The Best Impact Drivers (2024) comprehensive guide

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We committed substantial financial resources to acquire and rigorously test top-performing models for our quest to identify the most fitting impact driver. This exhaustive head-to-head assessment pitted various battery-powered tools against each other, pushing them to their limits. The cordless variations of these sought-after gadgets provide an unprecedented level of convenience. Their primary advantage lies in the immense power they deliver, establishing them as a remarkable leap forward from conventional drills. These factors collectively underscore the supremacy of these devices as the best impact drivers in their category.

Not only did we measure, weigh, and time each model, but we also looked at various indicators to determine each one’s overall performance. We also looked into the less obvious aspects, such as how simple it was to use the bit holder and how accurate and effective the target lights were. In addition to the technological specifications, we took into account the comfort and ergonomics of each individual driver. These instruments’ torque capacities were determined after we subjected them to extensive testing.

In a world where craftsmanship and the sophistication of tools are always improving, it is easy to feel overwhelmed while attempting to select the best solution for your needs in a world where the options are always getting better. We are able to draw upon our previous experiences here. We made an attempt to make the purchase process easier. You can find the very best cordless circular saws and drills with the assistance of our personal expertise and understanding of the industry.

What is a Impact Drivers?

The screw-driving jobs that are designed expressly for cordless impact drivers, which are employed in a wide variety of different trades, are the ones that are the most difficult to do. Because of the high torque capabilities of these tools, they are capable of driving screws far more quickly and effectively than a standard drill driver is able to. Jobs that would normally take a lot of time to complete become much easier to complete using this.

Best Impact Drivers comparison table

My impact driver is fantastic. Revolutionary, unlike a drill-driver. A spring-loaded, quick-release chuck holds 1/4-inch hex-shank driver bits. With the right impact-rated bits, this tool can superhero-drive screws, bolts, and holes into wood or sheet metal. Lightning-fast, faster than cordless drill. And compactness? This saves the day when working on ladders or in tight areas. I use this impact driver for everything DIY.

Model	Voltage	Chuck Size	Maximum Torque (in-lbs)	Speed (RPM)	Weight (lbs)	Check Deal
DeWalt DCF885C1 20V MAX ¼-Inch	20V	1/4 inch	1400	2800	2.8	Check Deal
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hex Hydraulic	18V	1/4 inch	2000	3600	2.3	Check Deal
Ryobi One+ HP Drill and Impact Driver	18V	1/4 inch	1800	3400	2.7	Check Deal
Metabo HPT 18V Triple-Hammer	18V	1/4 inch	1850	2900	2.9	Check Deal
Kobalt XTR Max 24-Volt Impact Driver	24V	1/4 inch	2000	3400	3.2	Check Deal

List of Best Impact Drivers

Cordless drill-drivers are versatile, so start with one while developing your collection. My experience suggests adding an impact driver to your toolkit. Let me clarify. Cordless drill-drivers are multipurpose. A dedicated impact driver can often change the game. I like impact drivers for decks, plywood, tile backer boards, and lengthy screws.

DeWalt DCF885C1 20V MAX ¼-Inch

Specification	Details
Maximum torque	1,400 in-lbs
Maximum revolutions per minute (rpm)	2,800
Weight	2.8 pounds
Power Source	Battery Powered
Maximum Chuck Size	6.35 Millimeters
	Check Price

For garage or shed construction, the DeWalt 20V MAX impact driver is ideal. The tool’s 1,400 inch-pounds (in-lbs) torque, compact form, and light weight of 2.8 pounds make it a top impact driver for professionals and DIYers. The cordless impact driver has an ergonomic handle and three LED lights to illuminate dark spots.

DeWalt tools are my favorites, so I expected this 20-volt impact driver to perform well. It has a 20-volt lithium-ion battery, charger, and one-handed hex chuck for bit switching. I didn’t like the 1.5 amp-hour battery’s short lifespan. Battery life was little over 40 minutes at near-constant use. Still, the DeWalt impact driver inserted screws into softwoods and hardwoods well. It also loosened frozen fasteners without removing the heads.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hex Hydraulic Driver Kit

Specification	Details
Torque	2,000 inch-pounds
Weight	2.8 pounds
Voltage	18 Volts
Power Source	Battery Powered
	Check Price

For DIY tasks and quick fixes, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel impact driver is revolutionary. Its innovative technology offers it an edge over competing impact drivers, providing consistent performance. A highlight is its hydraulic drive system, which maintains torque well.

You can tackle chores quickly and powerfully, improving efficiency. We’ve all risked stripping a screw head, right? Self-tapping screw mode on the Milwaukee M18 has you covered. Save time and hassle by starting screws without stripping with this handy function.

Ryobi One+ HP Drill and Impact Driver

Specification	Details
Power	18-volt
Motor	Brushless
RPM	2,900
IPM	3,800
Torque	1,700 in.-lb
	Check Price

My DIY projects have changed since buying the One+ drill-driver set. Both a drill and driver in one kit are useful. Stop swapping bits for drilling and driving.The driver is basic but effective for chores. With 18 volts, it produces 1,700 inch-pounds of torque. I enjoyed driving lag bolts and big fasteners without pilot holes.

The variable-speed trigger was great. I could change RPMs from 0 to 2,900 with 3,800 hits per minute. This control improved my work, especially when I needed precision. The tool’s 5.5-inch head let me reach screws in tight areas. Process was less frustrating. Quick-release chucks require practice. It was awkward at first, and certain parts worked better. After I found its favorites, it was minor annoyance.

Metabo HPT 18V Triple-Hammer Impact Driver

Specification	Details
Maximum torque	1,832 in-lbs
Maximum rpm	2,900
Weight	2.9 pounds
	Check Price

I was excited to try the Metabo HPT impact driver because I’ve always liked Hitachi power tools. Metabo replaced Hitachi in power tools in 2018. I’ll buy more tools from this brand if this impact driver is any indicator of their future. The Metabo impact driver is powerful and has many pro-specific features. But don’t let it deter dedicated DIYers like me. This monster has 1,832 in-lbs of torque and 4,000 hits per minute thanks to its triple-hammer action. So you can fast-drive and fasten screws in no time.

Kobalt XTR Max 24-Volt Impact Driver

Specification	Details
Power	24-volt
Motor	Brushless
RPM	3,400
IPM	4,000
Torque	2,400 in.-lb
	Check Price

I recently tried the Kobalt XTR Max, and it’s impressive for its price. One thing I liked was advanced assist driving mode. I found this setting quite helpful during testing. It reduced RPMs, making screws simpler to start without overtightening.

I loved that the XTR has three speed modes. This lets you match driving speed to fastener and material type. The XTR handled longer deck screws and shorter self-tapping screws easily. I even enjoyed lag bolts. It appeared to know how much power to deliver without straining.

Top Features to Look for in an Impact Driver

When searching for an impact driver, whether for usage in a professional setting or for do-it-yourself tasks, there are certain essential characteristics that should be taken into consideration. Impact drivers are robust instruments that were developed specifically for the purpose of driving screws and other fasteners with a great amount of torque and efficiency. The following are the most important characteristics to look for:

• Brushless Motor: Compared to brushed motors, brushless motors are more powerful, last longer, and use less power. They also run cooler and are easier to keep up.
• Variable Speed Control: For many jobs, it’s important to be able to control the speed and torque. Look for a model that lets you change the speed to meet the needs of your job.
• Torque: The torque number is a very important factor. If the tool has a higher torque, it can handle bigger and more difficult screws. Most of the time, it is measured in inches-pounds (in-lbs) or feet-pounds (ft-lbs).
• Type and Capacity of Battery: Most impact tools are cordless, so battery life and power are very important. The standard is lithium-ion batteries, and a bigger amp-hour (Ah) rating means a longer run time. Think about whether the tool has a battery or if you have to buy one separately.
• Battery Indicator: A battery status indicator, like an LED scale, tells you how full the battery is so you don’t get stuck in the middle of a project with a dead tool.
• Size and weight: Drivers that are light and small are easier to use for long amounts of time and in tight spaces. But keep this in mind along with the need to be strong and last a long time.

How to Choose the Best Impact Drivers?

• Why and How It Will Be Used: Think about what you want to do with the impact tool. Will you mostly be putting screws or other fasteners into wood, metal, concrete, or other materials? Power and features may be needed in different amounts for different jobs.
• Source of power: Impact drivers can be driven by an electric cord or by a battery. Cordless types are easier to move around with, but longer use may require more than one battery. Choose the source of power that best fits your needs and wants.
• Voltage (for models without a cord): There are different voltage levels for cordless impact drivers, such as 12V, 18V, and 20V Max. Most of the time, higher voltage models have more strength, but they may also be heavier and cost more. Choose a power that works for what you want to do with it.
• Turning force: Torque is a way to measure how much the impact driver turns things. For heavy-duty jobs, a higher torque value is better. Make sure the impact driver you choose has the right amount of power for your needs.
• RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) and Speed: Look for impact drivers with speed choices that you can change depending on the material and the job. Higher RPMs can help you drive faster, but lower RPMs give you better control.

Questions and Answers