I'm diving into the M12 tool line and looking at some combo kits that often include an impact driver. My main goal is to get a drill and possibly a multi-tool, but I'm questioning whether an impact driver is really worth it for my needs. Living in a condo, I mainly drill holes into drywall for anchors and occasionally into studs for shelves or TV mounts. I've managed fine without an impact so far, and I worry that I might over-torque screws with one. While I've heard great things about the Surge and Gen 3 impact drivers, I'm not sure if they're necessary for what I typically do. Should I just stick to the drill, or would it be smarter to invest in an impact driver as well?
3 Answers
I get the appeal of having an impact driver, but I've found that I actually reach for my M12 screwdriver for most home tasks. It has a torque selector, which is great for preventing over-tightening—perfect for your use case. Plus, always having a drill handy is a big plus. If you ever find yourself needing more power, you can always grab an impact driver later on.
Yeah, a drill with a clutch will give you way more control than an impact.
Honestly, a good installation drill/driver would be perfect for your needs. It's got plenty of power for drywall and anchors, plus it's super ergonomic, which makes a big difference when you're using it a lot. It especially shines when you're assembling furniture as well! Plus, you'll get more control compared to an impact driver; I really think it's the way to go for your typical tasks.
Totally agree, an installation driver kit fits perfectly with what you described!
For sure, the installation driver is great for what you want to do. If you check Home Depot, they often have solid deals!
While an impact driver is handy, a regular drill/driver would serve you just fine for lighter tasks like installing drywall anchors or mounting shelves. I’ve been in the building trade for years, and we managed perfectly well without cordless impacts back before they even existed. If you're doing mostly light work, a drill will get the job done without the risk of over-torquing.
That's true! I mean, did we even call them all Makitas back then?
Exactly! I think most people genuinely overestimate how much torque they need for home tasks.