Impact drivers are versatile tools that you can use to work with large fasteners or with fasteners that require superior amounts of torque. You can also use an impact driver to loosen a screw, nut, or bolt that is stuck or damaged.
Here are our recommendations for the best impact drivers. You will find cordless and manual tools, as well as tools suitable for professional uses or smaller DIY projects and home repairs.
1. Most Durable Option: Makita XDT13Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Impact Driver
This cordless impact driver is an excellent long-term investment thanks to its brushless motor. The brushless motor doesn’t rely on carbon brushes, which reduces wear and tear on the moving parts of the motor and prevents overheating.
It’s a more effective design that optimizes the lifespan of the battery, and the electronic control feature of the motor will help you get more precise results.
It’s a performing tool that delivers up to 1,500 in-lbs of torque. You can adjust the speed up to 3,400 RPM.
The tool uses an 18V Lithium-Ion battery. You can purchase the tool by itself if you already own a compatible battery, or get a kit with two batteries.
The impact driver is 5” long, and the compact design is convenient when working in small spaces. The built-in LED light will help you see better in dark spaces, and the rubber grip delivers a comfortable feeling.
The tool doesn’t come with any bits, but you can use it with any ¼” hex bits.
Pros:
- Brushless motor
- Electronic motor control
- Speed up to 3,400 RPM
- Comfortable grip
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with any bits
- No built-in storage for bits and accessories
2. Best Compact and Lightweight Option: DeWalt 20V Max Impact Driver Kit
This DeWalt 20V tool is a compact and performing cordless impact driver. It’s an excellent option for heavy-duty jobs and professional uses.
The impact driver measures 5.5” and weighs around 2.8 lbs. The tool features an ergonomic handle and convenient trigger control.
The chuck is designed for one-handed operation so you can quickly swap hex bits as needed. You will find three LED lights around the hex chuck so you can light up your work area.
The tool uses a 20V 1.5Ah battery. You can remove the battery to charge it, and have the possibility of purchasing additional batteries from DeWalt. The fast-charging feature is an advantage.
There are different buying options for this cordless tool. You can choose to purchase the tool and battery or get kits that include additional battery packs, drill bits, or other cordless tools.
Pros:
- Performing 20V battery
- Compact and lightweight
- Built-in LED lights
- Different buying options
Cons:
- Carrying case is small
- Doesn’t use a brushless motor
3. Best Performing Tool: Black+Decker 20V Max Impact Driver Kit
This Black+Decker cordless impact driver is your best option if you need a heavy-duty tool. This impact driver delivers up to 1,375 in-lbs of torque, which is suitable for most home repairs or automotive jobs.
The maximum speed of the tool is 3,000 RPM. You can adjust the speed thanks to the trigger control. It’s very easy to operate, and the trigger is an intuitive way of adjusting the speed.
The tool is compatible with ¼” hex bits. There is a quick-release feature so you can easily change the bit you’re using.
The 20V Lithium-Ion battery charges quickly and has an impressive lifespan. It’s compatible with other 20V Black-Decker cordless tools.
The impact driver weighs around 3.5” and is compact with a height of 9” and length of just under 8.”
Pros:
- Excellent battery lifespan
- Simple controls
- Speed up to 3,000 RPM
- Torque up to 1,375 in-lbs
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with any hex bits
- Check isn’t designed for one-handed operation
4. Best Hand Impact Driver: Craftsman Hand Impact Driver, 3/8-Inch Set
Investing in a cordless impact driver makes sense if it’s a tool you will use regularly, or if you need an impact driver for a heavy-duty job. Opting for a traditional impact driver is an alternative worth considering if you’re shopping on a budget, or won’t use the impact driver enough to justify buying a cordless tool.
This Craftsman hand impact driver is a durable tool you can use to tighten fasteners or remove damaged or corroded screws, nuts, and bolts. The sturdy body of the tool allows you to safely strike it with a hammer to apply torque and remove stubborn fasteners.
This tool can deliver up to 200 ft-lbs of torque, but keep in mind that torque will depend on the force of the blow.
The tool comes with a set of five hex bits. It’s compatible with 3/8” sockets and different types of fasteners.
Pros:
- Durable tool
- Doubles as a traditional screwdriver
- Affordable option
- Delivers up to 200 ft-lbs of torque
Cons:
- Weighs almost 2 lbs
- Requires you to strike the tool with a hammer
5. Best Impact Driver for Professionals: Milwaukee 2656-20 M18 18V ¼ Inch Lithium Ion Hex Impact Driver
We recommend this durable and performing cordless tool if you need something that is suitable for automotive repairs and other professional applications.
This Milwaukee cordless impact driver can deliver up to 1,500 in-lbs of torque. You can adjust the speed of the tool by squeezing the trigger. The tool can deliver up to 3.450 impacts per minute at maximum speed.
The tool uses a traditional design. The battery is attached to the base of the tool, and you will find an ergonomic, textured handle that improves control and reduces fatigue. The compact design of the tool is convenient for getting into tight spaces.
We like the battery system of this tool. It’s compatible with 18V Milwaukee batteries. You can purchase batteries with different amp-hours ratings depending on the kind of performance you’re looking for. You can also use this tool with other 18V batteries if you already own Milwaukee tools.
Pros:
- Up to 1,500 in-lbs of torque
- Adjustable speed
- Compatible with 18V Milwaukee batteries
- Durable and reliable construction
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with battery
- Doesn’t come with hex bits
6. Best Value: Ryobi P235 ¼ Inch One+ 18 Volt Lithium Ion Impact Driver
This cordless impact driver is an excellent option if you’re looking for a performing tool at an affordable price.
It’s a cordless tool that delivers up to 1,600 lin-bs of torque. There is a built-in gearbox that lets you switch between two speeds. You can reverse the direction of the tool to fasten or remove screws and bolts as needed.
The ergonomic design of the handle and simple trigger control make the tool easy to use. The magnetic base is a convenient feature that will prevent you from losing screws and other fasteners.
There is a quick-release feature on the chuck collar that allows you to check bits easily with one hand. The tool doesn’t come with any bits, but you can use any hex bits that have a ¼” shank.
The tool is an excellent value because you can use it with any 18V Ryobi One+ battery. It’s also compatible with older 18V NiCad batteries from Ryobi, which means you won’t have to purchase a new battery if you have some old Ryobi tools lying around.
Pros:
- Excellent value
- Magnetic base
- Ergonomic handle
- 1,600 in-lbs of torque
Cons:
- Limited options for adjusting the speed
- Doesn’t come with any accessories
7. Best Option for Home Improvement: LETTON 20V Cordless Impact Driver
We recommend this cordless impact driver for your home improvement needs because it’s affordable and performing.
The maximum speed is 2,800 RPM, and the tool can deliver up to 880 in-lbs of torque. The performance is slightly inferior to some of the other cordless tools we recommend, but it’s plenty of most home improvement projects, and this tool will definitely handle any stubborn bolts or screws you come across.
The brushless motor is one of the standout features of this cordless tool. Reducing friction results in less wear and tear and expands the lifespan of the tool. It also makes the tool more effective and helps you get more work done on a battery charge.
The tool features a forward and reverse switch, a trigger control, and an ergonomic grip. There are a built-in LED light and a convenient button to lock the battery in place.
It comes with six double-ended bits that should match a majority of fasteners you’re likely to encounter while working on home improvement projects. You can use any ¼” hex bits with this tool if the six included bits aren’t sufficient.
The impact driver is powered by a 20V 1.3Ah battery. The battery charges in an hour, and you can keep an eye on the remaining battery life thanks to the built-in indicator.
Pros:
- Brushless motor
- Performing 20V battery
- Speed up to 2,800 RPM
- Comes with six double-ended hex bits
Cons:
- Other tools deliver more torque
- Chuck doesn’t support one-handed operation
