Tech Tip: How Do Impact Drivers “Melt Screws In”?
Until you try one, you simply won’t believe how effortlessly an Impact Driver drives screws. Unlike Driver/Drills that simply rotate the drill or driver bit, Impact Drivers apply a series of high-speed rotary hammer blows to the driver bit, just like the impact wrench the tire guy uses to install lug nuts. That rotary force minimizes the axial force (pushing) required to keep the driver bit in the recess, so screws seem to just “melt” right in!
Power Driver Comparison Test:
Batteries were fully charged for the test tools. Each tool then drove our No-Co-Rode #8 x 3” deck screws continuously until unable to fully sink the screw in a “fresh from the lumber yard” pressure-treated (Copper Azole process) pine test block.
| Model |
Type |
Battery |
Weight |
# Screws Driven |
| Makita LXT BTD140 |
Impact |
18v - 3Ah |
3.3 lbs |
249 |
| Makita 6980FDWDE |
Impact |
12v - 2.6Ah |
3.5 lbs |
212 |
| Makita 6217D |
Driver/Drill |
12v - 2.6Ah |
4.2 lbs |
166 |
| Makita 6935FDWDE |
Impact |
14.4v - 2.6Ah |
3.7 lbs |
247 |
| Makita 6337D |
Driver/Drill |
14.4v - 2.6Ah |
4.4 lbs |
205 |
| DeWalt DC983KA |
Driver/Drill |
14.4v - XRP |
5.7 lbs |
132 |