Impact Driver as an alternative to Driver Drill

[drl]

Dave C.,
Woodworker's Journal April 2009 page 57, did a tool review on impact drivers. Milwaukee, Bosch, Hitachi, Makita, Ridgid, and Ryobi were tested. According to the article a 3/16" bit is the about the largest bit that can be drilled before the "impact" feature engages. I do not have any experience with these small cordless drivers. FYI
Regards,
Dwight

[jimthej]

I've used a 10.8 v Bosch for over a year now. Works like a champ. It's what I grab unless I need to actually drill holes. Will set and use hex end drills up to 1/4". Works OK for that, a little, strike that, a lot slow. Drives screws great. Use it for up to 3" #10. My utility trailer sides are held together with 1/4" bolts. Set it on 4 and they don't rattle out for 1500 miles.

[charlese]

Just wanted to see if anyone uses an impact Driver out there. And why you needed it versus a driver drill for the type project you worked on.
Thanks,
Dave C.

I used to have a impact drill. It was a beautiful tool. Where it really showed it's stuff was drilling in concrete. Of course I used it for every drilling and screwing job I had. (no snide comments). This was probably the very best hand held drill I ever used. The problem was it didn't survive the 20th drop from the top of an 8 foot ladder.

Now days, working in wood, there is no need to go to the added expense. I find a hand drill with an adjustable clutch to work just fine.