We asked 246 tradesmen and 99 DIYers which they thought was the best impact driver currently on the market and which impact driver they currently use.
Here are the results:
Most popular DIY Impact Drivers
RYOBI 18V ONE+ Impact Driver (1x 2.0Ah)
Erbauer EXT 18V 4Ah Li-ion Brushless Cordless Impact driver 1 battery EID18-Li
Most popular trade Impact Drivers
DeWalt DCF801D2-GB 12V 2 x 2.0Ah Li-Ion XR Brushless Cordless Impact Driver (646HP)
Makita TW001GD202 40V 2 x 2.5Ah Li-Ion XGT Brushless Cordless Impact Wrench (408XJ)
Makita DTD156STJ 18V 2 x 5.0Ah Li-Ion LXT Cordless Impact Driver (553KG)
Milwaukee M12 FIW38-622X FUEL 12V 2 x 2.0 / 6.0Ah Li-Ion RedLithium Brushless Cordless Impact Wrench
JUMP TO
What are impact drivers?
Impact drivers are a type of power tool used to drive screws and bolts into various materials. These tools are usually cordless, and they use a high-torque motor to turn the screw or bolt. Impact drivers are very useful for driving long screws into tough materials, and they can also be used to loosen stubborn bolts. I most recently used my impact driver to screw plasterboard screws into some extremely tough joists. An ordinary combi drill would have just chewed the bit up.
Impact drivers can also be used to drill holes but only in certain circumstances.
Many DIYers don’t realise there’re different types of drills and use combi drills for everything. An impact driver is actually very different from a combi drill and is designed for quite a specific purpose.
An impact driver looks similar to a standard drill but there are some key differences. Firstly, an impact driver has a hexagonal chuck that accepts hex-shanked bits . These are specifically designed to prevent slipping during use. Secondly, impact drivers have much higher torque than standard drills, making them ideal for driving large screws and bolts.
If you’re planning on doing any sort of home improvement or DIY project, an impact driver is a valuable tool to have in your shed.
How to choose an impact driver
The best impact driver largely depends on how much you’re going to use it. If you’re only going to use it for occasional projects around the house, a basic model will suffice. However, if you’re planning on using it more frequently, or for tougher projects, you’ll need a more powerful model. If you’re in the trade, you’ll obviously need a brand and model that will take some punishment.
Impact drivers are available in many different models and it can be overwhelming and confusing when you first start researching. Some have different speeds, some have different torque settings, and some come with extras like a case or an LED light.
Each brand have their own product codes detailing voltage, torque, battery size, whether its corded or not and maybe other features as well. Once you get used to these features it becomes a lot easier to understand what you’re looking at.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing an impact driver:
Power: The power of an impact driver is measured in volts (V). Most entry-level models are between 12 and 18V, while more powerful models can be up to 36V. If you’re only going to use your impact driver for light jobs around the house, a 12 or 18V model should suffice. However, if you’re planning on using it for tougher projects, you’ll need a more powerful model.
Speed: The speed of an impact driver is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Most models have a speed ranging from 0-2800 RPM. The higher the speed, the faster the tool can drive screws and bolts.
Torque: Torque is a measure of the rotational force that an impact driver can apply. It’s measured in inch-pounds (in-lbs). Most impact drivers have a torque ranging from 2000-3400 in-lbs. The higher the torque, the more powerful the tool is.
Size and weight: Another important factor to consider is the size and weight of the impact driver. If you’re only going to use it for light jobs, a smaller and lighter model will suffice. However, if you’re planning on using it for tougher projects, you’ll need a larger and heavier model.
Extras: Some impact drivers come with extras like a case or an LED light. These are nice to have but they’re not essential.
Price: Impact drivers range in price from around £50 to £400. The best impact driver for you will depend on your budget and how much you’re planning on using it.
Best Impact Drivers by Brand
Bosch Impact Drivers
GDR
GDS
GDX
DeWalt Impact Drivers
DCF
Makita
DTW
DTD
TW
TD1
Milwaukee
M18
M12
Some further models to consider:
DEWALT DCF887D2 20V MAX XR 2.0Ah Li-Ion Brushless Cordless Impact Driver Kit
This is a great all-around impact driver that will suit most people’s needs. It’s powerful enough for most tasks but not so powerful that it’s overkill. The two batteries that come with the kit will give you plenty of run time, and the charger is fast so you can get back to work quickly. The case is also a nice touch, as it will protect your investment.
Pros:
-Powerful enough for most tasks
-Two batteries included
-Fast charger
-Case included
Cons:
-None that we could find
Bosch GDR 18V-200C Professional Cordless Impact Driver
This is a great choice for those who need a little more power than the Dewalt model can provide. It’s still cordless, so it’s easy to use, but it has enough oomph to take on tougher projects. The only downside is that it only comes with one battery, so you’ll have to buy another if you want to avoid downtime.
Pros:
-More powerful than the Dewalt model
-Cordless
-Easy to use
Cons:
-Only comes with one battery
Makita DTW190Z 18V LXT Li-Ion Brushless Cordless Impact Wrench
This is a great choice for those who need a powerful impact wrench for tougher projects. It’s cordless, so it’s easy to use, and it has a brushless motor for longer life. The only downside is that it’s a little on the expensive side, but you get what you pay for.
Pros:
-Powerful
-Cordless
-Brushless motor
Cons:
-Expensive
Maktec MTW180 18V LXT Brushless Impact Wrench
This is a great choice for those who need a powerful impact wrench but don’t want to spend a lot of money. It’s cordless, so it’s easy to use, and it has a brushless motor for longer life. The only downside is that it doesn’t come with a battery or charger, so you’ll have to buy those separately.
Pros:
-Powerful
-Cordless
-Brushless motor
-Inexpensive
Cons:
-No battery or charger included
Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 Fuel High Torque 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench with Friction Ring
If you’re looking for a powerful impact wrench that’s corded, this is a great choice. It’s powerful enough for most tasks, and it has a friction ring that makes it easy to change sockets. The only downside is that it’s a little on the heavy side, so it might not be suitable for everyone.
Pros:
-Powerful
-Corded
-Friction ring for easy socket changes
Cons:
-Heavy
Hitachi WR18DBDL2P4 18V Lithium Ion Brushless Cordless Impact Wrench
This is a great choice for those who need a powerful impact wrench but don’t want to spend a lot of money. It’s cordless, so it’s easy to use, and it has a brushless motor for longer life. The only downside is that it doesn’t come with a battery or charger, so you’ll have to buy those separately.
Pros:
-Powerful
-Cordless
-Brushless motor
-Inexpensive
Cons:
-No battery or charger included
Before taking the plunge there are some further considerations worth thinking about
What is the maximum torque output?
This is a measure of the power of the impact wrench and is important to consider as it will determine what sorts of tasks the tool can handle.
What is the Anvil type?
There are two main types of anvil: detachable and fixed. A detachable anvil is convenient as it allows you to change out the bit quickly, while a fixed anvil is more durable.
What is the warranty?
Most impact wrenches come with a standard 1-year warranty, but some manufacturers offer longer warranties for an additional cost. It’s worth considering how long you need the warranty for and whether it’s worth the extra cost.
Now that you know what to look for in an impact wrench, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. With so many great options on the market, you’re sure to find the perfect tool for your needs.
Leave a Reply