Need help with screws and nuts? If you’re looking for something to drive screws and tighten nuts fast and well, you want an impact driver in your arsenal.
Impact drivers are specialized high-torque versions of drill drivers. There are many of these tools ouit there and we know how difficult it can be to find the best impact driver among the multitude.
It is just too overwhelming to choose from an array of seemingly ideal impact drivers. We solved that for you by checking out the best of the best and listing them down, so you can narrow down your options to the ones that will truly provide the benefits you are looking for.
The Best Impact Drivers Are:
1. Bosch CLPK27-120 12V Max 2-Tool Combo Kit
This impact driver epitomizes that old adage “small but terrible” for although this is presented in a small package, it packs a punch when it comes to torque. With its 930 in-lbs. of maximum torque, it is hard to beat.
Whatever your impact driver application is, you can accomplish it with this impact driver. Its power is more than enough to cover up to 80% of applications. It is a versatile tool that you will be happy to use time and time again.
This combo kit included a pocket driver as well as an impact driver. They are compact, so they can be easily maneuvered to work in tighter spaces and corners. They also boast of lightweight functions, so you should have no issues carrying it around all day while you work.
It has a nice handheld design. It is quite a compact choice, so you can be assured that it will save you from a lot of hand pain and fatigue. Despite its small construction, it has a lot of force and power.
With a torque of 265 in/lbs., this can be relied on for a multitude of driving purposes. You can drive materials through metal or wood, whatever it is you are working on. Fasten different types of materials – from bolts to screws.
It has a good balance between the head and the rest of the body. Because of that, this unit is much easier to control. You can work even in tighter and smaller spaces without getting injured. Control how fast you want the drilling process to be with its variable-speed trigger mechanism.
It can be used for overhead work. Since it only weighs 2 pounds, you will not feel tired easily even when working overhead for hours. The handles are also soft and comfortable, making them easier to hold. The LED light ring is a nice touch. If you work in low-light conditions, this feature comes handy.
The manufacturing company offers a 3-year tool and 2-year battery warranty. This is a part of their protection plan. If you registered your tool at their website, you get these features. If you encounter issues with your impact driver, it can be resolved with ease.
Specs
- Speed: 0 to 3,200 RPM
- Torque: 900 inch/lbs.
- Power: 12V Lithium Battery
- Power Source: Battery-Powered
- Weight: 4.54 pounds
Pros
- It comes with an ergonomically designed handle
- It delivers a lot of power and force
- A variable speed setting to control the speed of the tool
- An LED light to brighten up your workspace
Cons
- It is a bit more expensive
Verdict: Compact and Lightweight Choice
Small but terrible. This is how we can describe this workhorse of an impact driver that might be small but delivers exceptional performance. It is a must-have for anyone so whether you are a professional or an amateur, you definitely should consider getting this.
2. Milwaukee 2462-20 M12 Cordless Impact Driver
When it comes to impact drivers that are chock-full of features, this one from Milwaukee puts every other impact driver to shade. First, it features a built-in LED lighting that illuminates your work area easily. The light switch is located just in front of the trigger, so it is easy to access and does not cast a shadow on what you are working on.
It is powered by Red Lithium batteries. The integrated computer technology then “communicates” with the batteries, which is useful when it comes to reducing the chances of overheating and extracting the most juice out of it.
You can get more out of this impact driver than other drivers out there because of the internal functions that allow it to communicate to the batteries and get more performance from it. That means you can allow it to run some more even when it is near the end of its battery life.
It features LED lighting that is nice to use when working in low light conditions. If you do not want your workspace to be flooded with light from stronger light sources, this should be a nice feature to have.
The onboard fuel gauge is also a good feature. This will tell you when you are running out of juice. No need to guess when it is time to recharge.
Your purchase comes with a belt clip that suits both left and right-handed people. It has ambidextrous functionality that suits a variety of contractors and woodworkers. This is quite an inexpensive choice. If you do not fancy sending too much on this tool, get this cheap one instead. Many people said their hands do not tire out easily when using this impact driver.
Specs
- Speed: 2,500 RPM
- Torque: 1000 inch/lbs.
- Power: 12V Lithium Battery
- Power Source: Battery-Powered
- Weight: 1.37 pounds
Pros
- It delivers great performance
- It comes with an LED lighting system to light up your workspace
- Ergonomically designed handle
- It is inexpensive
Cons
- Not the best option for heavy-duty projects
Verdict: Budget-Friendly Choice
This is the impact driver to get if you are on a tight budget. It is cheaper but it still delivers well when it comes to quality and performance. You are not missing out.
3. Black+Decker BDCI20C Max Lithium Impact Driver
This is a drill and driver in one. It does a capable job of driving whatever material you are working with thanks to its 1375 in-lbs of maximum torque. It is lightweight and compact, great for contractors who need one to bring with them to their job sites.
It has a quick-release function and features a variable speed setting of 0-3000 rpm and 0-39000 BPM. This is also a mid-range impact driver when it comes to price, so it should not cost you too much money to acquire.
One of its best features is its powerful battery. It does carry a lot of power, so there is no need to keep on recharging it to accomplish the work you need to do.
It also works effortlessly in drilling screws, bolts, and nuts. Even with more demanding jobs, this is a force to be reckoned with. A trigger switch turns on an internal light that makes it easier to see what you are doing.
It has a compact and lightweight design that makes this easier to work with for prolonged hours. You never have to worry that it will cause you a hand strain. Because it is lightweight, it is also easy to maneuver and get into those tight spaces and corners.
Specs
- Speed: 0-3,000 RPM
- Torque: 1,375 inch/lbs.
- Power: 20V Lithium Battery
- Power Source: Battery-Powered
- Weight: 3.6 pounds
Pros
- It comes with a very powerful battery
- It works effortlessly in drilling nuts, bolts, and screws
- An LED light to enable you to see what you are doing
- Lightweight and compact design
Cons
- It can overheat when you overwork it
Verdict: Amazing Battery Life
This is arguably the best when it comes to battery power and battery life. Almost all of the reviews you will read about it talks about how reliable and powerful its battery is. This gets the job done without putting too much strain on your budget.
4. Dewalt DCK240C2 20V Lithium Drill Driver/Impact Combo Kit
With this kit, you are getting a drill driver and an impact driver. You can save more money by opting for this kit instead of buying them separately. Both tools feature an ergonomic and lightweight design that will suit the needs of the average contractor or avid handyman.
The one-handed bit loading is a nifty feature as it allows you to replace and change bits without taking so much time to do so. It also features a motor power that has 300 unit watts, thereby allowing you to get multiple jobs done.
We like how ergonomic the design is. It is easy to hold and does not strain the wrists or hands even when using it for a long time. It even has a hex chuck system that easily loads with just one hand.
Since it is compact, it can be used in tighter spaces. It has an LED light that makes it easier to see what you are working on. The lights are positioned strategically so no shadows are cast over your work table. The power is commendable. It does have a good driving force, so you can work with any material you choose.
It comes with a storage bag. You can easily pack up once you are done with your work. Customer service responds to issues promptly. Those who have had issues with their impact driver escalated their concerns to the company’s customer service and got their issues resolved quickly.
Specs
- Speed: 0-450 & 1,500 RPM
- Torque: 336 inch/lbs.
- Power: 20V Lithium Battery
- Power Source: Battery-Powered
- Weight: 9.1 pounds
Pros
- It comes with a storage bag for easy transportation
- The power is commendable
- You can use it in tight and awkward spaces
- A dual-speed setting for more control
Cons
- Users complained of the battery life not being up to par.
Verdict: Great Value for Your Money
You are getting your money’s worth with this impact driver kit that also includes a drill driver. Since you are getting two tools, you are saving more money. It delivers well when it comes to performance and quality, so there is very little that this unit cannot do.
5. Makita XDT16Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 4-Speed Impact Driver
The Makita XDT16Z is one of the best cordless impact drivers on the market. This is not the cheapest impact driver on the market, but its price reflects in its performance. It comes with a very powerful brushless motor that delivers great speed.
It is reliable and it comes with a variety of adjustable features. This unit comes with four different speed ranges, which is twice as much as the average impact driver.
However, all ranges may seem a little bit high, but the maximum speed is 3,600 rotations per minute. To gain more control over the tool, you can adjust the number of impacts per minute in the 4-speed range. It also offers a maximum IPM speed of 3,800.
The power and speed selector is also very easy to reach, as they are situated under the chuck or collet. This unit also delivers up to 1,600 in-pounds of torque.
It also comes with an auto-stop feature, which comes in handy when you are loosening fasteners. The ergonomic grip design also makes it very easy and convenient to handle. The overall build quality is great, and the trigger is comfortably and conveniently positioned.
Of the most outstanding features of this unit is its inbuilt assistance, which is called the A-mode. This feature helps to prevent cross-threading by reducing the rotations per minute until it senses that the tightening has begun.
The quick shift mode of this unit uses the electronic controls of the brushless motor to find the perfect balance of torque and speed for every application. This provides you with more efficient fastening.
The charger is pretty fast, delivering up to 3x faster charging. The battery also delivers up to 50 percent more run time. For efficient power management, this unit comes with Star Protection Controls. The downside to this unit is that it is on the higher end of the price spectrum for DIYers and homeowners.
Specs
- Speed: 4-Speed Power selection (0 1, 100/ 0 2, 100/ 0 3, 200/ 0 3, 600 RPM)
- Torque: 1,600 inch/lbs.
- Power: 18V Lithium Battery
- Power Source: Battery-Powered
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
Pros
- It delivers up to 3,600 RPM and 3,900 IPM
- Reliable performance and durable build
- Brushless motor
- 4-speed/power selector
Cons
- It is on the higher end of the price spectrum
Verdict: Most Versatile Option
If you are looking for a highly versatile impact driver, then this is your best shot. This impact driver comes with four different speed ranges, allowing you to choose the best speed range that is ideal for the material you are working on. It is also highly durable and powerful.
6. Porter-Cable PCCK640LB 20V Max Cordless Impact Driver Kit
The next impact driver on our list is the Porter-Cable PCCK640LB Cordless Impact Driver. This is a powerful driver and it makes working with difficult materials much easier.
It is capable of putting out sheer power, and you can use it to handle a wide range of different projects. One of the major selling points of this device is its compact and lightweight design.
This unit weighs only 3 pounds, making it very easy to work with. The design of the tool also allows you to use it in tight spaces. To further increase the comfort and ease of use, this unit comes with an ergonomically designed grip.
With this comfortable grip, you can use this tool to work for hours without feeling fatigued. This cordless impact driver comes with a 20-Volt battery that delivers great power.
This unit delivers up to 1,450 inch-pounds of torque, and this would enable you to drive your fasteners through durable and thick materials. It also comes with a variable speed setting that delivers a maximum speed of 2,900 rotations per minute.
Whereas, the maximum BPM speed of this unit is 3,000. The battery-powered impact driver also has a battery gauge to let you know when you are running out of juice.
With this unit, you can insert bits with one hand, thanks to its easy load chuck. It comes with an LED work light to illuminate your work area in poor light conditions.
This tool also comes with a No.2 Phillips head screw driving bit for efficient fastening. This powerful impact driver makes it easier to work on sturdy materials, and it is ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
Specs
- Speed: Up to 2,600 RPM
- Torque: 1,450 inch/lbs.
- Power: 20V Lithium Battery
- Power Source: Battery-Powered
- Weight: 3.2 pounds
Pros
- You can use it for long without feeling fatigued
- It features a comfortable and lightweight design
- Variable speed setting up to 2,900 RPM
- It delivers a generous torque capacity
Cons
- It does not come with an extra storage box
- The features are more basic than premium
Verdict: Best Torque Power
If your focus is on the best impact driver that generates great torque, then you should consider this option. This unit generates up to 1,450 inches/lbs. of torque, which is one of the most powerful you can find on the market.
7. Dewalt DCF885C1 20V Max Impact Driver Kit
If you are looking for a lightweight, yet powerful impact driver that you can use to handle a wide range of projects, you should consider the Dewalt DCF885C1. This is an impressive tool and it delivers great performance.
With its sheer power and ease of use, you will be able to get a good amount of work done. This unit generates up to 1,400 inches/lbs. of torque. It also delivers a variable speed control, with a speed range from 0 to 2,800 rotations per minute.
This impressive impact tool is built to last and it is going to serve you for years. Interestingly, with all these great features, this tool is still lightweight and not bulky. The whole tool weighs only about 3 pounds.
For optimal comfort while working, this tool comes with a comfortable ergonomic design. With the design of this unit, you can use it to work for several hours without feeling fatigued.
You can also use this impact driver to work during late hours or in dark areas, thanks to its inbuilt LED lights. This cordless impact driver comes with a 20V battery that delivers extended run time. It has a .25-inch hex chuck and it accepts one-inch bit tips.
This tool is highly reliable and it comes with a three-year warranty. The battery and charger are included in the package, which means you do not have to purchase them separately. The charger is also pretty fast, and this helps to reduce downtime.
With the design of this tool, you can use it to reach tight spaces on the job site. This tool is great for heavy-duty projects, as it makes working on heavy-duty materials an easy task. Hence, if you are looking for the best impact driver that delivers great power, this is one of the best options to consider.
Specs
- Speed: 2,800 RPM
- Torque: 1,400 inch/lbs.
- Power: 20V Lithium Battery
- Power Source: Battery-Powered
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
Pros
- It is super lightweight and compact
- It delivers more torque than most impact drivers
- It comes with LED lights
- It is ideal for heavy-duty tasks, and tight, awkward spaces.
Cons
- It is a bit expensive
Verdict: Compact Design for Tight Space
The Dewalt DCF885C1 comes with a lightweight and compact design that allows you to use it in tight and awkward spaces.
Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Impact Driver
Still on the fence about the right impact driver to get? We recommend taking the following things into consideration:
Compact and Lightweight
Choose one that has a compact size and lightweight functions. These are the units that are easier to work with.
Power
Choose one with a lot of power, so you can truly get the job done properly. Make sure they are able to work with different materials such as bolts and screws.
Performance
How well does it perform? Can it reach those tight spaces and corners? Will you be able to drive screws and bolts without putting in some manual effort? These are some of the things you need to consider.
Durability
It should be able to hold up well against external wear and tear. It should be made from materials that don’t get damaged easily.
Customer Support
Find out if the customer service responds to problems promptly.
When to Use an Impact Driver
Should you get a drill or an impact driver? This is often the dilemma of many people.
A drill is different because it has a constant torque that it applies to the thing it is drilling. It has superb control and has a good speed range that gets the job done well. If you are working on projects that require optimum precision, this tool is definitely the right choice for the job.
Impact drivers, on the other hand, are better for jobs that require a higher torque. However, since it applies the material using a strong torque and force, this tool is more applicable for jobs that are more heavy-duty. Also, if you are working on tougher materials, get this tool.
Conclusion
Now that you know all these, you should already have an idea which impact driver to get. Our top pick for the best impact driver is the Bosch CLPK27-120 12V Max 2-Tool Combo Kit because of its very powerful motor and variable speed control. It is lightweight, compact, and it comes with an ergonomic design.