EmailBest Reviewed
Cordless Drills
- Best cordless drill for homeowners Makita DF030DW *Est. $150
- Cordless drill for construction projects Makita BDF452HW *Est. $200
- Budget cordless drill Hitachi DS12DVF3 *Est. $75
- Best cordless screwdriver Hitachi DB3DL *Est. $65
- Best cordless impact driver Panasonic EY7540LN2L *Est. $315
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Best cordless impact driver
- Ideal for big fastening jobs
- Lightweight
- 3.0-Ah lithium-ion batteries
- Easy on the wrists and hands
- Comes with work light
- Comfortable to use for long projects
- Expensive
- Could be more durable
- Battery meter isn't very precise
The 14.4-volt lithium-ion (Li-ion) Panasonic EY7540 cordless impact driver gets top ranking in the most recent comparison tests, with praise for both comfort and performance. This is a pro-level, high-end cordless impact driver, but it's also suited for homeowner duty since Li-ion batteries keep their charge well between uses. The variable-speed Panasonic impact driver isn't the most powerful model available, but reviews say it can handle tasks ranging from small delicate screws to huge six-inch lag bolts. If you don't specifically need an impact driver (which lessens hand fatigue for big projects), the Makita BDF452HW (*Est. $200) is a highly rated cordless drill suitable for big jobs.
The current trend is toward lighter subcompact impact drivers, but we found a detailed comparison review of full-size Li-ion cordless impact drivers in the July 2008 issue of Fine Homebuilding that is summarized in Taunton's 2009 Tool Guide, with the addition of results from its annual survey of readers. ConsumerReports.org tested even more models in December 2007, ranking and rating each impact driver but explaining the results in far less detail. The Panasonic EY7540LN2L gets an even more detailed review at the Journal of Light Construction. Tools of the Trade provides less detail, but compares it with other Li-ion impact drivers. Owner-written reviews at Amazon.com and two other sites identify a few drawbacks.
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Our Sources
1. Taunton's 2009 Tool Guide
A professional designer/builder tests 12 cordless Li-ion impact drivers on the job for several months. This review, originally printed in Tauton's Fine Homebuilding magazine, is especially useful because it picks the top two cordless impact drivers, using easy-to-understand language. The Panasonic EY7540LN2L gets top ranking here. Results of a reader survey conducted by Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking magazines are also published here; readers also give the Panasonic EY7540LN2L top ranking.
Review: Cordless Impact Drivers, Michael Maines, Nov. 2008
2. ConsumerReports.org
ConsumerReports.org compares the Panasonic EY7540LN2L with 17 other cordless impact drivers in this thorough review. All 18 impact drivers are put through a set of objective tests, then rated and ranked.
Review: Cordless Drills, Impact Drivers, Cordless Combo Kits, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, June 2009
3. Journal of Light Construction
The Journal of Light Construction tests the Panasonic EY7540 cordless impact driver, driving 3/8-inch lag screws that are 6 inches long, finding that the driver sinks them without causing any discomfort to the wrist. Detailed performance tests and comparisons to other models are included.
Review: Toolbox: Panasonic Lithium-Ion Cordless Drivers, Andy Beasley, May 2007
This review reports on tests of all the Li-ion impact drivers available at the time of publication. The models aren't rated or ranked, but the Panasonic EY7540 is described as the best impact driver based on testing.
Review: Lithium-Ion Hands On, Rick Schwolsky and Michael Springer, Jan. 17, 2007
5. Amazon.com
At the time of this writing, only a couple owners review the 14.4-volt Panasonic impact driver at Amazon.com, both praising it for its light weight and good control. One review is especially significant because it compares this model with the 12-volt Panasonic impact driver that has a digital clutch. Note that you can get the same impact driver here in a kit with a light, for a lower price.
Review: Panasonic EY7540LN2S Lithium-ion Impact Driver, Contributors to Amazon.com
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