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July 31, 2007
Big Impact with Cordless Drivers
Bottom line: Cordless impact drivers increase my productivity -- from decks to windows to drywall, I'm using the same tool -- an 18 volt Lithium Ion powered tool. It rocks.
I love that it's small compared to cordless drills and doubly love the hex-drive over a keyless chuck -- what a time and effort saver.
All the majors make one or more (see links below) and at various price points and battery chemistries, which I like because not everyone is a millionaire like me (read: yeah right).
They aren't great drilling holes over 1/2-3/4 inch diameter, but up to that they save me from chasing another tool around.
Compared with cordless drills they're pricey--especially Lithium Ion tools.
So what interests me is this: Performance is awesome, but so is money. Do you damn the price torpedoes and buy the tool for increased production? Or do you work with what you have because ... well ... it works (an eminently valid reason, by the way)?
Bosch Tools
DeWalt
Hilti
Hitachi
Milwaukee Electric Tool
Makita USA
Panasonic
Ridgid
Posted by Mark Clement at July 31, 2007 10:16 AM
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Comments
I find that I get more fractured deck screws with impact drivers. I'd like to hear about others who may have had a similar experience.
Posted by: Tom at August 1, 2007 12:07 AM
I buy inexpensive 18v kits, like the Ryobi (found in Home depot). If my crew breaks or loses a drill or saw, I have additional tools and lots of spare batteries. While I love to have expensive and quality tools, I have to work with the common denominator of my crew, which can be seen using an 18v drill as a hammer (sorry guys; you've been busted). I do own lots of specialty tools, but these are kept on the truck and checked out by me. Since the costs are low, I always have new tools at the ready, and they rarely wear out - we break 'em long before that.
I can buy 2 full sets of Ryobi for the cost of a Dewalt, Makita, or Milwaukee - This means I am never in the position of having my one and only screwgun die on me. I also avoid the light-duty homeowner lines; these could not hold up to any commercial use for long (apologies to those manufacturers - we know who you are).
I also sell the unused extra tools (sawzalls, flashlights, tool bags, etc.) on Ebay. Even the broken ones - always disclosing any wear and damage (I have a 100% feedback as Raygun631).
I keep a batteries on charge all the time, 2-3 at a clip (you get extra chargers too).
This works for me, and I never worry about losing a $199 screw gun. Now if only the drills and tips would last longer..... Now you know SOME of my secrets... If anyone knows a good co-author, we can write the book and seminar series.
Alan Chenkin
PMS Corp. over 25 years in the business.
Posted by: Alan Chenkin at August 1, 2007 9:52 AM
I work at home depot in hardware, ( tools ) and we sell many drills and the new lithium batteries are being talked about and ask about a lot. So far the talk is in good favor for the new batteries.
Posted by: annice at August 3, 2007 2:39 AM
