My neighbor in Denver said I was crazy for using a 3/8 inch drill on deck screws

I was putting up a cedar fence last fall and he walked over, pointed at my cordless DeWalt, and said 'you'll strip every head with that thing, you need a 1/4 inch driver for control.' I switched to my smaller driver and it went way smoother, no more chewed up screws. Anyone have a different tool they swear by for outdoor fasteners?

3 comments

3 Comments

riverp371mo ago

That neighbor was onto something with the control idea. I started using a 12 volt impact driver for all my deck screws, and it changed everything. The lower power forces you to let the tool do the work instead of fighting it. You get that perfect sink every time without burying the head. It's not about the tool size, it's about matching the power to the job. Why use a sledgehammer when a regular hammer gets it done right?

matthewperry1mo ago

Oh man, @riverp37, you're so right. I switched to a 12 volt drill for hanging drywall and it's the same deal. You get way more feel for when the screw hits the stud, so you don't strip it out or blow through the paper. It's all about that control, not just raw power.

hernandez.ben1mo agoMost Upvoted

My old 20 volt drill would always overdrive deck screws. Switched to a 12 volt impact last year and it finally clicked. The lighter tool just gives you better control for most jobs around the house.