Driver vs Hammer vs Impact

[Charc]

I'm not sure if this has been discussed before, but I wanted to reopen the issue with some of the newer drills on the market, and pose some specific questions.

I did not want to make this a poll because I think this topic should be more of a discussion than a yes or no answer.

I'd like us to take some time to compare and contrast a "Driver" (or "Screwgun") with a Hammer Driver and Impact driver. We are talking specifically about cordless models here, and trying not to break down into brand and battery voltage bickering.

A little background definition to make sure we are all on the same page. My understanding of the three are as follows, I'm sure some of this is wrong, so please correct, and mods feel free to edit this with accurate information.

1. Driver ("Screwgun")
2. Your traditional tool for driving a screw.
3. Cheaper.
4. Lighter Duty.
5. Most likely lighter.
6. Most likely less power consumption.

1. Hammer Driver
2. Heavy duty.
3. Used for driving screws into stone or other "brittle" (but strong) material.
4. This physically pushes forward the drill bit, smashing it's way through concrete etc.
5. Likely heavier, costs, more, more breakable parts, etc.
6. Often has setting for "No Hammer" and "Hammer".

1. Impact Driver
2. More expensive than standard driver.
3. Claim to fame is that the "forward impact" motion, similar to the Hammer Driver, instead forces a sharp turn "around 90º. This causes the Impact Driver to deliver more foot pounds of torque than it's competition.
4. The other benefit of this driver is that it is traditionally smaller than a standard driver.
5. Doesn't strip screws.

So I have been working along side a guy who recently picked up the Makita Li-Ion impact driver. He loves it. I know little on the subject, but it seems like the impact driver is the way to go. I have been considering buying some sort of driver, so that is my current plan.

[Footer]

I would not get an impact driver for screwing, it will end up driving you up a wall. They are great to have around for bolting up stuff, but get a nice stander screw gun first that way you can at least drill something.

[soundlight]

What you want is a Drill/Driver. Nothing with hammer or impact in the name. Just a standard Drill/Driver. With batteries going where they are, make sure you get one with Lithium Ion Batteries. [/url="http://www.makita.com/"]Makita[/url] and Dewalt both make good models, with Makita showing great promise in the Li-Ion Battery area. Skil also makes decent drill/drivers, while not as reliable as Makita or Dewalt. Same thing goes for Black and Decker. Work for just about everything, but higher chance of failure. And Ryobi also falls in to the same category.

However, my all-time favorite cordless drill/driver has to be the Fein HandyMaster ABS14 that I used one summer. Smoothest drill ever. Kept its charge forever. Everyone wanted to get it over the Dewalts that made up the rest of the drill collection.

[Charc]

What about the 14.4V Li-Ion panasonic?

[DarSax]

We used nothing but impact drivers for screwing in high school, and I think most of the screwing is done with impact drivers in college, too. What's wrong with them? Powerful enough, small frame, easier to get screws through tough wood. If you need a drill, either have a cordless one, or a corded one on the semi-rare occasions when they're needed

[derekleffew]

I think it mostly depends on one's individual screwing style. Personally, I love a big gun, but I find dealing with it for long periods makes my arm tired. If you're putting a long, large diameter one into a tight hole, you may need the extra force required of an impact tool. I find a lot of lubrication helps also. Over time, each develops his own style and preferences. Practice, practice, practice.

[Logos]

Oh Dear, oh dear, oh dear.

[avkid]

Originally Posted by Logos

Oh Dear, oh dear, oh dear.

My sentiments exactly.

[Charc]

Wow... that didn't even answer the question.

Oh well, I probably don't need a screwgun now anyways...

[derekleffew]

Originally Posted by charcoaldabs

...Oh well, I probably don't need a screwgun now anyways...

Sometimes it's best to do things manually. In my youth, I achieved the desired results, many times, just me and my Yankee.