Compact Drivers - Litheon

artinall

Been shopping for a compact drill/screwdriver lately. What I need is a driver that can handle screws into wood as well as a delicate clutch adjust for setting fixtures.

Bosch Litheon 10.8v Pocket driver which is around $120 at Home Depot.
- called Bosch today and they say this device is okay for driving wood screws (documentation says 'Drives 100 3-inch screws per battery charge' )
- yet, having oly 80 lbs torque, their tech told me it doesn't really matter since it is Litheon powered. That 'Litheon' actually gives the drill more power. Is this right?

Don't know if I can settle with the hex head chuck systems.
Do I need more torque like a 12v Bosch compact drill at $119 (280 lbs)?

Is Lithium that much better in terms of times between charges/energy provided?

Until I make up my mind -- I picked up a Ryobi cord drill with an adjustable clutch. Nice, since it is the only cord drill with at least this.

Recommendations? I'll use it sometimes occasionally, sometimes everyday.

dougchips

I own both Bosch models, the newer one has almost completely replaced my use of full size drills. The speed on the cheaper one (older model) sort of sucks.....slow....very slow. The impact one is quick if you can put up with the sound.

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artinall

dougchips,

Is the Bosch Litheon 10.8v Pocket driver enough to drive wood screws even though its only 80 lbs torque?
Or do you mean the 10.8 v Impactor ( no clutch) which has 800 lbs of torque?

dougchips

The pocket driver can drive 10" timber screws (landscape timber screws). It might take a minute but it works. I have used it a bunch for 3" wood screws without any issue.

The impactor is a monster....it will drive anything! I use one to hang doors and windows a couple days a week. I have 4 Dewalt drills that collect dust, they are not used unless I am boring a hole for a lock (2 1/8").

The funny thing is after working with them for the last few months it almost hurts my wrist to use a heavy Dewalt drill.

Note; If the people from Bosch are reading this, I need a holster for my pocket driver, it did not come with one unlike the impactor. Since I have provided good reviews on 3 threads on this site alone a few drill bits might be nice. Oh, my Bosch planer blades are dull, I could also use a few spare ones.

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Dustball

I have the pocket driver and yes it can drive 3" screws but nowhere close to 100 on one charge. I'd say less than a dozen. It's great to have for the smaller screws as the clutch is much more sensitive than the larger drills.

valleyman

I have the PS40 Impactor and like it very much. I use it for cabinet installation. But if your job calls for driving 3" screws I wouldn't use the little Impactor for this. The PS40 is noticably slower in drilling pilot holes through styles and driving the mounting screws than my Craftsman 19.2 impact driver. I prefer it in spite of this because it can fit in small spaces and is very comfortable in the hip holster.

Double-A

I own the I-Driver, the 10.8V that has the pivoting head. I really like it. Its powerful and the batteries charge quickly. I get good run time from them.

Please note, that the spec is 80 inch pounds of torque for both the I-Driver and the Pocket Driver, not foot pounds. The Bosch Impactor will develop 800 inch pounds of torque, max.

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MrRSBMHandyman

I have used a few cordless drivers, and never liked any untill I bought my panisonic EY7201 impact driver. It is verible speed and spins like any other driver untill it gets in a bined, then it goes into the impact mode. It puts out 1026 inch pounds of tork and will twist the head off a 3/8 lag bolt, yet will put cabinet hinges on all day long. I bought it to build fences and deck and love it. It has a 1/4 quick connect chuck, which for me isnt a problem because I have a full set of drill bits,screw driver tips, and nut drivers. You can buy cordless tools with up to 24 volts, and thay will give you lost of power, but battery life sucks. Mine is only 12 volt, But came with a 3.5 amp batterys that will drive 3.5 inch deck screws for 5 hours on a 30 minute charge.
How that relates for me is One battery before lunch, and one battery after lunch. After using it for 2.5 years it still works like a champ.

DrewD

Litheon doesn't mean more torque just more charges a longer run time.

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buildenterprise

I'm looking at getting a Bosch Impactor, but which one? They come 9.6, 10.8, 12 and 18 volts! I'm looking for something more lightweight than my monster 24 volt Ridgid drill.

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randomkiller

I have the 10.8 volt impactor and for the size it is the best driver I have ever used. With a small bit kit of drills and drivers it handles just about anything. I have found in the last few weeks that the batteries can't stay out in the truck overnight in the cold. I bring them inside for the night. They will not work cold, bottom line. The best thing for me is it fits in the pocket of my apron. Worth the money. You will still need a large drill for augers, step bits, and hole saws.

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Magnettica

I have the 10.8 Bosch drill/ driver and use it for installing receptacles and switches. You know, mostly light-duty type stuff. I haven't noticed any difference in the time between charges when compared to the 18v DeWalt.

I also own the new 18volt Litheon battery Makita drill/ driver and baby it is fantastic! Light as a feather and every bit as powerful as the traditional 18 volt cordless drills. I've only used it for a week and have already dropped from an 8' ladder, so we'll see how long it lasts. But so far I am 100% satisfied.

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silvertree

Been using the Makita impact drill/driver for 3 years, great tool and until it breaks I see no reason to get or consider another brand. The only problem I have had is the heating guy, electricians and plumber don't want to give it back if they borrow it for a while.

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Magnettica

^^

Damn electricians!

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silvertree

We love our electricians around here, we just get tired of them leaving their Panasonic drills on the countertops and grabbing the Makitas.

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Double-A

Never trust a smiling electrician.


One thing I have noted on some other sites about the Bosch is the complaints about loss of power in cold temperatures until the batteries warm up. This issue is with the Lithions only. NiCads seem fine. Offered solution was to warm the batteries up and keep them warm by placing in pocket.

I don't reccomend that, especially if you're the type that keeps nails, screws and other metal objects in your pocket.

It hasn't been cold enough for this to be an issue for me yet.

__________________
"My clients’ wishes are the center of my attention." -- David Guido, a contractor in Woodstock, N.Y.
New York Times, July 20, 2006

Jason Janczak

I sat in Home Depot for an hour debating in my own head wether to go with the regular Bosch 10.8 small driver or spend the extra $70 and get the Impactor version of the same driver. Man am I glad I went with the Impactor!!!! Aside from the noise, this little thing out performs my 18v Dewalt! This little thing extremely small and unbelievably powerful. I can't see why I should carry my big bulky Dewalt anymore.

I hope this helps. Jason