Best Impact Driver 2022 | Buyers’ Guide

What is the best impact driver? An impact driver is becoming an indispensable tool for any amateur or professional. The best state-of-the-art models are highly versatile, lightweight and user-friendly tools, suitable for various applications. In particular, such impact drivers can be used for some home improvements, fixing of different parts, and for drilling of thick and dense materials. The compactness and convenience of their operation have been already highly estimated by many professional users. One of the main benefits of such tool is the minimum risk of damaging or wearing of fasteners or impact driver itself, in spite of the high torque and speeds it generates.  The Makita XDT16Z is one of that options which deserve the highest appraisal among other counterparts available today.

Why have I preferred this option? First of all, I have to note that the XDT16Z is offered by Makita, a well-known producer of high-quality power tools worldwide. This cordless drill can be used for various heavy-duty fastener driving and drilling projects. It features the advanced technology with its brushless motor contributing significantly to high-performance and durability of the tool. Besides, this impact driver demonstrates a total control over the speed with its 4-speed settings. Also, this model comes with a number of friendly-user features, and an auto-stop mode is among them.

Regarding its design, I’m glad to inform you that this unit is an ergonomic option for longer running with no fatigue of an operator. The only concern may be related to its price. This impact driver is offered as a bare tool, so you will have to spend more for batteries and charger. But I’m sure, it is nothing in comparison with the opportunities it can grant.

Why do they become so popular?

A real man of the house should have a tool suitable for fixing some regular breakages or performing renovation works. An obvious advantage of such tool is a combination of several functions. In particular, those of a screwdriver with its removable attachments of various configurations and of a hammer drill with an ability of making holes in walls, even those made of concrete or other hard materials. Fortunately, such tool is available on a current market. I mean universal, affordable and light impact drivers which become an essential help at any household.

However, it is necessary to mention that impact drilling is not a primary function of an impact driver. The latter with its internal components are not designed to withstand frequent and extended applications like this. Thus, an impact drilling becomes a pleasant bonus in the form of a minor feature of an impact driver.  On the contrary, this tool is successfully used to drive screws more tightly with higher torque than a screwdriver or a drill driver can provide. Or, in the same manner, it is capable of loosening larger screws and nuts and to remove those that are rusted-on or over-torqued.

So, let’s make it clear, which impact driver is right for you. More than that, in this buyer’s guide you will find out about mains and battery-powered models suitable for various materials with different principles of operation.

What to Look for in an Impact Driver? | Key Features

Power source. In spite of a high power and performance of electric-corded impact drivers, cordless options are more popular on the current market. It can be explained by the following reasons: battery-powered models can be used “on the move”, ensuring its absolute portability; cordless impact drivers is a real premise of a safety operation, as there is no need to deal with high voltage or risk of a short-circuit, for instance, due to a high humidity, etc.; besides the modern battery-powered models demonstrate improved capacity and an extended battery life in comparison with the previous counterparts. However, there is one apparent advantage of cordless impact drivers. They can be operated continuously during extended periods of time. This feature is indispensable at some large construction sites.

Motor. Recently the manufacturers of the best impact drivers equip their tools with brushless motors. The operation of such motor is based on creation of a rotating magnetic field which drives mechanisms. Due to the absence of brushes there is no friction which, in its turn, can lead to overheating. The design of a brushless motor ensures higher performance and lower noise level during running. Overall, brushless motors have outpaced the brushed counterparts in terms of efficiency, durability and handling.

Power ratings. This parameter determines the capacity of an impact driver. That is, the more powerful a tool is, the more complicated tasks it is capable to tackle. The capability of popular cordless tools directly depends on battery voltage which is measured in Volts. The most common batteries are of 12V and higher. The units with this rating and lower are light-weight and even more compact in comparison with their larger cousins. They can be used for some household jobs, like furniture assembly or home improvement. However, the impact drivers featuring 18V and more would be the right choice if you want to deal with larger fasteners without spending excessive efforts and much time for it.

Torque. It is a very important parameter of a worthy impact driver, measured in in-lb. It determines a rotational force which can be generated by a tool. Accordingly, the higher the torque is, the more efficient the impact driver will be in terms of its driving force.

This ability directly relates to the maximum diameter and size of a fastener or a hole, in case of drilling option, which can be drove with this or that unit. Besides, the torque determines a speed rate which should be variable for various applications, as nobody wants to get a tool designed for performing single task only.

Speed. This parameter is measured in RPM (rotations per minute) in case of no-load speed, and in IPM (impacts per minute) in case of impact rate during operation. The rotational ratings of cordless impact drivers are much higher than of a standard drill, for instance. This variability of speed contributes to versatility of an impact driver. There is a wide range of 2-speed impact drivers available on the market. It’s an extremely useful feature which allows both driving fasteners at lower speeds and hole drilling at higher RPMs. However, nowadays there are some advanced 3 to 4-speed models, which increase considerably the number of alternatives of their usage.

Battery type. As I have already mentioned, the battery-powered impact drivers are more preferable options on the current market due to a number of advantages they feature in comparison with the electric-corded counterparts. However, cordless models can differ from each other in their power source type, that is, type of batteries they use. Modern batteries have different capacity which is measured in Ah. Those models with an increased capacity are more efficient and able to withstand longer running without recharging. But they are commonly heavier, bigger and more expensive options.

There are three most common types of batteries available on the market: Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) and lithium-ion (Li-Ion) types.

Ni-Cd batteries are toxic which means that a special care must be taken during their disposal. They have a high memory effect, that is, they will lose their maximum capacity gradually with each recharge. Besides, they require long charging. However, they feature a good capacity and come relatively cheap.

Ni-MH batteries are not toxic with a slight memory effect. Complete discharge of such batteries will negatively affect their service life. That is why, it is not recommended to discharge them fully on any occasion. However they have a number of advantages, in particular they have lighter weight in comparison with Ni-Cd, and they can withstand longer operation without recharge. The latter actually takes less time.  Ni-MH batteries are offered at comparably affordable prices.

Li-Ion batteries take the lead on the current market. These batteries are proved to be the most advanced in the modern battery technology. Li-Ion batteries are not toxic and they have no memory effect. They can retain charge during extended periods of time and feature high capacity. Besides, they have even lower weight in comparison with Ni-MH. The flip side is that it is not recommended to discharge them fully, similarly to Ni-MH batteries. Also they are offered at comparably high prices.

Reverse function. Many advanced impact drivers come with this feature. Reverse allows changing bit rotation for removal of fasteners which have been driven in before. A usual manual screwdriver hardly handles this task. In order to change the direction of rotation, impact drivers have forward/reverse switch.

Also such function can be extremely useful in cases when a bit of a tool is jammed or stuck during hole drilling. By switching to reverse direction, it is easy to restore the initial position of a bit with no damage to the tool or to an operator.

Difference between Drill Drivers & Impact Drivers

Many craftsmen which are looking for home-based or professional-grade tools have particular concern regarding the difference between a well-known impact driver and a traditional drill driver. These tools are very similar in design but have different principles of operation.

Impact drivers are equipped with a hammer mechanism which activates a bit which can exert blows with a simultaneous increase of torque during operation. Thus, this tool becomes perfect for driving and undoing larger fasteners and screws into and from hard materials. Besides, the above-mentioned operations can be done almost effortlessly by an operator due to its rotational hammering action. However, impact drivers are mainly designed for driving instead of drilling, which can be occasionally performed by using special attachments.

Drill drivers are designed to perform both driving and drilling operations. They belong to the class of highly versatile tools, designed for general purposes. Drill drivers are equipped with a slip clutch to maintain a constant torque and continuous rotation. Contrary to an impact driver it has a keyless chuck adopting various attachments for various applications. However, a drill driver will be less useful when drilling dense materials or driving long fasteners and screws, while an impact driver will make these jobs easily and quickly.

Trusted brands

Since 1955 when the first serial impact drill was launched by Metabo, the field of its application has been constantly enlarging. Currently an impact driver, which is one of the modern modifications of an impact drill, can boast its advanced functionality and usability. There are plenty of reliable European, U.S., and Asian manufacturers like Dewalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Makita, Craftsman, Bosch, Porter Cable, Black and Decker, Hitachi, etc. However, each of them offers some unique features and opportunities distinguishing their tools from other models. Besides, the price range is unbelievably wide; starting from the most budget-friendly but still worthy options to the premium segment of products for the heavy-duty applications.

For instance, Dewalt, the U.S. based manufacturer, specifies on manufacturing of a professional-grade equipment. Its impact drivers can be continuously operated under severe industrial conditions during extended periods of time. Their products are offered at a high price range, accordingly.

On the contrary, Craftsman is another U.S. brand which belongs to Stanley Black & Decker Inc. Their impact drivers are user-friendly and reliable tools. They are more suitable for household applications, at a home-based workshop or garage. And the prices are much more affordable in comparison with the previous manufacturer from my list of the most trusted brands.

Review of the best impact drivers

1. MAKITA XDT16Z

Makita is in the forefront on the current market of power tools, including a wide range of electric drills/drivers. Founded in 1915, the company has been continuously manufacturing and innovating its product mix to compete with the fellow giants.

And here is one of their best products, in particular 18V Li-Ion brushless 4-speed impact driver. The XDT16Z offers a variable speed setting to enhance fastening control. Its brushless motor electronic technology contributes to the ideal balance of speed and torque ensuring high-efficient process at any field of application. Besides, this model feature a T-mode function for additional tightening of a fastener or a screw prior to its driving into the high density materials, thus preventing screw threads or materials from any occasional damage.  More than that, it’s A-mode function helps to eliminate slipping out of a screw or cross threading by means of slow driving before tightening starts.

This impact driver comes with a reverse function with an auto-stop mode to stop rotation and impact as soon as a fastener is sufficiently loosened, thus ensuring that no fasteners will fall down.

Features

• Power Max (Volts):  20
• RPM, Max:  3600
• Weight (lbs): 3.4
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 3.4 x 8.2 x 6.5

To my mind, it’s one of the best impact drivers on the market, delivering an industry-grade performance in an ergonomic design. It has all smart functions available nowadays to use this tool as simple fix for any application.

Makita XDT16Z: Check the current price

2. DEWALT DCK240C2

The well-known DeWalt was established in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1923. Nowadays the company sells a wide range of some of the most reliable power tools on the global market.

The DCK240C2 20V Li-Ion combo kit consists of a DCF885 impact driver, a DCD771 cordless drill, two lithium ion batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag. The drill/driver features a motor which is capable to deliver up to 1,500 rpm for a range of driving and drilling applications. The unit features a 2-speed control. The impact driver comes with a 1/4" hex chuck which accepts 1’’ bits. It is lightweight and compact for running at hard-to-reach areas. Besides the impact driver from this kit has 3 integrated LED lights which allows working at a low light or in the dark.

Features

• Power Max (Volts):  20
• RPM, Max:  1500
• Weight (lbs): 9.1
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 15.1 x 6.4 x 9.9

The DCK240C2 combo kit is a great tool set for DIY enthusiasts and some of the contactors for numerous jobs. However, these units should be upgraded to the brushless technology to enhance the power and to extend the battery life.

DEWALT DCK240C2: Check the current price

3. DEWALT DCF887B

The DCF887B 20V Li-ion brushless 3-speed impact driver is another worthy unit from Dewalt. Additionally to its useful variable speed control up to 3250 RPM, this tool has a precision drive function for the 1st speed setting which enhances control over the initial stages of a driving process. This model features also a 1/4" hex chuck with a grip sleeve, for operator’s convenience, and accepts 1" bits.

The DCF887B has other pleasant feature for better convenience and added control over the process. It is a 3-LED light system with a 20-second delay. This means that the light will be on even after trigger release, to provide enough visibility for the follow-up. Besides, this tool can be easily handled due to its unbelievable light weight equal to 2 lbs only.

Features

• Power Max (Volts):  20
• RPM, Max:  3250
• Weight (lbs): 2
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 8 x 3 x 5.9

I would recommend this option for the most DIYers.  Besides, this option would be most suitable for the jobs in the tightest spaces due to its compactness and light weight.

DEWALT DCF887B: Check the current price

4. MAKITA XDT131

The XDT131 is a gorgeous impact driver kit from Makita. The 18V lithium-ion impact driver provides an awesome versatility and performance due to its brushless motor. As the manufacturer states, this model is capable of 50% longer run time and overall service life. This model features a variable speed control up to 3, 400 RPM and 3, 600 IPM which contribute to its usability for a variety of driving and drilling applications.

The XDT131 comes with a 1/4" hex chuck for quick bit changing. This unit has a sturdy but compact design featuring aluminum gear housing enhancing its durability. Besides, its ergonomic soft grip serves for better comfort of an operator on a job.

Features

• Power Max (Volts): 18
• RPM, Max: 3,400
• Weight (lbs): 3.3
• Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 10.2 x 15.1 x 6.1

This model comes in a compact but sturdy design with a number of features to become a real help for an operator while handling even the heavy-duty tasks. Besides it is offered in a kit, that is, you can simply get down to work right away after its receipt.

Makita XDT131: Check the current price

5. CRAFTSMAN CMMT14104

Craftsman is the U.S. brand with a more than 90-year history on the power tool market. Their name is associated with reliability and high-quality among a vast majority of their thankful customers around the country.

The CMMT14104 is not an exception.  It is a manual tool which is capable of turning the force of a hammer blow into 200 foot pounds torque. It comes with a bit set included, to tighten or loosen larger fasteners, even if they are frozen or rusted. The tool tightens fasteners securely with no stripping effect.  Besides, it doesn’t require much efforts from a user, as the above mentioned tasks can be done easily and quickly.

CRAFTSMAN: Check the current price

Best-Selling Impact Drivers | Comparison Table

FAQ

What is an impact driver?

An impact driver is a hand-held tool, similar to drill driver in its design. However, it serves primarily for driving and undo of fasteners and screws into hard and dense surfaces. This unit is capable to deliver rotation with a simultaneous hammering action to loosen frozen or over-torqued fittings. It’s a real help and time-saver on a plenty of DIY and construction tasks.

How does an impact driver work?

Its capability of driving with a simultaneous hammering effect for high torque generation is provided by an integrated impact device. The latter can be alternatively activated by means of a special switch on a side of a tool. As soon as you activate hammering function, the spring of a hammering mechanism is getting compressed and pushes it down to hit the output shaft. Thus, a higher torque is transferred to a bit on a continuous basis.  This action repeats quickly and creates an extra hammering force than a traditional drill can generate.

How to use an impact driver?

Running of an impact driver will be safe and highly efficient only if you do this properly. Obviously, first you have to read the manual carefully before its operation.

You should not preset the tool at the maximum torque, as both fasteners and surfaces to drive in could be damaged, especially in unskillful hands. Besides, the full power operation leads to an early wear out of a tool. And the risk of injury is increasing, as such operation can lead to higher vibration of a tool. Thus it should be securely hold by an operator.

You should always foresee a protective gear. In particular, always use safety goggles and gloves, especially when dealing with more sensitive materials.

Don’t forget that running time of a tool is limited. That is, if you feel that a bit or any other element of a tool is getting heated up, make a break and let it cool down.

Finally, never forget that an impact driver, even the most powerful and reliable model, is not primarily designed for drilling operations. It will definitely serve you good for driving and removing of large fasteners and fittings into/out any surfaces, even some of the hardest.