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.

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

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