And unscrew and drill: top 5 powerful impact drivers

An American-made screwdriver is perfect for a home craftsman to perform simple work on chiselling and screwing screws. The main feature of the unit is the ability to drill fairly large holes in concrete at 13 mm with a torque of 45 Nm. Most models that can drill such a hole have a torque of 50 Nm or more, and a correspondingly higher price. In wood and metal, it drills 35 and 13 mm respectively. To work with materials of different densities, the model provides for adjusting the torque by 22 positions.

All mechanics are dressed in a durable plastic case with rubberized handles. The device withstands a fall from a height of 6 metres onto asphalt without visible damage, so you can not be afraid to accidentally drop the screwdriver. At the base of the handle is a bit holder, which is very convenient when you need to quickly change the nozzle. And under the cartridge there is an LED backlight for working in hard-to-reach places, for example, in cracks and gaps between skirting boards. The unit itself weighs only 1.4 kg, so they can work for a long time without much fatigue in the hands.

The keyless chuck is capable of working with bit shanks up to 13 mm. The battery here is average in capacity (2 Ah) — enough for an hour and a half of continuous operation. The good news is that it comes with an extra battery. Also the device is completed with a convenient case for transportation. This miracle costs about $150 — relatively inexpensive for a tool with such characteristics.

The Bosch GSB 180-LI 06019F8300 model is equipped with a 20-position clutch for adjusting the torque relative to the hardness of the working material, smoothly changing the force of rotation of the cartridge (not to be confused with rotation speed). The maximum torque of the tool is 54 Nm. The rotation speed is changed by pressing the start button. Some users really note that the start button is quite rigid, so it is difficult to adjust the speed in the process of screwing in the screw. Additionally, the speed of the cartridge can be adjusted with a two-position lever at 450 and 1700 rpm, respectively. The first speed is useful for driving screws up to 100 mm long, and the second speed is convenient for screwing in small self-tapping screws and drilling holes. Unfortunately, the device does not drill holes larger than 8 mm in concrete, so it will not be possible to screw in “thick” self-tapping screws.

The manufacturer has provided in the model the presence of quick access to carbon brushes, which is made in the form of a plastic cover at the base of the screwdriver. Thanks to it, the user will be able to quickly change the carbon brushes without having to go to a service centre. The unit is also equipped with a braking mechanism that blocks the rotation of the cartridge immediately after releasing the start button. Thus, you don't have to wait until the drill stops turning to put the screwdriver down. The case is made of durable plastic, and the handles are rubberized for a comfortable grip.

The screwdriver is equipped with two batteries at the same time, but their capacity is quite small — only 1.5 Ah. Also, they do not have a charge indicator, so it is difficult to control their discharge. I am glad that the manufacturer has provided for the option of replacing the battery with a more capacitive one (purchased separately). It is worth noting the fast charger, in which the battery is charged in less than an hour.

This Japanese model has a good power/hole diameter ratio. With its 42 Nm, the Makita HP457DWE drills as much as 13 mm in concrete and metal. Of course, the impact mode is inferior to rotary hammers, but a powerful impact drill is able to compete. For tightening / unscrewing the screws, the reverse is responsible, changing the position of rotation of the spindle. The keyless chuck allows you to install or remove the nozzle from the neck in a matter of seconds. Separately, it is worth noting the smooth adjustment of the rotational speed of the cartridge by pressing the start button. Additionally, you can set 400 or 1400 rpm with a 2-position lever located on the body.

On the body at the base of the handle there are holes for attaching a belt (not included). The belt is fixed on the shoulder or hung around the neck, which gives rest to the hands during long work, for example, when installing a false ceiling. Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not put a backlight on the screwdriver, so in dark, hard-to-reach places, you will have to highlight with a flashlight.

The screwdriver fits comfortably in the hand and does not slip thanks to the ergonomic rubberized handle. According to user reviews, the unit has a high-quality assembly and is able to last several years without significant repairs. The manufacturer itself gives a three-year warranty on the screwdriver. The kit comes with two batteries with a claimed capacity of 1.3 Ah. This is of course not much, but for short-term home work it is suitable.

The powerful AEG BSB 18CBL LI screwdriver has a torque of 60 Nm, which allows you to drill holes in masonry up to 14 mm in diameter. The increased number of revolutions at the second speed (2100 rpm) is intended for hard materials and for drilling with crowns (for wood). Torque can be adjusted in 24 positions. At the same time, the motor itself is brushless, which increases its service life, as well as reduces energy consumption. The model has a well-organized electronic engine protection: when overloaded, the engine stalls sharply, and does not “tear”, trying to drill through what it cannot. The device is intended for constant use in repairs and construction and installation works.

Given the weight of the device at 2.1 kg, which is a lot, the manufacturer has provided an additional handle for more convenient drilling. It can be installed on either side, depending on whether the person is left-handed or right-handed. As in many modern professional models, there is an illumination of the working body, which is useful when working in hard-to-reach places. To work with bits (hexagonal shanks), there is a special chuck, and drills are installed in a quick-clamping (with three cams). It is worth noting that both cartridges are quick-release (Fixtec system): just turn half a turn counterclockwise and remove (takes less than 2 seconds).

The screwdriver is equipped with two 4 Ah capacitive batteries. Pleased with the presence of an indication that shows the battery level. The body and handle are fully rubberized for ease of use. But there are no fasteners for a belt here, given that it is quite tiring to constantly carry a tool in your hands. Such a device costs a lot, but with constant use it will work in full.

This model is one of the most performant in the line of DeWALT impact drivers. Its truly heroic torque is 95 Nm, so it is comfortable to work with materials of almost any density. Of course, when driving self-tapping screws into wood or drywall, the torque must be limited using a coupling on the body, in order to avoid damage to the material. Also, unlike models of this class, there are not two, but three positions of the rotation speed of the cartridge at 450, 1300 and 2000 rpm. This will allow you to more accurately adjust the speed for a specific type of work. In a 10 cm thick pine board, a 10 mm drill makes a hole in 1.5 seconds, and a 22 mm flute drill in 2.8 seconds is really a huge speed for a screwdriver.

The instrument has an interesting illumination of the workplace. It has three brightness levels: 2.6 lumens, 18 and 60 lumens. The backlight shines at an angle of 30 degrees, so the beam clearly hits the drilling site. This model from DeWALT is equipped with a brushless motor that works on the patented XRP (“extreme power consumption”) system, which reduces energy consumption and, as a result, prolongs battery life. By the way, there are two 5 Ah batteries included in the kit.

The model is equipped with an all-metal wear-resistant keyless chuck. To prevent engine damage, the “hardware” has electronic protection that turns off the device in case of excessive overload. For greater convenience of working with a heavy tool of 2.13 kg, an additional handle is included in the kit. It is worth noting that the screwdriver is capable of drilling holes with crowns in wood up to 55 mm in diameter, which is often required in furniture production. Of course, you will have to pay a decent amount for a screwdriver, but after all, it is not intended for one-time work, but for constant operation in “harsh” repair conditions.