Craftsman Nextec 12V Right Angle Impact Driver Review: Power in Tight Spaces

The Craftsman Nextec 12V Lithium-Ion Right Angle Impact Driver promises power
and accessibility in one compact package. I recently had the chance to test
this tool, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. Having seen
advertisements for other Nextec products, such as the Hammerhead Auto
Hammer, my curiosity was certainly piqued. When the impact driver arrived, I
immediately put it to the test. This review details my experience with the
Craftsman Nextec Right Angle Impact Driver, highlighting its features,
performance, and overall value for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

The driver comes neatly packaged in a soft-sided case, a welcome addition for
organization and portability. The case features elastic and Velcro pockets,
perfect for storing the tool itself, the battery charger, various bits, and
the instruction manuals. The included bits cover essential sizes,
including 1/4″, 3/8″, and 5/8″ nut driver bits, along with a 3/8″
screwdriver bit.

Weighing in at 2.2 pounds, the tool feels surprisingly robust. Its compact
design is a significant advantage over conventional impact drivers, allowing
it to access tight and awkward spaces with ease. Despite its smaller size,
it boasts an impressive torque rating of 700 inch-pounds, rivaling larger
models. This power-to-size ratio immediately impressed me, suggesting that
this tool could handle a variety of demanding tasks.

Quick Charging and Easy Bit Changes

Craftsman advertises a quick charging time, and the Nextec driver lives up
to that promise. The battery was fully charged and ready to use in under 30
minutes, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. The 1/4″
Quick-Connect Clamp makes changing bits a breeze. This feature is
particularly useful when switching between different screw types or sizes
frequently. The quick and easy bit changes contribute to a more efficient
and enjoyable working experience.

Performance Testing: Power and Accessibility

To gauge the driver’s performance, I started with a common #8, 2-1/2″ long
deck screw, driving it into a scrap piece of pine 4×4. The driver handled
this task effortlessly. To push the limits further, I then used a 1/4″, 2″
long hex-head lag bolt. Again, the driver powered through without any
struggle. This demonstrated the tool’s ability to handle a range of fastener
sizes and materials with ease.

With its driving capabilities confirmed, I moved on to testing its angular
benefits. The right-angle design proved invaluable in accessing tight
spaces. I was able to easily reach into areas such as racking and bicycle
frames, where a conventional driver would have been impossible to maneuver.
This accessibility is a key selling point of the Nextec Right Angle Impact
Driver, making it a valuable tool for tasks in confined spaces.

Real-World Application: Building a Trellis

While the initial tests were impressive, I wanted to see how the driver
performed in a real DIY project. I decided to use it to construct a trellis,
a project that had been on my to-do list for some time. This would allow me
to assess the tool’s endurance, ease of use, and overall effectiveness in a
practical application.

With all the necessary parts prepared, I grabbed some 1-1/2″ screws and began
assembling the trellis. As expected, the driver easily zipped in the screws.
Given its previous performance with the lag bolt, this wasn’t entirely
surprising. I continued driving screws, and even after twenty-eight screws,
the driver showed no signs of slowing down. The battery life was also
impressive, allowing me to complete a significant portion of the project on
a single charge.

Pros and Cons of the Craftsman Nextec Right Angle Impact Driver

Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages and disadvantages of the Craftsman
Nextec Right Angle Impact Driver:

Pros:

Compactness and Angularity: The right-angle design and compact size
allow access to tight spaces that are inaccessible to conventional impact
drivers. This is the tool’s most significant advantage.
Powerful Torque: Despite its small size, the driver delivers an
impressive 700 inch-pounds of torque, providing ample power for a variety
of tasks.
LED Work Light: The built-in LED work light illuminates the working
area, which is particularly useful in dark or confined spaces. This feature
enhances visibility and precision.
Reduced Wrist Strain: As an impact driver, it eliminates the tiring
wrist-twist action associated with regular drivers, reducing fatigue during
extended use.
Quick Charging: The fast charging time minimizes downtime and keeps
you working efficiently.
Convenient Carrying Case: The included soft-sided case provides
organized storage and easy portability.

Cons:

Not Ideal for Large Projects: While powerful, it’s not the best
choice for assembling an entire deck or other large-scale projects. Its
size and battery capacity are better suited for smaller, more targeted
tasks.
Takes Time to Adjust: The angularity can initially feel like it
reduces control, but this is something that users quickly adapt to with
practice.

Final Verdict: Is the Craftsman Nextec Right Angle Impact Driver Worth It?

Overall, I am very impressed with the Craftsman Nextec 12V Right Angle
Impact Driver. It offers a compelling combination of power, compactness, and
accessibility. It delivers the robust power of larger, conventional models
while accessing spaces that those drivers simply cannot reach. The quick
charging, LED work light, and convenient carrying case further enhance its
value.

While it may not be the ideal choice for massive projects, the Nextec Right
Angle Impact Driver is an excellent addition to any tool collection for DIY
enthusiasts, homeowners, and professionals alike. Its ability to tackle
tasks in tight spaces makes it a unique and valuable tool. If you frequently
encounter situations where accessibility is limited, this impact driver is
definitely worth considering.

The Craftsman Nextec 12V Right Angle Impact Driver earns a strong
recommendation for its performance, versatility, and overall value. It’s a
tool that delivers on its promises and makes challenging tasks significantly
easier.

Stay Tuned!

Remember that trellis I built using the Craftsman Nextec Right Angle Impact
Driver? Come back soon, and I’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to
make one yourself!

Disclaimer: Product review unit provided by Craftsman. All opinions
are my own.