Rockwell impact driver

[jon_ramp]

I have a deck building project coming up and want to purchase an impact driver. I currently only have a PC 14.4v drill/driver. The fact that that Rockwell has a lifetime battery warranty where you can send the battery in for replacement at a $7.00 return shipping and handling fee and 2yrs on the tool seems like a better option than purchasing another brand. Any opinions?

The next question is whether to go 12v or 18v. I rarely have large projects like the deck, most are small. I've lately wanted a small 12v impact driver or drill/driver to get into tight places. Many 18v impact drivers are considerably shorter than my old drill driver but they don't look like they can get into a confined space as well as most 12v systems. Am I going to wish I purchased an 18v impact driver when working on the deck or a larger project or can I get by on the smaller easier handling 12v tool? I've been told that a 12v impact driver is going to drive screws and small lag bolts with much better performance than my 14.4 drill/driver.

[tommyt654]

My experience with those types of drivers is they don't last long driving lag bolts. If you have a HF near you go buy the electric corded model they have on sale from time to time for $39. I have one and used it to build several decks and never blinked an eye. Its very similiar to the corded DeWalt in every aspect and works like it too. Trust me you will not regret it in the long run. Those smaller battery powered ones will work ok for small screws,bolts and such but aren't worth a nickel for anything with size or length to it IMO , http://www.harborfreight.com/12-elec...nch-68099.html

[cabinetman]

I have a PC 14.4 VSR drill/hammerdrill that works great. I also have a corded Makita 5/8" VSR drill/hammerdrill. I prefer those over using my straight impact wrench, for a project like that. The weight is close between the two, and for an all day use, I'd go with a corded one. The cordless does seem to have more low speed torque over the corded one.


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[LCHIEN]

I think you will definitely notice a great improvement driving lag screws and deck screws with the impact driver over the drill driver.

If you can get a battery replaced for $7 for lifetime that's a good deal, I wish I had that with my battery packs... with batteries its not if they'll go bad but when they'll go bad.

As for 12V vs 18V, I have a 12V B&D impact driver and a 19.2V Craftsman impact driver, and I am pretty much convinced that the 12V does as good a job driving 1/4" lag screws into treated pine as well as the 19.2V. I don't think raw power is the issue. More of a tradeoff between run time vs. size & Weight. Since the packs are generally made up of standard cells, a 19.2V pack will have 60% more work capacity in it but the 12V will weigh 60% less (just the battery part, though). If the battery weighs as much as the driver then a 60% less heavy battery translates into only 30% less overall weight.

[Knottscott]

The Rockwell is relatively unproven, but AFAIK, it still retails at prices not much different than several other very well proven drivers. It might be fine, but it's still a risk I wouldn't be willing to take unless it was pennies on dollar. There are many, many other good choices....PC, DW, Milwaukee, Bosch, Makita,, etc. Hitachi and Ridgid also offer lifetime battery warranties and are generally well regarded.