impact driver

Panasonic EY75A1LS2G 1/4" Hex Cordless Impact Driver Kit Preview

Panasonic EY75A1LS2G Cordless Impact Driver Kit Preview

Panasonic released some new tools this week, in particular a new 1/4″ Impact Driver that works with the company’s new 14.4V and 18V batteries. Both batteries also now come in 4.2Ah capacities, which begs the question: Are these tools going to win the award for longest run-time over all other Impact Drivers on the market? We think they just might, though as we’ve found in recent testing, run-time and torque are two completely different aspects of a tool and high accomplishments in one area do not necessarily yield the top results in the other. Still, the new EY75A1LS2G 1/4″ Hex Cordless Impact Driver Kit has a versatility about it that is new to the market. While many tool manufacturers have dropped down to more compact 12V products, Panasonic has lagged in this area, which perhaps explains the movement towards accepting dual voltage on their newest tools.

Porter-Cable PCE201 Corded 4.3-amp Impact Driver Preview

Porter-Cable PCE201 4.3-amp Impact Driver Preview

Porter-Cable is addressing the problem of needing the power of a cordless impact drivers, but for extended-use applications. They launched the 1/4-inch Hex 4.3-Amp PCE201 specifically to give tradesmen an option in the workplace. This impact driver is designed for deck builders, steel roofing installers and other tradesmen who complete numerous fastening applications in challenging workplaces (but who have easy access to power).

Black & Decker MATRIX Quick Connect System Preview

Black & Decker MATRIX Quick Connect System Preview

In an effort to make their tools more adaptable to the different needs of consumers, Black & Decker launched its new MATRIX Quick Connect System tool. While this isn’t something we think we’ll be seeing on the jobsite anytime soon, it’s good to pay attention since Black & Decker, Porter-Cable and DeWalt are so closely interconnected through Stanley Black & Decker. So what is the MATRIX? (sorry, I couldn’t resist) It’s a new type of modular tool system that goes even farther than similar systems like Festool’s TI system with its FastFix Interchangeable Chucks.