Impact driver or Driver drill...

[pslamp32]

So I'm in the market for a new Lithium Ion drill. I've been scoping out the new Bosch and Hitatchi Impact drivers and they look amazing. The reviews especially for the Hitachi is off the charts. I already have the Bosch 10.8V LI driver and a decent Ryobi 18V ni-cad drill. The Ryobi still works fine I just 'need' an upgrade. :gar-Bi. Should i go with an impact driver that is amazing for driving but somewhat limited for drilling and just use the Ryobi for that task or should I get a LI driver drill that doesn't drive as well but can drill better than my old Ryobi? I can't do both right now since I'm still saving for the bandsaw upgrade. Seems driving is 80% of what I do, really only drill countersinks for driving screws. I have heard the impact drivers can actually do a serviceable job drilling with the right bits. Hope that wasn't too confusing. What would you do! Thanks!

 

[McRabbet]

Peter, I make a 14.4 V Makita drill driver and it is a marvelous tool for driving screws into decking and for some drilling operations -- using spade bits with the same hex quick release as the Phillips driver bits. I have a decent set of Irwin spade bits and it just churns through wood in a hearbeat. It also works well on masonary bits (again, you must get the hex ended ones that are designed for these chucks). HTH YMMV

 

[jerrye]

Given your guidelines, impact driver. I have the Ryobi 18v, and it is BY FAR my most used tool. Rob is right; get the 1/4" hex shank bits & don't look back!

 

[TBone]

If only buying one, definitely go with the impact driver, you'll never drive a screw with a drill again. Personal preferance was the Makita 14.4 drill and driver combo. Best of both worlds. Haven't found a screw it couldn't drive without so much as a blink.

 

[Ray Martin]

Peter,

I have the Makita impact driver and love it. I use to build decks and stairs.

Ray

 

[alleng]

impact is the way to go

 

[toolferone]

I have 3 impact drivers and they are the cats meow! I use them more then anything. The L/ion is the way to go if you can. The weight savings is really amazing!

 

[pslamp32]

Thanks guys, that's what I thought!

 

[PurpleThumb]

So I'm in the market for a new Lithium Ion drill. I've been scoping out the new Bosch and Hitatchi Impact drivers and they look amazing. The reviews especially for the Hitachi is off the charts. I already have the Bosch 10.8V LI driver and a decent Ryobi 18V ni-cad drill. The Ryobi still works fine I just 'need' an upgrade. :gar-Bi. Should i go with an impact driver that is amazing for driving but somewhat limited for drilling and just use the Ryobi for that task or should I get a LI driver drill that doesn't drive as well but can drill better than my old Ryobi? I can't do both right now since I'm still saving for the bandsaw upgrade. Seems driving is 80% of what I do, really only drill countersinks for driving screws. I have heard the impact drivers can actually do a serviceable job drilling with the right bits. Hope that wasn't too confusing. What would you do! Thanks!

I upgraded my Ryobi by buying a Ryobi lithium battery which works extremely well. It added almost twice the battery life and was reasonably priced. I have a Delta, Dewalt, Porter Cable and Ryobi drill and I always reach for the Ryobi first.