DEWALT DW054K-2 Heavy-Duty 14.4-Volt Ni-Cad 1/4-Inch Cordless Impact Driver

by DEWALT

Product Description

Amazon.com

A drill/driver is a great tool, but not for every application, unless of course you consider stripped screws part of the charm of doing it yourself. Some jobs simply need the added muscle only an impact driver can provide, and the 14.4-volt cordless DeWalt DW054K-2 is one impact driver worth a look. At first glance, the DeWalt driver looks a little weak. After all, it measures only 6-1/2 inches and weighs just 4.1 pounds. But don't let appearances fool you. Under that slight exterior beats the heart of a champ. The driver produces an amazing 1,150 in./lbs. of maximum torque, making it ideal for even the toughest jobs and the tightest applications, where comparable drivers simply couldn't reach. The unit features an all-metal transmission, a durable magnesium gear case and an all-metal quick release chuck that accepts 1/4-inch hex shank bits. A textured, anti-slip comfort grip provides ultimate comfort and stability. A specially designed impacting mechanism reduces kickback -- and fatigue. And a variable-speed trigger switch with electric brake means better overall control.--Carl Thress

From the Manufacturer

DEWALT DW054K-2 Heavy Duty 14.4-Volt Ni-Cad 1/4-Inch Cordless Impact Driver

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14.8 x 13.5 x 4.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000087QPI
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: DW054K-2
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #182,418 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sudden Impact, June 25, 2003

By 

"markberube" - See all my reviews

This review is from: DEWALT DW054K-2 Heavy-Duty 14.4-Volt Ni-Cad 1/4-Inch Cordless Impact Driver (Tools & Home Improvement)

This summer I decided to build three decks and install a three-rail fence around my property. These projects require a lot of fastening with 3 inch deck screws. I used my drill/driver for my first deck and my wrists were hurting from the torquing action. I received my impact driver and put it to use immediately. The Dewalt impact driver drives these screws quickly and effortlessly and I've tossed my drill/driver aside. I would highly recommend this tool to anyone using a drill to drive-in screws, lag bolts, etc.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great new technology- what took them so long, June 7, 2003

By 

mitchell (tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DEWALT DW054K-2 Heavy-Duty 14.4-Volt Ni-Cad 1/4-Inch Cordless Impact Driver (Tools & Home Improvement)

i am a 53 year old carpenter-builder who has carried my 18 volt dewalt for several years on my toolbelt (heavy). The batteries are going, my shoulder is going, and i can't get into tight places. The Dewalt impact took care of all the above problems. I took a chance (because there were no real reviews) and bought it -and I love it - you will not believe how small it is!!! Here is some real data - the first day on the job site we were trying it out and we drove ONE (the same one) 3 inch galvanized screw (the kind that strip easy) in and out 6 times without stripping the head (we stopped testing with no sign of stripping but the screw was really hot )- the amazing thing is that the impact is just as helpful backing the screw out.
Hex ended drills are readily available and were tested in wood and 3/8 steel - no problem. (i have only found smaller -1/4'' -high speed bits readily available) The dewalt hex ended spade bit (3/4'') cruised through wood with much less effort than my 18 volt. My only question is how durable it is. Time will tell - but beyond that I am happy as hell with it.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A dream to use, December 21, 2005

By 

Scott Pointon "Former Marine, Librarian, Wood... (Crest Hill, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: DEWALT DW054K-2 Heavy-Duty 14.4-Volt Ni-Cad 1/4-Inch Cordless Impact Driver (Tools & Home Improvement)

I had recently used a friend's DeWalt 12v impact driver (and loved it), so when I had the opportunity to pick this 14.4v driver up cheap I jumped at the chance. I expected great things from this tool and I have not been disappointed.

Whenever I can't get good leverage on my regular 14.4v DeWalt drill/driver it tends to strip the screw heads towards the end of the drive. Not so with this baby. If you are starting with a new or undamaged screw, this driver will sink it into anything short of concrete without stripping the head. Other benefits include the small size of the driver itself and a really nifty chuck device.

As for downsides: You hear this a lot, but when this thing goes into "impact mode" it is loud. If you happen to be in a small room such as a bathroom you will really notice how loud it is. Also, you have to use hex headed bits and drivers with this thing, and that could lead to a bit of expense if you don't have any already.

Before buying this impact driver I was in a pretty common situation. I already owned a 14.4v drill/driver and had to wonder if I needed this one too. I am sure a lot of people who will read this review are in the same boat. My answer to this is yes and no. You can get by forever with just a drill/driver, so you don't NEED this tool. But speaking from a convenience point of view, once you buy this and cease to strip screw heads no matter what material you are screwing into, and once you get used to applying about 1/4 of the pressure that a drill/driver takes, you will love this tool forever.

I made sure that my drill/driver and my impact driver were of the same voltage so they could share batteries and now use the drill for drilling (duh) and the impact driver for driving and spend a lot less time swapping back and forth between drill bits and driver bits.

I highly recommend this as a well made and high performing tool.