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Bosch’s Max is no exception, as it’s become our go-to tool for random tasks that pop up.
Ice driver review drivers#
We’ve found 12-volt, compact impact drivers to be super handy and useful. But might struggle with challenging tasks.We pressed a button, just above the trigger, to open the chuck and accept or release a bit. The one-handed chuck on the Flex was unlike any other models we tested.
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When we drove lag bolts into treated landscaping lumber, we easily drove the heads, cupping the washers we used, deep into the wood. And with its two batteries, we had plenty of juice to finish most jobs. The self-tapping modes proved their worth when we drove screws into metal studs, as we were able to easily start the screws and prevent over-driving them and stripping them out. There are three speeds and two self-tapping screw modes-one for small fasteners, another for large ones. We’ve come to appreciate impact tools with special drive modes, and this one comes with five. As such, its Quick Eject Hex comes equipped with advanced features that make it a versatile performer. Power: 24-volt | Motor: Brushless | RPM: 4,000 | IPM: 4,450 | Torque: 2,500 in.-lb | Kit includes: Impact driver, 5-Ah battery, 2.5-Ah battery, charger, hard case | Warranty: 5-year end-to-endĪ relative newcomer to the cordless-tool arena, Flex has aimed high with tools designed for contractors and building trade professionals. ―BEST ONE-HANDED CHUCK― Flex Quick Eject Hex The Atomic has three LEDs oriented around the chuck, which illuminate the work area very well, leaving no shadows. And tight, dark places bring us to one of our favorite features (noted on other DeWalt drivers we’ve tested, too): lighting. This means you’ll be able to reach into tighter places than with other models. We measured the length of the compact tool’s head at 4 inches, which is super short-even compared to smaller 12-volt drivers.
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As with other models we tested, long lag bolts took the most work, but we were able to drive them in steadily without drama using the DeWalt. Long deck and cabinet screws drove equally well, as well as self-tapping screws in metal studs.
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Nothing we drove during testing fazed the Atomic much. However, the lower speed does work well for starting screws-especially self-tapping fasteners. As far as we could tell during testing, it isn’t, and the specs don’t mention anything about it. Alongside the lowest speed setting (1,000 RPM) is a screw icon that suggests a screw-driving mode. The 20-volt Atomic is a solid, contractor-quality tool with three driving speeds.
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Power: 20-volt | Motor: Brushless | RPM: 3,250 | IPM: 3,800 | Torque: 1,825 in.-lb | Kit includes: Impact driver, 5-Ah battery, charger, soft carrying/storage case | Warranty: 3-year limited, 1-year free service The quick-release chuck seemed a little awkward at first, and we found that it works better on some bits than others. The tool has a compact head, measuring 5.5 inches from front to back, which helped reaching fasteners in tight areas. We found the variable-speed trigger allowed us to easily manage RPMs from zero to 2,900 at up to 3,800 IPM. With its 18 volts and 1,700 inch-pounds of torque, we were able to drive long fasteners and lag bolts, even without pilot holes. This relatively basic driver will accomplish most tasks you’ll encounter around the house. Having both the drill and driver is handy and saves you from having to switch bits back and forth on jobs that require both. The One+ comes as part of an affordable drill-driver kit. Power: 18-volt | Motor: Brushed | RPM: 2,900 | IPM: 3,800 | Torque: 1,700 in.-lb | Kit includes: Impact driver, drill/driver, two 1.5-Ah batteries, charger, soft case | Warranty: Limited, 3-year While the tool head is slightly on the larger size, making it feel slightly clunky in tight spaces, the Cobalt XTR is a solid impact driver for the money. We appreciated the battery level indicator, a feature usually reserved for more expensive models.
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When we drove the lag bolts, we found it to be competent, straining appropriately for the task. We handily drove all our longer deck screws with the XTR, as well as shorter, self-tapping screws. The XTR has three selectable speed modes to tailor driving for the fastener and material you’re working with. During our test we noted that assist mode slowed RPMs to help get screws started, while preventing the fasteners from over-tightening as they seated. Kobalt’s XTR Max offers an advanced, assist driving mode for what we consider to be a reasonably priced tool.
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