Bosch 12V Litheon Impactor Fastening Driver PS41 2A - Review
A cordless impact driver. It seemed like a dream back in the late 70s when cordless technology was just making it into the professional world (and on every homeowner's wish list!). “Wouldn't that be cool if they could build a battery tool with that kind of torque and performance?” And then in the late 90s we started to be afraid that they actually might be able to get batteries to produce that kind of torque. But would it have to be a 24-volt tool that weighed as much as a car battery? As the voltage grew, impact drivers started to sneak in, but only in the heaviest of the tools. And I really wasn't doing a whole lot of projects that would require an impact wrench anyway.
Enter the new millennia and the application of Lithium Ion battery technology to power tools. The power, torque and run-time increased, but the tool size shrank to half of what had been a “normal-size” cordless drill. And the weight? Heck, you can use it over your head for hours. I loved the size and power for use in a drill/driver application. Making holes and putting in screws. But I still didn't think I needed an impact wrench. And then the PS41 from Bosch entered my world for evaluation. I was looking for that proper “impact” need to do the test, when my battery on a different cordless drill/driver needed to head to the charger. Seems screwing 2x pine boards together can drain a battery pretty quick. Rather than divert my energy, I grabbed the Bosch Impactor and started driving 3” screws. My bit holder with the the ¼” shank slipped right into the quick release holder.
To say I was impressed would be too weak. I really had a “whoa!” moment. Without hardly any effort on my part the Bosch 12V Litheon Impactor methodically drove screw after screw without a pause. A little louder than I might have preferred, but the impacting feature removed all the need for me to bear into the direction of the drill to sink a screw or bolt. In fact, I had to remind myself not to lean into the drill. It wasn't necessary, and I was just straining my muscles uselessly.
Shortly after that moment I moved to another part of the project where I needed to drive some pocket screws for joinery. 2-1/2” screws, to be exact. And voila! The bit for the pocket screws had the appropriate 1/4” shank. Holding a pocket joint together as you put the screw in is always a little more work than you think. But by not having to worry about bearing down on the back of my drill, the pocket joints were better aligned.
Okay, I'm sold. I tend to reach for the Bosch impact these days, and I'm actually a little disappointed when I realize that it's not the best tool for some jobs (#4, 1/2” hinge screws do not require 930 in-lbs of torque).
A few of the facts. The tool's head measures a little less than 5-1/2”, making it great for getting into small spaces, which, by-the-way, is one of those places where there isn't even room to get your had behind a standard drill to push! So impact works even better in this application.
The Impactor weighs in at 2.13 lbs (I'm trusting Bosch's info, I didn't really weigh it, but it's super light), and still offers 2,600 rpm and 3,100 bpm (and again, 980 in-lbs of torque). It comes with two batteries (30 minute charger included) and a carrying case. Price: About $150. A little less on amazon.com.
It's gotten so normal for a cordless tool to have a built-in work light that I almost forgot the Bosch light. Three LEDs surround the focus of the work, providing great assistance in a dark corner. Rather than a more common under-mount light, the three LEDs give an even light with few shadows right where you want it. Thank you!
I like this driver. The downside? It's not the least expensive in the category, but it's engineered and built well, and I consider it to be worth the little extra. The other downside? Now I have another tool that I'll have to guard from my friends!
To Order from Amazon.com: CLICK HEREVisit the Bosch Tools web site to read more about this versatile tool.