Impact driver - am I using it right?

jlnorsworthy

I just got the Makita LXT 18v impact driver (BTD141). I was under the impression it would be faster than my current compact drill/driver (makita 18v Ni-MH) but it seems to putter out when there is any amount of resistance. It works fine of course, but the last inch or so is pretty slow. This is while driving a standard 1.75 inch deck screw into a 4x4. Is this normal - is there anything I can do to make it faster? If this were my drill/driver I would either put it on drill mode or increase the torque setting. Is there anything equivalent for the impact driver?

angus242

Doesn't sound right. Here's a video of one. Compare it to how yours is working:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KawwrzAXIqI
If not similar, perhaps you need to exchange it.

jlnorsworthy

My drill operates in a similar manner. I guess I just had inflated hopes. I would say that my old makita 18v ni-mh driver/drill can put screws into the fence faster than the new impact driver. It is much heavier though.

skymaster

Something sounds very wrong here. I have a 12v Makita nicad impact driver and that little puppy kicks butt. Also an 18v DW which kicks bigger butt; Really sounds very very wrong, I think a phonecall to Makita if this is a new tool is in order really.
In fact upon further reflection a phonecall no matter what should happen at the opening of business Tueday morning :}

yummy mummy

Hey Jackie, nice to see you around......