Review Editor Ross has spent countless hours with an impact driver in his hands during his years working in the HVAC industry as well as building custom features for a world-class snowboard park. 
If youre not use to single speed settings, you can easily snap the screw head off.
If your driver doesnt list RPM, look for a driver that has several speeds.
While most impact drivers make a bit of a ruckus, the M18 Fuel is surprisingly offensive. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. One of the reasons that brushed motors still exist is because theyre cheaper to make. To test torque, we welded several " bolts to an I-beam that would be next to impossible to shear off with an impact driver. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. So if you know how to use a drill or similar device, then you should be getting lots of work done using the Ryobi impact driver. This BLACK+DECKER impact driver doesnt sacrifice quality for affordability. Positive reviews highlighted how lightweight this DEWALT impact driver was and stated that it had a lot of torque despite its small size. How can we improve GearLab? Wading in the water in a backyard meant having a massive swimming pool or settling for a scant hot tub. The RPM switch, located on the driver's back, is very easy to see and access. Twenty volts describes the number of volts used when the driver is first turned on, which is known as maximum voltage. In this regard, speed is crucial. Not only is it a quick connect, but inserting a bit into the driver cocks a spring-loaded disconnect that makes it very fast and easy to use. Regrettably, this driver is devoid of RPM setting controls. This model performed exceptionally in our tests when it was used to loosen tight nuts. It is compact and easy to use, has 18 volts of power and 3,000 RPM of speed, and comes with a variety of accessories. We extensively tested to compare the performance of the top Impact Drivers and score each one on five key performance metrics. Chris has 30 years of construction experience under his belt and has been creating his own custom live-edge wood slab furniture for more than a decade. Due to this tool's compact size, it can easily access small places. We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. Unsatisfied customers stated that it wasnt that durable, as it broke after only a handful of uses. In our speed trials, it surpassed almost all of the competition. It also features a soft-grip handle to reduce hand fatigue. Twelve and 18 volts describe the number of volts used while the tool is in use, which is called nominal voltage. In addition to its 1.5-Amp-hour (Ah) battery, fabric carrying bag, and battery charger, this impact driver can also be purchased in bundles with other tool accessories, such as screwdriver bits and tool sets. Keep reading to learn how to measure these factors. All of the other impact drivers were so insanely loud in this assessment that we chose to score them terribly low. Twenty volts of maximum voltage is equal to 18 volts of nominal voltage.
No ads. This tool's length (or lack thereof) also won us over its length from front to back is one of the most compact that we have laid eyes on, making it possible to tighten long fasteners in small spaces or between studs. To complete the test, we spent dozens of hours with them away from the lab, working on projects ranging from changing furnace air filters, fastening TV mounts to interior walls, and assisting with custom furniture construction. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. We tightened nuts onto each bolt using a torque wrench to determine the number of foot-pounds of force each driver could loosen. For the most effective tool possible, choose the impact driver with the highest power, torque, speed, and battery life. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. However, with the two batteries included, it can be taken to job sites as well. It is a fantastic tool that will barely put a dent in your bank account. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the four best impact drivers on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you and your home. Also, make sure that our testing results match the performance you're looking for because one brand may be great at making circular saws but terrible at making impact drivers. This was one of the fastest drivers in our lineup, and it was one of the most inexpensive. Yes. This model comes with a bit holder on the front of the handle and also includes a magnet plate for holding additional bits or fasteners. Let us know! In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best solar generators on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you and your home. Whether or not you already own a certain brand's batteries and chargers can greatly affect the value for you. For this test, we took five time trials for each model. Additionally, it has four RPM settings, and we found the button to be easy to press and in a great location. However, the only problem I have with this impact driver is that theres no speed settings. He has also used a plethora of tools for a multitude of projects, including deepwater surveying robots. The DeWalt MAX XR DCF887B, Milwaukee M18 2850-20, Makita XDT13, and the Ryobi P238 also had a respectable showing. We purchase all of the products that we test at full price, and we never accept any demos or freebies of any kind from manufacturers. The Makita XDT13 is one of our highest-scoring models, easily outperforming some models that cost substantially more. To reach a numeric value for convenience, we examined the subtle differences between each model, including the bit holders, the quality and performance of the LED lights, the functionality of the quick connect hex head collet, and any other additional features. If you're a professional, a serious DIYer, or you just know that you put a beating on your tools, then we'd suggest you go with a model that earned more points. The LED compact size allows it to fit in small spaces, while the LED lights make working in any light easier. This impact driver comes with a lithium-ion battery, battery charger, and carrying bag, providing you with all of the accessories necessary to use and transport the tool. Negative reviews pointed out that the battery was defective or had a poor runtime. For a first-class impact driver, look no further than the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2853-20. In addition to battery life, consider an impact drivers recharge time, and choose one that doesnt require you to wait hours for your battery to recharge. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Some of the drivers showed impressive battery life. The M12 is not without its flaws. You can easily get into tight working spots. The Milwaukee M12 FUEL has 4 RPM settings. We love that the Makita XDT13 is so short from front to back, it's only 126mm. Same goes for the Ryobi P238. The M18 averaged 245 ft-lbs while tightening, while the DeWalt MAX followed at an average of 238 ft-lbs both of these models were able to break 300 ft-lbs in under two seconds. In addition, its small size makes the M12 Fuel great for driving into weird angles and harder-to-reach places. The torque wrench that we used for testing maxes out at 300 foot-pounds of force, so we determined that models that could both reach and break a minimum of 300 foot-pounds should earn a perfect score for the metric. Our favorite thing about the M12 Fuel is that it kept up with (and in several instances, outperformed) drivers with substantially more girth and voltage. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2853-20 was the king of the speed tests. Torque measures the amount of twisting power the impact driver has. Ultimately, it still needs to be maintained like any other tool that is used daily or very often. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Not only is it compact, but it's also lightweight, easy to use, and comfortable to hold. The GearLab cordless impact driver review team is comprised of Ross Patton, David Wise, Max Mutter, and Austin Palmer. For these reasons, we decided to let this metric account for 35% of the total score. Compared to most standard drills, torque (or twisting force) is a critical differentiator for most impact drivers.
Impact drivers use quarter-inch hex-shank driver bits as opposed to the rounded bits that go in a drill. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2853-20 is as fast as they come. As far as noise is concerned, impact drivers are just, well, loud. If it's important to you to have long battery life on your driver, consider upgrading to a larger Milwaukee battery, or seek out a different model altogether that has a longer-lasting battery. It's incredibly fast and provided ample torque in our tests, and we love the bright LED light and the magnetic plate that you can toss your extra fasteners on no more "now where'd I put that screw?" At 14 seconds, the Ryobi put up one of the faster times for driving the " x 3" lag bolt, and then removed it in 6 seconds. Positive customers noted that this impact driver had a long battery life and a lightweight, ergonomic design. This model is also incredibly noisy, so if that is an issue for you, you might want to look at a different model. Most of the impact drivers on the market look the same, but there are slight differences in terms of power, speed, torque, battery life, and ergonomics. moments. This impressive little driver essentially fits in your pocket. The Milwaukee M18 excelled at our torque tests. The P238 is one of the longer impact drivers in our test fleet, which can be a drawback for certain applications where you may need to get into tight spaces. Its incredibly heavy-duty and suitable for work on construction sites. Instead of researching these differences yourself, read our guide to the four best impact drivers on Amazon.
We found the Black+Decker BDCI20C to be an excellent light-duty impact driver for small jobs and projects around the house. Period. To determine the various speeds of each model, we clocked a dozen individual time trials per driver using multiple types of screws and lumber. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Its not that much of a deal breaker, its just that for another 30 bucks, I can adjust the speed and torque for the type of screw, lag-bolt, job Im doing. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2853-20 completed four sets of the ledger screws and the lag bolt but died after driving four ledger screws on the fifth go around. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best weed killers on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you. But plunge pools fill the middle ground, give a splash of fun, and offer relaxation in smaller yards. Amp hours (Ah) is used to measure how long an impact drivers battery will last before needing a recharge. The DeWalt DCF809B Atomic emitted 92 decibels while in use, earning an average score for noise. Satisfied customers said that this driver had a lightweight, compact build and an affordable price. The 5 Best Solar Generators (2022 Review). If you're a DIYer, the last way you want to spend your limited free time is waiting for a tool that lags during a project. It fits nicely in your hand and has variable torque settings. Nevertheless, we decided to run some experiments and include the results in our overall assessment of these tools. The Ryobi was barely slower on the plywood at 5 seconds but also had a calculated average of 3 seconds for the 2x12 trials. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. However, the high cost can be offset if you already own Milwaukee batteries or if you buy the impact driver in a kit with other tools. The button to change speeds on the M18 FUEL is in a convenient location and is easy to press. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. So not only does this driver win you over with its torque, speed variations and comfortable grip handle, but it is a bargain for what you are getting.
The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. If you are looking for a compact driver that is as efficient at home as it is at the job site, then this is the way to go. According to many cordless impact driver users, this is one of the best on the market at this price range. However, it should be noted that the Black+Decker scored much lower than high-performance heavier-duty models in all of our assessments. Despite its light weight and tiny size, it is still very loud. We then used the same ledger screws, but this time we used a stack of 2x12 boards in order to test an alternative wood, taking seven trials. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2853-20 and Ryobi P238 were both able to achieve this standard. The DeWalt MAX XR DCF887B died on the fifth lag bolt after driving 14 ledger screws five times. Austin, our senior research analyst, has plenty of experience with impact drivers from his experience working on oil rigs in Texas as well as being an avid DIY specialist. Impact drivers provide you with an easy way to continually drive screws. The three measurements youll commonly see with impact drivers are 12, 18, and 20. We were impressed with the overall battery life of the Makita model. Magnetic plate to hold loose screws and bolts. A solar generator gives you backup energy from the sun should your electricity fail. Next, we used each model to tighten the nuts for a total of five seconds and then used the wrench to determine the torque that each driver delivered. Some unhappy customers said that they received used tools, while others stated that their driver overheated quickly. This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. Others, not so much. One of the best bonus features that we found on the Ryobi is the innovative chuck. If youre looking for a more powerful impact driver, choose one thats 18 or 20 volts instead of 12. Our analysis Black+Decker 20V Max Impact Driver BDCI20C, help you find the right product for your specific needs, the most in-depth and scientific tech reviews, Incredibly fast, phenomenal torque, four speed settings, Exceptional torque, very fast, great battery life, Good speed and torque, decent battery life, Plenty of speed, torque, sturdy construction, If you're looking for a fast 18V impact driver with excellent torque in a condensed size, we recommend this model, This driver had the most impressive battery life in our test and offers torque performance that is on par with the best, This driver is fast and provides excellent torque at an affordable price, An excellent addition to an existing fleet of DEWALT tools, but an expensive option if you've not already investing in DEWALT batteries, The M18 packs plenty of power but we found enough flaws with its other results to keep it from winning an award, This impact driver offers fantastic speed and torque in a compact package, If you want a high performance impact driver that can hang with the best, this is a good choice, An exceptionally fast and powerful tool that is slightly held back by an average battery, A solid addition for those that already have a bevy of DEWALT tools, but carries a heftier price tag than most, The M18 has plenty of torque and an industrial-grade feel but couldn't quite clinch one of the top spots, While the PCCK647 didn't claim an award, we think it's a decent product that can handle most tasks fairly well, We found the ATOMIC to be a fairly uninspiring impact with a lack of noteworthy results in our tests, When it comes to 12-volt impact drivers, it's hard to beat the performance of this model, An affordable impact driver that offers less performance than top models, but still gets the job done, The PS41 can handle light-duty projects with ease but lacks the power for big jobs, Outperformed by some 12-volt models, we weren't impressed at all with the GDR18V-1400's score, The DCF815S2 failed to impress us with its very lackluster results across the board.
Still, we think for the money, it's hard to go wrong with this offering from Ryobi. The Black+Decker was not the fastest model during our time trials. The M12 FUEL is one of the fastest 12-volt models that we've tested. Corded impact drivers exist, but there are limited options on the market. All rights reserved. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. Overall, the Milwaukee brand earns a 5 star rating in my book and their solid 5 year limited warranty makes it an easy purchase. The Milwaukee M12 Fuel 2553-20 is the best cordless impact driver that we've found in the land of 12-volt battery-powered tools. Here at GearLab, we strive to offer our readers the most accurate and thorough reviews possible. The Ryobi has a quick bit insert chuck that also ejects the bit with almost zero effort. It also comes with bonus features like the LED lighting and belt clip. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase. Furthermore, when it comes to the driving of drill bits and screws, it gets the job done. Got feedback? We also found its fastening speed to be stellar, if that is something you're looking for. If you don't mind a tool that's a little more cumbersome, it might be worth it to get a cheaper model that may not be able to squeeze into the tight spaces that this one can, but ultimately offers the same performance. All trademarks property of their respective owners. They also use a collet instead of a chuckyou push a collet into the driver to insert or release the bit instead of twisting a chuck to fit around the bit. Our favorite model, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel, is one of the most expensive. Since youll be holding the impact driver for hours at a time, youll want a handle that feels comfortable in your hand. The DeWalt MAX has a very effective light pattern. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Because a short battery life can be extremely inconvenient and annoying when you're fully committed to a project, we decided that this metric should account for 15% of the total score. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2853-20 maxed out our torque tests. It's about as compact and light as they come, ideal for folks without much storage stage or for pros hoping to carry a lighter load in their tool kit. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. By submitting your email, you agree to our. It comes with two batteries and takes approximately 50 minutes from dead to full charge. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. To top it off, Milwaukee offers a fantastic array of tools built on the M12 Fuel platform, so you may only need to buy one battery and charger for a fleet. We used an SPL meter to measure the average decibel level that each model produced while in operation. Its durable and designed to last long. GearLab is reader-supported. The M18 2850-20 was barely behind at 16 seconds to install and 7 to back it out. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com. Finally, we drilled 11/32" pilot holes into the 2x12s to accommodate a " x 3" lag bolt. One of the primary benefits of owning an impact driver is the increased efficiency and project workflow. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. In order to make the most accurate assessments about which cordless impact drivers are truly the best for which applications, we researched the subtleties of their design, how they work, and found out which features are gimmicks vs. which ones are must-haves. One of our favorite aspects of this model is its size it is only 116mm. The Makita battery is long-lasting and works with a wide variety of other Makita tools. Unlike many categories of power tools, there is not anything close to an unequivocal parallel between price and performance when it comes to cordless impact drivers. Tour This Renovated 220-Year-Old Farmhouse, With a wraparound porch and oversize windows that frame the views, an updated rear addition embraces its pastoral settingand readies a well-loved, almost 220-year-old farmhouse for another century of family life. Negative reviews noted that this impact driver couldnt handle simple projects, lacked power, and had charging issues. The lithium-ion battery is powerful and long-lasting with its three-Ah rating, while the charger has indicators on one side to give you updates on the batterys charging progress. Looking for the top drill around for your next home For more than 50 hours we researched battery chainsaws Searching for a new cordless string trimmer? This cordless impact driver is a handy tool to have around the house. The torque delivered by the Ryobi is top-notch. Twelve-volt drivers have about 1,000 inch-pounds, and 18- or 20-volt drivers can have upwards of 1,800 inch-pounds. This is really an excellent tool to use in and around the home. We also now know that the most affordable tools in this review can handle a very reasonable workload, especially for light-duty and finish applications. This model offers a quick-release chuck, a belt hook, and a bit holder. The M18 Fuel comes with four different RPM settings three different speeds and one specific setting for finish work. While driving ledger screws, it averaged a mere 3 seconds. Some simply out-drove the competition during our assessments. While the Ryobi P238 couldn't quite keep up with the top models during our battery test assessment, it still outperformed most of its adversaries.
Many also liked its durable brushless motor.
The DeWalt MAX was slower at driving; it took 18 seconds for this test, but it made up for it with a time of 5 seconds for removal. This gives you more control over how fast the impact driver is going, minimizing the likelihood that youll overscrew. Many customers who have tried other brands admit that this is a much better driver than the others they have been attempting, at half the price. This has to be the best impact driver for the money, hands down. The Porter-Cable had a slightly higher tightening average than these two models at 257 ft-lbs, but when it came to breaking 300 ft-lbs, it took this model nearly 10 seconds to pass the test. If you own one of these brands and you're pleased with their products, your best option is likely to stick with the brand you have, provided that you do your research and confirm with the manufacturer that your current battery system is compatible with the model of impact driver you're planning on purchasing. Both of these accessories can fit inside of the fabric bag with the tool for easy carrying. Ultimately, the features, pricing and tons of great reviews make this cordless compact driver a decent buy for a mid-level driver. The amount of torque that each model offers can be the difference between the tool being able to handle the job or not, so we allotted 25% of the total score to this metric. The higher the Ah rating, the longer the battery will last. Ryobi is a name synonymous with both quality and affordability, and the Ryobi P238 is no exception. The Milwaukee M12 Fuel is lightweight and small in size, and we appreciate these attributes about this model. DEWALT impact driver has the highest torque, impact driver comes with a lithium-ion battery, battery charger, and carrying bag, BLACK+DECKER impact driver doesnt sacrifice quality for affordability, 5 Best Cordless Leaf Blowers (2022 Review), The 5 Best Double-Sided Tapes (2022 Review), The 5 Best Magnetic Screwdriver Sets (2022 Review), How to Choose a Finish Nailer | This Old House: Live, How to Maintain Small Engine Gas-Powered Yard Tools. The driver produces a lot of torque and is capable of snapping heads on screws without hassle so be sure to adjust the cool speed settings. If you're in the market for a 12V version, the Milwaukee M12 Fuel is well worth the price considering its outstanding performance. An effective herbicide can get rid of a variety of weeds that have invaded your lawn. The best handles are non-slip and small, allowing you to easily wrap your hand around the driver. Whether youre looking for a heavy-duty weed eater or just something to get basic jobs done, weve reviewed some of the best weed eaters on the market. Falling just behind the top scorers are the Porter-Cable PCCK647, Milwaukee M18 2850-20, and the DeWalt MAX XR DCF887B. Unfortunately, nearly every impact driver basically failed this metric because they all emit absurd amounts of noise. Just behind was the Makita, which also took 6 seconds to remove the fastener, but showed a tad slower time of 15 seconds to sink it.