The 5 Best Cordless Impact Drivers

Why are these machines so Popular?

If you have ever been on your back in a damp place, trying to drive a tough fastener that you can hardly reach, you wouldn't even ask that question! For those people who haven't faced the most frustrating constructions jobs yet- but think that they might- here is a guide to the huge advantages of cordless impact drills.

• Impact drivers are around a third faster than normal cordless screwdrivers.
• They deliver a lot of torque and can effortlessly drive bolts and screws that would stall a normal cordless drill driver .
• They are a lot less likely to strip a thread.
• When coupled with special driving accessories they are especially quick and easy to use even in awkward corners. Changing tools is effortless with magnetic hex couplers.

For homeowners: If you have any big woodworking project that involces driving large bolts like building a deck, fences, or remodelling work inside, these tools will save you hours. They will also save some cussing and a few scraped knuckles. They are easy to operate even with one hand and never kick back.

For construction professionals: impact drivers are essential in many any areas of construction especially kind of framing that needs bolts or screws not just a nail gun as well as roofing, flooring and stair installations.

Automotive: if you are looking for an impact tool to tighten or loosen nuts, you are probably looking for an impact driver wrench!

Advantages over Electric and Pneumatic Impact Drivers

No cords and no air hoses- this has always been a great advantage Until the last few years, many cordless tools lacked the power for tough jobs and were aimed exclusively at the DIY market. The newer breed of lithium ion batteries and nano technology means cordless tools can compete on power as well as convenience.

Keep a spare battery ready and you can use a cordless drill impact driver all day.

Makita 18 V Compact

This tool feels great in your hand and has the best power to weight ratio in its class. Weighing under 3lbs. it delivers the biggest torque of any 18 V driver. Expect the batteries to charge in around twenty minutes and work continuously all day, The built in light is a blessing in dark corners.

Like every Makita power tool this machine will last. Read the reviews around the web if you don't believe me when I saw this is the best impact drill on the market.

At less than two hundred dollars online for a full kit with case, battery and charger, it is a bargain for any one who is going to be driving a lot of fasteners.

Milwaukee 12-Volt

The most popular cordless impact drivers use an 18V power source. Mostly, people want the power, just in case.

For many jobs though, a 12V is strong enough and it is a lot lighter and more enjoyable to use- especially for overhead work. This model is one of most compact and perfect for awkward places.

If you do a lot of construction, having a light tool at hand, when you don't need a power monster like the Makita above, is good sense,

DEWALT 18-Volt Cordless

Some poeple just like DeWalt, I'm one of them. I like that I can always find them (that yellow stands out in the worst kind of mess), I like that they last and I like the build quality.

If you already have a DeWalt 18V battery and charger this is the model to go for. The bare bones tool is around $90 online.

It delivers almost as much power as the Mikita above. The downside is the price of the full kit. It also feels more bulky and less user friendly in the hand than the Makita- but not enough to ruin your day,

Ridgid Dual Voltage

I included this model because it will take a 24V battery as well as an 18V battery.

This makes it the most powerful option on this page and ideal for jobs with the biggest fasteners.

Some people question the build quality of Ridgid but the warranty is generous

Black and Decker FireStorm 18 Volt

Black and Decker don't have the best name in power tools. At the same time they are economical and they come with a warranty that will always be honored if you get a bad one.

This impact driver is good choice if you have one big job in mind- a new deck say- that needs an impact driver. It will be cheaper than hiring and you will have a tool afterwards that will do the occasional job when you need it, probably for years and years.

Festool- for lighter work, hobbies and furniture construction

For smaller jobs and any kind of furniture making or fixing, Festool offer a lightweight and compact three in one drill and driver tool.

A big advantage is the advanced li-ion battery technology. It can be recharged in thirty minutes and will gives you plenty of hours of use.

Buying into the whole Festool range can be expensive but the chucks and accessories make easy and enjoyable jobs out of finicky, precise work.

Impact Driver/Drill Accessory Sets

If you buy a big kit when you buy your impact driver, you might have everything that you need included. If you are just buying the tool, it might be worthwhile to check out the driver sets below.

One useful accesory is a chuck to turn your driver into a drill. Get the right model, though!