Love This Tool

[bigstick509]

I know that it has been mentioned many times before but the 18V Ryobi impact driver is fantastic. I was in the shop/garage this evening attaching a 2x4 to the front wall. I was working with the board and tool above my head and standing on a ladder, not a great position to get any force behind the tool. Well using is believing, with very little effort at all the 2x4 was screwed to the wall. The driver even has a small L.E.D. on the front of the housing that comes on when you pull the trigger. This is the first time I have used this tool since I picked up this set around last X-MAS, a good buy just got a little better.

[John Hunter]

I am in the market for an 18V Impact Driver, I have most of the other Ryobi 18V tools. Now if they would just go on sale.

[bigstick509]

As I Remember

After I posted I got to thinking, Ryobi was offering any tool up to a value of $99.00 for free with a purchase of one of there 18V tool sets. And thats how I got the impact driver. Like most of the sale offers by Ryobi, it might come around again. It is well worth the money John.

[lcm1947]

I am actually currently looking around for an impact driver so this post is rather timely. I wasn't really looking at the Ryobi's due to the complaints I've heard about thier batteries but I might reconsider and check it out closer. I have thought however that no more often then I would use one do I really want to drop a couple hundreds bucks on one. I may just very well try it. I love most of their corded tools but just not sure about the battery operatered ones.

[Thom2]

I Love Mine Too!!!

I just got the Makita 14.4 and I am WHOLEHEARTEDLY impressed with this little gem. I probably would have bought the Ryobi if I had other Ryobi cordless tools, but I didn't and decided to go the Makita route. I really don't think the manufacturer makes as much of a difference as the way these little things operate.

I originally bought mine with the sole intention of driving screws, but since I've actually had it in my hand, I have found myself using it for EVERYTHING. I have 1/4 hex to 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 socket adapters. In the past week that I've had this unit, I've found myself using it to build the trash can corral I posted, put the fuel tank skid plate and trailer hitch back on the Jeep, tear down the push mower when it died, and various other things around the house/shop. I NEVER realized how much use this little thing would see or I would have bit the bullet LONG ago to purchase one.

If you're on the fence about one of these, just take the plunge, you really don't know what you're missing!!!!

[sleddogg]

I just purchased the Lithium Ion hammer drill/driver and sent in for the free impact driver from makita. Based on what I'm reading these days here and elsewhere about all impact drivers in general and how useful and "mighty" they are, I'm chomping at the bit (no pun intended) watching the mail for my impact driver. I already love the hammer drill/driver, used it to hang shelves in my basement shop on a concrete wall, like butta. By the way, are 1/4'' hex shaft accessories the only option or does someone make chucks adapters for these for normal drilling or atatching all in one drill, counterbore, pilot bits into them?

[Stormbringer]

I am actually currently looking around for an impact driver so this post is rather timely. I wasn't really looking at the Ryobi's due to the complaints I've heard about thier batteries but I might reconsider and check it out closer.

I have pretty much all the 18V Ryobi tools along with six batteries and have no complaints about the batt's. Their still hummin...besides, two for $35 can't be beat.

We all know how awsome the impact driver is with driving screws but I must also highly recommend the guide sleeve bit holder. Nothing worse that trying to drive a 3" screw into a plaster ceiling and having it wobble off the bit and fall to the floor

[jAngiel]

When I bought my Ryobi 18v ID the price on the shelf was $69 or something like that. I brought it up to the check out counter and asked them to scan it and it came up $29, so I bought it. Don't always trust the posted price at HD, ask someone to scan it before you make your decision.

[dlminehart]

I got one at the $29 price (it was only that price for a day or two, and not marked on the shelf. Got the info here, of course!). Works quite well, though 18V doesn't hold up as well as the $30 AC one I got on sale for $10 from HD. I just used the latter one to drill a bunch of 3/8" holes through 1/2" thick slate. Went almost as quickly as drilling through 1/2" plywood!

[TheRic]

I have the Ridgid 18V Impact Driver that I have mentioned on here several times that I love. I went with the Ridgid for for 1 very important reason, the "Limited Lifetime Warranty" which cover batteries!!!

I have had several other cordless drills. The batteries always dies (becames useless) way before the drill does. Have tried the freeze thing several times with not much luck.

At the cost of new batteries, it's alsmot cheaper (it is cheaper when they are on sale) to get all new batteries and drill. After 3 sets of these I said enough was enough. Paid a little extra and now I'm done for life.

[skruffy]

I have a DeWalt 12V impact driver and the thing kicks butt. I actually wasn't really looking for one, but the batteries on my 12V drill died and it was cheaper to buy the impact driver with 2 batteries reconditioned from Toolking than it was to just buy batteries. It puts out 1400 in-lbs. and from what I could find the Ryobi only does about 800. If you already have Ryobi 18V tools, and therefore batteries and a charger, the Ryobi is priced right. But if you don't, I highly recomend the DeWalt at the $99 I paid or even more.

[John Hunter]

After I posted I got to thinking, Ryobi was offering any tool up to a value of $99.00 for free with a purchase of one of there 18V tool sets. And thats how I got the impact driver. Like most of the sale offers by Ryobi, it might come around again. It is well worth the money John.

I agree it is sure worth it, I started out with the the tool set (drill, circular saw, sawsall, vac and flashlight) I recently added the Right Angle Drill. Now I am watching auctions on e-bay for the impact driver.

[John Hunter]

Mike,

Well I broke down and bought one on e-bay, should be here next week.

[bigstick509]

Congregation

Hope it gets there soon, you are going to love it John.

[John Hunter]

I have a project all set to use it on, I need an assembly table that will also have storage below. Will be drawing up the plans and picking up the material so when it arrives it goes right to work.