Best Impact Driver

If you've been searching for the best impact driver, you probably already know that it delivers 3-4 times more torque than a cordless drill, and that it allows you to legitimately drive large lag bolts.

But many Diyers are surprised to observe how light-weight these tools are, and how converting the torque directly to the fastener greatly reduces operator fatigue and kick-back. Once you try them for heavy duty, repetitious jobs, you'll never reach for your cordless drill again.

Dewalt

To make your searching a diminutive easier, I've compiled a list of the top-10 18V best impact drivers based upon power, speed, weight, run-time, and impact rate.

1) Makita Btd144 - Class leader for run-time. Lxt Lithium-Ion batteries supply 35% longer time in the middle of charges. Class leader for impact rate. Delivers up to 3,400 Ipm, about 10% higher than average.

2) Bosch 25618-01 - Generates up to 1,500 in-lbs of torque, about 5% higher than average. Runs up to 2,800 Rpm, about 10% faster than average.

3) Bosch 25618-02 - Weighs 3.3 lbs, about 10% lighter than average. Higher than median impact rate, delivers up to 3,200 Ipm.

4) Hitachi Wh18Dl - Hxp Lithium-Ion batteries produce 36% longer than median time in the middle of charges. Hitachi has one of the best warranties: 10-year tool and 2-year battery.

5) Makita Btd140 - Lxt Lithium-Ion batteries produce about 35% longer time in the middle of charges. Higher than median impact rate, delivers up to 3,200 Ipm.

6) Bosch 23618 - Runs up to 2,800 Rpm, about 10% faster than average. All-metal gears, aluminum housing, and externally accessed motor brushes.

7) Makita Btp140 - Unique hybrid 4-function tool with impact, hammer, driver, and drill capabilities all-in-one. Lxt Lithium-Ion batteries produce about 35% longer time in the middle of charges.

8) Makita Btd142Hw - One of the top power-to-weight ratios in its class. Motor brushes can be externally accessed, and Makita provides a 3-year warranty.

9) DeWalt Dc827Kl - Magnesium gearcase, all-metal transmission, accessible motor brushes, and DeWalt's 3-year warranty. High user delight rating, 4.8 of 5 stars.

10) DeWalt Dc825Ka - NiCd batteries supply run-time that's about 10% longer than average. Rated 4.4 of 5 stars by satisfied users.

The best impact driver for you depends on your budget, but these top 10 drivers are a great place to start.

Best Impact Driver