It used to be that if a screw was buried deep into a piece of wood you might as well get the out the saw, hatchet, hammer or grenade cause you're going to have to bust it up.
At least that's how it was in the olden days. (ala 2001) Then along came the invention of lithium-ion batteries and with it...
The greatest tool I've ever bought!
The impact driver. Specifically, a cordless, air-less, small as my hand, impact driver.The Bosch PS41-2A . I'm crying inside as I write this because if I could redo my wedding day I'd ask my Bosch impact driver to be my best man (sorry Dad).
I can't count the number of times this little tool has saved me hours of frustration. An impact driver looks almost exactly like a regular drill, even smaller perhaps, but trust me, it's Mac Daddy.
Where Can I Buy This "Impact Driver"
I recommend buying this on Amazon - here's a great deal that includes 2 batteries.
You want the driver (not the wrench). The wrench is more for car work,etc.
When it was delivered I was almost disappointed. "This little thing…??" This is going to have amazing power? And when I first used it I thought it was broken. It was loud. Loud like a 3 year old kid with a stick and a metal garbage lid. "BAM!, BAM!, BAM!, BAM!, CLANK!, CLANK!, CLANK!!!" its internal hammering mechanism pounds away like a hundred times per second.
But then... like magic. Like a unicorn racing a dinosaur, that nearly stripped screw started to rise from the ashes wood. Slowly but surely out it came. BOOYAH! Hours of frustration were washed away in 60 seconds. I removed a stripped screw and barely blinked an eye.
My wife Jenn, came downstairs into the basement and just looked at me. Shaking her head from side-to-side as if to say, "WTF… are you doing with that thing". Oh, nothing honey, just being a complete bad-ass! That's all!
How does it Work? This hammer of Thor tool?
So here's the deal. The biggest difference between a regular drill and an impact drill is the hammering mechanism. It's internal. You never see an actual hammer (although that would be pretty sweet if you could see it).
As the drill bit is turning it's also making hundreds and thousands of very small hits (impacts) to the screw, which allow it to get the screw turning.
Unlike a regular drill you need almost no leverage. Have you ever been standing on a ladder and needed to drive a screw from an awkward angle with your non-dominant hand? With an impact driver, it's no problem. Look, most days I'm working on a computer, so I have weak little baby hands, and I can do it.
Why Haven't I Heard of this Before
Cordless impact drivers are relatively new. They've recently become available thanks to a new type of battery called Lithium-ion. This new battery type gives it the power to activate the hammering mechanism.
Stripped screw frustration is a thing of the past. Make short work of driving screws by skipping the pre-drilling. Get yourself an impact driver. You'll love it! Get one from Amazon.com brand new.
In the spirit of total openness... and the fact that it's the law, I am an affiliate partner for both CPO and Amazon and will earn a small commission if you buy a tool from the links in this article. I also am completely honest when I say I own and have used this exact tool and I freakin' love it!
So whether you buy it through me or just through your local big box hardware store, check one out and tell me if it isn't the best tool you've ever used.
Cheers - Jason
Hah, awesome, this made me laugh today!
I had the same exact reaction the first time I used a little Milwaukee. Before that I used to see them on the DIY shows on tv and think, 'why the heck are these pros using those tiny little drill things?'
Little did I know, it's because they are pros and use the best tools they can get!
Not sure I'd want the Bosch to be my best man, but definitely as one of the attendants!
Joe - Tongue and cheek of course, wanted to see if my Dad is really reading this blog. Your website for reviews on cordless impact drivers is chock-ful of info. If you're not sure about the Bosch this site has the low-down on all the rest. -Jason
Ah ha! I think you just gave me the answer to what to buy (hubby, dad, brother in laws) for birthdays!!! Thank you!!!
Your information is fantastic about Diy tools. This article was extremely remarkable. Nice tools for everyone. The tools look very handy and comfortable. Guys would love it. I’m glad the article was helpful.
Appreciate the article. Starting my basement remodel and I'v already picked up so many tips.
Hello Jason, your blog is really good. You have mentioned your experiences about impact drivers which has helped me a lot. Thanks for sharing this information with us.
Keep up the good posting.. Jason