If youre thinking compact, Makitas XDT16 is the best lightweight impact driver to get your hands on. We consult with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work. The Porter-Cable 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit comes with two 1.5 amp-hour rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, a battery charger, and the impact driver, making it a decent option for those looking for a ready-to-go quality tool with extended runtime. It is not a drill, though a chuck adapter could be added for occasional drilling tasks. This is a light-duty impact driver, and I found it more than suitable for most household needs. For the most part, none of the impact drivers lasted as long as their manufacturers claims, but then again, they were running nearly constantly, which probably isnt typical. Their HP Brushless impact driver uses 3 standard modes and an assist mode to reign in 2200 in-lbs of torque, 2900 RPM, and 4000 IPM. None overheated to the point where they automatically shut down. As impact drivers, the tools in this lineup are made to start hitting when the driver senses resistance, either while inserting fasteners or removing them. Even though Craftsman didnt dominate the DIY category across the board, it prioritizes a combination of speed, power, size, and design makes it a solid choice when youre on a budget. Plus, its from a manufacturer that is well known for producing top-of-the-line power tools. [], This review started off as a sort of bait and switch. A small impact driver with 800 in-lbs of torque provides plenty of twisting power to drive screws in a household or a home workshop setting. It weighs in at just 2.9 pounds, so its also suitable for extended overhead use. Realistically, you can go either direction with this one and be in great shape. Sure, send them over, I said. With the launch of the XTR series, Kobalt joined the ranks of a group we call advanced tools. For our purposes, we drive screws up to 1/4-inch diameter. In addition to inserting and removing screw fasteners, I tested the Makita impact driver on an overtightened bolt removal, and it excelled in all tests. In testing, the battery lasted nearly an hour before needing a recharge. As a long-time fan of DeWalt tools, I was expecting good things from this 20-volt impact driverand I wasnt disappointed. Its impact hammering also kicked in right away when I used it to remove a frozen screwloosening it before the bit stripped out the head. A monster 2200 in-lbs of torque highlights its performance backed up with 3000 RPM speed. It features a one-handed hex chuck to easily switch between bits, and it comes with a 20-volt lithium-ion battery and charger. The PWRJump charger is a significant upgrade. On the clock, Kenny dives deep to discover the practical limits and comparative differences for all kinds of tools. Not really digging this best of each brand stuff. That was fine, however, since its pretty easy to tell when a battery is getting low without the need for an indicator. When shopping for the best impact driver, consider the following. Initially, I was leery when I started testing the Avid Power Impact Driver, but I soon discovered it could hold its own among higher-priced light-duty drivers. Though batteries can still cause problems, professionals who need continuous performance simply invest in a spare or two. As a bonus, it comes ready for the Connected Module that offers smart controls and diagnostics using Boschs app. If you dont need the drill, you can get just the impact driver with a 2.0Ah battery for $128. In todays world of Internet news and online content, we found that more and more professionals researched a large majority of their major power tool purchases online. For $149.99, the Skil PWRCore 20 brushless impact driver includes a 2.0Ah battery and upgraded PWRJump charger. Look for ones sold as impact ready.. Thanks for helping us do what we love. If you plan to tackle jobs involving larger or longer screws and fixingslike those used for decking or framing up a houseyoull want to add an impact driver to your tool collection. We work with more than two dozen professional contractors around the United States who review products for us on real job sites and consult with us on testing methods, categories, and weighting. Despite its compact size, I found the Milwaukee M18 impact driver provided nearly as much power as some of the larger models I tested. Flexs 24V max Quick Change impact driver tested stronger than Milwaukee and the two went back and forth in our tests. Although my battery was more than a year old, I got over an hour of runtime out of the Makita driver before I needed to recharge. The only 24-volt model in this lineup, the Kobalt doesnt mess aroundit offers 1,800 in-lbs of torque and hits at a maximum of 3,500 ipm. Where Milwaukee holds its greatest advantages are in its tech options, depth of line on the M18/M18 Fuel system, and an overall weight thats a full pound lighter. If the aim is to maximize runtime, buy a spare with a higher amp-hour. Taking it to a whole new level, Milwaukee One-Key offers control, tracking, and inventory management in the most well-developed smart tool system currently available. I wanted to see just how good todays top impact drivers performed, so I didnt pull any punches during the testing phase. The higher the voltage, the more powerful the motor. We greatly prefer brushless motors over brushed, even though you pay more to get them. Ever check out a review site and you cant tell if they actually tested the tools or if theyre just recommending the Amazon top sellers? DeWalt took their excellent 20V Max XR impact driver and gave it a Tool Connect upgrade to get the DCF888. This impact driver is available as a tool-only model, so shoppers will have to purchase a separate battery. Impact drivers can often be lighter than cordless drills, and some weigh as little as 2 pounds. Regardless, its the sum of what you get compared to the price you pay that determines the value for you. Sales 101 will teach you that every feature must have a benefit. I started buying the FLEX power tools and they are by far the best power tools on the market. From a company with a more than century-long reputation for producing quality tools comes the Black & Decker 20-volt cordless impact driver. Whats the Difference? If a compact design is higher on your priority list than socket compatibility, check out the GDR18V-1800CN. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment. Less powerful models can handle light-duty DIY projects, while more high-performance drivers will tackle the kind of fixing used for decking and substantial framing constructions. At a little over 4 pounds with the battery, it is heavier than some, and I found my arm and hand tiring after using it overhead for a few minutes. It also had fastening strength that only the M12 Fuel Surge beat in our tests. While it might be a prehistoric tool, its unlikely to go extinct any time soon since most homes (at least in the USA) are still constructed out [], Metabo HPT MultiVolt Triple Hammer Impact Driver Enters Second Generation Out of dozens of the cordless impact drivers weve tested, the Metabo HPT MultiVolt 36V Triple Hammer Impact Driver is one of the most unique with its 3-hammer design. The tool is relatively lightweight at 3.1 pounds, and I found it to be well balanced. While the following impact drivers are better suited for some uses than others, each is a standout in its category for your next go-to tool. We drive a series of fastener sizes, drill with impact driver-compatible bits, and break loose bolts to determine which impact drivers are the fastest and strongest. I rated each tool using a scoring rubric. Its a much more compact tool that boasts the same specs as this one and could take over as the top choice for DeWalt fans. Its more than 1/2 an inch shorter across the head and still lightweight at 2.1 pounds bare. DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit, 1/4-Inch, BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX POWERCONNECT in. The tool is slightly heavy at 4.1 pounds, but thats a decent trade-off for dependability and solid performance. Those looking for enough driving power to build a garage or a shed need look no further than the DeWalt 20V MAX Impact Driver. While we look for abnormalities that affect everyone, different hands prefer different styles. In fact, it was able to remove Grade 8 hardened bolts we had set to 4200 in-lbs! How much torque is needed depends on the construction material. Impact drivers fall into two brackets: 12-volt tools and 18- or 20-volt tools. If you want the best bang for your buck to cover those projects around the house, HART has you covered. Its a touch slower than others at 2700 RPM and 3400 RPM. Flex set itself further apart when we drove 1/2-inch lag screws, setting them faster than the others and proving that it not only has the muscle to get them moving but also the speed to keep them going. The tool delivers immense power with 1,832 in-lbs of torque and a 4,000 ipm triple-hammer action to drive screws and fasteners home in no time. Thats not us. Note: Check out our head-to-head comparison of the Milwaukee M12 Fuel vs M12 Surge impact driver! If your plans include a lot of overhead work, make sure you factor the battery weight into the total weight of a cordless impact driver if you buy a bare tool. The Porter-Cable tool is well balanced and features a rubberized nonslip grip that for comfortable use. After []. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn income when you click on an Amazon link. With four-stage speed adjustability for maximum precision, the tool reaches speeds up to 2,900 rpm. The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool. Impact drivers dont have clutches, but virtually all of them have variable-speed triggers that allow the user to reduce power when the fastener is completely inserted. Low-cost tools seldom perform as well as their more expensive counterparts, but thats certainly not the case with the 18-volt Ryobi impact driver. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year. In commercial environments, it is an OSHA requirement. 20V Cordless, Kobalt 24-volt Max Variable Speed Brushless Cordless, PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit (PCCK647LB), unlike the smooth rotation of a drill, an impact driver uses rotational hammering, CRAFTSMAN V20 Impact Driver Kit, Cordless (CMCF810C1), can be used as both a drill and a screwdriver, The Most Important Things to Keep in Your Tool Kit in 2020, The Best Milwaukee Impact Drivers of 2022. With this much torque, anything less than a 3 amp-hour battery will undercut the performance of this impact driver. However, it hits much harder than its 1800 in-lbs torque spec would have you believe. With 1700 in-lbs of torque and 2900 RPM, the Craftsman CMCF820 V20 impact driver serves as the top-performing tool in their lineup. They are specifically designed for heavy-duty screw-driving tasks, where an ordinary drill driver would struggle. Metabo HPT (formerly Hitachi Power Tools) has two compelling cordless impact driver choices. With the battery in place, the driver is well balancedwith the weight falling almost equally between the head and the battery compartment, which I feel helps stabilize the tool during use. I was surprised (and impressed) to find the Craftsman has a brushless motor, which is typically about 30 percent more efficient than an equivalent brush motor. My favorite feature of the Makita driver is the ability to choose from four different speed modes by pushing a small button just below the chuck. That may well have been a user error since I was testing at a relatively quick pace and might not have gotten the bits in securely. You want to strike the right balance between sufficient torque for the fastener involved, tool weight for manageability, and of course your budget. As part of the 36V MultiVolt line, this model is compatible with the AC adapter in case you need to run corded while your batteries charge. The GDT01 is less than 0.2 inches longer and just 0.3 pounds heavier with its 2.5Ah battery. Bosch has announced an upgrade to the brushless Freak. Get the Metabo 18V impact driver on Amazon and at Lowes. Anyone who doesnt own another cordless tool from the Ryobi One+ system (and already have a battery) will need to purchase a battery and a charger. While we havent had the chance to test it yet, keep your eyes on DeWalts Atomic DCF850. A slight downside is the 1.5 amp-hour battery, which did not last as long as I felt it should have. Leaving the Octane line behind, this impact driver is more compact, measuring 5.4 inches from front to back and dropping 1/2 an inch compared to Octane. A drill comes with a clutch that stops the torque when the fastener meets resistance. HART has a couple of impact drivers to choose from and their brushless model is the way to go in our opinion. It scored well in testing for both inserting and removing fasteners quickly from softwoods and hardwoods. Its an all-around impact driver that would come in handy for DIYers. I moved on to test the power duration of each driver by using it consistently until its battery was depleted. Paired with HARTs brushless drill, the combo kit with a pair of 2.0Ah batteries is just $148 at Walmart. Noise level wasnt a big deal with impact drivers for a long time. We look for anything out of the ordinary thats genuinely beneficial. The chuck was firm and secure, and it held the bits tightly. Our impact driver reviews hold nothing back and test these tools to see who performs best in various applications. One of the guys I work with says it feels more powerful that his old XR and its obviously more compact. It delivers 1,460 in-lbs of torque; 3,100 ipm; and a maximum speed of 2,800 rpm, which is competitive performance to other DIY-type impact drivers. Having owned several Kobalt tools over the years, I was aware that this line of tools is available only at Lowes. It also comes with a sturdy cast-aluminum gear housing. If you dont need the smart controls, snag the DeWalt DCF887 instead. The value a tool offers will be different for everyone depending on what features, performance, and price you prioritize the most. Impact driver buyers looking for the most powerful tool need to check the torque figure, not the voltage. Thats particularly important when inserting screws overhead, where a regular drill can quickly weigh the user down. While the Avid Power impact driver doesnt generate the force that other impact drivers can, its not intended to do so. Its essentially the same impact driver but with a standard collet and a more compact head. Both use an impact mechanism with three hammers, giving rise to the name Triple Hammer. The Porter-Cable offers nearly as much torque and rotation speed as some of the more powerful drivers I tested, and it didnt bog down at all during the fastener insertion and removal tests. The irony is that those massive gains are a huge reduction in size and weight. It features an impressive 1,800 in-lbs of torque and 3,200 ipm (impacts per minute) and has a -inch quick-connect chuck. Weve tested dozens of theimpact driverscurrently available to find out who makes the best impact driver in multiple classes. Torque is probably the single most important aspect of an impact driver. Unlike drills, impact drivers do not have a three-jaw self-centering chuck. The battery and the charger are included with this model. Pro Tool Reviews is a successful online publication that has been providing tool reviews and industry news since 2008. An impact driver does not have the drill function, but it provides far superior driving power for all kinds of large fasteners. They use upgraded batteries, motors, and electronics to deliver better performance than standard brushless tools. I wanted to know which ones were worth the moneyand which ones were basically dudsso I personally tested the most popular sellers, and I didnt go easy on them. However, an impact driver that is fitted with a brushless motor will invariably run longer (given the same size battery). Generally light and compact, 12-volt models make great general-purpose tools for homeowners. But both have their own purpose. These bits are designed to last up to 90 times as long as standard bits in those hard stop situations and still work great for wood fastening. The torque generated by an impact driver can break ordinary bits. I used a 3Ah lithium-ion battery from another Makita tool I owned to test the impact driver. With most tools, a 1.5 amp-hour or a 2.0 amp-hour battery come standard. Milwaukees third-generation M12 Fuel impact driver has been tough to beat. Have you tested DeWalts new Atomic impact driver yet? Its combination of 3300 RPM and 4000 IPM kept it running faster than other 12V models in our testing. However, in actual useinserting and removing fastenersthe Avid Power performed impeccably, and it ran continuously for just over 30 minutes before I had to recharge its 1,500 amp-hour battery. Instead, they have a quick-release hexagonal chuck that accepts bits with a hexagonal shank. That piqued our interest. On the other hand, its a solid value at $249 for the kit. This could change as well. It has 1859 in-lbs of torque, 2900 RPM, and 4100 BPM with two standard and two assist modes to control it. The Ryobi impact driver performed on par with some of its more expensive competitors in my testing. An impact driver is in essence a high-performance screwdriver, though with the right bits it can also drive hex-head bolts, lag bolts, and other large fixings, not just screws. Plus, it comes with a 2.0Ah rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which lasts longer than the batteries of some of the higher-priced drivers in this lineup. Metabo HPT MultiVolt Triple Hammer Impact Driver Review, Best Bubble Level Buying Guide for Pros 2022, Dickies x Traeger Ultimate Grilling Collection, Ridgid 18V Cordless Jobsite Fan Review R860721B, The Line: Saudi Arabias City of the Future Design, Tool Manufacturers and Tool Brands by Logo. An electric motor produces an initial surge of power when starting, then drops to its nominal (standard) voltage. Aimed at both professionals and enthusiastic DIYers, the tools powerful torque, compact design, and light weight of just 2.8 pounds make it among the top options for an impact driver. An LED light and a charge indicator are convenient extras. Batteries also have an amp-hour (Ah) rating. Milwaukee has some serious competition, though. Beyond the handle diameter, we look at how the tool fits in your hand. The higher-performing design doesnt add a lot of bulk, though. As for size, an impact driver can access tight spaces where a larger drill wouldnt fit, and some models are more compact than others. Would love your thoughts, please comment. When cordless models first came onto the market, they couldnt compete with the outright power of corded models. Think of it as the amount of gasoline in a vehicles fuel tank. Theyre loud and thats just the way it is. Their speed helps drive small fasteners more quickly while the power and impacts tighten or break loose fasteners better than drills. The Avid Power features slightly less torque than larger models, coming in at 1,590 in-lbs. Keep your eyes open on this oneweve seen some pretty sweet deals on Amazon, too! BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX POWERCONNECT 1/4 in. A brushless motor maximizes battery efficiency, but keep in mind this driver comes as a bare tool; users must purchase a battery and charger separately. Not every impact driver we use leads the class, but there are plenty that we still recommend. It also had significantly less noise than any other impact driver weve tested. Despite the size reduction, the performance consequences dont hurt much. Some impact drivers use a -inch fitting, but a -inch fitting is much more common. In testing, the Kobalt showed off with the most extended runtime of any impact driver at almost 90 continuous minutes. The irony is that were still trying to come up with new ways to improve it! Widely available until relatively recently, corded impact drivers have become something of a rarity. It seems that companies put out a good product and then start putting cheaper parts in them after awhile. Voltage indicates the energy output of an impact driver. All the impact drivers in our lineup were highly sensitive and started hitting as soon as the fastener met resistance. The space-saving design features a compact head and grip. While there are certainly plenty of home improvement ideas and materials taking up most of the floor space, that power tool section is where you can what [], Arguably one of the oldest tools known to humanity is the hammer. Theres one key thing to note about Pro Tool Reviews: Were all about the professional tool user and tradesman! The brushless drivers scored higher on this test because their brushless motors enable longer runtimes. In our 12V testing, it took another M12 Fuel product to finally knock the M12 Fuel 2553 off the top of our charts. Each tool was pushed to its limits to determine how well it would hold up in real-world building situations. Among those options, Flexs FX1371A-2B stands out with Kobalts 24V and Milwaukee M18 Fuel as hitting harder than others in our nut-busting test. Brushless motors require electronics that open the door to systems likeMilwaukeeOne-Key,BoschConnected control, andDeWaltTool Connect. NEW Milwaukee M18 Fuel Belt Sander | 2832-20 HANDS-ON, YouTube Video VVVuaFZUNTRHOWtOcXV3VDFfZDJaR1F3LkpEMS1NdjBFWk1r, Best Deck Screws for Pressure Treated and Composite Wood, 20 Best Plants That Repel Mosquitoes Including Zone Information, How to Use a Circular Saw From Setup to Cut, Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact Driver with One-Key 2857, Makita 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver XDT16, Flex 24V Brushless Impact Driver with Quick Eject FX1371A-2B, Milwaukee M12 Fuel Surge Hydraulic Driver 2551, Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless Impact Driver Kit, HART 20V Brushless Impact Driver and Drill Combo HPCK252B, Bosch Freak Brushless Connected Ready Impact Driver, DeWalt 20V Max XR Impact Driver with Tool Connect, Makita 40V Max XGT Brushless Impact Driver GDT01, Metabo HPT MultiVolt 36V Triple Hammer Impact Driver, Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact Driver with One-Key, Ryobi One+ HP Brushless Impact Driver PBLID02. I was slightly disappointed in the tools body qualitythe materials didnt seem up to par for the Milwaukee brand. We also check how comfortable and secure the rubber overmold is. Bring back the first to worst lists. The lime-green power tool put on an impressive show of driving fasteners into hardwood and softwood and removed overtightened screws without stripping out the heads. Thanks to a compact MultiVolt battery, you can enjoy the extra torque without having to sacrifice a ton of extra weight. The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. The Metabo impact driver offers a host of features aimed at the professional, but that shouldnt put off the serious DIY remodeler. See our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. It showed in our tests as this model tied with Flex as the fastest on our Impact Driver Test Track. Some manufacturers likeMakitachoose to program helpful modes rather than having you customize them. There are now several excellent impact driver options with 2000+ in-lbs of torque and theyre all happy to break socket adapters all day long. Craftsman has long been associated with quality tools at affordable prices for the DIY user, and its V20 cordless impact driver continues that tradition. One of the reasons we love impact drivers is that they tend to be smaller and lighter than drill drivers. In power terms, they are actually the same. At least, thats the way it was up until hydraulic impact drivers became affordable. More powerful tools are not necessarily physically larger, so it is possible to get a small and mighty tool. HART takes some of the sting out of that premium with their 20V brushless impact driver and drill combo kit. Should throw in the Klein BAT20CD into the conversation for most powerful. Despite its size, this impact driver hits harder than its 1600 in-lbs of torque suggest and it drove much faster than its competition in several of our tests. This can vary. This speed selection is in addition to the tools variable speed trigger, so I was able to regulate the rpms to suit the material and the types of fasteners I was testing. Pros typically use impact drivers to drive screws using bits such as Phillips, Torx, or even hex head bits. Depending on how you intend to use an impact driver, one or more of the following extras may be worth pursuing in a kit. Cordless. Or watch the video. The tools were also checked periodically to see if they were overheating, and while most of them became slightly warm, only one got warm enough to take a break and let it cool down. These heavier-duty tools make a good choice for remodelers and professional contractors. Compact and with a muscular 2000 in-lbs of torque, Milwaukees third-generation M18 Fuel impact driver was a big step forward in performance. All in all, the Kobalt impact driver is well suited for both DIY and professional construction use. The higher the torque (measured in inch-pounds and usually written as in-lbs), the more twisting power. While manufacturers sometimes claim to have implemented noise reduction technologies, all the models tested for this guide exceed the 85-decibel level, so hearing protection is recommended. Weve had good success using the Makita XPS impact bits since they first launched.