With the right tools, it is no doubt that your work would be executed in a short period of time without any struggle. One good example of a tool that can aid you in your work is an impact driver.
Compared to drill drivers, impact drivers offer more powerful punch and force. Though it is pretty much like the former, impact drivers can work on fasteners faster. It is all possible through the added impact mechanism that pounds the tool inside as the rotation drives the fastener in. This gives the impact driver a more powerful torque.
So, if you need to work or drive a lot of fasteners in a project, having a quality impact driver is a must. And while we love to have the conventional corded models, opting for cordless ones is more ideal due to their maneuverability features.
Best Impact Drivers Comparison & Rating
1. Milwaukee Pistol Grip Impact Driver
It is a compact and dependable impact driver that will allow you to manage lug nuts from cars with ease. With its 2,000 inch-pounds of torque and 3,600 RPM, tire rotation can be performed in a shorter time period. This is also possible due to the good control it offers through its 4-mode drive control. The 1 to 3 settings offer the exact speeds you need for specific applications while the 4 stops the drill when the screw head gets to the surface. And although most of its exterior comes in rubber and plastic, the entire unit gives you a solid feel in your hands. That said, for its price, you’ll get a powerhouse in this compact tool.
2. DEWALT DCF885C1 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit
It is true that DEWALT DCF885C1 impact driver doesn’t have the highest torque on the list. But it has the right amount of force to fit almost all kinds of mechanical works you have. At the max torque of 1400.0 inch-pounds, it can make taking nuts and bolts on and off much faster and easier. The battery of this model has also an impressive performance as it won’t deplete even in 5 hours of use. We also adore how just perfectly speed-sensitive its trigger is. It gives you just the right control to go from 0 to 3200 IPM. This makes it a good choice for those who often work on light automotive mechanical tasks and woodwork. Most of all, we tested it with a series of tests and after dropping it at a three-meter height, it was still capable of running flawlessly without skipping a beat. Truly, it is more than just a compact tool. It is a sturdy and reliable tool that, despite its size and specs, can last for a long, long time.
3. BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C Impact Driver Kit
What makes people love BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C Impact Driver is its torque power. Delivering 1375 inch-pounds of torque with speeds ranging from 0-3000 RPM and 0-3900 IPM, it can work on long screws, lag bolts, and other fasteners easily and drive them on most types of hard materials such as knotty wood, metal, and masonry. As for light mechanical works for bicycles, motorcycles, smaller parts of cars, this impact driver won’t certainly falter. It is also a reliable tool even in a dark working situation, thanks to its light guide that is activated by its impressive variable trigger. As a matter of fact, comparing it to other brands in the market, this is relatively cheaper given its quality features. This gives you better pricing while getting all the functionality you need.
4. Makita XDT131 Brushless Cordless Impact Driver Kit
The Makita XDT131 Brushless Cordless Impact Driver Kit boasts a BL brushless motor that prevents carbon brushes. Compared to the conventional models, its motor can run for a longer period of time without getting hot. Also, due to its motor’s nature of being electronically controlled, it has an optimized battery energy use that allows it to run 50% longer than other brands. This also allows the motor to adjust appropriately according to the torque and RPM demand of your task. The company also equipped this model of its Star protection Computer controls. It is a communication technology that makes it possible for the tool and battery to exchange data in real-time and control the conditions while you are using the impact driver. This protects the unit from possibilities of overloading, over-discharging and overheating.
5. DEWALT DCF887D2 XR Brushless Impact Driver Kit
We really love the Precision Drive of the unit through its Speed 1. This gives the full delicate control you need to avoid over-tightening and fastener damage. The first speed setting comes at 0-1,000 RPM which is just enough to handle screws appropriately. On the other hand, its torque at 1,825 inch-pounds max is very efficient to help you out on your daily mechanical works. The build is also very sturdy that no fall would affect its internal mechanism, thanks to its durable external material.
Best Impact Drivers - Buyer's Guide
This is one of the major points many buyers look into an impact driver. If you are someone who has to deal with heavy-duty tasks, it is suggested to opt for models that have high torque. Nonetheless, it is also ideal to go for models that offer the average amount of torque that can handle light to medium amount of work.
Always make sure that the model has a good speed-sensitivity in its trigger. While having an ample amount of torque is impressive in a powerful impact driver, it is also important that the unit sports enough control features for you to properly use the tool in various task applications.
Impact drivers are often used in heavy-duty works and they are often subjected to unwanted falls. This is why having a unit that can withstand numerous falls is a must. Thankfully, we tested all the models mentioned above and we are glad to say that all of them passed series of endurance tests.
Always go for the model that offers all the features that you need, be it size, ergonomics, torque, buttons and trigger, or LED. Keep in mind that these features will aid you to have a better working experience every time you use the impact driver.
Keep in mind that not all cheap options will give you the best deal. Conversely, an expensive one will not always guarantee you the best performance. That is why it is important to look for the features you need and choose the brand that offers all of them at the most reasonable price.
Best Impact Drivers - FAQs
Yes, it is normal. The pounding sound is actually the mechanism inside the impact driver that pounds on the rotating part of the tool. It helps in giving the impact driver a higher amount of torque.
The difference between an impact driver and a drill lies in their torque. The former has a higher torque that comes in quick burst compared to drills. Impact drivers also feature quick-release shanks accepting all one-quarter inch hex driver bits.
While you can use an impact driver to drill in a pinch, keep in mind that is meant to drive fasteners and not to drill holes. Nonetheless, if you have the right bit, it is possible that you can drill a hole in a light material using a standard hex-shank drill bit.
An impact driver is meant to drive long screws and bolts. It can also get through metals such as pressure-treated lumber, hardwood, or heavy steel due to the amount of torque it has.