Impact drivers make driving screws and bolts much easier than traditional drills. They use rotational force and quick bursts of impact to power through tough materials without stripping screws.
Regular drills handle many household tasks, but impact drivers excel at heavy-duty jobs like deck building and fence installation. They are also great for major construction projects.
When you choose an impact driver, focus on several key factors. Battery life is crucial, especially for professionals or those working on large projects.
The tool’s weight and ergonomics affect comfort during long periods of use. Chuck size determines which bits you can use, with 1/4-inch hex being the most common.
Torque ratings, measured in inch-pounds, show how much force the tool delivers. Higher torque means the tool can handle tougher jobs.
We spent over 40 hours researching and testing twelve popular impact drivers from various brands and price points. Our tests included driving large lag bolts into pressure-treated lumber and installing cabinet hardware.
We also used each tool until the battery ran out to see which models offer the best performance, comfort, and value for different needs.
Best Impact Drivers
We tested many impact drivers to find the best combination of power, battery life, and comfort. Our top picks work well for both DIY projects and professional construction tasks.
There are models to fit every budget and skill level.
DEWALT Drill & Impact Driver Combo Kit
The DEWALT 20V MAX Combo Kit offers excellent power, comfort, and versatility for both DIY users and professionals.
Pros
- Lightweight, compact design fits in tight spaces
- Powerful performance with long-lasting battery life
- Excellent LED lighting system removes shadows
Cons
- Included 1.3Ah batteries may require frequent charging for heavy-duty tasks
- Carrying case could be more durable
- No bit storage built into the tools
We tested this DEWALT combo kit on several home projects and found its performance impressive. The drill provides plenty of power with its two-speed transmission and easily handles wood, metal, and plastic.
Its comfortable grip reduced hand fatigue during a full day of shelf installation. The impact driver quickly became our favorite tool in the set.
It weighs just 2.8 pounds but delivers 1700 inch-pounds of torque. The one-handed loading chuck made bit changes simple, even on a ladder.
Both tools feel well-balanced in hand. Battery life surpassed our expectations for the compact 1.3Ah batteries.
We completed a medium-sized bookshelf project on a single charge. The three-LED ring around the impact driver’s chuck lights up work areas without shadows, which helped us in dark cabinet spaces.
For the price, this combo offers great value for homeowners and occasional DIYers.
DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Driver
This compact DEWALT impact driver delivers strong power and reliability for both DIYers and professionals.
Pros
- Lightweight design reduces arm fatigue
- Brushless motor provides longer runtime and better durability
- Built-in LED lights brighten dark work areas
Cons
- May struggle with very stubborn or rusted fasteners
- Sometimes slips with certain fasteners
- Plastic housing feels less durable than premium models
We tested the DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Driver and found it performed well in tight spaces. The compact design let us reach awkward angles that bulkier drivers couldn’t.
At just over 4.5 pounds with the battery, it’s light enough for overhead work. The brushless motor gives this tool impressive power for its size.
It drove 3-inch screws into pressure-treated lumber without pilot holes. The battery life let us finish several projects on a single charge of the included 2.0Ah battery.
The three LED lights around the chuck provide great visibility in dim areas. The lights stay on for 20 seconds after releasing the trigger, giving us time to line up the next fastener.
This DEWALT model offers a good balance of power and maneuverability in a compact package.
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench
This cordless impact wrench delivers strong torque and versatility, making it a great choice for professionals and serious DIYers.
Pros
- 1400 ft-lbs breakaway torque handles stubborn fasteners
- 4-mode speed settings offer control for different tasks
- Precision Wrench feature prevents overtightening
Cons
- Heavy at 11 pounds with battery
- Higher price compared to basic models
- Overkill for simple household tasks
We used this DEWALT impact wrench for heavy equipment maintenance and found its performance outstanding. The 1030 ft-lbs of fastening torque handled large bolts with ease.
When we encountered rusted wheel lugs, the 1400 ft-lbs of breakaway torque freed them quickly. The 4-mode speed settings helped us switch between tasks easily.
We used maximum power for loosening, then switched to lower settings for control. The Precision Wrench mode slowed the tool as fasteners neared their final position, preventing overtightening.
Battery life was excellent with the included 5.0Ah battery. We completed several wheel changes and bolt installations without recharging.
The LED work light is bright and well-placed, making dark work areas easy to see. Although it’s not the lightest option, the build quality is very durable.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR 3-Speed Impact Driver
This 20V impact driver delivers strong torque for tough jobs and offers the precision of three-speed settings.
Pros
- 1,825 in-lbs torque handles large fasteners easily
- Three-speed settings add versatility
- Built-in LED lights brighten dark work spaces
Cons
- Batteries and charger sold separately
- Slightly heavier than some compact models
- Higher price than basic impact drivers
We tested this DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver on a deck building project and found its performance impressive. The brushless motor delivers serious power and drives 3-inch screws into pressure-treated lumber without stalling.
It maintains consistent torque even when the battery isn’t fully charged. The three-speed settings helped us adjust for different tasks.
We used the highest setting for lag bolts, the middle for deck screws, and the lowest for delicate work around electrical fixtures. This versatility means you can handle many jobs without switching tools.
The grip is comfortable during long use. We worked for hours, and the ergonomic design prevented hand fatigue.
The three LED lights around the chuck provide shadow-free illumination, which helps in dim spaces or under decking.
DEWALT 20V MAX Brushless Combo Kit
This DEWALT power tool combo offers impressive performance with its compact size and reliability.
Pros
- Lightweight, compact design fits in tight spaces
- 1,500 in-lbs of torque in the impact driver
- LED light with 20-second delay for dark areas
Cons
- Only includes 2.0Ah batteries, which may not last through long projects
- LED light can’t be turned off separately
- Charger requires 110V power (adapters needed internationally)
We tested this DEWALT combo kit and found the tools comfortable to use. The balance is good, and the grip design reduces fatigue during long jobs.
At only 7.6 inches front to back, the impact driver fits easily into tight spaces. The brushless motors provide more power and longer runtime.
The drill driver delivers 340 unit watts out and drills through studs easily. The impact driver’s 1,500 in-lbs of torque handled lag bolts without stalling.
Both tools have variable speed triggers for precise control. The quick-release hex chuck makes bit changes fast.
The contractor bag included is sturdy enough for transport, though not as organized as a hard case. The two 2.0Ah batteries provided enough power for most small to medium projects.
The compact size makes this combo perfect for homeowners who want reliable tools without the bulk.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best impact driver means understanding key features that fit your needs.
Power and Performance
An impact driver’s power is measured in voltage and torque. Higher voltage, usually 12V-20V, means more power for tough jobs.
| Voltage | Best For |
|---|---|
| 12V | Light household tasks |
| 18V-20V | Professional work and heavy-duty tasks |
Torque is measured in inch-pounds (in-lbs) or foot-pounds (ft-lbs). More torque lets the tool drive fasteners into harder materials.
Battery Life and Type
Battery life affects how long you can work without recharging. Look for lithium-ion batteries because they hold charges longer and have no memory effect.
The amp-hour (Ah) rating shows how long a battery lasts. Higher Ah ratings mean longer runtime per charge.
Size and Weight
If you use the tool for long periods, consider its weight. Lighter models reduce fatigue but might have less power.
Compact designs help you reach tight spaces. Most impact drivers are 5-7 inches long.
Additional Features
Variable speed triggers let you control driving depth more precisely. Choose models with several speed settings.
LED lights brighten dark work areas. This feature helps in poorly lit spaces.
A comfortable grip prevents hand fatigue. Rubberized handles give you better control and comfort during long periods of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Impact drivers come in many varieties with different features. Here are answers to some common questions about finding the best impact driver for your needs.
What are the top-rated impact drivers for professional automotive work?
Automotive professionals often prefer the Milwaukee M18 FUEL for its 2,000 inch-pounds of torque and durable design. The Snap-on CT9075 is popular in auto shops for its precision and reliability.
The Ingersoll Rand W7150-K2 provides strong power and includes a warranty for professional use.
Which is the most cost-effective impact driver currently available?
The Ryobi P237 18V ONE+ offers great value at about $99 with a battery. It delivers 1,800 inch-pounds of torque at a lower price than premium models.
The Black+Decker 20V MAX Impact Driver usually sells for under $80 and handles most home projects well. The Hart 20V model at Walmart is a basic option around $60.
Which impact driver offers the highest torque for heavy-duty applications?
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL High Torque Impact Wrench leads with 1,400 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. This power can handle the toughest fasteners in construction and industrial jobs.
DeWalt’s DCF899P2 20V MAX XR offers 1,200 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. The Makita XWT08Z 18V LXT provides 740 ft-lbs of fastening torque, making it suitable for most heavy-duty tasks.
How do Makita and DeWalt impact drivers compare in performance and reliability?
Makita impact drivers usually offer better ergonomics and weight balance. The XDT16 model feels comfortable during long use.
DeWalt drivers often provide higher torque, especially in their 20V MAX XR models. DeWalt’s batteries work with a wider range of tools.
Makita drivers tend to last longer in tough conditions due to their brushless motors. DeWalt offers a 3-year warranty, while Makita provides standard coverage.
What features should one look for in an impact driver for home DIY projects?
For DIY projects, choose a 12V or 18V impact driver with at least 1,200 inch-pounds of torque. Multiple speed settings help prevent stripping screws.
A built-in LED light is useful for working in dark spaces. Tool-free bit changing makes switching fasteners quick and easy.
Battery compatibility with your other tools saves money over time. Brushless motors cost more upfront but provide longer runtime and better durability.
What are the most recommended impact drivers by users on forums like Reddit?
On Reddit’s r/Tools and r/DIY forums, users consistently praise the Milwaukee M12 FUEL for its balance of power and compact size.
They often highlight its durability even after years of use.
Many users recommend the Makita XDT16 for its comfortable grip and strong vibration control.
Budget-conscious users suggest the Ryobi P238 because it offers good value.
Forum members advise avoiding the cheapest no-name brands.
They point out that spending more, such as choosing a $100 impact driver over a $40 one, results in much better performance.