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Cordless Screwdrivers | Impact Drivers

Cordless Screwdrivers - Drill Drivers As of 2015 3.6-4 v. versions are popular. Some are chargeable via a usb cable.

Model Price Volts Bat speeds clutch sett-
ings
torque
in-lbs
weight CR PM TR 5S Ama
zon
< 5 V
Hitachi DB3DL2 $62 3.6 Li-ion 1.5Ah 2 21 44 1 5 4.6 #2 4.5
Black & Decker LI4000
discontinued
$40 3.6 Li-ion 1 6 70 2.1 24 4 #4 4.2
Black & Decker LI2000 $30 3.6 Li-ion 40 1.2 3.5 4.3
Skil 2356-01 360 $36 4 1.5Ah Li-ion
USB
6 40 1.9 #5 4.6
SKIL 2354-02 Max IXO $36 4 Li-ion 1 80 0.7 2.9 4.5
Skil 2346-01 iXO2 $39 3.6 Li-ion 1 0.7 13 4.4
Black & Decker BDCS20C $20 4 Li-ion 2 35 4.6
Black & Decker BDCS40G Gyro $40 3.6 Li-ion var 35 4.3
Craftsman 11398 $37 4 Li-ion 2 24 11
Skill 2207 twist $52 3.6 1 36 3 4.5
> 5 V
DeWalt DW920 $89 7.2 NiCd 16 80 7 4 4.7 #1
Milwaukee 2401-22 $120 12 Li-ion 15 150 62 4.6
Milwaukee 2406-22 M12 Fuel $170 12 Li-ion 2 275 2.2 4.8
Hitachi DB10DL $90 10.8 Li-ion 1.5Ah variable 22 88 1.8 47 4.3
Skil 2346-01 iXO2 $71 7.2 NiCd 16 53
Skil 2362-01 $65 7.2 20
Makita TD020D $109 7.2 Li-ion n 4
Ridgid R81030 $89 9.6 NiCd 14 4
Bosch I-Driver $149 10.8 Li-ion 8 4
Black & Decker Pd600 Pivot Plus $28 6 NiCd
Unless otherwise noted Chucks/collets are 1/4" hex
Charge time 30 min
1. Popular Mechanics prefers Li-ion even they have less power than some of the NiCd models. They quote David Boone, a battery engineer for Milwaukee Electric Tool, "because a li-ion battery can provide almost four times more energy than a NiCd battery of the same weight and volume. By combining the lighter weight with longer run time, it's a perfect application for these tools."

TR- Best Cordless Screwdriver in 2015 - Cordless Screwdriver Reviews
5S - The Best Small Cordless Electric Screwdrivers Reviews & Ratings | 5StarDealReviews.com
CR - Consumer Reports
PM - Best Cordless Electric Screwdrivers: Comparison Test | Popular Mechanics

   
  Hitachi DB3DL2            Skil Max IXO    Black & Decker LI4000   Skil 2356 360 Quick-Select

Impact Drivers | Hammer Drill Drivers
The impact driver uses both bit rotation and fast paced tapping to power-drive screws through the thickest, densest woods. It is not the same as hammer drills which are designed to drill thru concrete and other hard surfaces.

An impact driver does not have a slip clutch, but the concussive action allows you to drive screws with great control and precision.
They have more torque than a standard drill.
See impact driver vs cordless drill below.

So, if you're planning projects that require driving a ton of screws, or a lot of very large or long screws, then consider an impact driver. For example, impact drivers are ideal for building decks, installing tile backer board, and screwing down plywood subfloors.

Most impact drivers have a collet or keyless quick release chuck that accepts hex-shanked driver bits.

Model Price Volts Bat speeds clutch sett-
ings
torque
in-lbs
weight length CR PM TR 5S Ama
zon
Milwaukee 2604-22
1/2" Hammer Drill/Driver
$238 * 18 Li-ion 4ah 725 5 5
Milwaukee 2657-20 $99 1500 3.1 5.5
Milwaukee 2656-20 $129 18 Li-ion 3ah 3 1500 3.1 5.5
Milwaukee 2753-20 $129 18 Li-ion 3ah 3 1800 2.8 5.25
DeWalt DCF895L2 $350 20 Li-ion 3ah 3 500 3.6 5.25 5
Dewalt DC825KS $132 18 NiCd variable 1330 4.6 4.8
Hitachi DV18DBL $300 18 Li-ion 3ah 4 4
Hitachi 18DBDL $72 18 Li-ion 3ah 4 1400 3.7 4.5
Makita LXDT01 $300 18 Li-ion 3ah 3 1460 4
* kit
Note: Some include bit sets.

Milwaukee 18-V prices:
2753 impact driver  $129 Home Depot and Northern Tool; $115 Amazon; $105 ebay 
A First Look at the New 2nd-gen Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact Drivers and Compact Impact Wrenches"
2753-22 (kit) Battery (looks like 2.0 Ah), Charger, Case $284 Amazon
2.0 Ah Battery $79 Home Depot, $26 Ebay
2750 (1500 in-lbs) kit with 2 Ah battery, charger and case $230 Zoro
A First Look at the New 2nd-gen Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact Drivers and Compact Impact Wrenches

1.5Ah M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Compact Battery (2-Pack) $119 Home Depot
1.5Ah Milwaukee 48-11-1815 M18 Compact RED LITHIUM 18-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Tool Battery $49 amazon


Impact drivers vs drills
Cordless drill Impact Driver
Torque in-lbs 450-700 700-1800
Max RPM 1,500-2,000 2,000-3,200
Chuck Keyless Quick release hex chuck
Clutch Common Not common
Dual speed range Common Not common in 12V Class
Impact Mechanism No Yes
Noise level Low Moderate
Compactness Good Great
See: Impact Driver - Do I really need an Impact Driver?

Note:
Impact drivers will strip screw heads, especially phillips, if you are not careful. Square, (aka Robertson) and Torx (aka star) head fasteners are better.
See stripping at the fastener page.

See:
Tips for Choosing the Right Impact Driver | eBay
Cordless Drill/Driver vs Impact Driver: Which Do You Need? | Popular Mechanics
Cordless Hammer Drills & Impact Drivers: Comparison Test | Popular Mechanics
Cordless Hammer Drills & Impact Drivers: Comparison Test
Lithium Ion Batteries | Milwaukee Tool


Batteries:
Li-ion batteries will give 2x or more the run time of a NiCd, but they cost $60-$100.

Li-ion. The batteries charge in as little as 30 minutes, they last longer, and they weigh less.
NiCad batteries lose power if left unused for a while.
Li-ion batteries, however, can be left plugged in at all times, and most chargers are designed to top off the tool once a week as needed. The biggest problem with Li-ion batteries is not knowing when they're dying. Manufacturers call this a "fade-free charge" but what it really means is you won't get the telltale slow-down as the batteries wear out. The tool will just stop. See:
Lithium Ion Batteries | Milwaukee Tool


Links:
Cordless Saws

last updated 2 Aug 2016