasks since the extra torque may not be required, but for skilled craftspeople, it is worthwhile to invest in the 18V version. According to experts, there are drill/driver combos with 12V and 18V power options that are all worthwhile considering. While 18V drivers can produce up to 2,250 inch-pounds of torque, 12V drivers will have a torque of roughly 800-1,200.
18V Impact Driver
Source: Amazon
A Comfortable Overmold
Because they are lighter and smaller than conventional drills, impact drivers are far more comfortable to use. Pick a model with a rubber over mold that extends from the handle to the motor housing base. The area between your thumb and index finger, prone to blisters, will benefit from the handle being more pleasant in this way. You should be on the lookout for a motorist with the same kind of oversold on the housing sides. If the driver flips over, this will safeguard the housing. For 12V impact drivers, in contrast to 18V models, the battery pack typically does not generate support for the tool. Therefore this is very crucial.
An impact driver is one of the most important tools in every tradesperson's toolbox. Choosing the right impact driver is essential whether you work as a professional joiner or carpenter or enjoy performing projects around your house. Look for a model with the necessary power to complete the task but also feels cozy in your palm.
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Shelving
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Construction of sheds, log huts, lofts, etc.
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Furniture construction
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Smaller tasks include repairing and installing house furnishings and Accessories
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Jobs in flooring and roofing
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Fencing
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Decking
What are you waiting for with such a long list of applications? If you still need to figure it out, let's look at some factors to take into account before choosing an impact driver.
Let's examine some distinctions between impact drivers and impact drills since there may be some misunderstanding on this topic.
Impact Driver
Impact drivers are the best power tools for screwing since they are made to return a powerful rotational force. Impact Drivers are ideal for all woodworking projects because they use rotational hammering, which increases efficiency and causes less damage to the screw's head than other methods. An impact driver allows the user to drill comfortably with double the torque of a cordless drill while also providing the best screwing or unscrewing results. In contrast to a drill, impact driver bits are only compatible with hex head driver bits. Therefore you would need to utilize specialized impact driver bits.
The Best Impact Driver
Source: Amazon
Impact Drills
Also called drill drivers, they use a smoother rotation for drilling and driving screws and have less torque than impact drivers. Having a larger shape or design allows for greater application versatility because specific bits are not needed.
But because there isn't rotational pounding, you'd have to exert greater force during the application. But the clutch, which enables safer screw driving, balances this off. The user can choose the speed setting, and once it reaches a certain torque, it will prevent you from cutting through the material.
Thank you for reading this article on how to choose an impact driver. Drivers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and speeds, so it is important to select the one that best suits your needs. The three main considerations when choosing an impact driver are the size of the fastener, the power source, and the speed. With these factors in mind, you will be able to choose the best impact driver for your needs.
