what impact screw driver to buy

[MattF]

I've used both Makita, (18V), & Bosch, (12V & 18V), & they're all good kit. It's very rare I'll actually use an impact driver though. Dedicated driver else drill are my usual choice. Impacts only get used if they're necessary.

 

[sako243]

I'd second @Craig-SM's recommendation - you can get hex shank adapters for sockets easily enough. I've certainly used and abused my 1/4" impact driver on working on vehicles with those adapters. For undoing it's not too bad but the fuel drill-driver is probably better for screwing them in because you tend not to slip / chew up the heads as much.

For working on vehicles though the M12 stubby is a wonder to use.

 

[dobbslc]

I've been using my 12v Bosch impact driver today, 3 1/2" screws into old house timbers is no problem. It does less damage to old floorboards as well and I find hardly any cam out in posi screws compared to a normal drill driver.

 

[nickk]

Although I have a battery one,I still regularly get out my Vessel hand operated that i bought in the late ‘70’s,when taking Jap bikes apart.

 

[Hitch]

I'd stick with the Milwaukee. It's good stuff.
We use the little brushless ones for pipe clips (m8 nylocks). The body is really small considering the torque it kicks out.
Get one that takes 1/4" hex bits.
Bit wise, majority of average use screws are PZ2, I just buy pack of 10 50mm long impact bits that go straight in, no adaptor. For other odd screws, I use a decent bit bit set and adaptor.

 

[Screwdriver]

I've been using my 12v Bosch impact driver today, 3 1/2" screws into old house timbers is no problem. It does less damage to old floorboards as well and I find hardly any cam out in posi screws compared to a normal drill driver.

Yes that's what I find too. It's not a beast of an impact driver but very controllable and really helps reluctant screws out without risk of camming out and chewing up the head. I was surprised at the ease with which it will drive a large four inch screw into say a couple of 4x2's. Also good for most of the nuts and bolts you'd find on a motorcycle or smaller workshop equipment.

I do have a hankering for a massive powerhouse of a cordless impact driver of course. Something that would rip a wheelnut off but I have pneumatics for that...

 

[Ross365]

Anyone care to recommend some good value for money impact bits please?

 

[MetalMonkey]

If you already are on a battery platform, go for an impact driver in that flavour. They are all pretty good now.

Ideally you will want to use impact rated bits, I've had good luck with the Makita gold and the cheap erbauer ones but everybody has their preferences, you will chew through them though.

A decent impact driver will also have plenty of crossover for small automotive fasteners, but you will into the limitation of the 1/4 hex drive for anything substantial.

 

[Puglet1]

Hi Everyone.
New to this forum and have been reading several posts with great interest.
I also have been scouring the internet to find an impact wrench.
Up until now I been looking at air driven ones.
Thanks to this post, I have just purchased an Erbauer 560nm impact gun at Screwfix which I can use with my current multi tool battery.
I will give feedback once I’ve used it for a while.
As far as the original post is concerned, I think I would stick with Milwaukee.

 

[Craig-SM]

Anyone care to recommend some good value for money impact bits please?

Milwaukee ones have lasted well but the Wera Impaktor are the ones I’d recommend

 

[MattF]

Erbauer bits have always served me well.