Hi all.

This is a good source of information and reviews on drill drivers, impact drivers.... Do check it out.

http://www.cordless-drill-reviews.com/index.html

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Added on April 21, 2012, 12:19 pmHow is makita's warranty like?

AFAIK only motor unit are warranted, all other parts like switch, battery charger, charger, casing, chuck all dont have any warrantee at all.

This post has been edited by jumpstat: Apr 21 2012, 12:19 PM

Saw somewhere that Dewalt came out with an acessory that serves like a clutch but in a bit form for impact drivers. This tool can save bits from breaking. So by using this accessory the impact driver behaves like a drill driver with clutch. The only thing is that its not a variable clutch.

My last project (UPSI Tg Malim) I had the oppurtunity to tryout the latest cordless tools offered and finally opted for Dewalt. We bought 2 sets of the combo pack consisted of the impact and drill driver. What I have noticed is that, the impact driver fare very well in installing roofing deck, hoardings, drywalls and plaster ceiling. Feedback from my workers also they prefer the impact to the drill driver as it is smaller, and less stress to the hands and can be used all day long.
The only concern was bits. By using impacts, the bits dont last that long. Also the quality of the screws used is also important. Chewed screw heads is already a headach but a broken screw due to shear is worst and happens alot when using impact drivers. Probably its more workers error than anythng else but this type of issues do crop up.
Nonetheless, for drivng self taping screws into metal decks or into treated wood, impacts are far superior.

Wah with brushless technology, the drivers are getting more compact.

Makita products are very good, still have one of their corded jigsaws, still going strong at 18years plus....

Jeffreylam,

I am about to get an impact drill, was wondering what makita has to offer, at what price and where to purchase?
Let me know ya....

Jeffreylam,
I am just a hobbyist whereby my tools are used mainly limited to home furniture, equipment and RC stuff. So a compact cordless with adequate battery power would be more appropriate. Currently I have the Dewalt DCD710, and I dont need any more power as 12v range can fulfill are my requiremnts. With all the comments that i have read with regards to impact drivers, I think this tools would greatly compliment the drill driver. My last project was actually making some outdoor garden benches, it was a hassle to change bits on the drill driver, as i drill pilot holes before fastening works.
Furthermore I was thinking it woukd be logical and more appropriate if just stick to a brand as I can then share its common accessories.
However, Dewalt stuff don't come cheap, that is why I am also looking at other brands for comparison etc.

Couldn't stand it anymore...

Bought myself a Dewalt Impact Driver DCF815s2 keeping it in line with the Dewalt line...

Update: The impact driver really compliment the drill/driver. I just finished a portion of my bench project in a couple of hours which i might take more time without this impact driver. Its very easy to use, and slipping is non existance while driving in self tapping screws. Since the switch has variable speed, it is also easy to control the depth of penetration. Thre is no backlash so ni need to put so much effort when driving, except taking care of the alignment of the ttol with the screw driven.
My drill driver is on duty for drilling works (pilot holes) as it holds drilling bits much better than the impact driver. So these two work hand in hand, with much better output and productivity.

My advise for those thinking of getting these tools, go for it, netter still get the combo deal as it is cheaper when bought individually.

This post has been edited by jumpstat: Jun 9 2012, 09:22 AM

Probably its just my habit, but with pilot holes, I can be sure that my screw goes in at the correct angle that I want it to go. Without pilot holes, one needs to be extra careful at the start of the screwing stage, it is easier with softwood, but with hardwood, i prefer to drill a pilot hole.

Yep, the variable speed switch is a real welcome, this impact tool is a doddle to use, even women can use it as it has very minimal backlash, its just point and screw. And also the Dewalt DCF815s2 has 3 leds which is far superior than a single led, minimum shadows.

Any recommendation where I can get 1/4 inch hex bits?, i am in Ampang..

The only thing I would complain about impact drivers is the noise it generates. It is so loud that it took me by surprise when i was using it for the first time.

It is quite astounding that a small cordless tool can make such a racket.

I am surprised that there is no issues with damaged screw heads but now, the bits are having issues.. got to get some impact bits...

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Added on July 11, 2012, 1:00 pmJust wanted to share ....

I tested a Dewalt DCF815 12v Max Impact on fresh 1.3Ah battery using 7/8" spade bit on 2" thick treated hardwood Chengal and I manage to get a total of 12 holes. Considering that the Chengal is hardwood, I am quite impressed with the performance.

I also tested the same test with a drill driver namely Dewalt DCD710 and the results were average 8 holes.

What I concluded was:-
a) Drill driver bores faster than an impact but requires extra effort to guide the driver. Impact driver is much easier for the operator.
b) Battery drain is more taxing on the drill driver. For impact, the gear box is hotter than the motor. Meaning for impact, the impact mechanism and the gear box is working the most.
c) Both Dewalt tools have excellent variable switch that users can control the tool easier during operation. With practise, using the impact is easy peasy.
d) A good ear protection is warranted if one requires to use the impact for long periods of time as the noise it emits is deafening.
e) When using drill driver, as the battery drain is much greater than impact, one needs to ensure battery temp that with continuous usage of tool.

This post has been edited by jumpstat: Jul 11 2012, 01:00 PM