A Brief History Of The Cordless Impact Driver
A Brief History Of The Cordless Impact Driver
A common tool that nearly all tradespeople and DIYers now own, the cordless impact driver provides a fast, convenient and easy way to ‘drive-in’ screws, fasteners and bolts. But how did the impact driver come about?
In this Wonkee Donkee article, we look at the evolution of the impact driver that we all know and love today.
The Screwdriver
If we go back to basics, then the first official widely-available tool that resembles the modern-day impact driver is the humble screwdriver. Used by placing the head of the screwdriver in the head of the screw and turning. This required force from the operator to screw-in or screw out. A time-consuming and potentially tiring task if repeated over and over, the screwdriver is still widely used today, but for more simple tasks.
The Powered Screwdriver
As with most evolutions within the tool industry, a power source was added to the screwdriver in order to make the task simpler and reduce the amount of time and physical effort required to get the job done. Typically using electricity, the early models were corded and needed to be plugged in for use, with later models becoming cordless, providing much more flexibility and the opportunity to use it in tight or hard to reach places.
Still a favourite in the trade and for the do-it-yourself enthusiasts, modern powered screwdrivers have many gadgets and features to make the task of screwing or unscrewing quick and easy. Where the powered screwdriver differs from the impact driver is the level of force it puts out when in use. This makes powered screwdrivers much more suited to smaller tasks with smaller screws, where the extra force is not required.
The Impact Driver
A miracle tool for anyone who regularly needs to install long screws, fasteners and bolts, the impact driver should be part of the arsenal of any tradesperson and serious DIYer. Available to be purchased as a stand-alone impact driver or as a duo with a powered screwdriver, for large projects this power tool saves a lot of time and effort.
Similar in its operation to a powered screwdriver, a rotational force is used to drive the fastener or screw into the material. However, when the impact driver encounters resistance, it automatically provides a burst of quick power. This extra torque provides the extra power needed to more efficiently drive longer screws or fasteners into tough materials.
Find out more about the Advantages and Disadvantages of Cordless Impact Drivers.
