Choosing a Bosch impact driver for screw driving

[geojay]

I do a moderate amount of DIY, have a single Bosch 19v drill and find myself spending a lot of time changing between drill bits and screw driving bits. From other threads on here, I can see that an impact drive is a great tool for screw driving so I'm going to get myself an 18v Bosch impact driver. I can see that they have a choice of three at https://www.bosch-diy.com/gb/en/power-tools/drills-and-screw-drivers/impact-drivers-impact-wrenches but am not sure how to choose between them. I can see that the 'tool holder' is one of the differences, which type am I likely to need? I can see that the torque also varies, is that going to be very important for my purposes?

Thanks in anticipation...

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

The middle one will work with both 1/2" sockets and normal screwdriver impact bits by using the adapter so unless you do a bit of car maintenance I wouldn't bother with that one. Then that leaves the other two and the more expensive one has more torque, for the sake of £15 I would get that one.

 

[mrrusty]

The middle one will work with both 1/2" sockets and normal screwdriver impact bits by using the adapter so unless you do a bit of car maintenance

No, go for the one with the 1/2" drive as well. Many specialist screws use torx heads, and many torx bits, for strength, use 1/2" drives. e.g. https://www.screwfix.com/p/spax-tx-...ated-timber-screws-6mm-x-180mm-100-pack/856cf You can get torx bits that fit normal hex drives, but they can be a bit weedy.

If you intend to do DIY for many years, you are probably better biting the bullet and buying in to the pro kit e.g. https://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-gd...brushless-cordless-impact-driver-wrench/674cy You'll have forgotten the price a very long time before you wear it out. Once you have a decent set of pro batteries, you can then just buy bare tools from then on.

 

[HayMaker]

I've got one with a 1/2 inch drive and it's handy but too aggressive for anything other than large wood screws. it's an impact wrench at heart. the one with the hex holder will probably be better for screws as the percussive action is more gentle. at least that's the case with the DeWalt ones

 

[mrrusty]

I've got one with a 1/2 inch drive and it's handy but too aggressive for anything other than large wood screws. it's an impact wrench at heart. the one with the hex holder will probably be better for screws as the percussive action is more gentle. at least that's the case with the DeWalt ones

Most (all?) impact drivers designed for construction rather than mechanics, with a 1/2" drive can also take the 1/4" hex as well. On the bosch pro linked to the torque is adjustable from gentle to fierce. The 1/4" bits get put up the middle of the 1/2" hex and are released by the red collar, the 1/2" bits go straight over the drive end. That's why it is good to go with pro kit. Mine gets used for everything from little 15mm screws in doors to driving 120mm coach screws in to hard timber. All I can say, is buy the best you can afford...

Looking a bit deeper mine is an earlier model of this https://www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/products/gdx-18v-210-c-06019J0200 with 3 levels of torque adjustment

 

[foxhole]

Maybe get yourself a flip bit for woodworking.

KWB Bit Holder Quick Flip 1-4 Zb

Order the KWB Bit Holder Quick Flip 1-4 Zb at Toolsidee. In stock! delivery 1-2 working days. Toolsidee: For all your professional tools.

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