Tools, Tradie Tough Tests

DeWalt 18V XR Brushless 3-Speed Impact Driver

DeWALT has decided to go compact in the best possible way with its new 18V XR Brushless 3 Speed Impact Driver. A super-compact design – the head length is 100mm – allows access to workspaces that previously would have been out of reach.

This little pocket rocket is able to deliver real power when and where it’s needed, delivering an impressive 205Nm of torque. It’s a perfect choice for tasks that need serious grunt in tight spaces. A 3-mode switch on the foot provides excellent control and allows selecting the right amount of power and torque for specific tasks, while the inclusion of the brand-new DeWALT POWERSTACK 18V bat tery system – an industry-first use of 18V pouch-cell technology – has really allowed this impact driver to reach its full potential.

Flat-stacked pouch cells allow for higher current draw and performance compared to traditional cylindrical cells, and the POWERSTACK charges in 30 minutes and offers twice the lifespan of comparable 18V XR batteries.

Other welcomed features on the 18V XR Brushless 3 Speed Impact Driver include a nice, bright LED light ring, optimised impact mechanism, improved ¼” bit holder, variable-speed trigger and an ergonomic grip design.

TEST #1: COMPACT SIZE
This tool is going to prove itself very useful across a wide range of trades, from kitchen installers and cabinetmakers through to window and door specialists, and any other tradie needing this very useful combination of compact size and power.

For the first test I visited SWAT Fabrications where my mate Jimmy Sullman had a mill which needed some attention. The 100mm impact driver length was the per fect solution to access the bolts which needed to be removed. The size allowed enough room to position the tool to complete the task as well as providing the power to remove the tough, tight fixings.

A regular impact driver simply would not have fit in the available space.

TEST #2: POWER
The brushless motor is capable of a no-load speed of 3250rpm and fastening torque of 205Nm, and to test this I grabbed a pine sleeper and some 200mm x 5mm structuraltimber connector screws. These screws were the biggest I had available, and the 18V XR Brushless 3 Speed Impact Driver drove them in cleanly and effortlessly the full depth of the sleeper.

Several other tests into decking and hardwood all proved this tool is small and compact, but offers substantial power and torque. It’s a great option which will tick many boxes for many tradies.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
DeWALT’s little impact driver is going to be like the Mike Tyson of this range of tools, beating out many of its bigger competitors with its superior power.

The inclusion of the POWERSTACK battery is only going to further impress. DeWALT’s internal testing has shown a drill fitted with the POWERSTACK battery drilled double the number of holes, and across various tools the POWERSTACK battery has provided significantly more power than the 2Ah 18V XR battery.

All in all, it’s great to see both this new tool and new battery system. If compact size and substantial power are on your list of requirements, be sure to check out these new offerings from DeWALT.

Visit: www.DeWALT.com.au

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