Impact drivers are a crucial tool for contractors, handymen, and DIY enthusiasts. They are celebrated for their remarkable torque, powerful performance, and ergonomic design, simplifying the task of driving screws and fastening bolts. Nevertheless, the vast array of options can make selecting the best impact driver a daunting task. The perfect impact driver should be robust, durable, equipped with adjustable speed settings for precise control, and well-suited for the intended job.
The best impact driver should be capable of generating high torque while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable design. It should also have good battery life and a quick charging time. The wrong impact driver can lead to inefficient work, frustration, and even potential damage to materials.
In your hunt for the perfect impact driver, it’s vital to pay attention to crucial specifications such as the level of torque, speed settings, battery life, and the overall design and build quality of the tool. Opt for an impact driver with a combination of these features and you will definitely have a valuable tool in your hands.
In this article, we will guide you in picking the best impact driver. We have exhaustively researched, tested, and compared various models to come up with the ultimate list that assures enhanced performance and durability. By the end of this article, you will be armed with all the info you need to select an impact driver that meets your precise needs and work perfectly with your demands.
Best Impact Drivers
Picking the right impact driver is crucial to your projects, delivering power and precision efficiently. The tool should feel comfortable in your hand, have adjustable speed settings, and powerful enough for even the toughest of tasks. With a vast array of choices in the market, it can be quite overwhelming to find the ideal impact driver. To help you make the right decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best impact drivers that we have carefully tested for their quality and performance.
CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit, 1/4 Inch, 2,800 RPM, LED Work light, Battery and Charger Included (CMCF800C1)
If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile impact driver, the CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit is a great option.
Pros
- The 2,800 RPM motor delivers 1,400 in-lbs of max torque, making it perfect for driving screws into wood, metal, and other materials.
- The 1/4-inch hex hog’s tooth bit chuck provides 20% more grip, ensuring that your bits stay securely in place.
- The built-in LED work light illuminates your work area, making it easier to see what you’re doing.
Cons
- The battery life may not be sufficient for extended use.
- The impact driver may be too heavy for some users.
- The kit only includes one battery, which may not be enough for some projects.
We’ve used the CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit for a variety of projects, and it has performed well every time. The 2,800 RPM motor provides plenty of power, and the 1/4-inch hex hog’s tooth bit chuck ensures that our bits stay securely in place. The built-in LED work light is also a nice touch, as it helps us see what we’re doing even in low-light conditions.
One potential downside is that the battery life may not be sufficient for extended use. However, this is a common issue with cordless tools, and it’s not unique to the CRAFTSMAN impact driver. Additionally, some users may find the impact driver to be too heavy, but we didn’t have any issues with it.
Overall, we would recommend the CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit to anyone in the market for a powerful and versatile impact driver. It’s a great value for the price, and it comes with a 3-year tool warranty and a 3-year battery warranty for added peace of mind.
DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Driver, 1/4 Inch, Battery and Charger Included (DCF787D1)
If you’re looking for a cordless impact driver that delivers high performance, the DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Driver is worth considering.
Pros
- The brushless motor extends run time and motor life, providing longer-lasting performance.
- The 3-speed gear box allows for 15% more torque at 2,000 RPM and 30% more torque at 3,000 RPM compared to 1-speed drivers.
- The compact size and lightweight design of the tool allows for 13% more compactness than the previous generation, making it easier to use in tight spaces.
Cons
- The tool only comes with one 4.0Ah battery, which may not be enough for larger projects.
- The LED light on the tool may be too bright for some users.
- The tool may be too heavy for some users, weighing in at 3.5 pounds with battery.
We’ve used the DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Driver for a variety of projects, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The brushless motor provides longer-lasting performance, and the 3-speed gear box allows for more torque at higher speeds, making it easier to drive screws into tough materials.
The compact size and lightweight design of the tool make it easy to use in tight spaces, and the 1/4-inch hex chuck accepts 1/4-inch square bits for added versatility. The tool also comes with a belt hook for added convenience.
While the tool only comes with one 4.0Ah battery, which may not be enough for larger projects, the battery charges quickly and provides long-lasting power. The LED light on the tool may be too bright for some users, but it’s a useful feature for working in low-light conditions.
Overall, we recommend the DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Driver for anyone in need of a high-performance cordless impact driver.
Milwaukee 2656-20 M18 18V 1/4 Inch Lithium Ion Hex Impact Driver with 1,500 Inch Pounds of Torque and LED Lighting Array (Battery Not Included, Power Tool Only)
If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful impact driver, the Milwaukee 2656-20 M18 18V 1/4 Inch Lithium Ion Hex Impact Driver is a great option.
Pros
- The REDLITHIUM XC5.0 battery pack provides long run time and industry-leading performance.
- The built-in LED work light provides visibility in dark areas.
- The compact size of the tool allows for easy access into tight spaces.
Cons
- The battery and charger are sold separately, which can be an additional expense.
- Some users have reported issues with the motor burning out after a short period of use.
- The tool may be too heavy for some users to handle comfortably.
We’ve used this impact driver for a variety of projects, and it has performed well every time. The REDLITHIUM XC5.0 battery pack provides plenty of power and lasts for a long time, which is especially important when working on larger projects. The built-in LED work light is also a great feature, as it provides visibility in areas that may be otherwise dark.
One thing to keep in mind is that the battery and charger are sold separately, which can be an additional expense. However, we’ve found that the performance of the tool is well worth the investment.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and reliable impact driver, the Milwaukee 2656-20 M18 18V 1/4 Inch Lithium Ion Hex Impact Driver is definitely worth considering.
DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Impact Driver, Cordless, Compact, 1/4-Inch, Tool Only (DCF809B)
If you’re looking for a compact and powerful impact driver, the DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Impact Driver is worth considering.
Pros
- The 1/4-inch single sleeve ratchet mode and friction ring chuck make it easy to switch between bits.
- The 3-mode LED work light illuminates the work area, making it easier to see what you’re doing.
- The compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Cons
- The 20V MAX* battery may not provide enough power for heavy-duty tasks.
- The tool only kit does not include a battery or charger.
- The price point may be higher than some other impact drivers on the market.
We’ve used the DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Impact Driver for a variety of tasks, and it has performed well. The 1/4-inch single sleeve ratchet mode and friction ring chuck make it easy to switch between bits, which is a big time-saver. The 3-mode LED work light is also a nice feature, as it illuminates the work area and makes it easier to see what you’re doing.
One thing to keep in mind is that the 20V MAX* battery may not provide enough power for heavy-duty tasks. If you’re working on a lot of tough screws or bolts, you may need to recharge the battery more frequently than you would with a more powerful impact driver. Additionally, the tool only kit does not include a battery or charger, which may be an inconvenience for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and powerful impact driver for general use, the DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Impact Driver is a solid choice. It’s easy to maneuver, has a variety of useful features, and performs well for most tasks.
CRAFTSMAN Hand Impact Driver, 3/8-Inch Set (CMMT14104)
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable impact driver, the CRAFTSMAN Hand Impact Driver, 3/8-Inch Set (CMMT14104) is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 700 lbs of max torque provides a powerful performance that makes it easy to drive screws into wood, metal, and other materials.
- The 1/4 inch hex drive design allows for greater control and precision when working on projects.
- The 6-position adjustable handle provides multiple grip options, making it comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
Cons
- The plastic housing may not be as durable as metal housing, which could be a concern for heavy-duty projects.
- Some users have reported that the chuck can be difficult to tighten and loosen.
- The lack of a battery indicator may be a concern for those who are used to having this feature on their impact drivers.
We’ve used the CRAFTSMAN Hand Impact Driver, 3/8-Inch Set (CMMT14104) for a variety of projects, and we’re impressed with its performance. The 700 lbs of max torque provides a powerful punch that makes it easy to drive screws into even the toughest materials. The 1/4 inch hex drive design also allows for greater control and precision, which is especially helpful when working on projects that require a high level of detail.
One of the things we really appreciate about this impact driver is the 6-position adjustable handle. This feature provides multiple grip options, which makes it comfortable to use for extended periods of time. We’ve found that this is especially helpful when working on projects that require a lot of tightening and loosening of screws.
While the plastic housing may not be as durable as metal housing, we haven’t had any issues with it yet. However, we do recommend being careful when using this impact driver for heavy-duty projects, as the plastic housing may not hold up as well as metal housing.
Overall, we think the CRAFTSMAN Hand Impact Driver, 3/8-Inch Set (CMMT14104) is a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and powerful impact driver for their DIY projects. With its 700 lbs of max torque, 1/4 inch hex drive design, and 6-position adjustable handle, this impact driver is sure to make your projects easier and more efficient.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best impact driver, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models, and we understand what makes a good impact driver. In this section, we will discuss the critical factors to consider when buying an impact driver.
Torque
Torque is the most important factor to consider when buying an impact driver. Torque is the force that is applied to the screw or bolt, and it determines how much pressure the driver can apply. The higher the torque, the more powerful the driver is. When choosing an impact driver, it is essential to consider the type of screws or bolts you will be using and select a driver with enough torque to handle the job.
Speed
Speed is another critical factor to consider when buying an impact driver. The speed at which the driver operates determines how quickly you can complete the job. A faster driver will allow you to complete the job more quickly, but it may not provide enough torque for some jobs. When choosing an impact driver, it is essential to consider the balance between speed and torque.
Comfort
Comfort is often overlooked when choosing an impact driver, but it is essential to consider. A driver that is uncomfortable to use will cause fatigue and discomfort, which can lead to mistakes and decreased productivity. When choosing an impact driver, it is essential to consider the size and weight of the driver, as well as the grip and handle design.
Battery Life
Battery life is another critical factor to consider when buying an impact driver. A driver with a short battery life will require frequent recharging, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming. When choosing an impact driver, it is essential to consider the battery life and the time it takes to recharge.
Price
Price is always a consideration when buying any tool, and impact drivers are no exception. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it is essential to consider the quality and durability of the driver. A more expensive driver may cost more upfront, but it may also last longer and require less maintenance.
In conclusion, when choosing an impact driver, it is essential to consider torque, speed, comfort, battery life, and price. By considering these factors, you can select the best impact driver for your needs and complete your jobs quickly and efficiently.
