Sawdust on the Floor

I find myself facing a real conundrum.  I recently have decided that I want to add a cordless impact driver to my tool collection.  The cordless impact drivers develop far more torque then even the best cordless drill or screw gun. These tools are ideal when driving lag screws, or fasteners into concrete.  I had an opportunity to work with one recently at my 9-5 job, and came away really impressed with not only with the incredible amounts of torque they develop, but with their reduced size. 

So you maybe asking, if I am so impressed why the confusion?  Well…… it goes something like this.  I already have a substantial investment in one particular brand of cordless 18 volt tools. And while I was at one of the big DIY stores that carries that particular brand, I saw that they offered a combination kit that included an 18 volt impact driver, along with a cordless drill, battery and charger. While the battery included was not a Lithium Ion battery, both tools would except a Lithium Ion battery, which I also happen to already own. And to sweeten the deal, the price was just over the $150 price point. 

Seems like an easy decision, until I happen to come across  a display for the Makita selection of cordless tools.  There I found a fantastic little tool, the Makita BTD 1. 42HW  18 volt Impact Driver This tool is powered by a lithium battery which will totally recharge in 15 minutes time, which is a vast improvement over the cordless tools I already own. This tool also features a built in LED light for work in confined spaces, or for those of us that need a little extra light. Yeah, I’m getting old.   But the most interesting feature for me is the size of the Makita Impact Driver. This cordless impact driver like many of the other recently introduced cordless tools is much smaller in size, which translates to less hand and arm fatigue when used for a prolonged period. The battery is even easy to change out.

So I am trying to decide which option makes the most sense, the first option which would add another tool to my existing system or the second one where I purchase a tool that not only is more powerful, easier to use, recharges faster….., Hey wait I guess it’s not that hard of a decision after all.  Product loyalty is important, but so is getting the best tool for the money.  Gee, I wonder if I could just add this to my Christmas wish list?

Related posts:

1. Woodworking Tools – Porter-Cable PCL180DK-2 18-Volt Cordless Lithium Drill/Driver Kit
2. Lithium Ion Battery Powered Woodworking Tools
3. Household Tool Boxes – An Upgrade
4. The Forgotten Woodworker