Impact driver suggestions?

[Ned]

Sorry to disappoint you, but we will not see a Festool impact driver in the near future.

As Festool fans, I know y'all have high standards.  What cordless impact driver do you use?  Would you buy it again?

My primary use would be a deck project coming up.

 

[Lou Miller]

Sorry to disappoint you, but we will not see a Festool impact driver in the near future.

As Festool fans, I know y'all have high standards.  What cordless impact driver do you use?  Would you buy it again?

My primary use would be a deck project coming up.

I've got a 14.4 Makita that I use. The only thing that really makes one brand different from another is the weight and/or balance of them. Supposedly, Pnansonic has one now with a clutch. IMO, a clutch isn't needed at all, and the cost difference is pretty substantial. My cheap Makita works fine for me. I need to get another one at some point though.

 

[Barry]

I've had 2, a 12V makita that was flat awesome that I gave to my brother when I picked up 14.4 makita combo pack, and that one is awesome too. 

If you already have a couple cordless drills get whatever matches the batteries you already have.  For a deck job I would be tempted to the 18V dewalt to match my drills, but that wasn't available when I got my makitas...

 

[wmhyman]

I went with the Hitachi WH12DM2.  I bought it from Amazon.  I have been really happy with. No issues driving 3-1/2" deck screws.  Comfortable to hold and lightweight.  Plus it has shades of green and black!

 

[pteubel]

Makita 14.4. Got it for a great price and it's the MOST used tool in my arsonal. I can't say how it compares to others because this is my first impact driver (not counting air tools).

 

[Daviddubya]

I have a Dewalt 12 volt impact driver.  I like it for two reasons - first it uses the same batteries and charger as several other cordless tools I own.  Second, it is relatively light and easy to handle.  If I were buying today, I would choose the Dewalt 14.4 volt system, since there is a pretty complete line of cordless tools in that voltage.  Frankly, I think you will get a great tool if you buy any of the brand name cordless impact drivers - it's hard to make a mistake.  If you own other cordless tools you like, why not add an impact driver made by the same manufacturer that uses the same batteries?

 

[Norm St.Onge]

Another Makita fan here (18V). It's a recent acquisition for me and I wish I had pulled the trigger alot sooner, unbelieveable is all I can say.

heavydutytools.net is good source (read; best pricing I could find, ships quickly, and overall good service) - I have no affiliation with them other then being a satisified customer.

You won't regret the Makita, I've heard good things about the new Panasonic but it's a 100 clams more.

-Norm

 

[cdconey]

I've used the Makita 12 & 14.4, Dewalt 14.4 & 18V, Hitachi 12V, & Bosch 12V.  I own the Bosch, mainly because I have alot of Bosch Drills, 18V tool kit, and they've always been reliable.  I've had some bosch cordless drills that I used daily for over 7 years before I had to replace the batteries, & the only thing I replaced on one of the drills was the switch.

For cabinet & furniture building, I'd probalby choose the Bosch 9.6V impact, as the 12V has more torque than what I've experienced with the other 12V units.  The hitachi 12V is also a nice lightweight unit.  Anymore, it is probably just a personal preference of what you like to get a decent impact driver, as long as you stick with one of the more 'professional' grades offered.

 

[Ned]

Thanks to all for your input.

I'm thinking that I'll buy a C12 drill, see where that gets me.

If I have only a few honking big screws, I can get out the cheap (Harbor Freight) pneumatic impact gun.

Ned

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Yesterday I visited Hartville Tool's tool sale where I spent a good amount of time with Chris S. representing Festool.  He demonstrated all the Domino features, settings and accessories to me  (Thanks, Chris!!).  He made a little stool from plywood and solid lumber of various thicnesses that was dry assembled and held together only by the dominos - a very impressive demo of various M&T joint arrangements.  After picking up some filter bags for my C22 and some additional Festool clamps, I checked out some of the offerings by several other tool makers.  One that favorably impressed me was the drills and impact drivers by Panasonic.  Like Festool's C12 drill, they are very small and light (just over 3.1 lbs for 12 and 14V models) for the power they hold (up to 3.5 Amp Hour NiMH or Li-Ion), and also offer brushless motors with electronic speed and torque control (some models have mechanical torque clutches).  Some models include a bright LED light that shines on the work area.  Most of their drills are equipped with 1/2 chucks, some that go down to zero.  Some models of impact driver have electronically adjustable force settings and controlled "flush tightening feature" which stops before overtightening, and a "tighten" function which turns the fastener a fraction of a turn when the trigger switch is pulled.  I suggest that anyone having need for an impact driver take a close look at these products.  The impact driver accepts standard 1/4" hex-shank driver, ball detent bits, which do wobble a little bit in the chuck compared to the precision fit of Festool's Centrotec bits.  Due to the torque capability in a small unit (over 100 lb-ft), they also offer a similar impact driver with a 1/2" square drive shaft for use with automotive type sockets.