Why should you choose a powerful impact driver instead of a cordless drill-driver? While the former works well for light DIY duties which relate to softwood materials, the latter is a perfect choice for dealing with hardwood. It can drive in the screws without requiring a lot of forearms and wrist pressure.
Here are the most powerful impact drivers you can buy in 2024:
- Long Runtime: DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver
- Lightweight: Milwaukee Impact Driver
- Best for DIY projects: Ryobi P238 Cordless Impact Driver
- Durable: POPULO Impact Driver Kit
- Budget Option: AVID POWER Impact Driver Kit
- Fast Charging: Makita XDT131 Brushless Cordless Impact Driver Kit
| 6 Most Powerful Impact Drivers | ||
|---|---|---|
Long Runtime | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver | |
Lightweight | Milwaukee Impact Driver | |
Best for DIY projects | Ryobi P238 Cordless Impact Driver | |
Durable | POPULO Impact Driver Kit | |
Budget Option | AVID POWER Impact Driver Kit | |
Fast Charging | Makita XDT131 Brushless Cordless Impact Driver Kit | |
Long Runtime: DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver
- Lightweight
- Powerful
- Fits in tight spaces
- Compact and impressive
- Easy to use
- Noisy
One of the biggest drawbacks of a battery-powered impact driver is its short runtime. If you need the benefits of a cordless machine like a portable design with long runtime, choose the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver.
Unlike old nickel-cadmium batteries, the XR Li-ion batteries of this product can improve performance and runtime, which even works well for professionals.
| DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight (lbs.) | 2 pounds |
Max Torque (ft.-lbs.) | 2000 in-lbs |
Maximum Chuck Size | 6.35 Millimeters |
Highlight Features | Built brushless motor XR Li-Ion batteries 3-speed settings 3 LEDs 20-second delay after trigger release |
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver has both the benefits of a corded and cordless machine. They have a long runtime and portable design.
Lightweight: Milwaukee Impact Driver
- Powerful
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting battery
- Good price
- Makes a grinding sound when using
A lightweight impact driver allows you to drive screws and tighten nuts in hard-to-reach positions more conveniently because you can easily lift it and keep it in your hand firmly. Plus, you also can carry it to anywhere more effortless.
And the Milwaukee Impact Driver is what you are looking for since it weighs only 2.2 pounds. The length of this product is up to 4.59 inches that is long enough to access in tight places straightforwardly.
| Milwaukee Impact Driver Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight (lbs.) | 2.2 lbs. |
Max Torque (ft.-lbs.) | 2.000 in-lbs |
No-load Speed (RPM) | 3600 RPM |
Maximum Chuck Size | 13 Millimeters |
Highlight Features | Brushless Motor 30% Faster Driving Speed Self-Tapping Screw mode Single handed bit insertion |
The Milwaukee Impact Driver is very lightweight, so you can hold it firmly without dropping.
Best for DIY projects: Ryobi P238 Cordless Impact Driver
- Powerful
- Good price
- Lightweight
- Difficult to control
I strongly recommend the Ryobi P238 Cordless Impact driver for DIYers because a customer bought this tool to use for their DIY projects and it works great.
Whether you are handling a heavy-duty or light-duty project, its 3 speed settings can give you a suitable touch.
If you need to work on hard conditions like a slippery environment or high positions, or drive screws in hard-to-access places, you will appreciate the great grip of the Ryobi P238 Cordless Impact Driver. Its rubber molding can improve friction between your hand and the machine to provide you with maximum control.
Meanwhile, the tri-beam LED adds extra lighting to help you illuminate the items in a weak lighting environment like a dark garage. There is no need to prepare extra lighting sources when it’s dark.
Finally, the belt clip allows you to keep the tool on your body while your hands are free to do other tasks. It is extremely useful when working on a ladder.
| Ryobi P238 Cordless Impact Driver Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight (lbs.) | 3.1 Pounds |
Max Torque (ft.-lbs.) | 2000 inch pounds |
No-load Speed (RPM) | 3100 RPM |
Highlight Features | 3 speed settings Top-mounted speed switch Grip Zone overmold Tri-beam LED Belt clip |
The Ryobi P238 Cordless Impact Driver is powerful, lightweight, and portable, so it works great for DIY projects.
Durable: POPULO Impact Driver Kit
- Fast to work
- Long runtime
- Powerful
- Simple to use
- Requires you to push the driver hardly
In case you work on hard materials, it’s very important to choose a tool with a durable gear housing. If not, it will cause unexpected accidents. Here, the POPULO impact driver kit is a perfect choice. Its impact mechanism is very durable because the gear housing is made from metal. This material will increase the endurance while using the model at the highest speed setting.
| POPULO Impact Driver Kit Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight (lbs.) | 4.41 Pounds |
Max Torque (ft.-lbs.) | 1,770 in-lbs |
No-load Speed (RPM) | 2900 RPM |
Maximum Chuck Size | 0.25 Inches |
Highlight Features | 4 pole motor ¼” quick release chuck Built-in light Belt clip Lithium ion technology |
The POPULO Impact Driver Kit is durable enough not to cause any unexpected accidents while driving screws.
Budget Option: AVID POWER Impact Driver Kit
- Ultra-lightweight
- Easy to use
- Not good battery life
Many people think that with a tight budget, they just can buy a bad-quality impact driver that easily breaks down, even if it causes unexpected accidents. However, this point of view is wrong.
You can buy a good-quality product like the AVID POWER Impact Driver Kit at a reasonable price. First, it can surely meet your requirements because of its powerful motor and high torque (1590 in-lbs).
Although this product doesn’t have advanced features, it still gets basic functions of a good impact driver like 3 built-in LED lights. In particular, this is a package with full accessories. Apart from the main impact driver, you have other items when making this purchase. They include a user manual, a charger, a 20V max lithium-ion battery with real-time capacity indicator and USB output, 10 pieces of driver bits, 14 pieces of sockets, and a tool bag.
| AVID POWER Impact Driver Kit Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight (lbs.) | 2.5 pounds |
Max Torque (ft.-lbs.) | 1590 in-lbs |
No-load Speed (RPM) | 2700 RPM |
Maximum Chuck Size | 0.25 Inches |
Highlight Features | 3 built-in LED lights |
Though the AVID POWER Impact Driver Kit is budget-friendly, it has all the basic features and functions of an impact driver.
Fast Charging: Makita XDT131 Brushless Cordless Impact Driver Kit
- Long battery life
- Lightweight
- Sturdy
- Quick to charge
- Super compact size - good for automotive work and general construction
- The included drills and screws are not in good shape
What stops you from buying a cordless impact driver?
Its runtime is shorter than corded models', right? If you can’t choose a machine with long working time, consider a fast-charging tool like the Makita XDT131 Brushless Cordless Impact Driver Kit. Its 18V LXT 3.0Ah battery can fully charge within 30 minutes.
| Makita XDT131 Brushless Cordless Impact Driver Kit Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight (lbs.) | 7.1 Pounds |
Max Torque (ft.-lbs.) | 1500 Inch Pounds |
No-load Speed (RPM) | 3400 RPM |
Maximum Chuck Size | 10 Millimeters |
Highlight Features | BL Brushless Motor |
The Makita XDT131 Brushless Cordless Impact Driver Kit charges 3 times faster so that you go back to your work quickly.
How To Choose The Most Powerful Impact Driver?
What Is The Best Motor?
There are 2 types of motors: brushless and brushed motors. You should choose the brushless model. Although it's more expensive than the brushed one, it is longer-lasting and energy-efficient. It creates less heat and supports smart electronics which optimize performance and avoid thermal overload. In particular, this kind requires less maintenance.
This doesn't mean that the brushed motor is a terrible choice. In fact, it helps you save more money, but you still get an excellent performance. Of course, you have to give up some benefits.
Which Extra Features Of An Impact Driver Do You Need?
Variable Speed Trigger
Variable speed trigger is extremely useful when working on different materials with different conditions. For example, you can apply 2 or more RPM speed settings to offer enhanced control.
Rubberized Handle
A rubberized handle can provide you with a firm grip and decrease the vibration between the machine and your body to minimize your arm and hand fatigue.
Charge Indicator
If you choose a cordless impact driver, you will want to have this feature. It allows you to estimate the remaining battery life to recharge timely.
Work Light
This helps you illuminate what you are driving. Or it is also very useful if you drop your fastener in a place with weak light conditions. Sometimes, you even find your lost keys thanks to this feature.
Belt Hook
A belt hook is attached to one side of the impact driver, so it is very useful when you climb a ladder. Why? It allows you to hang the machine from the hook on your side so that you can easily carry it anywhere.
On-Board Bit Storage
Some on-board bit storage forms include a small clip and a magnet. Both of them can keep your bits ready to use on the machine.
Which One Is More Powerful: Corded Or Cordless Tool?
Normally, a corded impact driver is more powerful than a cordless model because the batteries can’t perform well like electricity sources. Only one corded machine is efficient enough to provide you with the highest productivity during a long day. This option is great for professionals who require continuous performance causing no problem like out of battery. However, if you need something that lets you maneuver it easier, an impact driver without a cord can work better.
How Much Torque Do You Require?
If you are reading this article, it means that you need as much torque as possible. Torque shows the “twisting power” amount of an impact driver. The higher the torque (in-pounds (in-lbs)) is, the more twisting power the impact driver will produce. One more time, to determine if you really need a high amount of power or not, consider the construction material that you will handle. Hardwood requires more twisting power than softwood. In case you want to know more detailed information, here is it:
800 in-lbs of torque is powerful enough to drive screws in a household or perform tasks of home workshop. To drive many large screws which are used to construct decking and the house frame, it’s better to invest in a machine with 1500 in-lbs of torque even more.
How Many Voltages Does A Powerful Impact Driver Have?
Voltage shows the energy output. The higher the voltage is, the more powerful the motor is. It leads to a higher torque. There are 3 options below.
The 12-volt model is not a great option for those who require more power. Instead, it is a general-purpose tool for homeowners and professionals, usually working in tight spaces. If you are looking for the most powerful impact driver, consider 18-20-volt machines. They have the same power.
Do You Need A Combination Kit?
If you want to make a long-term investment for your DIY projects in the future, it’s better to buy a combination kit that contains an impact driver and other items such as a circular saw, a hammer drill, drill bits, a work light, and batteries.
Which Brands Make The Most Powerful Impact Driver?
Milwaukee
This brand was founded in 1924. Nowadays, they have become a leading manufacturer in developing innovative products that can provide their customers - professional construction users with unmatched durability and increased productivity.
FAQs
What are the different sizes of impact drivers?
¼, ⅜, and ½ are common sizes.
Is an impact driver more powerful than a drill?
The impact driver is more powerful than a drill because it can provide extra torque to drive loose stuck bolts and screws deeper into the material or break them.
Why can't you use an impact driver as a drill?
The impact driver isn't designed for drilling holes. A drill can't take all accessories which an impact driver can.
Which impact is better: DeWalt or Milwaukee?
The Milwaukee impacts are better than the DeWalt models. It has an impressive torque, lithium-ion batteries, brushless motors, and innovative designs.
The Milwaukee can provide more power than another. When it comes to the speed, the Milwaukee products are also better since their speed can reach up to 3000 RPM while machines of DeWalt brand just have 2800 RPM at maximum. However, if your project is delicate, invest in a DeWalt impact driver with a variable speed trigger that allows you to start slow and increase the speed gradually.
The Milwaukee has more useful features than another brand. They include gear case, an all-metal chuck, LED light, and Redlink intelligence. Meanwhile, DeWalt just has some useful features such as a soft-grip handle, and a brushless motor.
In terms of the warranties, the Milwaukee provides their customers with a 5-year limited warranty while the DeWalt just offers a 3-year limited warranty.
Do impact drivers wear out?
Yes. Impact drivers can wear out.
Conclusion
Is the most powerful impact driver heavier than drill drivers? If yes, it will struggle for you to hold it in your hand and access tight areas.
In fact, all machines in this article are lightweight enough for you to reach difficult-to-access positions, but you must determine your needs to make the right decision.
