What differences and similarities exist between the impact and electric screwdriver?
Until very recently, I was one of those who thought that the difference was minimal. However, when you compare both tools, you can see without a doubt the enormous difference that exists in the behavior of one and the other.
For this reason, Today we are going to see theoretically and, above all, practically, the difference between the impact driver, also called an impact wrench, compared to other apparently similar tools such as the 18V battery-powered screwdriver, the electric drill, and the electric hammer. .
For the tests we have used the Ryobi 18V cordless impact driver.
Impact Driver Operation
The first thing we have to know is what the impact driver is for and how it works.
We will start by saying that it is a tool specifically designed for screwdriving. Which, from the outset, is already a point in its favor.
Well, the big difference between the impact driver, with the drill and the electric driver, lies mainly in what is called the tangential blow.
Trying to explain it as simply as possible, we could say that the tangential blow is the one made perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
This slam move accomplishes two things:
On the one hand, greater screwing power.
And on the other hand, by not having torsion force, it makes it possible to handle it with one hand.
Quite the opposite occurs in the case of the electric drill and screwdriver. The latter, when they reach their limit, blocking the axis, tend to rotate the entire body of the tool, making a sudden movement impossible to control with one hand.
All this makes the impact driver ideal when handling screws of large diameters and lengths, as well as screwing and unscrewing in very hard materials.
Practical comparison between these four tools
Okay, with that said, let’s demonstrate the power of the impact drill.
Before explaining the tests we have carried out and how we have developed them, I leave you a video in which you will be able to appreciate, without a doubt, the enormous difference.
For the tests carried out, we have used hexagonal head screws 10 cm long and 7 mm in diameter, screwing them into solid sapely wood.
Electric drill
First of all we will try the 550 W electric drill. A priori, the weakest of the four tools.
Indeed, it has given little play, taking into account the dimensions of the screw and the hardness of the wood.
Electric hammer
Then it is the turn of the electric hammer with 1010 W of power.
In this case, it is halfway there.
18V drill driver
Then with the 18V cordless drill driver.
Here I have had a pleasant surprise. Even though it has 18V power, more than enough for battery-powered tools, I’m not expecting such efficient performance. However, he has not been able to sink the screw completely. Also, as expected, the ultimate kick he throws makes it impossible to handle with one hand.
18V impact driver
And finally we come to the Ryobi 18V Cordless Impact Driver.
As you have seen in the video, the batteries are interchangeable between all the power tools of this brand.
Amazing. Super powerful and with total control and ease of handling.
We have also tried two 12 cm long lag screws, and it has completely buried them as well.
On the other hand, we have also tried to operate the tool with one hand, and it has gone smooth as silk.
Truly the power it has, is indisputable.
The truth is that the use of the impact wrench is much more widespread in the professional field than in the DIY field. But honestly, when you try it you can’t do without it. I believe in it.
More information about the impact driver
Both the impact driver, as well as its batteries and charger, can be purchased at hardware stores, large specialized stores, on online DIY pages. However, there is another more comfortable and faster option. The Amazon Marketplace.
Whether you want to make the purchase, or if you just want to take a look at its characteristics, I leave you the links below.
.
