It's safe to say that impact drivers have hit mainstream and are becoming a coveted power tool for many DIYers. Impact wrenches and drivers have been used by auto mechanics for years and many furniture makes and woodworkers swear by their effectiveness over a standard drill driver.
Impact drivers look very similar to drill drivers but instead of seeing a standard chuck that takes bits, an impact driver has a hex chuck that is made to fit sockets as well as screw bits. Impact drivers work best for driving screws and bolts. The "impact" action these tools produce creates more torque against the screw or bolt and can drive and unfreeze bolts much better.
Impact drivers also won't over turn a bolt or screw so you won't get stripped hardware that you may have when using a drill/driver. Because of the tremendous amount of torque that is instantly at your fingertips you can drive lag bolts in a split second.
The latest tool in the Craftsman NEXTEC line is the Right Angle Impact Driver. This is a fairly new category of cordless power tools and the Craftsman model is a definite stand out compared to some of the other multi-tool options.
Hits: Svelte handle, power
Misses: LED light only on when tool is powered, forward-reverse toggle loose
Uses: Right angle design allows you to get into tight spaces that standard drills won't
Power to burn
Right angle impact drivers are tools that we never thought we needed but now can't live without. They are great for working on automobiles because you can squeeze them into tight spaces and the low-profile handle is thin but feels durable.
This will definitely save your wrist and you can switch from driving screws to using as a ratchet very easily. It works with 1/4" quick connect and has a 1/2" adapter.
This impact driver is simple to use and changing bits is extremely easy. The battery indicator light is super bright and located at the back of the handle. The long trigger is also easy to use and at 12-volts the unit delivers 700 in./lbs of torque at 2100 rpm.
