$35 impact driver

[AlanWS]

The 14.4V HF impact driver ITEM 92472-3VGA is listed on the website at $35.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=92472
If it works, that would be the cheapest impact driver I've seen. Does anyone know if this is actually a decent buy, or where one could find a better one at a price under $100 now? I know people have found great deals in the past, but have not seen anything currently available at a price close to this.

Thanks.

[messmaker]

Probably worth a shot. I have one from Black and decker and it is one of my favorite tools. The torque # sounds about right.

[buckeye95]

I read a review on another forum about the HF cordless impact drivers a while back. As I recall, this one was rated decent, but the 18 Volt one (don't know the model #, but it was blue) was junk. Keep an eye out for the 10-20 % coupons from HF that show up on here from time to time as well to sweeten the deal.

Pete

[davidtu]

Ryobi has one, but its $70 (online price, may be cheaper in store) and though I have one (came in kit) I have not had opportunity to use it yet... I will soon though as I will have to drive some lag bolts thru railroad ties to secure a small fence post. But, you could try their website ryobitools.com as they have a user forum there that appears pretty honest & unfiltered... but if you're here you probably know that already.

Anyway, that is price w/o battery & charger... but if you happen to already have those items I guess you could consider it. I'm of course only responding to your query for others under $100 ... if the HF will do the trick seems a far better deal.

Btw, I'm a newbie and one thing I've noticed with tools is that manufacturers assume you know what to use them for... as I said I got mine in a big combo kit... I think its good for my use of lag bolts (is it?) but what are you going to do w/ it? It'll give me maybe one more way to use it!

I should mention that my HD is also having a Ryboi "special item" which is a Ryobi 18v Drill (better than in the combo, comes w/ levels on it) plus flashlight plus battery plus charger for $50--which I think is a pretty good deal if you needed a drill. I like mine ok and their power tools tend to get good bang-for-the-buck reviews.

[Stormbringer]

Btw, I'm a newbie and one thing I've noticed with tools is that manufacturers assume you know what to use them for... as I said I got mine in a big combo kit... I think its good for my use of lag bolts (is it?) but what are you going to do w/ it? It'll give me maybe one more way to use it!

It's good for lag bolts (I just used my Ryobi Impact driver to do just that), it'll even take the lug nuts off your tires for ya although I don't suggest using it for this, but it's best use, without question, is to drive screws. You have a tremendous amount of control driving screws with an impact driver. Beats a drill with a clutch hands down IMHO

Regards, Greg

[jAngiel]

$35 is a good price but I don't know if it is for THAT one. I have heard mixed comments about it. I purchased the Ryobi 18v version for $29 (tool only, not battery) and it has been great. I much prefer it to the drill for driving and removing screws.

[AlanWS]

Thanks all. I guess I'll give it a try next time I'm in the neighborhood of my local HF. With regard to its use, I plan on using it to drive screws. It's supposed to give a lot better control over how deep they go, and to be much better at preventing runout that can strip the head. I figure the HF one will let me try it. If it lasts for my likely light use, I'll have one. If it does not last, I'll get a better brand next time.

There is a description of the way the impact direction prevents runout here:
http://forums.taunton.com/fw-knots/m...s?msg=11918.10

I think the direction of the impact (and the torque) are different for an impact wrench used for loosening up stuck nuts and bolts: it won't keep the bit in a screw head, so is not an appropriate substitute for an impact driver.

edit: Drat, they don't have them in stock in my local store.

[TheRic]

I have an impact driver (Ridgid 18V) I use it for about everything. It's the first thing I grap when I grab a drill. Putting screws in with an impact driver is 100 times better then a regular drill, even one with a clutch. The screw goes in much faster, but still gives you better control. I never would have thought it until I started using on.

[davidtu]

Based on the above recommendations, I used my Ryobi Impact Driver (first time!) to drive some 3" drywall nails through 2 2x4s and it performed great! The Ryobi clutched drill/driver could not handle it... it started stripping out the screws only 1/2 way in... I couldn't press any more firmly. The Impact Driver immediately drove that one home along with all the others w/ minimum of pressure.