There are many different tools that can help you loosen screws but the best and the easiest way is to do it with an impact driver. To some, it may seem funny but it really isn’t, especially when you’re in a hurry and you need to unscrew something.
Not only that you can use them to loosen screws, but also to tighten them. There are many types but most suitable are definitely cordless impact drivers.
A cordless impact driver – What’s that?
An impact driver is a tool we can use to loosen screws and nuts. This is done with a strong and sudden rotational force. You can use an impact driver to tighten screws and nuts as well and using them you’ll do it easier than with an ordinary screwdriver.
It’s hard to imagine a modern man without this tool just like without screwdriver or piles. A cordless impact driver is similar to a cordless drill. Their purposes are not completely the same but with technology developing so quickly we are sure they will get closer.
Impact driver – Pros
Like all the other cordless tools they are very handy and easy to use. They provide strong torque so you need to be careful when using them. Besides, that cordless impact drivers are easy to use since that torque is directed to a screw, not to you.
It’s a piece of cake to change a tire using this driver. There’s no way to make this job easier.
Most modern impact drivers are light; they can weigh less than 2 pounds. Some of them have a quick ship mode.
It’s possible to change the speed while working, adapting it to the strength of the screw. We all know that very often you need to unscrew the nut or screw that’s rusty, or had stayed somewhere for too long. When you find yourselves in this situation, the higher speed will help you.
Today’s cordless impact drivers have long-lasting batteries which will allow you working for hours. The majority of these batteries are quickly charged so you don’t have to wait to get the job done.
They are also great because they are movable and easily transported from one place to another and you are not restricted to an area with electric power.
They are great for the reconstruction business. Some of them can remove 200 jammed screws in no time.
There are impact drivers suitable for pros as well as ordinary people who want them for home use. But, there are some that aren’t fit for the home. These are so-called industrial or professional impact drivers (Ingersoll Rand W1110 for example).
Some impact drivers come with light (LED). This allows the worker a better sight and a much easier job.
Who uses impact drivers and what for?
Most impact drivers are used by pros. Mechanicals, construction workers, engineers or people who work as maintainers.
As we already said they are mostly used to loosen up screws and nuts. When we talk about small screws, people mostly use regular screwdrivers but when it comes to larger ones an impact driver steps out on the scene.
A perfect situation to use a cordless impact driver is when you bump into a rusted screw or maybe frozen or corroded nut. These are situations when you need speed and power and an impact driver is made for them.
Since they are a great substitute for the manual tool they are also used by ordinary people.
Impact drivers and drills
There are situations when you can’t decide which one you need a drill or a driver. We’ll give you some differences in order to help you make the right decision.
But, an impact driver can’t replace your cordless drill. There are situations when you might not need such a high torque and a drill would be a good solution.
Clutch is the thing most impact drivers don’t provide. And a clutch can be helpful. It allows freedom of movement. Drills have it while most drivers don’t. The drill in the case of impact drivers can’t move freely. You can buy a driver with a clutch, but then you’ll have to pay some money. They are more expensive than impact drivers without a clutch.
Drivers are shorter than drills, which is why they are great for small, hardly reachable places.
An impact driver allows you to do the job precisely. You are in charge since they provide you with great control. This is exactly because of the absence of the previously mentioned clutch. Consequently, if you are doing something that requires driving a lot of screws, a cordless impact driver is a solution. Use them for installation, building decks and similar things.
We are aware that these tools are different but with more and more innovations, the differences between them are getting smaller.
Cordless Impact drivers and impact wrenches
The first question that appears when comparing these tools is – Are they the same? Well, boys and girls, the answer to your question is – No!
They are similar but not the same. Firstly, impact wrenches don’t produce the same force as drivers. Both of them are good, only not for the same things.
The evolution of impact drivers
They were introduced as a tool in recent years. At first, they weren’t so popular all over the world.
In the beginning, they were very popular in Japan, but not very much in the States. Americans like to get to know things better before they decide to use them. So every new thing is always well checked first and then accepted. Once the process of acceptance was over, Americans started competing with overseas countries and in a large degree succeeded.
Many famous producers like Makita, Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Porter Cable, Black+Decker and others make really great and powerful impact drivers.
Cordless impact drivers are good for home and business. Even though they still can’t replace drills, they are quite useful and more and more tempting for buyers.