Tried & Tested: Which Screwdriver? Mini Cordless vs Impact Driver (Bosch IXO vs DeWalt)

There is no shame in 'small but perfectly formed' - and the Bosch IXO certainly is that - I've been able to put up shelves with this little powerhouse, which charges on USB Micro. In a previous video, I showed how you can even 'hack' this to take drill bits, making it perfect for the occasional user. It's even useful to know that you can put a torque limiter on the IXO, so that it does not drive too hard/strip screw heads etc.

However, if you are looking to drive in dozens of beefy screws into timber and walls, then it does make sense to use a more hefty screwdriver. An 'impact' screwdriver means that it makes a reciprocating action that means rather than simply turn with continuous torque - it peaks at multiple times per second, making a 'click-click-click' as it shudders the screw into harder materials. In the same way a hammer has a sudden force, as compared to simply pushing a nail in, peak force is put to good work here.

Arguably, having both is a great combo, as say for shelving, the IXO can get right into the small corners, and the DeWalt can do the hefty work of screwing into walls, etc. No need to change over heads, etc.

On a personal level, I love this DeWalt and IXO, as even though I suspect they are designed to be inclusive of women's smaller hands, I can't really fault why I don't want a smaller product for a quick job. Sure, I have a 2kg Hammerdrill, but that sure aches after a day using it. So choose on what you realistically use it for a given job, would be my advice.

[fossil]

If you round out the head of a screw going in, it will still come out because the reverse side still engages . How can you compare these two machines ? they are not even in the same category !!