Last Christmas I treated myself to an extensive set of Dewalt 20vmax tools. Best investment I ever made. Being able to grab one, slap a battery in and just get stuff done is amazing compared to fumbling with cords, grabbing extensions, and worrying where the socket is. This year I wanted to be able to go to town on car and truck lug nuts and loosen rusty suspension components so I treated myself to a Dewalt 20vmax high torque 1/2" impact wrench. Can't wait to get it dirty.

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
I use a combination of 18v and 12v Milwaukee tools.
The Impact driver is 18v as 12v would be light IMO for that kind of tool.
Big advantage in using the same battery in other tools.
YMMV

12v offers a stated 1,000 ft lbs of torque. Not even sure what my 20v stuff is, but if I forget to dial it back I snap screw heads off. I am usually working with machine and sheet metal screws, but can easily drive a 1.5" #10 wood screw into a 2x4.

For most homeowner use 12v is fine.

You've made a unit error here... Impact driver torque is in INCH-pounds, not FOOT-pounds. You need to go up to a huge 18/20V impact wrench with a 1/2" or 3/4" drive to get 1000 foot-pounds.

Regardless, I agree that the good 12V impact drivers are plenty for pretty much anything homeowner related.

I used a 10 year old 12V Bosch impact driver to assemble a swing set/playhouse that involved about 400 2" and 3" deck screws and 150+ 3/8"x4" lag bolts and aside from having to charge the batteries several times, it wasn't a problem. Plenty of power.

The high end current 12V impact drivers put out 2-3 times the torque and have batteries with 2-4 times the capacity as that old Bosch driver.

Milwaukee 12 volt fuel 2598-22 all the power you could want light weight I have 3 of them inmy cabinet shop running all day long.

Milwaukee, you can’t go wrong with them.

I have a two piece set consisting of a drill and driver that is a Makita 12 volt system. The tools are small and the set cost just over $100 a few years ago.

I have no need of a large, powerful commercial grade set as a homeowner, but this set is powerful enough for my needs. I have used them extensively and still find the original batteries hold a charge very well.
Mike

Ridgid for me, mine are 18v brushless and have had no issues. The below came as a package deal.

Grinder
Hammer Drill
Impact Driver
Reciprocating Saw
Circular Saw
Flashlight
Charger with 4 batteries