DIY Answer Guy » Impact Drivers

What Is Best Impact Driver For Driving Deck Screws and Lags?

Larry — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:11:32 +0000

Today’s DIY Question: Mike, the electrician, asks;

Hi Larry, I’m looking to buy an impact driver. I’m been an electrician for 33 years and use deck screws and lags to install service cable and panels. I also build decks. What is the best impact driver for my needs?

DIY Answer Guy:

Hey Mike,

Having so many impact driver’s on the market makes it quite difficult to choose, that’s why I wrote a this impact driver review on the Makita BTD142HW. I think it’s the the best impact driver for driving deck screws and lags — and for many other DIY projects too.

Makita BTD142HW 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver Kit

Other shopping options for the for Makita Impact drivers.
If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click through to see more options.

Makita LCT200W 18V Compact Li Ion BDF452 BTD142 Combo Kit

188.00

MAKITA lct306w drill impact driver light 18v 18 volt with warranty

215.00

Makita LCT300W 18V Compact Lithium Ion 3 Piece Combo Kit

237.46

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What Is Best Impact Driver For Driving Deck Screws and Lags?

Review: Makita DF030DW Compact Cordless Impact Driver

Larry — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:56:38 +0000

The Best Ultra Compact Impact Driver for traveling professionals, cabinet installers, and the DIY Ladies is finally revealed.

For the traveling professional, Lady DIY’ers, and maintenance techs looking for a high quality, light weight impact driver, look no further I’ve found just what you need.

At only 6–3/16 inches long and weighing in at only 1.9 lbs. this ultra compact impact driver not only reduces operator fatigue, but can get into the tightest places with ease. And while in those tight spots the built in LED light illuminates the work area brilliantly.

Worried about power? Well don’t, as this little gem has a two speed variable transmission for precise control, and produces 200 in/lbs of torque! Enough power for most jobs you’ll come across.

This ultra compact impact has become a favorite of maintenance professionals, electricians, cabinet installers, traveling professionals, and the smart DIY ladies out there because it provides everything you need in such a brilliant ultra compact package.

The kit includes two 10.8V lithium-ion batteries, which last longer and charge faster, an ENERGY STAR rated battery charger for fast efficient charging, tool holster, and a hard travel case for easy transport and storage.

With Makita’s 3 year warranty I think you’re be totally covered on this one.

Learn More

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Review: Makita DF030DW Compact Cordless Impact Driver

Impact Drivers Your Arm’s New Best Friend

Larry — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 07:08:29 +0000

What is the Best Impact Driver

Makita BTD142HW 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver Kit

If you are anything like me, you’ve had problems using a drill for driving screws and lags bolts. You know, by stripping screws, breaking bits and not to mention wearing out your arm using a heavy drill for those jobs.

You see, drills were made to bore holes not to drive 3 inch screws into decking all day. The advance of higher voltage batteries (more power) was helpful, but transferring that extra power was still a problem, even with the addition of adjustable clutches, and the stripping problem still remained.

The weight of cordless drills takes it’s toll too, especially if you are using it for extended periods, or in tight, hard-to-reach places. And ladies, I think you would agree that cordless drills are quite heavy.

Well, the world of tools never stops progressing and today is no exception, so today I’d like to introduce you to a new lighter and more efficient way to drive fasteners.The Impact Driver.

Impact Drivers

The new impact drivers resemble standard drills but work a bit differently. Not only do they drive screws in with the normal turning motion but they literally tap on the screw at the same time. That combined action keeps the bit in constant contact with the fastener, virtually eliminating stripped screws, and doing it while using less power. It’s light weight, power, and efficiency is why you need an impact driver.

Since impact drivers use less power, the battery charge lasts longer. And with today’s 18V Lithium Ion batteries and Rapid Chargers, charge time is reduced and the number of charging cycles is increased (about 2 times more battery cycles than professional Ni-Cd batteries).

But the big bonus is that they weigh so much less.

Would you believe under 3 lbs? That’s about 2–3 pounds lighter than the average cordless drill! Now that makes a big difference in ease of handling and control. These new impact drivers come in various voltages from 9V to 18V and are variable speed and reversible.

They use quick change hex shank screw driver bits, as well as hex shank drill bits for drilling. A chuck adapter is available for use with standard round shank drill bits.

If it’s time to buy your first impact driver, replace an old one, or just upgrade to one of the new higher power units, I recommend the
Makita BTD142HW 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver Kit. I made the switch, and have been using this model Makita commercially for a couple of years now, and I really love it. By the way, so does my wrist and arm.

PS: There are several different Impact Drivers available, so if you’re interested in the best buy for your particular needs just, drop me an email and I’ll get right back to you.

Once again helping you succeed with speed, AND lightening the load.

If you have questions about your DIY projects, just ask your Personal DIY Consultant. I’m here to help you.

More Makita Impact Drivers

Makita 18V Cordless LXT Li Ion Impact Driver Kit BTD141

203.99

Makita 6916FD Impact Driver DC1414T Charger New Case

48.00

Makita 3 8 Impact Gun 96 Volts

20.00

Makita BTL061 18 Volt LXT Lithium Ion Cordless Angle Im

395.25

Bare Tool Makita BTL061Z 18 Volt LXT Angle Impact Drive

179.58

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Impact Drivers Your Arm’s New Best Friend