Reading a Cordless Impact Driver Review

As you may know, a cordless impact driver acts like a very fast drill for driving screws and other fasteners. But an impact driver can deliver much higher torque than a typical drill diver when the torque is needed.

Once you've decided that you need an impact driver, it's time to hit the reviews. But how do you know if the reviewer is addressing the important details of an impact driver? Here are some things to look out for while trying to make your decision.

torque - the amount of turning power. From around 50 in-lbs in the low voltage models, up to over 1,330 in-lbs. Higher torque means more you can do! It also means fast, accurate fastening. weight - due to their nature, these tools are already much smaller than drills. This makes them easy to use with less fatigue. However, because of the internal hammering impacts, if the weight is too low, you may feel too much vibration. Try to keep to models weighing upwards of 3 pounds to minimize the shakes. noise - impact drivers are loud! You should use hearing protection with all models, but if you are working indoors your family will appreciate a quieter model. voltage - generally speaking, the higher the voltage, the more powerful the tool. If you are looking for something small, check out the 12 volt models; for something to handle medium to large projects, 18 volts is what you probably need. battery - some models use their brand's NiCAD/NiMH batteries, others are Lithium Ion, while others allow both types of batteries to be used. In almost all cases, if you own a company's cordless drill you can use the batteries with their driver of the same voltage. physical size - if you are installing decks or other installations with hundreds of fasteners, you need a tool that will fit comfortably in your hand. Working overhead a lot? A small and lightweight driver will keep fatigue away. Plumbers or other workers in tight spots will want to get a short-profile driver to get as much working room as possible. Think about how you'll use it the most, and what will be best in those situations. New users beware - you will end up using this tool in far more ways than you expect! brand name - some brands offer longer warranties or have a reputation built around their repair services - allowing you to keep an old tool instead of replacing it! extras - a smaller feature may be final deciding factor between two similarly rated drivers. Variable speed triggers, direction switches, forward lights, automatic-brakes, comfort grips, belt hooks, and additional speed controls are some of the extra features a cordless impact driver may have.