The 5 Best Impact Drill Drivers

It can be hard to choose the right impact drill driver for your toolbox, particularly if you’ve never done it before. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you may end up with an impact drill that doesn’t fit your project. 

You may even end up with the wrong type of tool if you don’t know the difference between impact drill drivers and standard drills. Although many people — confusingly — refer to impact drill drivers as a type of regular drill, impact drill drivers and regular drills are two distinct tools.

Read on to learn more about the differences between impact drill drivers and regular drills and the five most powerful impact drill drivers of 2022. You’ll also learn how to choose the best impact driver kit and model.

The Top 5 Best Impact Drill Drivers

Now that you know the advantages of having a dedicated impact drill driver, let’s take a look at an impact driver comparison of the five best impact drill drivers in 2022.

Milwaukee DB303552 M18 FUEL SURGE 18V Cordless 1/4” Hex Hydraulic Driver

Milwaukee DB303552 M18 FUEL SURGE 18V Cordless 1/4” Hex Hydraulic Driver Description and Specifications

Quiet and powerful, the Milwaukee DB303552 Cordless Hex Hydraulic Driver is one of the best fastening solutions on the market. Equipped with Milwaukee’s FLUID-DRIVE™ Hydraulic Powertrain, this beast produces three times less vibration and 50% less noise and offers lightning-quick driving speeds.

Milwaukee DB303552 M18 FUEL SURGE 18V Cordless 1/4” Hex Hydraulic Driver Is Great

This tool kit includes:

• An M18 FUEL™ SURGE™ 1/4″ Hex Hydraulic Driver (tool only) (model number: DB303552)
• Two M18™ REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 Extended Capacity Battery Pack
• An M18™ & M12™ Multi-Voltage Charger
• A bit holder
• A carrying case
• A belt clip

The DB303552 is a powerful workbench companion. With a quiet brushless motor that delivers up to 3,000 RPM, this driver will help you finish projects faster than ever. When paired with this kit’s REDLITHIUM™ Extended Capacity Battery Pack, this drill driver delivers more work over the life of the pack — and more work per charge — than competitive batteries.

The DB303552’s 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL™ also allows you to control the output power and speed for a wide range of applications. Use the Self-Tapping Screw Mode to reduce walking, overdriving, stripping, and breaking out screws when starting self-tapping screws.

This tool comes with the REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence electronic system, which prevents damage to the battery and tool caused by overheating and overloading.

Kobalt 324B-03 24V Max Cordless 1/4” Impact Driver

Kobalt 324B-03 24V Max Cordless 1/4″ Impact Driver Description and Specifications

The Kobalt 324B-03 is highly efficient at driving and removing fasteners from metal and wood. Energy-efficient and fast, this 1/4-inch impact driver is strong enough for the toughest of jobs. 

Why the Kobalt 324B-03 24V Max Cordless 1/4″ Impact Driver Is Great

Equipped with a state-of-the-art brushless motor, this Kobalt cordless impact driver can deliver up to 1,800 inch-pounds (in/lbs.) of torque and 2,500 impacts per minute (IPM). It boasts three speed settings (0–850, 0–2,000, and 0–2,700 RPM) and a finish mode.

This impact driver also has a quick-release collet, allowing you to change out bits in just a few seconds.

Pros and Cons of the Kobalt 324B-03 24V Max Cordless 1/4″ Impact Driver

Ryobi P235A 18V ONE+ Cordless 1/4” Impact Driver

Ryobi P235A 18V ONE+ Cordless 1/4″ Impact Driver Description and Specification

Durable and ergonomic, the Ryobi P235A impact driver is the best budget impact driver on this list. It has a 1/4-inch quick-connect coupler that provides for quick and easy bit changes. 

This tool is also sold as part of an impact driver kit that comes with two batteries. 

Why the Ryobi P235A 18V ONE+ Cordless 1/4″ Impact Driver Drill Is Great

If bought as part of the impact driver kit, this driver comes with:

• The Ryobi P235A impact driver
• A charger
• Two 1.4 Ah batteries
• A screw-driving bit

The Ryobi P235A is a lightweight impact driver that provides 1,800 in/lbs. of torque and 2,800 RPM. Its MAGTRAY magnetic onboard bit holder and storage allow for convenient placement of screws and bits, both when you’re using them and when you’re not. The driver also has an onboard LED light that illuminates work surfaces so you can work in dimly lit areas.

This driver is also comfortable to hold. It has a GRIPZONE  micro-texture overmold for optimal grip and comfort.

Pros and Cons of the Ryobi P235A 18V ONE+ Cordless 1/4″ Impact Driver

Milwaukee 2553-22 12V M12 Fuel Cordless 1/4” Hex Impact Driver

Milwaukee 2553-22 12V M12 Fuel Cordless 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver Description and Specifications

The Milwaukee 2553-22 driver is 20% faster in application speed than competitive models. It’s also only 5.1 inches in length, giving you unparalleled access to tight spaces.

When used with M12™ REDLITHIUM™ Extended Capacity Batteries or Compact Batteries, this driver delivers more work over the life of the battery pack and more work per charge than competitive batteries.

Why the Milwaukee 2553-22 12V M12 Fuel Cordless 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver Is Great

The 2553-22 is one of the most powerful 12-volt drivers on the market. Capable of outputting over 1,300 in/lbs. of torque, this beast can help you get a lot of work done very quickly. Its POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor can also deliver up to 3,300 RPM, allowing you to drive screws faster than ever. This driver provides four speed modes: 

1. 0–1,300 RPM in Mode 1
2. 0–2,400 RPM in Mode 2
3. 0–3,300 RPM in Mode 3
4. Self-Tapping Screw Mode in Mode 4, which reduces walking while starting self-tapping screws. It also reduces breaking, overdriving, and stripping of screws.

Like many other Milwaukee products, the 2553-22 comes with the advanced REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence system, which prevents overheating and overloading damage to the tool and battery. 

Pros and Cons of the Milwaukee 2553-22 12V M12 Fuel Cordless 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver

Makita XDT14Z 18V LXT Li-ion Cordless 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver

Makita XDT14Z 18V LXT Li-Ion Cordless 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver Description and Specifications

The Makita XDT14Z is a brushless and cordless hex impact driver with a compact and lightweight design. It also has an ergonomic, rubberized soft grip for ideal comfort.

Why the Makita XDT14Z 18V LXT Li-Ion Cordless 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver Is Great

Equipped with a powerful BL™ brushless motor, the Makita XDT14Z delivers up to 1,550 in/lbs. of torque and 3,600 RPM, making it a great choice for driving screws into tough materials. Its Quick-Shift Mode™ uses the brushless motor’s controls to find the best mix of torque and speed for every application.

The XDT14Z also comes with three speed settings (0–1,110, 0–2,100, 0–3,600 RPM) that you can use for fastening cabinet screws, lag bolts, desk screws, and more. At only 4-5/8″ long, this driver is great for working in tight spaces.

What’s more, this hex impact driver has a Tightening Mode (T-mode) that lets you tighten self-drilling screws faster. T-mode also helps prevent damage to your workpiece and screws.

Pros and Cons of the Makita XDT14Z 18V LXT Li-Ion Cordless 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver

How To Choose the Best Impact Driver Kit and Model for You

Choosing the right impact driver kit and model is easier said than done, especially if you’ve never bought an impact drill driver before. Depending on your priorities and preferences, the most powerful impact driver may not be the right one for you.

Here are the factors you should consider when picking the best impact driver kit and model for your needs:

Brushed or Brushless Motor

To determine what kind of motor your impact driver should have, you should ask yourself what you’ll be using the tool for.

If you’re driving screws into heavy materials like pressure-treated lumber and steel, consider choosing an impact driver kit with a model that has a brushless motor. Brushless motors are typically more expensive than their brushed counterparts, but they are more efficient, produce less friction, have longer lifespans, and require less maintenance.

If you’re using your impact driver kit and model for light-duty DIY projects — such as building planter boxes — and you want to save money, consider getting a brushed impact driver. You won’t notice much of a difference in performance if you’re only using it for simple projects. The power difference between brushed and brushless impact drivers is only clear if you’re working on energy-intensive projects.

Speed

Measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), your impact driver’s speed will determine what materials you can drive and what type of materials you can drive through. The higher your tool’s RPM, the thicker the material it can handle.

Pay attention to how many speed modes your impact driver has. Most professional-quality impact drivers offer three speed modes. Some even have special modes for nuanced control when working with metal or wood.

Torque

Torque is the most important feature of an impact driver. Measured in inch-pounds, it is the force produced by the tool to thrust into materials. The higher the torque rating, the more powerful the impact driver is. Pick an impact driver with a high torque rating if you typically work with tough materials, like cement and metal.

Controls

Like standard drills, impact drivers have forward/reverse triggers and switches. You should be able to easily change its direction with your index finger and thumb. If you find the switch or trigger hard to use, consider getting another model.

Ergonomics

Another factor to consider is ergonomics. Does the impact driver fit comfortably in your hand? Ideally, your chosen tool should have a rubber overmold that’s comfortable for the soft area between your index finger and thumb. 

If the impact driver doesn’t fit comfortably in your hand, consider picking another one. An impact driver lacking in ergonomic design will give you hand cramps and lead to fatigue, particularly if you’re using it for hours on end.

The Kit Itself

If you’re buying an impact drill set or kit, you should also consider the rest of the kit. Most impact driver kits contain the following:

• An impact driver
• A case
• A battery
• A charger

Some kits may also include a bit set that you can use with your impact driver’s chuck. Others may include an entire toolset that you can use for different tasks in your garage or workshop.

After you’ve noted the contents of your chosen impact driver kit, ask yourself if the price is reasonable. Generally speaking, impact driver kits give you more value and convenience at lower prices. This is because buying an impact driver, bit set, charger, battery, and charger separately is usually more costly than getting all of them together.

What Are Your Personal Preferences?

Finally, you need to ask yourself what your personal preferences are when considering all of the above factors.

If you value budget over performance and you only work on light projects, consider getting a budget brushless impact driver with a modest torque rating. However, if you have the budget for it and performance is your primary concern, pick a brushed impact driver with a high torque rating in the 800–1,200 in/lbs. range.

Impact Drill Drivers vs. Regular Drills: What’s the Difference?

On the surface, impact drivers and regular drills appear to be similar — they’re both handheld tools that spin when you squeeze a trigger. They also have speed modes you can switch between. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Regular or standard drills can be used to drive screws, but they’re better suited for creating holes. Many DIYers use them for crafting and lighter-duty home improvement projects. 

On the other hand, impact drill drivers — also known as impact drivers — are more lightweight and compact than regular drills. Unlike regular drills, impact drill drivers use quick release shanks that fit all 1/4-inch hex driver bits. As such, they can produce enough rotational force to drive large screws in seconds.

Impact drill drivers also have internal components that allow them to create more torque in quick bursts than standard drills. These bursts can occur up to a whopping 50 times per second, giving you the ability to drive screws extremely quickly and securely.

The Advantage of Having a Dedicated Impact Driver

As many DIY enthusiasts will tell you, there are many advantages to having a dedicated impact driver. Not only do they drive screws faster and more securely, but they’re also particularly prized for certain types of projects.

Repetitive Tasks

Impact drivers are great for repetitive jobs like building a deck or hanging drywall. Because impact drivers can screw reliably and quickly — with less weight and more power than a regular drill — you can finish these tasks much faster.

Heavy-Duty Jobs

Impact drill drivers are also good for heavy tasks such as:

• Masonry
• Framing
• Building heavy furniture
• Installing cabinets

This is because they can insert long fasteners and screws much quicker and with less effort, making these tasks less tiring and tedious.

Impact Drilling FAQs: Performance, Projects, and More