Tools
The Best
Impact
Drivers O
NE OF THE FIRST POWER
tools people buy is often a
cordless drill or driver, due
to its versatility. However, a
dedicated impact driver can
perform many of the same
functions, making jobs eas-
ier and saving you time by not having
to switch between drill bits and driver
bits. Impact drivers are ideal for build-
ing decks, screwing down plywood,
installing tile backer board—really any
task that requires efficiently installing
a lot of fasteners over and over again in
quick succession.To test and determine the best, we
gathered a range of models and used
each to drive and remove three-inch
deck and cabinet screws, 1.5-inch
truss-head screws, and 3⁄8-inch by
4.5-inch lag bolts into and from four-
by-six-inch pressure-treated lumber.
We also drove 3⁄8-inch self-tapping
screws into steel studs and removed
5⁄16-inch bolts (torqued up to 40 foot-
pounds) from steel stock. Factoring
in speed, noise, comfort, and value,
we landed on these, the impact driv-
ers that will best serve anyone looking
to add one to their toolbox.74 May/June 2020
10
// B Y B R A D F O R D //