Tool rave!

[Donn]

I don't remember who recommended the Ryobi 18V Impact Driver, but I got one today, and it's wonderful.

It's about 5" shorter than my Ryobi drill, from butt to the tip of the bit (with aftermarket quick-change chuck on the drill). It feels like half the weight, and it outperforms the drill for driving and removing screws, hands down.

The hammer only functions when it's needed, so when removing, it automatically switches to plain old revolving, with no hammer action.

It has a white LED right under the built-in quick change chuck, which lights the work perfectly when you pull the trigger.

About the only things missing are the magnetic screw holder in the base, and the level and bubble, but since I won't use it much for drilling, that's ok. The magnet is handy, though.

So, thanks for the recommendation, whoever that was. If it holds up as well as the drill and 5 1/2" circular saw have, it's going to be a very useful tool.

I wonder if they make 1/4" quick connect wire wheels and grinding stones.

[George Ray]

I have a Makita 12V impact and it is one of my most used tools. I keep an assortment of deck and drywall screws of various lengths and can throw together a jig or a brace or any number of things that can be taken apart later, or not. It will shoot a 3 1/2 deck screw into and through a wet treated pine 4x4 without breathing hard. Dry/hard yellow pie without wax or soap on the threads and it chugs a little bit and still does the job.

[Ron Williamson]

I used the Bosch.
It works well, but the noise grates on me,especially when working something big and hollow and close to my ear,like a cabinet for instance.
R