# Why do I need a impact driver to drive screws into wood?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-impact-driver-to-drive-screws-into-wood/940721
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [April 25, 2021, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-impact-driver-to-drive-screws-into-wood/940721 "2021-04-25T00:55:13Z")
**Posts on this page:** 12
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)
#### Post date: [April 27, 2021, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-impact-driver-to-drive-screws-into-wood/940721/21 "2021-04-27T15:48:40Z")
I have this [Bosch 12Volt set](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-2-Tool-12-Volt-Max-Power-Tool-Combo-Kit-with-Soft-Case-Charger-Included-and-2-Batteries-Included/4736769?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tol-_-google-_-lia-_-129-_-cordlessdrillsandcombokits-_-4736769-_-0&placeholder=null&ds_rl=1286981&gclid=CjwKCAjw7J6EBhBDEiwA5UUM2skd6tzn1vq2bU6mPn2saFkPyu4ZRlYG3W1X7TJhbNGXfbV1AnaOKBoC7vMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds). Despite it’s smaller size it manages to do the same job as heavier higher voltage models. I use the drill for everything from wood to steel without problems, plenty of battery life. The impact driver takes care of the highest torque job, driving wood screws and anchor bolts, that is usually why you want the heavier units.
---
### Author:  [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)
#### Post date: [April 27, 2021, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-impact-driver-to-drive-screws-into-wood/940721/22 "2021-04-27T17:54:14Z")
Good point, I’ve near on sprained a wrist when some big bolt I’m driving in catches on something and WHEE!
---
### Author:  [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)
#### Post date: [April 27, 2021, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-impact-driver-to-drive-screws-into-wood/940721/23 "2021-04-27T22:36:46Z")
> [@Maserschmidt](#):
>
> I am really interested in this thread as post-retirement I’ve been doing a lot of restoration work on the house, much of which involves drilling pilot holes for wood screws (think: oak stair treads, decking). I already have Ryobi One+ tools, how do I figure out which one is enough without being absurdly overpowered?
I have the subcompact drill/driver Ryobi line and could run a few test for you, I may not have exact materials to test but can approximate them. Though I feel from what you describe this would have no problem with that what so ever. The non-compact version is a step up in power so would work fine also without being overpowered. IMHO
> [@Maserschmidt](#):
>
> I was looking at this one, for example, which seems to be middle of the line - there are cheaper & more expensive ones as well.
I would caution about buying from a non-authorized seller, there may be warrantee issues which hopefully you won’t need anyway, and also some sellers buy returns in bulk, and resell them, if they look new then sell them as new. Home Depot is a known reseller of Ryobi, ebay you will get refurbs/returns in general, Amazon it depends.
---
### Author:  [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)
#### Post date: [April 28, 2021, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-impact-driver-to-drive-screws-into-wood/940721/24 "2021-04-28T01:08:40Z")
Okay, that’s helpful to think about. I’ll take a run by HD tomorrow, I’ve gotten a little lazy with the Amazon ordering anyway.
Also, I really appreciate the offer of running a test…probably no need as I’ve been reading the reviews and it sounds like it would stand up quite well. As I said though, offer much appreciated.
---
### Author:  [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)
#### Post date: [April 28, 2021, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-impact-driver-to-drive-screws-into-wood/940721/25 "2021-04-28T02:21:53Z")
> [@Maserschmidt](#):
>
> Also, I really appreciate the offer of running a test…probably no need as I’ve been reading the reviews and it sounds like it would stand up quite well. As I said though, offer much appreciated.
I’m willing to bet Project Farm has done a video on comparing various impact drivers.
ETA, yup, and more than one.
Fair warning, his videos are really, really thorough. Like, they can be excruciatingly thorough. No one will blame you if you skip around (or skip to the end) if you don’t want to watch him repeat every test on every tool.
[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jxZAKk_nSk)
[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsZSg_aiNUE)
---
### Author:  [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)
#### Post date: [April 28, 2021, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-impact-driver-to-drive-screws-into-wood/940721/26 "2021-04-28T02:57:27Z")
Hey, thanks for posting those, they were helpful!
Holy shit that guy has a lot of energy. 😅
---
### Author:  [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)
#### Post date: [April 28, 2021, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-impact-driver-to-drive-screws-into-wood/940721/27 "2021-04-28T03:37:45Z")
Yeah, he does appear to drink more coffee than they average person. He also seems to talk really loud, which doesn’t help.
It’s one thing to watch his videos for comparisons of a specific tool, but I stopped watching them just because he put out a new video. If I want to get a new tool or engine oil or rust remover or thread locker, it’s not like I’m going to remember which one ‘won’, I’d have to go back and watch it again anyway.
Any type of gas additives that he tests will involve him taking apart his lawnmower to show you the current state of the cylinder, head and valves. Putting it back together, getting a baseline/control pressure reading, running the engine on regular gas and checking the temp, introducing the additive, checking the temp, then letting the engine cool, take another pressure reading, take the head off, show us the the how the cylinder/valves/head look now and then lather, rinse and repeat for each one. And, he uploads the entire thing. Albeit it’s typically sped up, watching him take apart and reassemble a lawnmower a dozen times gets a bit repetitive.
Todd/Project Farm, if you happen to be a doper, I love you, I just can’t watch video after video anymore. Never change, your channel is still a very useful resource.
PS, using the word ‘resource’ made me think of a good comparison. His channel is like reading a science fair project type paper, where every detail about every test is laid out for you too look at. Most other tool review channels read more like magazine articles. Short, to the point…and probably, at least partially, wrong due to improper testing and/or being mostly anecdotal.
---
### Author:  [@SacFly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SacFly)
#### Post date: [April 28, 2021, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-impact-driver-to-drive-screws-into-wood/940721/28 "2021-04-28T15:43:02Z")
I have the basic Ryobi model from HD. It’s about 10 years old and as served me well the 4 times a year I need it for small jobs around the house. If it broke, I’d replace it immediately: it’s probably the power tool I get the most use out of.
If built wooden decks for a living I’d buy Milwaukee, but I have no complaints about the ryobi for light duty, home use.
---
### Author:  [@Dark\_Sponge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dark_Sponge)
#### Post date: [April 28, 2021, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-impact-driver-to-drive-screws-into-wood/940721/29 "2021-04-28T17:09:28Z")
> [@friedo](#):
>
> If you can afford one (they’re not very expensive) there’s no reason _not_ to get an impact driver. Once you experience driving fasteners with an impact over a drill, you won’t go back. Better yet: now you have separate tools for pre-drilling screw holes and driving in the screw. No bit-swapping for large projects.
Agreed. I bought a impact driver & hammer drill set thinking I’d rarely use the driver. But after trying it the driver is a joy to use and the tool I reach for first.
---
### Author:  [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)
#### Post date: [April 29, 2021, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-impact-driver-to-drive-screws-into-wood/940721/30 "2021-04-29T17:18:10Z")
So, fairly disappointing, I got the P238 Ryobi above, and while it’s better than a regular drill, it still can’t get through the red oak treads I’m putting on the stairs without a pilot hole. Am I using it wrong perhaps? There are multiple reviews online saying that it works fine on hard oak…
---
### Author:  [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)
#### Post date: [April 29, 2021, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-impact-driver-to-drive-screws-into-wood/940721/31 "2021-04-29T17:29:21Z")
It’s always a good idea to use a pilot hole. Reduces the chance of splitting, and breaking screws.
What type of screw are you using? Some are specifically designed to cut their own hole, like the wonderful “[Spax](https://www.mcfeelys.com/8-x-1-3-4-spax-trim-head-screws-for-mdf-hardwood-clear-zinc-t-star-drive-qty-200.html).”
---
### Author:  [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)
#### Post date: [April 29, 2021, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-impact-driver-to-drive-screws-into-wood/940721/32 "2021-04-29T17:36:50Z")
You know, I think that’s the issue. I just went out in the garage as you were posting that (great minds?) trying two different smaller hard screws, and they went in fine. I’ve been using exterior screws, which I don’t think bite enough. I’ll go back to Home Depot tomorrow and look for those kinds of screws, thanks!
[Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-impact-driver-to-drive-screws-into-wood/940721.md?page=1)