What Impact Driver Should I Buy?

[DANIELKARL]

Sadly, I am unable to wait for Festool to release its impact driver in mid 2012.
So I am looking for advice on what impact driver to buy .
I am leaning toward a 14v Hilti or 14v Panasonic and would welcome any advice.

 

[Theshipstore]

Danielkarl
                I have the 14 volt Hilti and I use it often and with great success.
I know this topic has been broached before and others have different opinions. For me this is a great tool.
Yes it was somewhat costly but in three years I have gotten great battery life and great use from my Hilti.
Hope this helps some and I suspect you will hear from others on this topic

Sal

 

[pugilato]

I can't believe I'm doing this, but I might recommend the Ryobi.  Aside from the sucky batteries (plan on replacing them every year), the impact driver has a nice trigger that you can control the device with.  I thought it was just acceptable until I tried a Makita while volunteering for Habitat... that particular one is full on go or full on stop.  Made me appreciate the cheap Ryobi that much more.

 

[jmbfestool]

Panasonic

or

Milwaukee

 

[Frank Pellow]

I can't believe I'm doing this, but I might recommend the Ryobi.  Aside from the sucky batteries (plan on replacing them every year), the impact driver has a nice trigger that you can control the device with.  I thought it was just acceptable until I tried a Makita while volunteering for Habitat... that particular one is full on go or full on stop.  Made me appreciate the cheap Ryobi that much more.

I second the reccomendation for the Ryobi.  [eek]  Get one with the lithium ion batteries, they cost a little more but are worth it.

 

[waho6o9]

I'd recommend Ryobi as well. Makita, Milwaukee are also recommended. Some of my friends swear by Dewalt but I've never owned one. Good luck on your choice, keep us posted.

 

[nickao]

I love my Makitas both the lower voltage and larger and love my Pany too. I don't think you can really go wrong with any of them. I do love the light on the Makita so if that is not on the Ryobi I would not get it, the light is that much of a help for me.

 

[greenMonster]

Depends..what other cordless tools do you have or considering....
Otherwise, makita, hitachi, dewalt, hilti and bosch all make nice ones.

 

[joiner1970]

I've had an 18v Makita since they came out here in the uk . Great tool still going strong used every day.

 

[pugilato]

I do love the light on the Makita so if that is not on the Ryobi I would not get it, the light is that much of a help for me.

Ryobi does have a light.

 

[dwh87]

I think the panasonic. Variable speed, light and the batteries are fantastic.

 

[Guy Ashley]

I dont own one yet, but one of the biggest tool dealers in the UK says that he has virtually no returns or complaints about the Panasonic impacts or drill ranges, whereas he does have varying percentages for other makes.

So from a reliability point of view Panasonic seem top of the pile.

 

[monte]

Definitly the Hilti 14 volt.
I have a makita and an older bosh and bought the hilti when both of them got tired driving 6 inch GRK screws into engineered lumber. I was (am) working on two remodels and my crew kept grabbing the hilti. So I got two more. (as a set)
The hilti has two speeds, a three bulb led light and a battery charge indicator.
It's also light and has a two year no issue warranty.

I'm hands down happy with their performance.

 

[vwdave]

I have the hilti 14v, it's a great driver and has lasted 4 years. My only issue was with their warranty department. The 1/4 quick release chuck broke and my hilti rep said it's an easy cheap fix. Well it wasn't, they wouldn't repair it and charged my card for a refurbished unit without calling me and telling me my options. When I recieved the impact back I called hilti and the only thing they could offer me was $30 off the refurbished unit, not happy. Back to the hilti impact, it's a very solid unit and the battery life is great.

Dave

 

[fdengel]

If you've already bought into a battery-powered tool system and there is one available for the batteries you already have, that may be your best option.

Otherwise, I'll +1 for the 18V Ryobi one; I like mine.

 

[mlfaber]

I have the new Makita LiIon 18 volt 3 speed with the brushless motor and it is great.  The electronic 3 speeds is a very nice feature plus we all know the benefits of a brushless motor.  They also have a ton of cordless available for the same batteries.

 

[Nigel]

                                                                                                  Makita  [thumbs up]

 

[aidansmith]

Posting from the UK, Hilti if you can afford it, the panasonics are very good drills but not that many people have them/realise and makita is ok but as someone said before is either full go or full stop.

are you currently using any battery system amongst your other drills? might be cheaper to just get a body unit if so.

 

[Nigel]

I've had 2 Makita impacts and they were definitely not either full stop or full go.

Perhaps they have basic stop and go models?

 

[Dan Clark]

I have the new Makita LiIon 18 volt 3 speed with the brushless motor and it is great.  The electronic 3 speeds is a very nice feature plus we all know the benefits of a brushless motor.  They also have a ton of cordless available for the same batteries.

+1