Tool-Smart https://tool-smart.com Sat, 22 Jul 2023 18:52:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7 Drill Drivers vs. Impact Drivers – What’s the Difference? https://tool-smart.com/drill-drivers-vs-impact-drivers-whats-the-difference/ https://tool-smart.com/drill-drivers-vs-impact-drivers-whats-the-difference/#comments Sat, 22 Jul 2023 18:52:27 +0000 https://tool-smart.com/?p=91 What Are Your Choices in Cordless Drills?

Remember back in simpler times when a drill was a drill and was simply used to make holes? Well nowadays we have a plethora of choices to make regarding drills. Cordless drills have come a long way over the past few years. There are several things to consider when buying a cordless drill, and many of these factors have everything to do with the the kind of work you plan to do. In the broadest sense there are two types of cordless drills to consider: Drill Drivers and Impact Drivers.

The purpose of this article is to clarify the differences between drill drivers and impact drivers in order to help you determine which is the right tool for any given job.

Drill Drivers

Drill Drivers are probably one of the most essential tools in your kit. From drilling holes into wood and metal to driving screws, drill drivers can do it all. They usually feature a keyless chuck, a slip or pop clutch (which prevents you from over-driving screws into wood), and long battery life. They’re great for projects where you need to rapidly assemble woodworking projects with screws. All you need to do is insert your bit and set your clutch so that it doesn’t drive with too much force, and you can drive screws all day long.

To summarize, drill drivers are best for drilling holes and for quick light to medium-duty driving of screws into softer materials like wood and drywall. They are significantly quieter than impact drivers.

See our Drill Driver Reviews

Impact Drivers

Impact drivers differ from drill drivers in that they are much more powerful. They are less about precision and more about brute strength. Impact drivers are the go-to tool when you need to drive long screws and lag bolts. Once the drill driver senses resistance, you will hear and feel the impact hammers driving the bit into the wood with a great amount of force. It is very easy to over-drive fasteners below the wood’s surface with an impact driver, so caution is needed. Impact drivers are not subtle tools, but they get the job done when serious torque (rotational force) is needed.

To summarize, impact drivers are best for driving screws and lag bolts where extra power is needed. The speed is usually a little slower than that of a drill driver, but the power (torque) is incredibly strong. The impact driver tends to be noisy with the rat-a-tat of its hammers, but it’s nice to have the extra torque of the impact driver when it’s needed.

See our Impact Driver Reviews

Brushless vs Brushed Motors

There are two types of motors available today… Brushed and Brushless. Brushed motors are the traditional motors that we have been using for decades. They have carbon wipers internally that brush against commper contacts. The downside to brushed motors is friction, which introduces inefficiency. There is a new type of motor that is becoming more popular; the brushless motor. Brushless motors are more expensive but they are generally more efficient in operation. There is far less friction in a brushless motor and therefore less heat is generated and more potential power is available. We don’t consider brushless motors to be essential today. They’re nice to have but tools with brushed motors are still certainly capable of any job we can throw at them.

Bottom Line – Which Do You need?

The quick answer is “Both”. If you must choose only one or the other, the drill driver is the way to go since it is a much more versatile tool. However, having both in your arsenal will enable you to tackle virtually any job you come across at home.

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110 v Welders https://tool-smart.com/110-v-welders/ https://tool-smart.com/110-v-welders/#respond Sat, 22 Jul 2023 18:33:02 +0000 https://tool-smart.com/?p=82 Welding is a skill that has been around for centuries, and it has become an essential part of many industries, including construction, manufacturing, and automotive. Welding involves melting two pieces of metal and fusing them together to form a strong bond. While welding may seem like a complicated process, it can be done using a variety of tools and equipment, including 110 volt welders.

A 110 volt welder, also known as a MIG welder or a flux-core welder, is a type of welding machine that operates using a standard 110-volt power outlet. This type of welder is ideal for beginners or hobbyists who are just starting with welding or those who do not have access to a high voltage power source. It is also popular among DIY enthusiasts who want to perform welding projects at home.

One of the primary advantages of 110 volt welders is that they are portable and easy to use. They do not require a large power source, and they can be easily transported from one place to another. This makes them ideal for welding in tight spaces or in areas where a high voltage power source is not available.

Another advantage of 110 volt welders is that they are relatively affordable compared to other types of welding machines. This makes them an excellent choice for beginners who do not want to spend a lot of money on welding equipment. Additionally, 110 volt welders are relatively simple to operate, and they require minimal maintenance.

Despite their many advantages, 110 volt welders are not suitable for all types of welding projects. They are best used for welding thin metals, and they may not be powerful enough to weld thicker metals. Additionally, 110 volt welders may not be able to produce a clean and precise weld, which can be a problem for some projects.

When choosing a 110 volt welder, it is essential to consider the type of welding you will be doing and the thickness of the metal you will be welding. It is also important to choose a welder that is suitable for your skill level and budget.

In conclusion, 110 volt welders are a great choice for beginners and hobbyists who want to get into welding. They are portable, easy to use, and affordable, making them an excellent option for those who do not have access to a high voltage power source. While they may not be suitable for all types of welding projects, they are a great tool for those who want to perform basic welding tasks at home.

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