I'm considering getting an impact driver to help with some rusty old bolts on my vehicles, especially since I live in the rust belt. I've heard that the M18 model works well for this, but I'm still a bit confused about how it functions. Does it really work by turning just a little bit at a time but with lots of force behind it? Also, I've seen mentions of a 1/4" chuck, but I typically use 3/8" sockets. How would I use those with this type of tool? I'm also interested in buying used on Marketplace or Craigslist, but I want to make sure I pick the right model and battery. Just to clarify, I'm not a beginner with tools, but I'm new to battery-operated ones that are almost as powerful as air impact wrenches. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
1 Answer
Impact drivers and impact wrenches are actually pretty different! Impact drivers are designed more for driving screws, while impact wrenches are your go-to for loosening bolts. When you see '1/4" impact', they usually mean an impact driver that has a hex collet for screwdriver bits. You can use 1/4" hex to socket adapters to run sockets on an impact driver, but don’t expect the same power you’d get from an impact wrench. For working on cars, you'd definitely be better off with an impact wrench which typically has a 3/8" or 1/2" drive for direct socket attachment.
Thanks for clarifying! I meant to ask about the impact wrench specifically. Would the M18 Fuel models be able to break loose rusty bolts relatively easily?