what impact screw driver to buy

[arther dailey]

hi
so looking at buying a impact screw driver after getting a piece delivered that had 3" screws holding it down and two inch holding a box of bits, it was a real struggle to get these screws out by hand so its time to move into the modern world..I have a milwaukee 18v fuel impact so really only need bare tool if I go that route.
I was thinking smallish model so that it could be also used as impact on those tight nuts that the large impact is to big to get into .
anyone with experiance with these screwdrivers? ,doesnt have to be milwaukee as I only have the one so far , and what screw driver bits actually take the pounding these give out and live.
my thoughts are wait till jan sales to get best price . Thanks in advance

 

[roblane65]

I'd stick with the red if youv'e a charger and battery but i'm not sure they do a compact to mid size impact that takes the M18 battery , I've a couple of M12 tools and no issues . And there's plenty on here seem to really like the red stuff .

 

[skotl]

I have the 950NM version of these: https://www.screwfix.com/c/tools/impact-drivers-wrenches/cat830838?brand=dewalt

It's been great, but there are less expensive variants, too

 

[arther dailey]

I'd stick with the red if youv'e a charger and battery but i'm not sure they do a compact to mid size impact that takes the M18 battery , I've a couple of M12 tools and no issues . And there's plenty on here seem to really like the red stuff .

understand that , but what model ? they seem to do endless variations

 

[roblane65]

That I can't help with I'm afraid , as I have had little to do with the red stuff .

 

[carbon]

This may sound a bit daft but I use a 400nm 1/2” impact to install Tek screws. I’ve also used it with wood screws of varying sizes with the appropriate adapter and power setting.
I did enquire at the place I get my power tools about an impact screwdriver but they recommend the 1/2” impact as it’s basically the same tool but more versatile for me as I do more mechanical work.
Try a 1/2” to 1/4 hex adapter

 

[mike os]

How often will you use it?

Lots then buy a suitable one. Infrequently buy an adapter

 

[Agrismith]

understand that , but what model ? they seem to do endless variations

Pretty much any m18 fuel should be good enough if you aren't using it day in day out. The high torque impact drivers are a bit pointless tbh. They loose torque if you put a socket adapter on and for long wood screws a high torque drill is better. Impact drivers are perfect for woodscrews Upto about 4in which doesn't require ridiculous torque levels

 

[arther dailey]

This may sound a bit daft but I use a 400nm 1/2” impact to install Tek screws. I’ve also used it with wood screws of varying sizes with the appropriate adapter and power setting.
I did enquire at the place I get my power tools about an impact screwdriver but they recommend the 1/2” impact as it’s basically the same tool but more versatile for me as I do more mechanical work.
Try a 1/2” to 1/4 hex adapter

so obvious I didnt think of it !!cheers

 

[Screwdriver]

I am very happy with my little Bosch 12v impact driver.

gdr-12v-110-06019E0002

Does everything I need it to do with boxes and longer screws. If I was building a house I might go for a bigger model but for everyday stuff, it's perfect.

 

[Craig-SM]

I have the basic Mikwaukee M18 Impact Driver. I’ve used it for driving in 200mm 8mm hex screws without any problem.
They do a surge version which uses a hydraulic system to reduce noise and a Bluetooth one assuming to set torque for different fixings but the basic one I have does everything I need

Milwaukee M18FID2-0 Fuel 1/4" Impact Driver - Bare Unit

SHOP OUR FULL RANGE OF MILWAUKEE IMPACT BITS AND ADAPTORS HEREÂ https://www.powertoolmate.co.uk/powertool-accessories/milwaukee-powertool-accessories/screwdrive

www.powertoolmate.co.uk

 

[arther dailey]

I have the basic Mikwaukee M18 Impact Driver. I’ve used it for driving in 200mm 8mm hex screws without any problem.
They do a surge version which uses a hydraulic system to reduce noise and a Bluetooth one assuming to set torque for different fixings but the basic one I have does everything I need

Milwaukee M18FID2-0 Fuel 1/4" Impact Driver - Bare Unit

SHOP OUR FULL RANGE OF MILWAUKEE IMPACT BITS AND ADAPTORS HEREÂ https://www.powertoolmate.co.uk/powertool-accessories/milwaukee-powertool-accessories/screwdrive

www.powertoolmate.co.uk

thanks , as a bare unit that seem pretty reasonable price wise , like I said for smaller stuff on the truck etc where the 1/2" wont fit in it would make sence to have a smaller one that I could also use on screws ,so that I would get the use out of it both ways , the 1/2" one I now have wouldnt be with out , saves so much back strain and time.

 

[Craig-SM]

thanks , as a bare unit that seem pretty reasonable price wise , like I said for smaller stuff on the truck etc where the 1/2" wont fit in it would make sence to have a smaller one that I could also use on screws ,so that I would get the use out of it both ways , the 1/2" one I now have wouldnt be with out , saves so much back strain and time.

I have the big M18 and stubby M12 torque guns. The M12 is used most as it fits just about everywhere. The M18 comes out when I know it’s going to be a pig to the break the nut free.
I‘ve only used the impact driver on timber but know a few people use them as a torque gun

 

[Robotstar5]

I've had an Erbauer impact driver for a few years, probably used half a dozen times a year and driven up to 6" screws with it, happy with it as a "hobby tool"

 

[angellonewolf]

ive got makita impact driver all are very good and but cant seam to find better ones than i have now most of mine are marked 300nm 350nm all the new ones seam to be only 170nm

 

[armalites]

Personally I would look at twin packs at Screwfix or similar. For maybe £100 more than a bare impact driver you’d get a drill, couple or batteries and a charger and if you went M18 it would work with you impact wrench

 

[GRW]

I've had the Screwfix Erbaur Impact Screwdriver for mabe 9mths now. Was sceptical about how good one would be - now wsh I'd got one years ago. Great little tool, and a 2ah 18v battery last ages on it.
I use it with adapters on half-inch sockets connecting cable lugs to busbar, to undo/do up panel screws, and everything in between - and it's surprisingly pokey and speeds a task up no end.

 

[GRW]

Personally I would look at twin packs at Screwfix or similar. For maybe £100 more than a bare impact driver you’d get a drill, couple or batteries and a charger and if you went M18 it would work with you impact wrench

That's what I did. Got the impact driver, drill, 2 x 2ah 18vdc battery and the charger unit as a bundle.

 

[Dcal]

What cordless batteries do you have?

I've a metabo 18LT and it's great.
The scaffolders all seem to use them for the 7/16 clip bolts with a half inch adapter, so they have plenty of grunt.
They have 3 torque settings.
The lowest setting is useful if you don't want to break stuff.

 

[mtt.tr]

I am very happy with my little Bosch 12v impact driver.

gdr-12v-110-06019E0002

Does everything I need it to do with boxes and longer screws. If I was building a house I might go for a bigger model but for everyday stuff, it's perfect.

These are bloody brilliant.