Comments on: Bring the Impactor – A review

By: brannon

brannon — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:27:26 +0000

I was introduced to cordless impacts for ropes course building a couple of years ago and instantly started using them for stripping and setting. The problem that I ran into (and I’m sure it’s a common problem) is the increased risk of cross threading, forcing out t-nuts, and broken holds…especially in the hands of over eager or less experienced setters. My new toy for setting is a lithium Dremel Driver. Hold on…I know…DREMEL???? It’s only 7.2 volts but weighs in at 15oz. The best feature is the autolock feature that allows the tool to be manually rotated for finish tightening. It also handles set screws, jibs, and other screw jobs without having to switch tools or damaging my impact.
Granted, I will never give up my impacts but this drill is quite, fast, full proof in any setters hand, and super small and lightweight.

By: Shurafa

Shurafa — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:43:39 +0000

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-TD020DSEW-7-2-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless/dp/B000MPP558/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1215556768&sr=8-1

Here is a link to the tiny Makita Impactor. It does not have as much juice as the Bosch impactor which is my main drill. I use the Makita primarily at a local gym that I set at due to noise constraints.

By: jackalope

jackalope — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:29:30 +0000

and, if you buy one now, you can get a free pocket driver!

http://www.boschtools.com/freepocketdriver/Documents/Free%20PS20%20Rebate%20Form.pdf

By: musgrove

musgrove — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:05:12 +0000

I got the Impactor about a month ago and was amazed. we had a comp the first week i had it and it performed excellent. i didn’t have to use the bigger drills we have, even for attaching features. and the coolest thing was that you only need one hand to put in set screws or screw on features. no pushing on the back of the drill to drive screws.

sure other impact drills are great, just heavier. if you already have an impact drill you might not need to get the one reviewed. but i think it is great and has done everything i have asked it to do.
the only thing, like louie said, is having to start a few holds with a wrench while stripping.

By: Percy Bishton

Percy Bishton — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:32:22 +0000

I use the new Makita 14.4 volt impact drivers and having used the Bosch one described in the article too, I will stick to the Makita. It is a lot more expensive, and a little heavier, but has way more power and battery life and can be used for every job a routesetter ever needs to do – from wall construction and fastening volumes to walls all the way through to putting on holds. I’ve also tried impact drivers from Dewalt and Hitachi, but the Makita is my prefered weapon of choice. The Bosch one is too small and spineless for me – I prefer a little more power!

By: grubber

grubber — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:17:58 +0000

i’m gonna get me one of those, especially with BAZ! coming up (one week to set and test about 250 problems in all diffs..)
thnx for the review!

By: Louie Anderson

Louie Anderson — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:10:38 +0000

I’ll still pull out my DeWalt if I have a lot of stripping to do, but for general use and setting only, I much prefer the smaller Bosch.

By: foamdust

foamdust — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:07:38 +0000

When I first started using the Bosch ( after using the 18v DEWALT ) I felt like I got hosed. It seemed puny and weak. Because the CRAZY POWER that the Dewalt had. Then by the end of the day, I was in love. Got mine at a pawn shop locally for approx. 100.00. Thanks to the crackhead who pawned it

By: Louie Anderson

Louie Anderson — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:37:36 +0000

I’ve got this impact also and the noise is just a by-product of using impacts. You get used to it and really (like Mike said) the only concern is if you’re in a sound-sensitive environment.

I wish the battery lasted longer, but it always lasts long enough for the next one to be charged so I guess that’s not really a valid concern.

There have been a few times while stripping tightly set holds that this did not have enough torque to get the loosening process started, but these times have been very rare and can be addressed by keeping a T-handle accessible to get things started.

All in all, a great tool and the problems mentioned above are more than made up for by the smaller size and weight benefits of using the tool.

By: mike

mike — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:36:16 +0000

I’d be curious to know what Makita you used that was so light.

By: Shurafa

Shurafa — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:41:24 +0000

“This is the lightest and smallest impact in the World (thatâ€™s no exaggeration, thatâ€™s fact).”

Makita makes a smaller one. Its just over 1lb!!! I have them both. I was a big fan of the Makita until it gave out on me while setting for a tourney one day. I have been using the Bosch for about a year and it is AMAZING. A total workhorse.

The one drawback as you mention is the noise. I set in a health club sometimes and we have recieved a number of complaints about the noise.