Best Impact Drivers for Professional and Home Use in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 23, 2024
Do you know which tool can easily drive long screws into hardwood and loosen over-torqued nuts or bolts? We do! It is an impact driver. Below, we’ve picked 5 top-selling models to help you choose the best impact driver for your large-scale repair and construction projects. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Power
Revolutions Per Minute/Beats Per Minute
Torque (Nm)
Hex Chuck
Number of Batteries Included
Extras
Tool Length
Weight
Warranty
 
PROS

The set comes complete with a battery and a charger. Besides, thanks to ONE+ system compatibility, the battery is interchangeable with any other Ryobi tool battery.

CONS

Magnetic bit holder is not strong enough for some fasteners. 

OUR VERDICT

Delivering the highest torque with an outstanding impact power, the Ryobi One+ will become an irreplaceable tool for woodwork projects with numerous screwing tasks as well as drilling walls and panels. Moreover, owing to an immense output power, this tool doubles as a nut wrench which greatly expands its functionality.

detailed parameters
Power

18V, 4.0Ah

Revolutions Per Minute/Beats Per Minute

0-3200/ 0-3400 

Torque (Nm)

220

Hex Chuck

1/4"

Number of Batteries Included

1

Extras

High power, Perfect for screwing and loosening larger bolts, 3 LED lights light, Robust die-cast front gear housing, Variable speed

Tool Length

Not specified

Weight

~1.98 kg (with a battery pack)

Warranty

3 years

PROS

This model stands out for unique brand-specific technologies, including XR intelligent switch ensuring maximum tools and battery protection, and XR brushless motor delivering longer runtime.

CONS

The tool is too powerful for some types of screws. 

OUR VERDICT

Offering improved ergonomics and compact design, the Dewalt impact driver is powerful enough both for heavy-duty professional use on construction sites and for occasional home projects. In addition, a brushless motor will greatly reduce motor components wear allowing you to reduce maintenance costs.

detailed parameters
Power

18V

Revolutions Per Minute/Beats Per Minute

0-2800/ 0-3200

Torque (Nm)

165

Hex Chuck

1/4"

Number of Batteries Included

Not included

Extras

Brushless motor, 3 LED ‘Halo‘ ring, Magnetic bit holder, Ergonomic handle and rubber over mould reduces vibration and user fatigue

Tool Length

140 mm

Weight

0.96 kg (body only) 

Warranty

3 years 

PROS

The patented Makita XLR technology provides secure battery and charger protection preventing battery overdischarge, overheating, and overload that will greatly prolong the battery service life.

CONS

There is no onboard bit storage on the tool.

OUR VERDICT

Featuring a lightweight ergonomic design, the Makita impact driver is easy and convenient to use while a variable speed option ensures precise screwing on different types of material, be it softwood, plywood, hardwoods or even concrete, and allows for quick and effortless rusty nuts and bolts loosening.

detailed parameters
Power

18V

Revolutions Per Minute/Beats Per Minute

0-2900/ 0-3500

Torque (Nm)

165

Hex Chuck

1/4"

Number of Batteries Included

Not included 

Extras

Electric brake, Variable speed control, Twin LED job light, Ergonomic soft grip, Compact and lightweight design, Temperature and overload current control, High rotation speed, One-touch bit installation

Tool Length

137 mm

Weight

1.5 kg (body only) 

Warranty

3 years 

PROS

All metal body components are covered with a rubberized coating protecting you from burns if you occasionally touch the tool gearbox or a bit holder.

CONS

Pretty heavy tool. 

OUR VERDICT

All Bosch tools offer unmatched quality and this impact driver is not an exception. Distinguished by the reliable build and high-power performance, it will work great both on wood and on metal or stone. Meanwhile, a shorter top part of the tool will ensure hassle-free and easy work in some tricky areas.

detailed parameters
Power

18V

Revolutions Per Minute/Beats Per Minute

0-2800/ 0-3200

Torque (Nm)

160

Hex Chuck

1/4"

Number of Batteries Included

Not included

Extras

High torque and high impact rate, Choice between Premium and Compact batteries, Speed screw driving into metal and wood

Tool Length

145 mm

Weight

1.77 kg (body only) 

Warranty

3 years 

PROS

A handy trigger allows choosing between 7 positions to vary rotation speed for different types of fasteners. Thanks to a special battery design, you'll be able to get into hard-to-reach areas. 

CONS

Rather low torque. 

OUR VERDICT

This is one of the lightest models in its class. Though less powerful than heavy-duty impact drivers, it will come in useful for tougher screwing tasks where an electric screwdriver or a screw gun fails. The Silverstorm is a good choice for those who need a compact and lightweight tool for long-lasting screwing jobs.

detailed parameters
Power

10.8V, 1.3Ah

Revolutions Per Minute/Beats Per Minute

0-2200 / Not specified

Torque (Nm)

90

Hex Chuck

1/4"

Number of Batteries Included

1

Extras

Variable speed trigger, Vibration-reducing soft-grip handle, Compact and lightweight, Integrated LED work light

Tool Length

Not specified

Weight

1 kg (with a battery pack)

Warranty

3 years 

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Ryobi One+

A Powerful Beast for Your Heavy-duty Tasks

Being one of the biggest and the most innovation-oriented power tools manufacturers in the world, Ryobi produces professional-grade tools at an affordable price that makes this brand a top choice among millions of homeowners, woodworkers, craftsmen, and DIYers. Ryobi tools excel in power and if you seek a truly powerful tool that will offer professional-grade performance for your driving and drilling tasks, look no further. The Ryobi One+ impact driver will cater to a number of your household and professional needs.

Fitted with a 18V battery, this model yields an impressive torque of 220 Nm that will give you an opportunity to tackle all kinds of materials, from softwood to hard concrete. Another distinguishing benefit of the Ryobi impact driver is its outstanding impact ability delivering up to 3400 IPM. Thanks to such an incredible combo of immense torque and impact power, the tool will cope with the heaviest driving tasks when fastening and loosening long and large screws and bolts and will also double as an impact wrench if used with an appropriate attachment. Besides, a variable speed option along with reverse and break actions will give you more control and let you adjust the tool operation to the job at hand. No more struggling or stripped screws and over tightened nuts!

As powerful and performing as it is, the Ryobi One+ offers every convenience and ease of use. An ergonomic design with a rubberized handle ensures a comfortable grip while a lightweight body allows for long-time work without fatigue. In addition, there is a magnetized platform on the base to hold all fasteners within easy reach.

Whatever screwing, driving, or even drilling tasks you have to accomplish, with the Ryobi One+, it will take you minimum time and effort.

Review of Ryobi One+ Impact Driver

An Ultimate Package

The Ryobi One+ 18V impact driver belongs to the Ryobi One+ system including more than 50 products that run of branded Ryobi 18-volt batteries that hold the charge 4 times longer and offer up to 20% more runtime improving the performance of your power tools as much as 35%. This model package comes complete with a Ryobi One + 18V battery and a battery charger. The battery gets fully charged in 60 minutes and hold the charge when not in use. Since this battery can be used with the whole range of Ryobi One+ cordless tools, you’ll be able to build up a trusted system of tools for all types of projects from drilling, driving, cutting, and fastening, to plumbing, trimming, edging, and mowing.

Get power and versatility for the years of outstanding performance, compatibility, and value. Choose Ryobi.

Ryobi One+ Impact Driver in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01M2V8S6C

 

DEWALT DCF886N-XJ

User Convenience Prioritized

Dewalt is another renowned brand name in the world of power tools and equipment that is already self-advertising. In its tools, the manufacturer strives to pair power with optimized user-friendly design in order to ensure confidence and comfort for the toughest jobs. The DCF886N-XJ is a cordless impact driver from Dewalt that provides all convenience features you’d expect from a premium tool and then some. 

The first benefit to mention is that this model is one of the lightest in its class. With a battery attached, it weighs less than 1.5 kg unlike many other similar models with the weight exceeding 2 kg. The tool boasts a well-balanced design with a perfectly sized rubberized handle nicely fitting into the palm and ensuring a firm and secure grip. In the bottom, there is a sturdy metal clamp allowing you to attach the tool to the belt when you need your hands free and a magnetic bit holder to have the necessary bit kit at hand.Though there is no speed controller, you can adjust the driving speed by varying the pressure force on the trigger that gives even more precise control for some more delicate jobs.

The next things you will like about this model is a handy drop-and-load chuck ensuring one-handed bit change and 3 LED lights for better visibility when working under low-light conditions. Moreover, the job lights feature and afterglow option and won’t turn off when you release the trigger switch that will let you fit the bit onto the screw without a hassle.

Lightweight and easy-to-use, the Dewalt DCF886N-XJ impact driver will come in handy for overhead works and for the projects that require screwing tons of screws.

Review of DEWALT DCF886N-XJ Cordless Brushless Impact Driver

The Benefit of Brushless Technology

The Dewalt impact driver comes as a naked unit which means the tool is delivered without a battery. It is designed to work with any 18V XR battery giving you an opportunity to purchase the battery to your liking or use the battery from any other cordless tool from Dewalt you might have in your arsenal.

Behind a durable all-metal gearbox, there is a brushless electric motor driven by electromagnetic forces. Not only does this technology reduce the motor wear but also ensures more power, speed, and endurance. The combination of the Lithium-ion battery and brushless motor gives the tool lots of power to yield a sustained torque of 165 Nm. When driving short screws, you can use the driver as a conventional drill, and the speed of 2800 RPM will be enough to easily handle those light-duty tasks. However, if you need to tackle large fasteners or long self-tapping screws, an impact mechanism generating up to 3200 IPM will do its job.

For prolonged tool service life and flawless operation, the driver is fitted with the XR intelligent switch ensuring maximum battery protection and an aluminium front housing for efficient heat dissipation.

To sum up, the DCF886N-XJ will become a reliable multi-purpose helper both for minor household repairs and for use on construction sites.

DEWALT DCF886N-XJ Cordless Brushless Impact Driver in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £91.14
Stock In stock
ASIN B00EQCGI4A

 

Makita DTD152Z

For a Variety of Jobs

No handyman tool arsenal is complete without a wrench, screwdriver, and a drill. Today, a lot of DIYers, to say nothing of experienced craftsmen, tend to replace hand tools with power tools that allow doing the job much easier and quicker. Yet, there are situations and tasks where an electric screwdriver or drill fails and you start searching for some more powerful and versatile tool. If you need to enhance the functionality of your toolbox and look for a tool that will help you tackle a variety of repair tasks, you’ll highly value all the benefits of the Makita impact driver.

The Makita DTD152Z 18V is part of the LXT range distinguished by premium power and consistently high performance needed to complete any job. Fitted with the Makita 4-pole motor, this model generates an interchangeable rotation speed up to 2900 RPM, boasts a decent impact rate of up to 3500 IPM, and yields the fastening torque of 165 Nm. Hence, the DTD152Z will help you force a long screw into a hardwood panel without a pilot hole, easily drill a hole in a brick wall, and effortlessly loosen an over torque nut. Owing to a high torque and intensive percussive action, the tool will suit a whole variety of applications in woodwork and metalwork projects and will be of great use for a number of repair tasks.

Meanwhile, a well-thought design contributes to the convenient operation and prolongs the tool’s service life. Featuring a sleek ergonomically shaped body with a rubber-coated handle, the tool ensures a secure comfortable grip and strain-free operation. Two built-in LED lights will add convenience for the work in dark spaces and low-light areas. A keyless ¼-inch hex chuck accepts M5-M14 standard bolts as well as M4-M8 machine screws allowing you to get into limited access areas and boasts a handy one-touch bit installation. A push button is conveniently located for easy speed control and forward or reverse action depending on the task at hand. Another useful feature that would not go amiss is an electric brake that will immediately stop the bit rotation once you release the push button to prevent material damage. It’s a great option for the work with plasterboard and any other types of decorative panels.

Designed by professionals and backed up by years of experience, the Makita impact driver will find its place in your tool arsenal adding power and functional versatility.

Review of Makita DTD152Z Impact Driver

Choose the Battery to Your Needs

Like many other leading power tools manufacturer, Makita strives to meet various customer needs and requirements. When it comes to cordless tools, along with all-in-one kits, the manufacturer offers bare tools that come without a battery pack. The Makita DTD152Z is exactly that kind of tool. Yet, in many cases, it’s rather an advantage than a drawback, especially if you are a fan of this brand and already have one or several cordless Makita tools in your collection. Not only does it allow reducing the final price and saving on the battery cost but also it will give you an opportunity to choose the battery capacity to your needs.

Makita produces a number of LXT Lithium-ion batteries ranging from 2.0 to 6.0 Ah and delivering the runtime from 25 to 55 minutes. All batteries are fitted with unique Star Protection Computer Controls™ ensuring effective protection against overload, over-discharge, and overheating. In addition, thanks to the battery’s built-in chip, the Rapid Optimum charger “communicates” with the battery and controls the charging process prolonging the battery service life while an integral fan cools the battery during charging to ensure 3 times faster charge time as compared to other models. Hence, you can choose the battery capacity you need and always be sure that it will deliver consistent power.

Makita DTD152Z Impact Driver in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £49.90
Stock In stock
ASIN B01861LGA2

 

Bosch GDR18V-LIN

Both for a Professional and for a DIYer

For years, Bosch remains a synonym of indisputable quality and decent power. Created with the end user needs in mind, Bosch tools stand out for functional versatility that makes them suitable for professional and home applications alike. The Bosch GDR 18V cordless impact driver is not an exception to this concept. 

The tool comes packed with a powerful 18V electric motor yielding the speed of up to 2800 RPM and a newly planetary engineered gearbox generating the torque of 160 Nm. Though commonly used for screw driving, due to a high rotation speed, the Bosch GDR is a pretty good drilling machine too that can be used for a number of drilling disciplines and works much faster than a typical drill driver. The tool performs equally well both on soft and hard materials including drywall, plasterboard, wood, metal, and bricks. On the other hand, a high torque paired with an impressive impact rate of 3200 IPM makes this machine suitable for really heavy-duty tasks such as tightening or loosening wheel nuts or scaffold bolts. Just remember to use premium quality hex-socket bits.

To ensure consistent operation under any working conditions including heavy loads, the unit is made from first-class materials. It boasts a strong build and robust construction that can withstand even 2m drops retaining full functionality of the tool. The next thing contributing to the tool professional-grade characteristics is a unique Bosch Lithium-ion technology that ensures extended runtime to complete a variety of jobs without the need to recharge the battery. 

If you need a tool to be used for both large-scale projects and minor domestic repairs, you’ll never go wrong with the Bosch.

Review of Bosch GDR18V-LIN Impact Driver

With Safety, Convenience, and Flexibility in Mind

Despite all the power and force it is packed with, the Bosch impact driver is not a bulky unit. This tool stands out for a great combo of exceptional performance and a compact design. 

The first thing any handyman will like is a flexible battery system compatible with all 18 V, 1.5 to 6.0 Ah units giving you a freedom to choose a higher capacity Premium battery for a longer runtime or a Compact battery if a light weight and easy handling are your top priorities. No matter what type you select for your work, all Bosch batteries are distinguished by the branded CoolPack system for optimal heat dissipation and feature the Electronic Cell Protection. All of this protects the battery from damages and greatly prolongs its life. 

While the battery ensures the flawless unit operation, a well-thought tool design guarantees convenience of work. Though the Bosch GDR is not the lightest tool in its class, it is still easy to handle and does not cause much strain even when working overhead. A short head only 145 mm long will let you get into narrow or restricted spaces and a soft 3-point anti-slip rubber grip adds comfort during work. An LED light enhances visibility under low-light conditions and a practical battery charge indicator will show how much power is left. For added safety, the gearbox is covered with a rubber coating that will protect you from burns and a special strap on the handle will let you fix an impact driver on your wrist to avoid occasional tool drops.

Bosch GDR18V-LIN Impact Driver in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B003X8ETQM

 

Silverstorm 263302

A Lightweight and Affordable Helper

There is a whole variety of repair works, small-scale projects, and tasks that do not require an immense power of 18V impact drivers yet still cannot be completed with a drill driver or a combi drill and need some impact action. These are the jobs related to driving dozens of screws, working overhead or in awkward positions, and connected with some repetitive actions or monotonous work. This is where any craftsman or DIYer will appreciate a lightweight tool ensuring fatigue-free operation.

Weighing only 1 kg, the Silverstorm 263302 impact driver from Silverline is the lightest model in its class. And it should be highlighted that this is a tool weight with a battery attached. Yet, lightweight design does not mean lack of power. Of course, it’s not that powerful as 18V models but the 10.8 V electric motor yields pretty high rotation rate of 2200 RPM and a moderate torque of 90Nm which are enough for fast and easy driving of screws and fixings into wood or any other not too hard material and even for doing up nuts and car studs. Though the unit is more compact than heavy-duty models, it features a standard size ¼-inch bit holder compatible with all screwdriver bits. However, it’s recommended using special impact bits that can withstand extra torque and impact and deliver more precise action without twisting or damaging the material.

Extremely lightweight yet performing, this model will become a real find for any furniture maker, joiner, woodworker, and homeowner.

Review of Silverstorm 263302 Impact Driver

Easy to Use and Easy to Handle

The Silverline impact driver stands out for an ultra light construction thanks to a lower capacity model and a specific design. Unlike in other models, this tool comes with a rechargeable battery accommodated inside the handle body. Along with a 1.3 Ah battery, the pack includes an intelligent charger regulating voltage to prevent overload and ceasing the charging process when the battery is full. As in other more expensive models, the gearbox is hidden behind a metal cover dissipating heat during the tool operation and preventing it from overheat. For efficient control, there is a 7-position trigger. It will let you vary the rotation speed for different types of fasteners and materials you are going to work with. Besides, an impact driver set is delivered in a durable plastic carry case for space-wise storage and convenient transportation that makes this model a great choice for all field workers.

Whether you look for a portable and easy-to-use impact driver for home improvements or for light-duty commercial tasks, the Silverstorm is the right model to opt for.

Silverstorm 263302 Impact Driver in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00O45NG76

 

What Is an Impact Driver?

How often did you fail to drive long screws into hardwood or loosen rusty nuts with your power screwdriver? Needless to say, such tools are helpless for drilling holes in brick walls. Leave those challenging tasks to impact drivers. Unlike a conventional power screwdriver, an impact driver is distinguished by a special mechanism that generates short and frequent strokes boosting the torque and preventing the gear from stopping under resistance. This way, an impact driver can help you twist screws in hardwood, unscrew them, and drill brick or panel walls with one hand. Impact drivers are also often confused with cordless drills. Yet, looking pretty much the same and both standing for cordless operation and exceptional portability, these are different tools. The major difference is that an impact driver accepts only hex-shank driver bits while a keyless chuck of a drill can also accommodate a variety of round drill bits. However, delivering up to three times higher torque will easily tackle those heavy-duty screw driving tasks where a drill will fail.

Stay with our impact driver review if you plan a project requiring tons of screws to be driven or go for cordless drills for lighter applications and torque wrenches for bolted connections.

What Features to Compare

Performance

When you choose an impact driver, first of all, you need to consider the torque that makes a tool so powerful. The torque rate determines how long screws can be driven and the hardness of material to be screwed. In general, the torque depends on the battery voltage and a higher voltage ensures a higher torque rate. Next, consider the number of blows per minute (BPM) a tool makes. Some impact drivers can deliver up to 4000 BPM, and the higher this rate is, the better and easier an impact driver can tighten and loosen a fastener. Finally, don’t forget about the number of revolutions per minute (RPM). The larger the RPM rate is, the faster the job will be done. We should also note that when you use an impact driver to force a screw into softwood, the tool initially works in a normal mode, but its impact mechanism comes into play as soon as the gear faces resistance, and delivers a lot of force to overcome it.

Battery

A battery ensures a portability of an impact driver and affects its power as well. The models with batteries up to 12V deliver a smaller torque than the tools powered by 18-20V batteries. The battery capacity (Ah) shows the running time, so you should know how long you are going to use a tool. If you need an impact driver for occasional construction or assembly works, a model up to 1.5 Ah is enough, while a driver of 2Ah and higher is better for a frequent application. In any case, a medium-capacity battery can be used along with another one. Once one of them runs out of charge, install another battery and continue using the tool. By the way, some impact drivers come with 2 batteries, which means there's no need to buy an additional one. Also, any impact driver package includes a charger and the charging time varies from 30 min to 4 h depending on a charger and battery specs.

Usability

Since impact drivers are handheld tools, their weight and size should be comfortable for users. A battery takes nearly half impact driver’s weight, and sometimes even more. The higher the battery capacity is, the heavier it is, so you should determine how long you are going to use an impact driver. Moreover, we recommend paying attention to additional features of an impact driver. For example, a built-in work light will be useful, while a reverse function is a true must-have for such tools. A set of drill or screwdriver bits included in the package will also come in handy. As for the tool’s handling, we advise you to use earmuffs as some impact drivers are quite noisy and can cause discomfort.

Did You Know

How much do you know about the evolution of an impact driver?

Today, an impact driver is a must-have power tool in the arsenal of any professional or novice woodworker. Standing somewhere in between an electric drill for light-duty works and a hammer drill which is a real power beast excelling at plowing through concrete and other masonry, an impact driver is a kind of an all-in-one tool that can be used in a whole variety of applications combining the power and torque close to those of a hammer drill with control and precision similar to an electric drill. Yet, it’s all about modern impact drivers widely used worldwide. But have you ever wondered where it started from?

Original Technology

Impact drivers appeared and became very popular in Japan in the early 1980s after the invention of an impact wrench and a hammer drill. And for a good reason since Japan is a cradle of advanced technologies and engineering innovations. The first impact driver that was eventually considered a perfect tool was designed and released by Makita, a pioneer in cordless technology. It’s the Makita 12V impact driver. Over the years, other leading manufacturers of power tools in Europe and USA caught the idea and launched their own impact driver series competing with Japanese and boosting the tool popularity across the globe.

What makes the impact driver the belle of the ball these days is a so-called hammer and anvil operation principle. The tool produces strong rotational and downward force. It screws and taps the bit around as if being hit by the hammer. All this results in a tremendous torque you’d never gain with an electric drill allowing you to drive in long screws into hardwoods with less effort and minimum wrist strain. It’s worth mentioning that compatible with different types of bits, an impact driver can double as a cordless drill while the drill will hardly be able to do the work of an impact driver.Thus, a cordless impact driver might become on of your most versatile woodworking tools. At a glance, all impact drivers seem pretty compact and relatively lightweight but don’t their size fool you.They can do all the hard work for you quickly and efficiently. Once you try the tool in action, you’ll be surprised how powerful it is.

In Line With the Progress

First impact drivers were backed up by 9.6V batteries and couldn’t boast the power and long run time of modern models. However, after extensive research and development, the tool was significantly improved and the battery size evolved up to 18V and even 20V. Again, Makita was one of the groundbreakers in this area. Moreover, the company equipped the impact driver with its unique brushless motor technology to further increase the tool runtime, output power, and speed as well as to prolong its service life. In 2009, Makita introduced the industry’s first 18V brushless impact driver.

Having achieved the targeted power level and functionality of impact drivers, the next thing all leading manufactures looked at was the tool cost. The most expensive component of the cordless impact driver is a Lithium-ion battery that comes in a pack and significantly adds to the final price tag. To reduce the cost and make the tool more affordable for all users, the manufacturers have found a pretty simple yet very efficient solution. They discovered that if they apply the same Li-Ion battery for all their cordless tools, they can produce bare tool bodies allowing the customers to use one battery for different tools as needed. Such approach not only let greatly reduce the tool cost but also locked their customers to the brand. Anyway, end users love this truly beneficial solution since they can save on buying the tool they really need.

FAQ:

Q: Do I really need an impact driver?
A: It’s a common question asked by every DIYer or tradesman owning a drill driver. The answer is “it depends”. Both tools are pretty good at jobs they are meant for and everything largely depends on the projects you most often have to accomplish. While drills delivering smooth consistent torque are good for light jobs on soft and delicate materials requiring precise driving, impact drivers are specifically designed to generate twice more torque along with concussive blows to power screws through hard and dense materials and release rusty or over tightened nuts.

Q: Is there any difference between an impact driver and an impact wrench?
A: Not that much! Yet, they are not similar. Being pretty much alike in terms of design and mode of operation, these power tools greatly differ by the torque they yield. Thus, an impact wrench might deliver the torque twice higher than an impact driver, which defines a different scope of application of these tools. Impact drivers are mostly targeted on fasteners like screws while impact wrenches are perfect for large diameter bolts and nuts, which makes them a real find for mechanics.

Q: What is a brushless impact driver?
A: It’s an impact driver with a brushless motor. Unlike a conventional electric motor using brushes to transfer electricity to the spinning rotor, a brushless motor is built to spin parts without an electrical connection. It will reduce friction and minimise components wear to prolong the battery life and the tool service.

Q: Can I use an impact driver to drill holes?
A: Yes, you can. In fact, impact drivers rival many cordless drills in terms of speed. The only difficulty you might face is that it’s harder to precisely start a hole with an impact driver since usually, it does not have efficient control over the low speed. On the other hand, you’ll be able to make large holes with spade or auger bits with almost no effort.

Q: Are impact drivers suitable for taking off lug nuts?
A: Normally, impact drivers are the best tools to unscrew overtightened and rusty nuts. Yet, it is not exactly the case with the lug nuts. Due to a static friction, usually, loosening a nut requires much more forces that tightening it. While impact drivers are great for tightening nuts, they might fail when it comes to lug nuts since the maximum torque they generate might appear insufficient. If you have an 18V or 20V impact driver and occasionally need to unscrew lug nuts on your vehicle, you can do it with a certain level of skill and an appropriate attachment at hand. But if you plan to take off a lot of lugs or are engaged in car repairs, it'll be better to opt for the impact driver’s larger and more powerful counterpart, an impact wrench.

Q: Are impact drivers suitable for the work on concrete?
A: Most impact drivers can be applied to concrete. Just make sure to stock up on special masonry bits, which can be bought at any hardware store, and do not forget to wear safety goggle during work. The only disadvantage to using an impact driver when drilling into the concrete is that it might take you more time than it would if you used a hammer drill boasting a strong pounding action.

Q: Pneumatic or electric impact driver
A: The biggest difference between pneumatic and electric impact drivers is the power output they deliver. Using a compressed air or gases, pneumatic models are more powerful than electric ones. At the same time, yielding a higher torque, pneumatic tools are heavier, generate more noise and vibrations causing hand fatigue during work. Hence, your choice fully depends on the type of work you need to fulfill, and if you need power and more precise control over the operation, you’d better select a corded electric impact producing the torque close to that of pneumatic models.

Sources:

1. Tips for Choosing the Right Impact Driver, eBay. March 3, 2016.

2. How To Choose The Right Drill, Masters Home Improvement.

3. How To Choose a Cordless Impact Driver, Acme Tools. May 9, 2016.

4. Joe Truini Cordless Drill/Driver vs Impact Driver: Which Do You Need? Popular Mechanics. December 10, 2015.

5. Cordless Impact Drivers, Wood Magazine.

6. Impact driver, Wikipedia. June 19, 2016.

7. How Does an Impact Driver Work? DoItYourself.

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Publish Date: 2017-12-12 10:31:11