I need to drive in some lag screws and lag bolts. What kind of impact driver should I use? Certain brands?

Question

I am going through a notched 4x4 post then ( 2) 2x8 boards. Also, a notched 4x4 post then into a 2x8 board. This is for a deck.

Answer 1

I would take a hammer drill. and assuming you are talking about wood to masonry connection, drill a hole big enoug to accept an expanding sleeve into which to drive the lag bolt. Then drill hole through your board, take a socket wrench and attch lag bolt into sleeve with board in the middle. Brands no matter what your question, stick with medium or better brands. My favorites are Milwaukee, Porter Cable, and DeWalt, with Bosch on cordless tools, but other than a hammer drill and a socket set, I don't see yuo needing tools. Rent a hammer drill if you are asking this question.

Answer 2

You shouldn't need an impact driver for lag bolts but we need to know what size screws, what material size you are driving through and how many  to recommend an impact driver

Answer 3

any 1/2" drill will work.  but if you are using lag or carriage bolts I would drill a hole the same size as the bolt all the way trought the boards and post (using a spade bit with an extension or a long drill bit), tap them in and nut the back side.  you don't need a hammer drill.  most deck builders and myself use carriage bolts if the bolts are going to be exposed on the outside of the deck.

if you are going to use a lag s***w, any 1/2" corded impact wrence will work (I have a dewalt and love it).  keep in mind that a lag s***w could split the wood.  try to drill a hole at least one 1/4" lower than the lag size.  

if you are going through masonry or concrete than i would use a hammerdrill.

lower cost tools are black and decker, rigid and ryobi

the best medium cost tools out there are milwaukee, skill and dewalt.

potra-cable is more wood working (trim guns, routers, sanders, etc)

bosch and hilti are more industrial, good tools but you pay more.  i only buy these for my more bigger tools that take a beating, but i mostly buy dewalt,  never had a problem with them and they are long lasting.

my impact wrench: http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_d...

my 1/2" drill: http://www.milwaukeetool.com/webapp/wcs/...

hammer drill:

http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools...

and

http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools...

always buy tools with the cases.

Answer 4

Not enough info........what material are you driving your lags into?

Answer 5

dittos Olger. lag bolts are tapped through and a nut applied to other end. lag screws are driven with a socket wrench or air-powered drill with again a socket...

Answer 6

Ridgid 18v cordless drill/driver more than enough power torque