Impact Driver Buying Guide

An Introduction to Impact Drivers

Impact drivers are really useful tools to get familiar with if you like to DIY. When you need to drive multiple fasteners into materials quickly and efficiently, there’s no better tool.

Rather than pre-drilling a hole, an impact driver will automatically do the fastening. Less time spent, less preparation, and less faff.

Below is our guide to impact drivers, including when you need them, which you need, and what to look for.

You can purchase them, but as it is something you will likely rarely require, hiring a top-quality model could be more beneficial. You can hire impact drivers from Speedy Hire online, on the app, and in our depots.

HIRE IMPACT DRIVERS FROM SPEEDY

When using an impact driver, always wear the appropriate PPE. Eye protection, gloves, and a mask are all required when using drivers, and can all be purchased from Speedy alongside your hire products.

What is an impact driver?

An impact driver is a power tool designed for driving fasteners, such as screws, nuts, and bolts, into solid materials, particularly wood. They can also loosen screws if required.

They have a 1/4" hex collet that accepts 1/4" hex shank bits, acting almost like a powerful screwdriver. They combine the rotational force of an ordinary drill with the impact of a hammer drill.

Unlike a drill, it cannot usually drill holes into materials. Drills are primarily designed to bore holes which screws can be driven into. A driver cuts the need for this.

Because they use higher torque levels than combi drills, impact drivers are great for driving long, wide, or large screws without much preparation. This improves the time spent fixing the fasteners, making for a more efficient solution for large-scale projects.

When should I use an impact driver?

An impact driver is great for time-consuming projects where a lot of fixing is required, and you want to save time. They’re best suited to fixing long screws and bolts.

You may be fitting decking or building a pergola in your back garden. While a nail gun can offer really quick fixing, using screws can be more substantial. Therefore, using an impact driver to drive in long screws is a better idea.

When should I not use an impact driver?

Impact drivers should not be used if drilling into brick or concrete. Use a hammer drill instead and drill a hole which a wall plug will go into, before using the screw.

Impact drivers aren’t great if you need precise, neat work, either. Their force is their main selling point. So, again drill a hole and use a wall plug if you are concerned about placement.

There is no point in using one if working with short screws, or if you are driving fasteners into a soft material.

What is the difference between an impact driver and an impact wrench?

Impact drivers and impact wrenches should not be confused. The impact wrench has a square drive to which you can attach sockets, to tighten and loosen bolts.

Impact drivers, on the other hand, are designed to drive long screws and bolts into materials such as wood.

Which impact driver should I buy?

If you’re a DIYer, you probably rarely need to use an impact driver, or at the very least need to use it in bursts if renovating. They’re mostly project-based, so you could go months without needing one.

So, hiring one could be a better solution.

This way, you get access to the best impact drivers around, which are of professional standards, for less upfront cost, with no need to store or sell them.

If you do want to purchase an impact driver, something like the Milwaukee M12 Driver would be ideal. It is battery-powered and offers one-handed bit changes for ease.

IMPACT DRIVER TOOL HIRE FROM SPEEDY

You can hire impact drivers from Speedy Hire, the UK’s number one tool hire destination. Whenever you need a power tool, we have the right ones available.

Speedy has more than 200 local service centres across the nation, hire counters in selected B&Qs and nationwide 4-hour delivery. It has never been easier to hire the tools and equipment you need.

You’ll find all the tools you need right here. Why not open a Speedy account today online or visit us in your local depot to start hiring today?