Hydraulic Impact Driver – Should You Have One In Your Kit?

When you hear the term “Hydraulic Impact Driver “you either know exactly what I’m talking about or you wonder if it’s some weird industrial tool hooked up to hydraulic hoses like a giant concrete saw. Well, I can assure you that if you do any work indoors, you should take a closer look at this tool.

What Is a Hydraulic Impact Driver?

So what is a hydraulic impact and how is it different from a regular impact? First off, a regular impact has three main parts a hammer, anvil, and a spring. As the hammer portion turns, if there’s resistance on the anvil, the spring loads up until it releases and the hammer strikes the anvil in the direction of rotation delivering that impact force into the fastener. The hammer and anvil mechanism is all metal so it is pretty loud when activated in quick succession. Check out this video excerpt from ToolStop where a Bosch employee demonstrates the impact mechanism.

A Hydraulic Impact is different in that it uses oil to build up pressure, when the pressure is high enough, pawls get pushed out on the anvil mechanism so that the hammer grabs them as it rotates. Then the pressure decreases, and the pawls retract until the pressure builds again. This results in a much quieter operation.

Benefits of a Hydraulic Impact over a regular

The first and biggest benefit is that they are half as loud as a regular impact. The new Dewalt boasts a 57% decrease in sound over their regular impact when driving 3″ screws into a pressure treated 4×4. That is a significant number. I can guarantee that all of us tradespeople will have some hearing loss over our careers, using a quieter tool when possible only makes sense.

The second benefit is the hydraulic mechanism due to the way it’s constructed, has more sustained torque. A regular impact is like hitting the end of a wrench with a hammer, a hydraulic impact is like putting a cheater pipe over the wrench and giving it a bunch of half-second tugs. Both will tighten the fastener, but one has torque on the fastener for a longer duration.

Killer Applications for Hydraulic Drivers

The obvious applications are anything indoors. MEP Rough-ins, steel stud framing, accessories (mirrors, grab bars, soap, paper towel dispensers, etc), device-ing out, and even doors and hardware. It isn’t just new construction either. Remodeling of existing occupied spaces can always benefit from decreased sound and vibration.

I do a ton of healthcare remodeling, hospitals, clinics, etc. Places that have to stay open even during construction. They always appreciate reduced noise and vibration, especially considering many places have normal sound levels rivaling the local library.

The last killer application is casework (cabinetry). Any time your head is close to the fastener being driven, the quieter the tool, the better it is for you in the long run.

Limitations of Hydraulic Drivers

There are some applications where hydraulic drivers are not the best choice. Longer and larger diameter fasteners like concrete screw anchors (TitanHD) and timber screws are hard for hydraulic impacts (and regular impacts) but in these cases, I usually switch to an impact wrench anyway.

The other area that hydraulics suffer from is extreme cold. I’ve had two Milwaukee Surge hydraulic drivers over the 8 years they’ve been out. The first one only lasted like 3-4 months because I left it on the job in the double digits below zero and I think the oil was too viscous and leaked out when I started using it for the day. I’ve never got an official confirmation from the brands that cold is detrimental for these types of drivers but I’ve read other reports online of similar scenarios.

Who makes Hydraulic Impact Drivers?

Up until a few months ago, Makita and Milwaukee were the only brands that made hydraulics. The drawback to this was that there has been no updates to these tools in the 8 years since they’ve been out. Now Dewalt just released theirs and it boasts quieter operation, less vibration, and more power than the Makita and Milwaukee. I don’t know if this new release from Dewalt will trigger updates to the Makita and Milwaukee.

What I do know is that if you’re on Milwaukee M18 or M12, Makita 18V LXT, or Dewalt 20V a hydraulic impact driver should have a spot in your tool kit.

Where To Buy (ACME Tool)

Milwaukee M12 Surge Bare Tool

MilwaukeeM18 Surge Bare Tool

Makita 18V LXT Bare Tool

Dewalt 20V Quiet Hydraulic Impact Bare Tool

Hydraulic Impact Driver – Should you have one? is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Hilti 22V Nuron Compact Impact Driver (Model SID 6-22)

Hilti 22V Nuron Compact Impact Driver

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Hilti
Model number: SID 6-22
Price: $180
Power source: Li-Ion
Motor size: 22V
Weight: 2.2 Lbs

One of the backbones of any cordless power tool system is the impact driver. Impact drivers have only been around for 20 years or so. Relatively recent when it comes to power tools. But they have been a game changer for the speed and torque with which a user can drive fasteners. Impact drivers have become a near necessity on the job site. -Ethan Bickford, TBB writer

So of course, we jumped at the chance to test out a new essential tool from Hilti. And after putting the SID 6-22 through its paces we walked away impressed.

Features and Specifications | HILTI SID 6-22

Features:

• LED Ring Light
• 3-torque settings
• Easy-grip collet

Specifications:

• Power Input: 22 Volts
• Motor Type: Brushless
• RPMs: 3600/min
• Max torque: 1327 in-lb (1); 2655 in-lb (2); 2655 in-lb (3)
• Chuck size: 1/4 in. Hex click-in
• Tool body weight: 2.2 lbs
• Dimensions: 5.4 x 2.7 x 8.1 in

Overall Design & Key Features

Hilti got it right when coming to market with their new 22v Nuron impact driver. This is a fully featured impact driver, with three speed settings and an integrated LED ring light for superior visibility. The SID 6-22 boasts a very respectable 2655-inch pound of torque and 3600 RPM at max speed. It is a compact-sized impact driver, measuring just under 5 1/2 inches front to back.

The Hilti SID 6-22 uses a 1/4″ hex click-in fitting. The standard 1/4″ hex drive will be compatible with all your existing 1/4″ hex bits and holders. It also includes a standard belt clip that can be mounted on either side of the tool; however, it doesn’t offer any magnetic bit storage.

Hilti SID 6-22 Ergonomics

The handle is comfortable, and the dimpling gives a slip-free grip that still felt great at the end of the day too. I prefer the handle on the Hilti 6-22 over my past 2 impact drivers. The controls are straight forward. The chuck allows bits to be inserted one handed and the length and ridged step collar make it very easy to grip and remove bits with or without gloves.

The speed change button located on the tool base is flush with the base making it easy to press in gloves but somewhat easier to press by accident. Forward/reverse switch is large enough to be easy to press but doesn’t get in the way or get accidentally hit and isn’t too sharp or uncomfortable during use.

The battery gauge is easy to see and has 4 steps. This is great because when I get down to one pip, I know it’s pretty much time to think about throwing the battery on the charger. I included this in ergonomics because ease of seeing the battery status indicator lights has sometimes been an issue on other tools/brands. One plus is that every time the SID 6-22 variable-speed trigger is pulled the battery indicator comes on automatically. There is no button to manually press here. On the downside it is still front mounted so if you are working overhead, it can be a bit hard to see.

Power & Performance

The Hilti SID 6-22 has no problem with delicate jobs like fastening small cabinet hinge screws and other delicate fasteners. It has a very responsive feel. The soft start engages smoothly, with ample power to drive large fasteners home on par with any high-end impact driver I’ve used. When driving larger structural screws or lag bolts the SID 6-22 was slightly less noisy than I expected.

I went full Hilti cordless when building some custom furniture orders as well as using them to replace some studs. This is not the kind of work most people associate with Hilti since they are known for concrete and coring tools. But after using the SID 6-22 for a few weeks non-stop, I’m confident that will change.

The SID 6-22’s LED ring light is the best one I have ever used. It’s exceptional at lighting the area where the screw is being driven regardless of angle. Using a ring light was a fantastic idea because it is extremely effective at nearly eliminating fastener shadows in dark work areas. It also reduces obstructions often found in base-integrated lights.

Overall Takeaway | Hilti 22V Compact Impact Driver SID 6-22

The Hilti SID 6-22 is a fully featured impact driver with the advantage of an excellent tool service support team (and fleet service option), and Hilti quality. If you’re already a Hilti user and need an impact driver, this is an excellent tool. But be aware that you will also need the battery adapter for your old Hilti batteries to work with the new Nuron battery system. Here’s a full article on the new Nuron battery platform! If you’re new to Hilti cordless and want to start your system, this is the perfect entry into Hilti.

#sponsored

Hilti 22V NURON Compact Impact Driver Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Dewalt 20V Atomic Impact Driver – Model DCF850

Dewalt 20v Atomic Compact Impact Driver

Manufacturer: Dewalt
Model number: DCF850
Price: $199.00
Power source: 20V
Weight: 2.1lbs

A Versatile Installing Tool 

The 20v Atomic line is intended to be compact and powerful for a variety of applications. We’ve used it for:

• Decking board installation
• Stair stringer installation
  
• Installing Simpson structural screws and hardware
• Installing cabinets

This Atomic line offers a more compact size and reduced tool weight, [2.1 lbs] making it ideal for overhead applications and tight workspaces.

Dewalt DCF850 comes in a kit that contains the tool, belt hook, 20v 5.0Ah battery, charger, and contractor bag. The other option is purchasing it as a bare tool if you are on the platform already and do not need the charger and battery.

DCF850 Specifications

• Drive 1/4 in. (quick release hex shank)
• Impacts/Min 3800 ipm
• Max Torque (in-lbs) 1825 in-lbs
• No Load Speed 3,250 rpm
• Tool Height 8 in
• Tool Length 3.97 in
• Tool Weight 2.1 lbs

Does Size Matter for Impacts?

Does size matter to you when it comes to the selection of 1/4″ impacts? We definitely think it does. It all has to do with the applications you are using it for. We do a fair amount of deck builds, and during a recent deck stair replacement, we put the Dewalt 20v atomic compact impact driver through the paces we would any other impact driver. [photo below]

We were really impressed with the power of such a small compact tool. What made this impact shine was the ability to get into tight places where we normally would have to switch to a right angle drill or even a palm nailer when installing our Simpson Strong-Tie Metal connector screws diagonally through our joist hangers. A definate game-changer for us!

Comparing the DCF850 to the DCF887

The Dewalt DCF850 in comparison to the DCF887 is apples to apples with one exception, its size. Both models offer of 3,250RPMs, 3,800BPM as well as 1,825 In-Lbs of torque. The only difference is the overall size. Dewalt has managed to get the exact power of the full-size impact into the small frame of the compact without sacrificing any power. Impressive power with a BIG noticeable footprint reduction,.

Overall Impression

Dewalt’s DCF850 has the same specs and power as the XR DCF887, but is nearly half the length! You can’t go wrong with this cordless compact impact. When Dewalt’s new Power Stack batteries arrive in December, this impact driver will be unstoppable! We highly recommend it!

Dewalt 20V Atomic Compact Impact Driver Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Festool TID 18 1/4″ hex Impact Driver Review

Festool TID-18 Impact Driver

5/5

Manufacturer: Festool
Model number: TID-18
Price: $349
Power source: Cordless
Motor size: 18v
Weight: 3.3 lbs (with battery)

With careful use and adjustable speed settings they can easily drive tiny #4 wood screws and much larger structural wood screws and lags. Recent advances include settings for sheet metal screws that allow the impact driver to spin fast to get the hole self-drilled and then slow down to avoid stripping the fastener or the metal (a common problem when using an impact driver with these screws). Festool hasn’t had an impact driver available in the US market for a number of years. This was a big hole in their cordless offerings which they are filling with the very capable TID-18.

Festool TID 18 Impact Driver Features

Festool did not mess around when coming to market with their impact driver. This is a fully featured impact driver, with three speed settings and a T-mode that allows driving sheet metal screws without stripping. They opted for a tried and true mechanical mechanism rather than a hydraulic oil impulse driver mechanism. The thought on this design is longevity. The TID-18 boasts a very respectable 1598.9 inch pound of torque and 3200 RPM at max speed.

The TID 18 uses a 1/4″ hex fitting (not Centrotec). The standard 1/4″ hex drive will be compatible with all your existing 1/4″ hex bits and holders.

The TID-18 also includes a belt clip that can be mounted on either side of the tool and excellent magnetic bit storage on each side of the tool just above the battery. These slots can hold 2″ bits or a couple of one inch bits.

Festool TID 18 Ergonomics

The handle is comfortable and narrower than my usual daily driver, I prefer the handle on the Festool. The controls are straight forward. The chuck allows bits to be inserted one handed and the length and rough knurling make it very easy to grip and remove bits with or without gloves.

The speed change button has a firm feel and is somewhat recessed so it isn’t easily pressed by accident. Forward/reverse switch is large enough to be easy to press but doesn’t get in the way or get accidentally hit and isn’t too sharp or uncomfortable during use.

The battery gauge is easy to see but is only three steps. I much prefer a 4 step where when I get down to one pip I know it’s pretty much time to think about throwing the battery on the charger.

In use

The TID 18 has no problem with finesse work with smaller fasteners. Driving small cabinet hinge screws and other delicate fasteners with very good control. The TID 18 has a very refined feel, the soft start ramps up quickly and smoothly, but the power is there and it will drive large fasteners home with the best of them. When driving larger structural screws the TID 18 seems louder than my usual impact.

I went full Festool cordless when building some concrete slab form work for a small addition. This is not the kind of work most people associate with Festool. But their BHC 18 Rotary Hammer worked beautifully alongside the TID 18. After drilling and driving for around one hundred 1/4″x4″ concrete screws I can say with certainty that these tools are very much up to the task.

Later on the same addition we needed to attach wood plates and furring strips to the structural steel posts and beams that make up the structure of the addition. The PDC hammer-drill driver made quick work of pre-drilling the 3/8″ to 1/2″ thick steel for Tek screws. And the TID 18 impact driver had absolutely no problem driving #12×2-1/2″ Tek screws. The 3.1 Ah compact batteries provided excellent run time requiring only one battery change per day with heavy use.

The LED light is effective at lighting the area where the screw is being driven and gives the user decent light in most situations. The location of the light (at the bottom of the handle near the speed controls) has advantages and disadvantages. This location allows the LED to light up an area easily but is limited in really tight spaces as the light can be blocked by obstructions. So far this has only been an issue when driving screws into a stud set back a few inches into a 2×3 wall.

What’s the advantage?

About the first thing a lot of people say when they hear “Festool” is “Too expensive!” but you need to consider not just the initial cost but overall value. With Festool you are getting a tool that is designed and built to last. Tools that are built to last are going to cost more. Festool goes so far as to wind their own electric motors and to boot was the first company to offer brushless motors on their tools. They’ve been doing this years longer than anyone else. With Festool you’re also getting one of the best case/toolbox systems currently available with nearly every tool they make. Well designed cases and accessories that can make you and your storage and organization more efficient. You’re not just getting a tool you’re investing in an organization system. The Systainer 3 that the TID-18 comes in is compatible with Tanos’ new rack storage system and all the previous generations of Systainers.

Overall

The TID-18 has all the features of a fully featured impact driver and the advantage of an excellent warranty, a great case system, and Festool quality. If you’re already a Festool user and need an impact driver you don’t need to hesitate, this is an excellent tool. If you’re new to Festool cordless and want start your system, this is a great entry into Festool.

Festool TID 18 1/4″ hex Impact Driver Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

HART 20V Cordless Tool Offerings Review

HART Tools has a whole new look and Tool Box Buzz was given the opportunity to review some of their 20V cordless tool offerings. HART’s new mission is to provide homeowners, DIYers, and first time project tacklers with affordable cordless tool offerings. Lets be clear, these are not professional grade tools designed for demanding job sites. But that is okay! These tools are available to users without the intimidating amount of financial invest and commitment that goes along with buying into a cordless tool line.

To see how the HART line stacks up, I selected three commonly used cordless tools found on the professional contractor job site. I then used the HART tools in place of my typical battery of tools and found that they are actually very capable. They will get the job done and that is really what matters. When you factor in the low cost of the tools, that makes their capability even more impressive.

This review will focus on the 20V 1/2″ Hammer Drill, the 20V 1/4″ Impact Driver, and the 20V Oscillating Multi-Tool. These three offerings are types of tools that pros rely on every day and would be just as valuable to the weekend warrior doing projects around their own home.

HART 20V 1/2″ Hammer Drill Model #HPHD01B

A 2″ forstner bit was no problem for the HART hammer drill.

A hammer drill/driver is an invaluable tool on the professional job site. For homeowners or DIYers it is a tool that is unbelievably versatile. If you need to bore a large diameter hole through wood, set concrete anchors in your garage for shelving, or hang a clock or picture on a masonry fireplace, a hammer drill is what you want to reach for.

To learn more about the capabilities of hammer drills check out the Tool Box Buzz Best Cordless 1/2″ Hammer Drill article.

The HART 20V hammer drill easily bored through 2×4 lumber with a 2″ forstner bit.

HART’s hammer drill features a metal chuck, two speed gearbox, 24 position clutch, LED work light as well as an optional auxiliary handle. The HART hammer drill was fully capable of drilling and driving through concrete and masonry.

Hart included 2 speeds and a 24 position clutch on their 1/2″ hammer drill.

The drill is slow during demanding tasks but still capable. The molded attachment point for the auxiliary handle is awkward and would be more ergonomic if it was longer and located above the chuck instead of below.

HART 20V 1/4″ Impact Driver Model #HPID01B

The cordless impact driver pretty much owns the modern day construction world. The overwhelming majority of fasteners being driven by contractors and pros are being driven by impact drivers. They are also a big favorite of all of us here at Tool Box Buzz.

HART’s impact driver is pretty basic. It will drive fasteners in and then back them out and that’s about it. There is a LED light built into the base of the tool that projects upwards towards the work surface. The 1/4″ collet is also not a one handed insert and requires the use of two hands. While this may be too basic for specialized professionals, this Spartan design removes the guess work for new users when selecting the appropriate speed or mode.

The 1/4″ collet on the HART 20V impact driver requires two hands to operate.

The impact driver was fully capable of installing a variety of structural fasteners. During use I had no issues with 3″ coated deck screws or a variety of GRK Rugged Structural Screws. Again, while not the fastest option it will still get the job done.

3″ coated deck screws through dimensional framing lumber. No problem for the HART 20V impact driver.

The tool is on the larger side. It is tall and wide and was difficult getting into small cabinets or other confined spaces. The driver I am using currently features a brushed motor. HART offers a brushless version as part of a combo kit that appears to cut down on some of the overall size of the tool.

HART 20V Oscillating Multi-Tool Model #HPMT01

Cut outs for in baseboard trim is a task commonly performed using an OMT. The HART 20V OMT performed well in this test.

The capabilities of an oscillating multi-tool (OMT) are essentially endless. They solve a lot of problems from finish sanding, to detailed trim work, as well as tile and drywall installation. They are also a tool that we have reviewed extensively at Tool Box Buzz as part of our Head to Head series.

HART includes a surprising amount of features with their OMT. A power range from 0-20,000 osculations per minute, a variable speed dial, LED work light, on board storage for a blade change wrench, as well as a variety of cutting blades and sanding pads. The grip of the OMT is ergonomic and includes textured rubber over molding. The LED work light broadcast well onto the work surface and greatly enhances visibility.

The LED work light on the Hart OMT is bright and projects well onto the work surface.

While using the Hart OMT it was able to power through 5/8″ thick drywall for electrical box cut outs and also 3/4″ primed pine baseboard trim for cabinet cutouts.

This thing is huge. It is longer than any OMT I have ever used before which can feel awkward at times. The blade change system is completely tooled and very slow. The motor is also slightly under powered and the tool struggles with hardwoods and other high demand cutting tasks.

With a battery installed the HART 20V OMT is approximately 16″ long. It is a BIG tool.

HART included a few factory blades with their tool, but I would strongly suggest investing in a more high quality set of blades from your local home center or hardware store.

Blade change is slow and requires an allen key with the HART 20V OMT.

HART 20V Cordless Tools Battery System

The kit options from HART Tools included a 1.5Ah 20V battery along with a 2 Amp slide on type charger. The batteries lack any kind of fuel gauge option which makes battery management more difficult. The 2 Amp charger is compact and extremely simple to use. HART has additional battery offerings for the 20V platform in 2.0 and 4.0 Amp Hours ranges as well as a stand alone power source adapter.

HART 20V Cordless Tools Pricing

For a casual use homeowner or a entry level apprentice just starting out, the cost associated with tools is a big issue. It is clear that HART kept this in mind when developing this new line of cordless tools. While the features may seem basic and the tools lack some of the refinement of higher end brands, HART tools are an incredible value. Each of the tools reviewed above cost less than $80.00 as a full kit. Here is a breakdown of the pricing further;

• 1/2″ Hammer Drill Kit: $79.00
• 1/4″ Impact Driver Kit: $69.00
• Multi-Tool (Bare Tool): $54.00

To get a capable tool, with battery and charger, for sub $80.00 is almost unheard of today. But it gets better. To make these tools widely available, HART partnered with Walmart as their exclusive retailer. All HART cordless tools, hand tools, and outdoor power equipment options are available now at Walmart stores and online. The buy it now box below will bring you to a full listing of tools available at Walmart.

The low cost of HART tools combined with the easy accessibility through a mega retailer like Walmart make these a no brainer for anyone just starting out in the construction field or looking to try a DIY project at home.

Overall Thoughts on HART 20V Cordless Tools

I was initially skeptical of HART’s new lineup of 20V cordless tools. I knew that they were going to priced low and I fully expected them to be on time use and throw away type tools. However after spending time with these tools in hand and performing common construction tasks with them, I found that I was absolutely wrong.

The HART lineup represents a solid range of options for anyone who wants to get into cordless tools for minimal investment. I can think of countless people in my life who would be well suited using HART tools for common projects around the house. There are also some knuckle-head crews out there that I have worked with that can’t be trusted with nice things. They would be well served with a set of HART tools that the company will likely end up replacing several times.

Overall HART has impressed me with their first generation of cordless 20V tools. One welcome change would be to include some sort of charge gauge either on the tool or the battery. This feature would assist with managing the tool batteries more easily.

For a low cost but capable cordless tool option, check out the 20V line of HART tools that can be found online or at a store likely not too far from your house or jobsite.

HART 20V Cordless Tools Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

DEWALT 12V Xtreme Sub-Compact Tools Review

DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Kit

3.5/5

Manufacturer: DEWALT
Model number: DCK221F2
Price: 149 [kit]
Power source: 12 volt

I’ll often resort to using 12 volt drills and impact drivers for light duty drilling and driving tasks. Part of my work in the remodeling world is taking apart an area of a homeowner’s house without damaging it so that we can later put it back together. For these types of tasks, a lighter duty and easy handling 12 volt tool is ideal. The DEWALT 12V XTREME impact driver and screw driver were my go-to’s when taking apart cabinetry and built-ins. They were light to carry and use overhead and were compact enough to fit into tight spaces.

While the lightweight and easy handling of a smaller 12 volt tool is nice, they can be a little short on power. Dewalt looked at this end-user conundrum and engineered a super compact 18 volt drill driver.

DEWALT XTREME 12V Impact Driver DCF801

The DEWALT XTREME 12V Xtreme impact driver is a cordless and brushless ¼ in. impact driver, model DCF801.

Features / Specifications

• DCF801 12V Impact Driver
• 19% shorter
• Brushless motor
• ¼ quick release drop and load hex
• Accepts 1 in. bit tips
• 3 mode settings including Precision Wrench(TM) for control in a variety of applications
• 3 LED lights
• No load speed of 0-2850 RPM
• Max Torque [IN-LBS] 0-1450
• Height 25 inches
• Length 05 inches
• Weight 1.75 (tool only)

Advantages of Using a 12 Volt Impact Driver

Some of its advantages is that it is extremely lightweight, ergonomically comfortable, and comparably powerful to the 20v Max system. In addition, it offers 3 modes that help deliver the correct amount of torque based on your application.

• Precision Drive mode: This mode is ideal for light duty screwdriving where you want to avoid overdriving. Examples of ideal applications of this mode are installing cabinet hinges or driving machine screws. This mode will provide a slow, controlled impact to ensure that the screw head ends perfectly flush with the material.
• Lo mode: If additional power is needed to drive a fastener, Lo mode will provide slightly more torque and power while still maintaining a slow, controlled impact to the fastener.
• Hi mode: This mode will deliver the most power for applications such as light duty framing or assembly where precision driving is not needed.

These features, along with the 3 LED lights, make this impact driver an extremely versatile, everyday carry tool in my bags.

DEWALT 12 V Impact Driver – Power

I found that the power of this impact driver was comparable but less than its 20v counterpart. To test the power of this driver, I used it on Hi mode to sink approximately ten 4 inch. Timberlok lag bolts through three 2×8 spruce boards. I noticed a very small difference in terms of power and efficiency between this impact driver and my 20v impact driver. Where I noticed a difference was when it came to driving consecutive lag bolts or screws; the smaller battery was not able to keep up with the pace at which I was pushing it. However, for most applications like light duty framing (building temporary walls, installing blocking in tight spaces) and installing cabinet hardware, I have found this impact driver to deliver sufficient power.

Overall, this impact driver is immensely useful on the job site or in the shop.

DEWALT XTREME 12V Drill Driver DCD701

Features / Specifications

• DCD701 12V Drill Driver
• 32% more power
• 20% shorter
• Brushless motor for longer runtime
• Chuck size ⅜ in
• 2-speed transmission
• 15 clutch settings for a variety of applications
• Max RPM 0-425 (speed 1) and 0-1500 (speed 2)
• Max power 250 UWO
• Height 25 in
• Length 5.97 in.
• Weight 1.9 lbs. (tool only)

DEWALT XTREME 12V cordless drill is a brushless ⅜ in. drill driver DCD701

It is significantly shorter and more compact than its 20V counterpart with an overall length of 5.97 inches. Like the XTREME 12V MAX impact driver, one of the biggest benefits of this drill is that it is easy to carry in a tool pouch and doesn’t weigh down your belt, making it easier and more efficient to move from one task to another and packing it in and out of a job site.

With a 2 speed transmission, you have a lot of control over the precision and power when pre-drilling holes. I had no problem pre drilling holes in hardwood boards like oak and maple. I used this drill with ⅜ in forstner bit to hog out the majority of a mortise in a dining room bench made out of hard maple. I cleared out the rest of the mortise with a chisel. This is my preferred method for making a mortise and tenon joint and I found that the 12V Max drill driver in the second gear provided me enough power and precision to create a clean and accurate mortise. Additionally, I used this drill in the first gear to pre-drill holes in maple plywood when installing some cabinet hardware in my shop cabinets.

DEWALT XTREME 12V Screwdriver DCF601

The XTREME 12V MAX brushless ¼” cordless screwdriver is an extremely compact and lightweight driver. Its greatest advantage is that it’s designed to fit in tight spaces and deliver clutch control when fastening. I primarily use this screwdriver for fastening hardware. Because of its extreme compact size, it can perform like a right angle drill in tight spots.

Overall Thoughts

The DEWALT 12V XTREME sub-compact tools provide a powerful, lightweight, and ergonomically comfortable line of drills and drivers for light duty drilling and driving tasks. For the most part, these drills and drivers live in my finish carpentry bag.

Areas for improvement

• Power: The power of the 12V impact driver diminishes during consecutive driving tasks. While it provides excellent power for light duty or shorter driving tasks, it performs at a lower rate than its 20V max counterpart.

DEWALT XTREME Tools – Cost

XTREME 12V Impact Driver DCF801 (Tool Only) $93.06

• Kit: $149.00 at (includes 1 battery and 1 charger)

• XTREME 12V Drill Driver DCD701 (Tool only) $93.06
  • Kit: $118.99 (includes 1 battery and 1 charger)
• XTREme 12V Screwdriver DCF601 (Tool only) $83.66
  • Kit $99.97 (includes 1 battery and 1 charger)

DEWALT 12V Xtreme Sub-Compact Tools is a post from Tool Box Buzz

12-Colt Cordless Impact Driver – Head-To-Head Review

It’s a good time to be a tool user! The tool market is flooded with different brands of power tools competing to outdo each other to create that perfect tool for the right application. While this is a good thing, sometimes the end result is having so many options that you can question which tool is right for what you do. This Head-to-Head comparison is designed to address those concerns and to answer the question: Who has the Best 12-volt Cordless Impact Driver?

Click here for a look at our Best 18-volt Impact Driver testing.

Best 12-Volt Cordless Impact Drivers 2019

Research has shown that many 18-volt tool users also own 12-volt tools.   According to the folks at Milwaukee Tool, 70% of their 18-volt tool users are also on the 12-volt platform. Generally, 12-volt impact driver tools are smaller and have less torque than an 18 volt version. It’s a fact that many of us fail to use our 18-volt impact driver to it’s fullest capacity. Having said that, 12-volt impact drivers are best used for applications such as:

• Driving self-tapping screws in metal
• Driving 3” diameter screws in wood
• Driving drywall screws
• Driving screw anchors with short embedment depth in masonry and concrete
• Driving screws in frame anchors up to 8 mm diameter in masonry and concrete

Today’s modern 12-volt impact driver will perform 80% of our daily tasks, so the question begs to be asked, why carry the extra size and weight? -Rob Robillard

12-Volt Cordless Impact Driver Line Up

This 12-volt cordless impact driver head-to-head includes 8 impact drivers from; Bosch, DEWALT, Hilti, Makita, Milwaukee, Metabo, Metabo HPT, and Ridgid.

Before presenting the testing results, its helpful to set the stage by listing all the features and specifications for comparison. All 8 of these 12-volt impact drivers are similar in size and capacity. Specific differences are listed below.

Bosch PS 42 02

No Load IPM: 0-3,100
No Load RPM: 1-1,200 / 2,600
Torque: 975 in-lbs
Weight: 2.1 lbs [with battery]

Bosch PS42-02 12V ¼ in. Impact Driver

DEWALT DCF801

No Load IPM: 3,600
No Load RPM: 0-2,850
Torque: 1,450 in-lbs
Weight: 2.5 lbs

Dewalt DCF801 XTREME 12V 1/4 in. Impact Driver 

Hilti SID 2-A

No Load IPM:  3,410
No Load RPM:  2,500
Torque: 973  in-lbs
Weight:  2.8 lbs

Hilti SID 2-A 12V ¼ in. Impact Driver

Makita DT04

No Load IPM: 3,900
No Load RPM:  0-1,30000 /  3,900
Torque:   1,200 in-lbs
Weight: 2.3  lbs

Makita DT04 12V ¼ in. Impact Driver

Metabo SSD 12 BL

No Load IPM: 4,000
No Load RPM:   0-2,500
Torque:   1,260 in-lbs
Weight: 2.7  lbs

Metabo SSD 12 BL PowerMaxx ¼” Impact Driver

Metabo HPT WH 10DFL2

No Load IPM: 3,200
No Load RPM:  2,700
Torque:   955 in-lbs
Weight:  2.4 lbs

Metabo HPT WH10DFL2 ¼ in. Impact Driver

Milwaukee 2553-20

No Load IPM: 2,553
No Load RPM: 0-1,300 / 2,400 / 3,300
Torque: 1,300  in-lbs
Weight: 2.3  lbs

Milwaukee 2353.20 M12 FUEL ¼ in. Impact Driver

Ridgid R82230

No Load IPM: 3,000
No Load RPM:  0-2,000 / 3,000
Torque:  1,100 in-lbs
Weight:  2.5 lbs

Ridgid R82230 ¼ in. Impact Driver

Best 12-Volt Cordless Impact Driver Evaluation Format

Once again our team has put some serious time and effort into our Head-to-Head evaluation to bring you the most comprehensive information available. For this evaluation several categories were used including: Performance (speed), Run-time, Torque Evaluation, Ergonomics and Price. For each of these categories the tools were ranked, the best 12-volt cordless impact driver  in this article is based on all the results combined.

Features – an overall comparison of features and specifications.

Performance – The performance evaluation looked at the speed of each impact driver based on how fast it took to drive 3” Star Drive Coated Screws into 4 layers of CDX plywood. The plywood was pre-drilled ¼” by a CNC router to ensure even spacing and starting hole depth. A second speed test was used including the average speed to install five ¾ inch self-tapping screws in high hat furring channel.

Run-time– Lots of PRO’s think run-time is important. To evaluate run-time, 3” coated screws were repeatedly installed into plywood until the battery was exhausted. The comparison of run-time for each tool is based on the total number of screws installed. The final results were adjusted to account for slightly different battery pack sizes in two of the tools.

Ergonomics – Ergonomics are really important to users and an important category to consider when purchasing any power tool. In addition to traditional ergonomics, functionality was also included in this category.

Decibels –Noise matters! Every year, thousands of construction workers suffer hearing loss from excessive noise exposure on the job.

Power Test  – For this test, 3/8”x 8” lag bolts were installed into three layers of 4×6 pressure treated lumber. This is an extreme test for a 12-volt impact driver, however it is a great way to show relative power (torque plus impacts).

Price –  Price is always an important factor in determining which impact driver is best for a user. The current bare-tool and kit pricing found online for each of the drivers at the time of publication was used to compare each tool.

Warranty –  The warranties  for the tools tested are summarized below. It’s hard to rank warranties as some of the details and fine print could make or break the user’s opinion of the warranty.

12-Volt Cordless Impact Driver “Stand- Out” Features

There were a few stand-out features that affect performance and safety. While not all of the impact drivers had stand-out features, a list of some of them are included below.

LED lighting

Most cordless tools have an LED work light option, but it seems for a long time now that DEWALT has taken this work light seriously by adding 3 lights around the nose-cone, and programming this light to stay on the longest.  Bosch has jumped on this 3-light placement as well.

Rubber Over-mold

While all of the tools have some sort of rubber over-mold, Metabo actually applied some on their trigger and the bottom of the battery. While you may think this seems weird, it’s actually comfortable and prevents your finger from slipping off trigger.

Speed Change Function

Four of the eight 12-v impact drivers have a speed adjustment. They are:

1. DEWALT – 2 speeds
2. Metabo – 2 speeds
3. Makita – 2 speeds
4. Milwaukee – 3 speeds

Additionally, Milwaukee’s speed change is inset slightly protecting it from bumps and damage. The DEWALT is semi-recessed and slightly protected.

Dedicated “Precision” Mode / TEK Screw Settings

Three impact drivers in the 12-V Head-to-Head have unique dedicated settings all borrowed from their respective larger 18-V brothers. However, each mode is unique to the brand and its intended application.

DEWALT Precision Drive Mode

Intended for light applications such as machine screws and cabinet hinge screws, Precision Drive Mode will act as an electric screwdriver until resistance from the screw head is felt.  Once the added resistance is met, slow low torque impacts will drive the screw head flush.

Precision Drive Mode can pause the Impact Driver for one second before impacting. This protects the fastener and material surface, providing users with control during applications that require a high level of precision.

Makita Assist Mode (A-Mode)

Like the DEWALT’s Precision Drive Mode, the Makita A-mode will initially drive the fastener at low no impact speeds for added control.  However once impact required resistance is met, the driver will begin to impact at low speeds and quickly accelerate to maximum high speed impacts until the fastener is completely driven.  This is designed to help control long fasteners and eliminate cross threading and cam-out.

Milwaukee Self Tapping Screw Mode

The Milwaukee Self Tapping Screw mode or Mode 4, is designed to help drive small self-tapping screws in delicate applications.  When depressed the tool quickly executes a controlled acceleration to 3000 rpm to prevent walking of the screw.  The driver continues to drive the screw at the full 3000 RPM speed until the tool senses the screw is reaching it’s end.  The driver will finish driving the fastener at a controlled 750 rpm to eliminate breaking and stripping.

We tested this mode 4 with 10-16 x ¾” self-tapping screws and averaged 9.6 seconds for 5 screws without stripping the screw. [others stripped the screws] With regard to self-tapping screws, it was the MOST precise impact driver we tested.

You may need to take these “Stand-Out” features into consideration when making your purchasing decision. Now let’s see the results of our tests.

Size and Weight Consideration

12-volt impact driver designs by nature tend to be more compact than their 18 volt brethren. As a result, they can help you work in tight quarters, such as ceilings or in tight corners.

We measured the tools without their batteries and list them here for you to compare their relative size and weight.

All of the tools fall into the 2.1 to 2.8 lb range. With regard to relative size, [W x H x L] here is a breakdown of the top three:

Thinnest Width

1. Bosch / Metabo / Milwaukee [tie]
2. Dewalt
3. Makita

Shortest Height

1. Bosch
2. Hilti
3. Ridgid

Shortest Length

1. Dewalt
2. Milwaukee
3. Makita and Metabo [tie]

Speed Test- Installing 10-16 x 3 Self-Drilling Screw

Winner – Tied Between Makita and Milwaukee

The same operator was used to drive TEK screws into High-Hat furring channels. This test was performed multiple times to develop a 5-fastener average time.

TEK screws are commonly used in the electrical and HVAC industry. Typically, these screws are used in metal-to-metal and metal-to-wood applications. The most common are used in thin metal applications such as working with steel studs or high-hat channel, and duct work. High-hat furring channel gets its name from its hat-shape. It is a corrosion-resistant framing component used to fur out masonry walls and ceiling assemblies.

Both Makita and Milwaukee tied for the fastest time, averaging 9 seconds. Hilti came in second with an average time of 9.6 seconds, ad Metabo HPT third with 9.7 seconds.

Speed –  Installing 3” Star Drive Coated Screws

Winner Milwaukee

This test was performed installing 3-inch framing screws into 4 sheets of ¾” plywood. Framing screws are a common fastener on most wood framed projects.

This is a task that we feel many of our readers do on a regular basis and it highlights a task that can benefit from improved speed of installation combined with torque, resulting in productivity gains.

The drills were set on the fastest available speed, freshly charged batteries were used, and the same user did this test for all the drills to minimize any chance of time being affected by a different user. The users were swapped out and the test was done again,  and all the data was averaged for all users.

The following chart shows the results of this test:

Milwaukee averaged 1.5 seconds per screw and finished in first place. It beat out a win over the DEWALT by 0.58 seconds, which finished in 2.08 seconds.

Makita came in third place with 2.48 seconds.  Clearly the data shows a close race for this application and these tools are quite fast when installing 3” screws.

Run-time – Number of Screws Driven on a Charge

Winner Bosch

3-inch framing screws were used to determine a run-time winner. Six of the eight impact drivers tested had 2.0 Ah battery packs. Two of them didn’t have the same size packs so the results were adjusted to normalize the results based on every tool using a 2.0 Ah pack. By using watt-hour (total battery pack energy) we level the field for both voltage and amp-hours. Because all the tools are 12-volt, voltage in this case doesn’t effect the calculation like it did in our previous head-to-heads where we had varying voltages.

Watt-Hours is calculated by multiplying the voltage (actual voltage, not the MAX that some companies advertise) by the battery pack Amp-Hours. This calculation allows us to compare the total energy available to do the work based on both the voltage and size of the battery pack (amp-hours).

Bosch installed 145 fasteners and took a very comfortable first place. Second place went to Makita with 129 screws, followed closely in third place by Milwaukee with 126 screws.

Tool Temperature

During the run-time testing it was observed that some of the tools were heating up, so at the end of the run-time test, temperature readings were taken of the tool and batteries. These results were not ranked, but listed for your information.

12-volt Cordless Impact Driver Ergonomics

Winner – DEWALT

For the ergonomics section the team evaluated the following: grip, trigger switch, battery change, forward / reverse switch, vibration, balance, maneuverability, LED, collet, and speed change function / location. For each category, the team ranked them 1, 2 or 3, (1 being the best).

The DEWALT finished in first place for ergonomics, followed by Makita in second and Bosch in third.

DEWALT ranked a 1 in every category except a 2 in the battery change category. Makita ranked a 1 in all categories except the collet and speed changing location. Third place went to the Bosch who excelled in the LED category, battery change and speed change button.

The DEWALT is a nicely sized tool, at 5.05 inches long and 1.75 pounds it is extremely comfortable to use.

Noise (Decibels)

Winner Makita

These cordless impact drivers all measured in a range of 94.1 to 99.6 decibels. The Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) has determined safe noise levels and has made recommendations that specific ear protection devices be worn for sound levels of 85 dB or higher.

Decibel Procedure

As you know, sound measurement and reporting is a highly precise scientific process. In order to achieve an accurate decibel reading the tests need to be conducted in an an-echoic (free from echo) chamber with multiple high-precision microphones placed around the test tool.

However, these sound intensity levels will not be those that users will encounter in field conditions. Users will hear sound reflections from walls, ceilings and hard surfaces and ambient noise. Users, believe it or not, may slip or strip fasteners with the bit in their impact drivers. These factors will lead to a higher peak sound intensity.

These head-to-head tests are not performed in a testing laboratory, and it’s not the intention of this article to portray testing laboratory results. For these tests noise is measured using commercially available, high quality equipment.

The decibel levels were recorded while installing 3” deck screws into four layers of plywood. Numerous fasteners were installed to develop an average reading.

Its important for readers to focus on the relative values of these test results. Its worth nothing that ALL of these tools are loud enough to require hearing protection. So why rank them? Well it’s not just the user who’s impacted by noise, the surrounding jobsite is also affected so any improvement in noise is important. Due to the above factors, readers will note that the TBB sound test results will not track to those that the tool manufacturers publish for their tools. 

12-volt Cordless Impact Driver – Power Testing

Winner – Tie Between Milwaukee, Metabo and Makita

For the power testing we recognize that these 12-volt impact drivers are NOT designed to install large fasteners or have the capacity of an impact wrench. However, showing power as a relative comparison MAY be useful to you. Also, we recognize that many of you have used 12-volt tools to fasten nuts and bolts and smaller Timberlok fasteners.

Below are results showing how each impact driver was able to drive larger diameter fasteners thus giving readers a relative comparison of power (torque plus impacts):

For this test, 3/8”x 8” lag bolts were installed into three layers of 4×6 pressure treated lumber.

Three of the eight impacts were able to fully seat the 3/8″ x 8″ lag bolt; Milwaukee did it the fastest in 45 seconds, Metabo completed the install in 1:08 minute and the Makita did it in 1:10 minute.

The other impacts did not fare as well. The DEWALT was able to install the lag bolt 6-1/4″ out of 8-inches and the rest were between 2-3″ of penetration.

12-volt Cordless Impact Driver Price Category

Winner: Ridgid

Pricing is a key part of the purchasing mix, and it’s crucial that you get it right in order to determine the Best 12-volt Cordless Impact Driver.

There are certain considerations to make when buying power tools to get the most out of them and be able to complete the application you need it for.

For this Head-to-Head we list the bare tool and kit price [at the time of publication] for your review. We scored the tools as bare tools. Metabo HPT is the only tool that does not come as a bare tool, so we used their kit price.

The pricing purchasing matrix is way more complicated than just the price of the tool.

Every cordless power tool, at all levels from budget-priced to super-premium, has design compromises.  First, of course, is the cost. It doesn’t matter how great a power tool is, if the price is more than your budget will allow, then it can’t even be considered.

For example, if you want more speed; you sometimes have to give up torque. More torque? You might need to put up with heavier weight.

In order to come up with the right tool for you, you’ll need to consider all of these factors:

• Tool performance
• Torque
• Speed of application
• Features
• Size and weight
• Feel of the tool
• Cost
• Brand loyalty
• Already on the battery platform

Leave us a comment on which of these aspects are most important to you.

Warranty

Winners: RIDGID and Hilti

It’s hard to rank warranties, as some of the details and fine print could make or break the user’s opinion of the warranty. We STRONGLY suggest that you read the fine print in order to completely understand the warranty of a tool you may be purchasing.

The warranties that stand out are DEWALT, Hilti, Metabo HPT and Ridgid.

• DEWALT rounds out the list with a 1-year of free service and 3-year limited warranty, and a 90-day no questions asked return policy.
• Bosch 1-year limited warranty
• Hilti’s 2-year wear and tear at no cost to the user agreement is very nice especially with a 1-day service turn around with no-charge shipping

Hilti also offers a 20-year limited warranty! That’s four times the length of the next best competitor which is Milwaukee’s 5-year warranty.

• Makita 3-year limited warranty, 30-day refund or replace, at Makita’s option
• Metabo 3-year limited warranty tool, 3-year limited warranty on batteries and chargers, 30-day free replacement.
• Metabo HPT doesn’t offer any wear and tear warranties but does offer a lifetime (of the tool) warranty.
• Milwaukee 5-year Limited Warranty (tool only), Battery warranty depends on the model and is 2 or 3 years.
• Ridgid is the warranty king with a Lifetime Service Agreement that covers wear and tear from normal use and even batteries. Just register within 90 days and you’re good to go! Ridgid also has a 90-day return policy, 3-year limited warranty, and a Lifetime (of the original purchaser) Service Agreement.

Overall Ridgid’s LSA is definitely worth a look as is Hilti’s 20-year limited warranty, with 2-year, no cost, wear and tear coverage. Don’t forget Hilti’s excellent reputation for making highly durable professional grade tools make them worth a serious look if you want a tool that is going to be around for a while.

Overall Best 12 Volt Cordless Impact Driver – Winner: Makita

The Best 12 Volt Cordless Impact Driver goes to Makita – by a long shot. Milwaukee came second and DEWALT a distant third.

Usually our Head-To-Heads are a lot closer in scores – Makita CRUSHED the competition coming in seven points over Milwaukee.  Makita came in first in two categories: TEK screw speed test, and decibel ranking. Coming in second for run-time, ergonomics and price and third for speed under load and the power testing.

Milwaukee, on the other hand, came in first in three categories: Speed under load, power test, and TEK screw speed. They have a powerful and extremely fast impact driver.  What hurt Milwaukee was their third place rank in run-time, and fourth in ergonomics. Milwaukee also did not fare well in the grip and balance scores in the ergonomic section. The team all favored the thinner grip style on the impacts with the slide pack batteries, over the fatter stem pack styles. Lastly, pricing and decibels hurt Milwaukee.

1st Place: MAKITA – 2nd Place: Milwaukee – 3rd Place: Dewalt

DEWALT came in first in the ergonomics category, second in the speed under load, and fourth in the power test, decibel and price categories. The run-time test and TEK screw speed test hurt DEWALTS overall score.

Final Thoughts

12-volt impact drivers are the real deal now! When it comes to the Best 12-volt Cordless Impact Driver, it’s good to know that power and run-time are now sufficient for lots of tasks that we perform daily.  In fact, unless you’re framing or dealing with BIG fasteners, a 12-volt impact driver may be all you need.

We get lots of comments about how we make the final rankings. As we’ve stated, there are hundreds of ways to compare tools. The good news is we’ve openly shared ALL the data from our tests, and you can rank the tools however you want.

Don’t care about an item we ranked? No problem. Simply remove that from the matrix above and re-rank them. Hopefully you’ll find this Head-To-Head useful in comparing 12-volt impact drivers.

Best 12-Volt Cordless Impact Driver Video Review

Best 12-Volt Cordless Impact Driver is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Metabo Impact Driver 602396 Review

Metabo Impact Driver SSD 18 LTX 200 BL

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Metabo
Model number: 602396
Price: 199.00 / 399.00
Power source: 18 Volt
Motor size: Brushless
Weight: 3.1

New Impact Mechanism and Robust Design

This new Metabo impact driver has an ALL NEW impact mechanism, that is night and day in comparison, to the older brushed model, when comparing speed and torque. It also features a robust die cast aluminum gear housing that is optimized to durability and heat dissipation.

Metabo makes these units in their own factory and do all their own heat treatment and machining turning processes. They are super proud of their die cast aluminum housing and gear box. The gearing on this impact has been engineered with extremely tight tolerances.

Impact Driver Ploy-Fiberglass Outer Housing

One interesting fact that you may not know is that Metabo uses a blend of material to make their tool housing more durable, and less susceptible to breaking if dropped. They use a 70% polymer [for flexibility] and a 30% fiberglass mixture [ strength] in their housings.

Speed and Tightening Torque

Metabo, like many brushless tools, uses advances electronics to control the tool, prevent overcharging and overheating. This “full electronic package,” works to monitor and communicate between the tool, brushless motor and battery.

The speed and tightening torque are connected directly by a dial at the base of the tool. This dial has twelve speed/torque levels.  The lower the speed, the lower the tightening torque. The tightening torque is influenced in three ways:

• Speeds 1-12 = Controls torque
• S Mode= Designed for self-tapping screws, Metabo calls it “Automatic Power Shift,” [APS].
  APS activates at the beginning in high speed while the fastener is drilling, and later at low speed for tightening the screw.
• VS Trigger = Provides additional control

Automatic Power Shift (APS)

The Automatic Power Shift (APS) monitors drilling speed and automatically adjusts torque when working self-tapping screws.

The APS is designated as the “S” mode on the tool adjustment knob. The APS supports working with self-tapping screws: the electronics in the tool sense when the screw threads engage and slow down to give the user more control and to prevent overdriving or stripping.

LED Lights

Two LED Light are located on either side of the adjustment knob. The light stays on approximately 12 seconds after the trigger is releases and casts a 6” x 6” circular pattern around the bit.

Power

We used the Metabo impact wrench for fastening framing and LVL materials on two recent jobs and were impressed with the speed and power of the tool. It was smooth!

The Metabo impact wrench features a Max. no-load speed of 2900 RPM and a Max. impact rate 4000 BPM and 150 ft. lbs. of torque.

Very Little Vibration

Many impact drivers have rotational torque and vibration – this driver has none! Impact screw driving 19.3 m/s²

Price

The Kit comes with a hard case, charger and two 4.0 ah batteries and sells for $ 399.00. You can purchase the bare tool for $ 199.00

Impressive

When I first started using the Metabo impact I thought that the 4.0 Ah batteries would not last the day – man was I wrong. The battery may be compact, but their value in runtime, is impressive.

I found the tool lightweight, powerful and comfortable to use.
In fact, the BEST TRADEOFF on this tool is its size and speed of application. It is a smooth impact driver and one that will become a go-to for us when remodeling!

Metabo Impact Driver SSD 18 LTX 200 BL is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Best Oil-Impulse 1/4″ Impact Driver – Head-2-Head

Hydraulic or oil impulse impact drivers are similar in purpose to traditional impact drivers. They are intended to drive small to medium sized fasteners, like small sheet metal screws and up to 3″ decking screws. The big advantage to these tools is that they are significantly quieter than a traditional impact driver, making them better suited for use in occupied spaces and safer for the user’s hearing. Currently there are only a handful of oil impulse or hydraulic impulse drivers on the market.

Why Buy An Oil Pulse Impact Driver?

Oil pulse impact drivers offer reduced noise. Hearing loss impairs quality of life and increases the risk of injury. Every year, thousands of construction workers suffer hearing loss from excessive noise exposure on the job.

According to the CDC: “1 in 8 U.S. Workers Has Some Hearing Loss”. The construction industry comes in a second in terms of most hearing-impaired workers.

Research has shown that 90% of impact driver fastening in most trades is for screws and small to medium lags – 6 to 8 inches long.

Hydraulic drivers are small, compact, and quieter. Here are some torque stats needed for fasteners, all of these fasteners are within the range of an oil impulse impact driver.:

• #9 – 3”deck screw:              40 in-lbs
• ¼” x 3” lag bolt:                   53 in-lbs
• 3/8” x 3” lag bolt:                160 in-lbs
• #10–16 x ¾”Tek screw:    10 in-lbs
• 5/16” Bolt:                            324 in-lbs

Using a lighter, quieter tool, that has less vibration makes sense, and can result in more satisfied clients and a better user experience. A quieter impact driver would certainly be appreciated in many job sites, especially when working in occupied spaces, such as:

• Homes
• Schools
• Hospital
• Office Spaces

Let’s not forget our own hearing loss. Using a tool that is quieter is better for you to help reduce hearing loss due to long exposure to loud noise.

Oil Impulse Impact Driver Line-Up and Specifications

For this Head-2-Head we tested tools from Makita, Milwaukee and Ridgid. We put these tools through two typical fastener driving tasks,  and also a more difficult task of driving 4″ TimberLOK screws into sandwiched LVL (engineered lumber) to see how they stand up to a much more demanding driving task. Below are the basic specifications for each oil-impulse impact driver:

Makita XST01 Oil Impulse Impact Driver

• 18V
• 5.0 Ah Battery Pack
• 3200 RPM, 335 in / lbs
• 1.92 lbs bare tool
• 3 year limited warranty
• Makita XST01 Product Info

Milwaukee Surge 2760-22

• 18V
• 5.0 Ah Battery Pack
• 3000 RPM, 450 in / lbs
• 2.81 lbs bare tool
• 3 year limited warranty and limited service agreement, if you register the tool.
• Milwaukee Surge 2760 Product Info

Ridgid Stealth R86036

• 18V
• 5.0 Ah Battery Pack
• 2400 RPM, 1200 in / lbs
• 3.0 lbs bare tool
• 5 year tool warranty / 3 year battery
• Ridgid Stealth R86036 Product Info

Oil-Impulse Mechanism

What are Oil-Impulse Drivers?

A regular impact driver is different from an oil-impulse driver in the manner in which it applies force. Regular impact drivers create their force through a spinning anvil and hammer mechanism. The hammer mechanism compresses a spring, when released, the energy drives the hammer down while simultaneously twisting it. This concussive force is what makes an impact driver a go-to tool for fast fastener installation. The loud chattering noise that they make, is created by the metal to metal parts slamming against each other. This type of mechanism also creates vibration.

The oil-impulse impact driver utilizes oil to hydraulically drive the impact mechanism for lower noise. It has a completely different impact mechanism, similar to a vehicle clutch. Two blades are held by the “anvil” enclosed in a cavity containing viscous oil, which hydraulically forces the two blades to make contact with the spinning outer case or “hammer”.  As these components engage and disengage, they hold their impact longer than a traditional impact, resulting in a quieter application with longer, sustained torque, with less vibration.

Benefits of an Oil-Impulse Driver

Oil impulse drivers offer three important features:

1. Quieter to operate
2. Smoother performance, less vibration
3. Increased durability by minimizing reducing metal on metal contact inside tool

Oil-impulse drivers cut down on the noise intensity by as much as 50 percent, as well as reduce vibration for the operator. The less vibration is best explained as a “smoother-feeling” tool to use. The defining feature of this (and any other) oil-impulse driver is how quiet it is compared to impact tools.

Features – Winner Makita

In the Features evaluation we looked at the following: LED light, controls, clutch, chuck, fit and finish, battery gauges, lanyard and belt clips in this category. We used the same ranking scale as the ergonomics section for consistency.

Reverse Switch

The “Reverse Switch,” on all three tools is located in the same spot, but not equal. The Milwaukee reverse switch was better. Milwaukee’s switch is the only one that recesses in, and seats flush with the impact housing.  The crew liked this, because it did not stick out and rub against the web of the operators hand, causing irritation.

Speed Selector Switches

Makita has an LED array, it’s easier to see, and its electronic button is off to the side, allowing the user to see the selections they are making. Makita has a nice positive switch.  With the Milwaukee, you have to reach over what you are trying to see to activate the button.  The Ridgid has an electromagnetic switch [1-2-3] on the top of the unit.

Battery Gauges

All three tools have battery gauges. The Makita battery gauge stayed on the longest of the three, was bright and easy to see.  The LED on the Makita is located on back side of the battery, which the team unanimously agreed is the BEST location.

LED Light

Every cordless tool these days seems to have an LED light, so the manufacturer can say “we have an LED light.”  The real questions to ask are:

• Is the LED bright?
• Does the LED cast a shadow?
• How long does the LED stay on?
• Can you turn the LED light on from a separate switch?

Ridgid has 3 LED’s around the collet, completely illuminating the work area with no shadows. There is also a switch on the Ridgid activates the LED, separate from the tool trigger. Makita and Milwaukee both have a single LED, located above, and activated by the trigger. We observed that these single LED lights create annoying fastener shadows. All three tools can activate the LED with a trigger pull, and stay on after the trigger is pulled, we timed them, and they were:

• Milwaukee –  11 seconds
• Makita        –  10 seconds
• Ridgid         –  10 seconds and has a separate switch to operate and control this LED

Collet

All three impacts have a collet that allows one-handed loading. One-handed loading is easier to use, and more efficient. Milwaukee’s collet seems more durable, solid, and had a tighter spring. It has a a more aggressive knurling which allow using with gloves easier.  The Ridgid has a smooth finish which makes it slippery and difficult to use with gloves.

Metal Screw Starting Feature

The Makita and Milwaukee tools both come with a special feature for driving smaller fasteners, like self tapping screws in sheet metal. On the Makita it is called “T mode” on the Milwaukee it is called “Self-tapping screw mode.” These modes start off in high speed, but electronics in the tools sense when the screw grabs, and slows down drive speed to prevent stripping the screw through the metal. This feature is really great for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing professionals, or anyone who needs to drive sheet metal screws.

Neither the Makita nor the Milwaukee stripped a fastener during our testing. The Ridgid, does not have this feature, and during our testing, we stripped 2 out of 10 fasteners when driving in high speed.

A trades-person who regularly uses the Ridgid to install self-tappers, might be able to drive that number down, but the Makita and Milwaukee sure make it a real Fire-And-Forget  process. ~ Ethan Bickford [TBBCrew]

Ergonomics  – Winner Makita

We looked at 13 aspects of these tools to determine our winner in the ergonomics category. Everything from tool weight, to the quality and usability of LED lights. When it came down to choosing a winner – the Makita won!

Makita is lightweight, has well thought out controls and premium features. We especially liked Makita’s 3-speed selector with Quick Shift Mode which controls fastening speed and application.

The Milwaukee finished second in ergonomics, placing second in many categories but standing out with the easiest to use and least obtrusive forward/reverse switch, tight fit-and-finish and the easiest to use collet of the three tools we tested.

Lastly, the Ridgid stood out with it’s triple LEDs, just behind and evenly spaced around the collet, and it’s on-handle LED light switch so that the lights are on any time you pick up the tool.  The Ridgid, however,  has a smooth and slippery collet, is heavier than the other two, and it’s larger size kept it to the back of the pack.

Why is the Ridgid Stealth SO MUCH Bigger?

Ridgid is notably larger than the other two impacts. This is based on two reasons:

First, Ridgid utilizes older impulse technology, which requires a larger impact mechanism.

Second, Ridgid designed their impact to be able to handle larger sized fasteners, and have a higher torque. Both Makita and Milwaukee are smaller in size, and are optimized for small to medium sized fasteners. The size trade-off is that Ridgid has a much larger tool, with more reactionary torque.

Interesting fact

Milwaukee first started chasing this larger impact technology, but later abandoned it after seeing the Makita technology. It’s fair to say that Milwaukee’s design was inspired after Makita “paved the way.”

Price – Winner Milwaukee

Below we’ve included the current pricing (at the time of publishing this article). The lowest price isn’t always the best in our opinion, we’re always looking for the best value. Our theory is that these impacts are so close in performance that the highest priced tool does not always mean the best tool, same goes for the lowest price. Its a fact that if a lesser priced tool can solve the same problem, and do the same job, isn’t that better?

It’s always hard to compare the pricing of cordless tools especially when each manufacturer packages them differently with kits, bare tools, and then varying size batteries. We show the prices of the tools as tool-only, and kitted.

• Makita $331
  • $172 for the bare tool
  • $159 charger battery combo
• Ridgid $274
  • $199 for kit that includes (2) 2 Ah battery packs and charger
  • $75 for one 5 Ah battery pack (hard to find as they are phasing out)
• Milwaukee $329
  • Model 2760-22 offers a kits with two (2) 5 Ah battery packs

Selecting the winner of this category was tough. Ridgid is the cheapest and you’d have 3 battery packs, a couple small slim packs and one large pack. Milwaukee is only $55 more, and you’d have two 5 Ah packs. We think we’d rather have two large packs than 2 small and one large. So we think the Milwaukee is the best price/value especially with a hard case.

Oil-Impulse Impact Driver Testing Procedures

Before we describe the tests we conducted, we wanted to talk a bit about sound-level test procedures.

As you know, sound measurement and reporting is a highly precise scientific process. Because sound is measured in a logarithmic decibel scale, the numbers are important. Our readers know that a difference in an additional 10 db is a doubling of the sound energy.

Manufacturers test and report their sound readings in a specialized anechoic chamber with multiple high-precision microphones placed around the test tool. Manufacturers record the sound in careful and controlled conditions under strict test procedures. The test group analyze and process the data according to various sound laboratory standards. This laboratory testing yields a very precise and accurate sound value.

The manufacturers’ published sound levels are absolutely accurate. However, these sound intensity levels will not be those that users will encounter in field conditions. Users will hear sound reflections from walls, ceilings and hard surfaces and ambient noise. Users, believe it or not, may slip or strip fasteners with the bit in their impact drivers. These factors will lead to a higher peak sound intensity.

TBB has said many times that we are not a testing laboratory, nor are we trying to be one during our tool tests. We use commercially available, high quality equipment for our measurements. We attempt to keep our tests consistent and repeatable. We urge the readers to focus on the relative values of our test results. Due to the above factors, readers will note that the TBB sound test results will not track to those that the tool manufacturers publish for their tools.

But our consistent testing yields relative differences in tool performance in our comparison tests. On all three tests mentioned below, we used fresh 5.0 Ah batteries.

3″ GRK Construction Screws in Spruce Framing Lumber

A common use for impact drivers is to drive fasteners into construction grade lumber. We simulated this condition by driving six (6) 3” GRK construction screws into two layers of spruce 2 x 6 lumber. We attached the two pieces together and clamped the assembly to a solid workbench. We drove six (6) of the GRK screws into the surface and timed the results. In addition, we placed our decibel meter to within 12 inches of the work area and recorded the peak sound energy.

We repeated this test twice, calculated the average run time for two sets of six, and the highest peak sound value (results are shown below). TBB set all three drivers at their highest RPM setting.

For this test, Ridgid was the quietest and Milwaukee the fastest.

TEK Fasteners in Steel Hat Channel

Another popular application for impact drivers is installation of self-tapping metal screws. We selected TEK self-tapping fasteners and drove them into a steel hat channel framing materials. We clamped the steel to the workbench and drove a total of six (6) TEKs into the metal. We recorded the duration for driving all six of the fasteners and recorded the peak sound levels.

For this task the impact drivers were set at their highest RPM setting. In this test, Makita was both the quietest and the fastest.

TimberLOKs in LVL

Manufacturers position oil impact drivers as a quieter/gentler impact tool that is better to use in occupied areas. These tools have less torque than most mechanical impact drivers. While TimberLOKs are a larger structural fastener, they are so prevalent that it’s likely they are specified even in remodeling projects of occupied spaces. So we wanted to see how well the three drivers worked under heavy loads. We figured that driving multiple TimberLOKs into LVL pieces would be a good test for heavy loads.

We pinned two pieces of LVL together and clamped them down to the workbench. Next, we drove four (4) five-inch (5”) TimberLOKs into the LVL pieces. We recorded the time to install all four fasteners and the peak sound measurement approximately a foot away from the tool.

Again, for this test we set all three drivers at their highest RPM setting. Ridgid was the fastest, and Makita the quietest.

Test Measurement Results

Performance – Speed Test – Winner Ridgid

Our first impression when we used this tool was how “smooth” these impacts were, quiet was only noticed later when compared side by side next to a conventional mechanically-driven Milwaukee 2753-20.

Makita and Milwaukee are designed for small to medium sized fasteners. Research shows that 90% of impact driver fastening in most trades is for screws and small to medium lags – 6 to 8 inches long. Users who perform hard joint fastening like lug nuts or 6” Victaulic flanges on water pipe and sprinkler assemblies, would be better served with an impact wrench.

The Ridgd’s Stealth demonstrated the most power and was the fastest driving impact. It performed almost equal to the Milwaukee standard impact, verified by running the Ridgid right next to the standard Milwaukee.

I was impressed by the Ridgid’s power, the only trade off was, it’s reactionary torque can fatiguing over time ~ ROB

Performance – Decibel – Winner  Makita

The Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) has determined safe noise levels and has made recommendations that specific ear protection devices be worn within sound levels of 85dB.

The defining feature of these oil pulse impact drivers is how quiet it is compared to impact tools. Makita averaged 90.5 dB across all three tests.  RIDGID was 90.9 and Milwaukee was 94.7 dB.

Makita was the quietest impact driver, it’s impact mechanism even sounds softer when it hits!

Note – An increase of 10 dB is perceived as a doubling of the noise level and represents 100 times more sound intensity. The average of the sound readings for the oil-pulse drivers was 92 dB. This average was 7db less than a standard impact which was 99.8 dB. This 7 dB difference means that the standard impact driver was over 1.5x louder than the average for the oil-pulse drivers. 

Finding The Winner

These tests and evaluations, are limited in scope as we’re not a professional testing company. We have limited time to evaluate these tools. We can’t possibly test every application that you might use of one of these impacts for.  All three of these impacts have been in service, with our crews, for over a year, and all three are working flawlessly – no negative issues.

Makita and Milwaukee have been designed for the HVAC, electrical and plumbing trades. They are perfect for small to medium fasteners, both are compact in size and have little to no vibration. While they still can install larger fasteners they are not designed for that, and will ultimately be slower.

Makita is higher priced, and sounds softer when it hits. It, too, is designed for small to medium fasteners. It’s a perfect tool for occupied spaces where noise reduction is needed. Ridgid is the least expensive of the lot. It is designed for medium to larger fasteners. It is also larger in size, faster and quieter.

Despite their differences, all of these impacts are able to produce enough power to drive medium sized fasteners.

Best Oil Impulse Impact Driver – Makita

Once again all the tools in this evaluation were close. However, Makita took the win by winning the Ergonomics, Features, and Noise categories.

Makita is the innovation leader in oil-pulse technology, and their Oil Impulse Brushless Cordless 3-Speed Impact Driver (XST01Z) changes the game in fastening with all the speed, power, noise and ergonomics. All of these combined is a winning  recipe!  The Makita XST01Z also features Extreme Protection Technology (XPT), engineered for increased dust and water resistance for operation in harsh job site conditions.

Final Thoughts

Oil impulse impact drivers are best suited to tasks and workplaces where precision and low noise are more important than having maximum power. For many users, the decision on which impact driver they should buy will likely be based on the battery platform they own. The bottom line is this, all three of these oil impulse impact drivers  are capable of performing ALL medium driving tasks. For larger fastening, they will perform the application, but have less torque and will be slower.

Ultimately everyone needs to choose a tool based on their specific needs, uses, and budget.

~ the #TBBCrew

Best Hydraulic Oil Impulse Impact Driver – Video Review

Best Hydraulic Oil Impulse Impact Driver – Head-to-Head is a post from Tool Box Buzz

The Milwaukee M12 ¼” Hex Impact Driver 2450 Review

** This is an older model tool **

Today’s cordless tool market continues to evolve at a blistering pace and the The Milwaukee M12 ¼” Hex Impact Driver is an outstanding product of that evolution. My earliest memory of using a cordless drill is a Makita 9.6 volt drill driver that a family member used in their signage shop. I distinctly remember the battery pack of the Makita being the size of a VCR  tape and can’t help but be amazed by the performance available now by the sub-compact M12 impact driver.

The Milwaukee M12 ¼” Hex Impact Driver Features

The The Milwaukee M12 ¼” Hex Impact Driver 2450 features a compact ergonomic grip with rubber over molding that provides exceptional traction. The housing of the tool body itself is a high grade plastic that stands up to wear and has a built in LED fuel gauge that informs the user of the remaining battery life upon taking up the variable speed trigger.

A white LED light is also included above the trigger to illuminate your workspace and does a serviceable job of that. The spring loaded collar of the quick change shank has pronounced checkering that allows for rapid changing of bits even in cold weather or with gloves on.

Power

The rugged exterior housing comes together around a motor that produces 850 inch pounds of torque while weighing only 2.3 pounds! The tool transfers that torque to the bit seamlessly and can power through even the largest of construction fasteners.

Not Trade Specific

This tool could become the mainstay of any homeowner’s tool box, but more importantly it delivers enough power and performance. This tool lives up to the standards of the most demanding tradesman or professional contractor.

At only 6.5” long this tool excels in the hands of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC contractors who work in the confines of a mechanical room. My favorite job for the M12 impact is any task overhead or on a ladder due to its light weight and mobility. It has saved me several times when removing the top screen assembly of my wood stove pipe for cleaning!

12-Volt Innovation

Milwaukee first introduced their line of M12 compact tools in 2008 and has continued to innovate and improve upon that line with the M12 Impact Driver remaining a cornerstone of that lineup.

The compact size of the M12 driver, combined with its powerful output and light weight can make you as a user more productive with less fatigue. With improvements like brushless motors now available from Milwaukee, the M12 impact driver is the lightweight sub-compact tool ready for any toolbox.

The Milwaukee M12 ¼” Hex Impact Driver is a post from Tool Box Buzz