When working with concrete, you’ll often need to drive screws into it to mount hardware or other attachments. While regular drill/drivers can work, using an impact driver is the best option for driving concrete screws. Impact drivers provide much greater torque and driving power compared to standard drills, allowing you to efficiently drive screws into dense concrete without excessive effort or stripping out the screw heads.
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What is an Impact Driver?
An impact driver is a power tool that provides extremely high torque output in short bursts. The tool uses a hammering or impact mechanism that turns the output shaft in quick, concussive blows rather than continuous rotation like a standard drill.
This allows it to deliver very high amounts of torque in a short time. A standard 18V impact driver can deliver around 1,400 to 1,800 inch-pounds of torque, compared to just 200-600 in-lbs for a standard 18V drill. This makes impact drivers ideal for driving long screws, large lag bolts, and any situation where high resistance needs to be overcome.
Key Features
- Delivers high torque in short bursts
- Hammering action allows it to drive screws under heavy load
- Much higher torque output than standard drills
- Designed specifically for driving screws and bolts
- Typically uses 1/4″ hex quick-change bits
In addition to the high torque, impact drivers use special quick-connect hex drive chucks that allow you to quickly change driving bits. This makes them very convenient for driving multiple screws.
Why Use an Impact Driver for Concrete?
There are several key reasons why an impact driver is the best tool for driving screws into concrete:
High Torque Output
Concrete is extremely hard and dense. It takes a lot of torque to drive screws through the abrasive material, often resulting in stripping or cam-outing of screws driven with a standard drill.
Impact drivers provide extremely high driving torque in short bursts, allowing them to easily power through concrete and drive screws to full depth. The hammering action also allows the impact to break free when the screw binds in the hole.
Prevents Over-Driving
It’s easy to overdrive screws in concrete with a regular drill, snapping off the heads or damaging the material. The pulsating impact mechanism helps prevent over-driving by eliminating torque once the screw reaches full depth.
Faster Driving Speed
The high torque allows you to drive screws much faster in concrete. Longer screws can be driven to depth in just seconds, unlike the slower, gradual process with standard drills. This saves significant time on larger projects.
Less Wear on Driver Bits
The hammering action helps prevent binding between the driver bit and screw. This reduces wear and cam-out on driver bits used in impact tools. Bits stay sharper longer, reducing the need to replace them frequently.
Choosing an Impact Driver
When selecting an impact driver for concrete screws, here are key factors to consider:
Torque Output
Look for a driver that provides at least 1,400 in-lbs of max torque for driving up to 3″ screws. Higher torque models in the 1,600+ in-lb range are ideal for driving larger lag bolts.
Tool Brand & Battery Platform
Stick with pro brands like Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, etc. that offer 18V+ battery platforms. These provide the best power and runtime. Make sure batteries are compatible if you have other tools.
1/4″ Hex Chuck
A quick-change 1/4″ hex chuck makes swapping driving bits fast and easy. Look for models with an anti-slip retention mechanism for a secure hold on bits.
Variable Speed Trigger
Models with variable speed triggers allow you to start off slow and then increase speed as the screw drives in. This offers better control.
Belt Clip & Lighting
Convenient features like an onboard bit holder, belt clip, and built-in LED lighting improve functionality on the job. LED lights help illuminate the work area.
Budget
Expect to pay around $100-$200 for a quality 18V impact from a leading brand. Bare tools (no battery) help reduce costs if you have compatible batteries.
How to Use an Impact Driver for Concrete
Here are some tips on best practices for driving concrete screws with an impact driver:
Use Impact-Rated Driver Bits
Be sure to use specialized impact driver bits. These are made of hardened steel and designed to withstand the concussive forces of an impact. Regular driver bits can break or twist off.
Apply Pressure When Driving
Applying firm, constant pressure helps keep the bit engaged. Let up on pressure as the screw nears flush to avoid damaging the concrete or stripping the screw.
Use Correct Screw Length
Make sure screws are long enough to fully penetrate the attached material and sink into the concrete at least 1 inch. This provides a solid mounting.
Drill Proper Pilot Holes
Drilling a pilot hole sized for the screw shank takes stress off the bit and prevents snapping screws. Letting the impact do all the work can break screws.
Set Screws to Correct Depth
Adjust torque settings and speed to drive screws to flush or slightly countersunk without overdriving. This prevents damage to the hardware or concrete.
Take Care on Thin Surfaces
Go slow with lighter pressure on thin overlay surfaces to avoid cracking or blowing out the backside. Build up speed as the screw engages the concrete.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some potential issues and fixes for driving concrete screws with an impact driver:
Stripped Screw Heads
The driver bits may be worn or you are using too much pressure. Replace bits and ease off on pressure as the screw seats.
Breaking Screw Heads
The screws may not be impact rated or you are over-driving them. Use proper impact screws and adjust speed/torque to prevent over-driving.
Screws Spinning in Place
Holes are too shallow or wide. Refasten using proper pilot hole depth and clear dust/debris from holes.
Blowing Out Concrete
The concrete may be weak or thin. Use shorter screws or backer plates and drive slowly into thin concrete.
Cammed-Out Driver Bits
Too much sideways pressure is being applied. Keep driver bit aligned with screw and apply steady pressure.
Best Bits for Driving Concrete Screws
For driving concrete screws, use driver bits designed specifically for impact tools. Look for these top features:
Impact Rated
Bits should be marketed as “impact rated” or “impact ready” to handle the forces. Regular bits can twist off or break.
Hardened Steel
Look for bits made from hardened S2 steel or similar alloy. This prevents dulling, deforming, and wear.
1/4″ Hex Shank
Hex shanks properly transfer power from impact tools. Make sure the retention sleeves are secure.
PH2 and P2 Tip Designs
PH2 and P2 tips offer the best fit for driving common wood and sheet metal screws into concrete.
Magnetic Nose Cones
Magnetic bits help hold the screw on the bit when driving and starting into the hole.
Avoid Extended Length Bits
Long bits can bend or break under impact forces. Use standard length bits around 2-4 inches.
Here are top impact bit sets offering a variety of tips and lengths:
| Product | Details |
| Makita A-98348 | 70 Piece Set – Phillips, Square, Torx, Hex |
| DeWalt DW2587 | 45 Piece Set – Phillips, Square Drive |
| Milwaukee 48-32-4131 | 100 Piece Set – Phillips, Square, Torx, Hex |
| Bosch HDR033B | 33 Piece Set – Phillips, Square |
Best Impact Drivers for Concrete
Here are top-rated impact driver models well-suited for concrete applications:
| Model | Key Features |
| Milwaukee 2754-22 | – 1,500 in-lbs maximum torque – Compact size – Variable speed trigger |
| DeWalt DCF899HB | – 2,400 in-lbs maximum torque – Hog ring for bit retention – 3-speed settings |
| Makita XDT16 | – 1,600 in-lbs maximum torque – Quick-change chuck – Weighs only 3.9 lbs |
| Ryobi P261 | – 1,800 in-lbs maximum torque – Built-in LED lights – Budget-friendly price |
Safety Tips
Here are important safety guidelines when using an impact driver on concrete:
– Wear eye protection – bits can snap and debris can fly
– Use dust extraction if available – reduces airborne concrete dust
– Wear ear protection – impact drivers produce loud concussive noise
– Check your footing – impact force can cause loss of balance or control
– Avoid over-driving – prevent damage and injuries from breaking screws
– Maintain firm grip – impacts cause strong twisting forces on the tool
– Take breaks – prolonged use can lead to hand/arm fatigue or injury
Conclusion
An impact driver is by far the best option for driving screws into concrete. The concussive impacts deliver extremely high torque to efficiently power screws through dense, hard concrete in seconds. This prevents stripping screws and makes driving large numbers of fasteners much faster compared to standard drills.
Just be sure to use impact-rated fasteners and bits. Applying steady pressure and avoiding over-driving will allow you to sink screws to proper depth. Impact drivers also make light work of large lag bolts, anchors, and other stubborn driving tasks involving concrete.
By following the tips provided, you can confidently use an impact driver for all your concrete fastening needs. The torque and speed these tools provide makes driving screws into concrete almost effortless. Just work safely, use the proper accessories, and let the impact driver do the work!