Best Impact Drivers for DIYers
The tool that drives long screws and lag bolts without wearing out your wrist or the battery. Pair it with a drill and most projects get faster. Buy into a battery platform you already own.
What to look for
- ·An impact driver only drives fasteners, it does not bore precise holes. Most DIYers want it alongside a drill, not instead of one.
- ·Brushless is the standard now: longer runtime, longer motor life, less heat.
- ·Match the battery brand to your drill so you share packs and chargers.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL Impact Driver (2953) | Editor's pick | $150 to $200 (kit) | Heavy fastening and M18 owners |
| DeWalt 20V MAX XR Impact Driver (DCF887) | Editor's pick | $130 to $180 (tool or kit) | Most homeowners who want one to last |
| Makita 18V LXT Impact Driver (XDT16) | Editor's pick | $140 to $190 (kit) | Comfort and control on the LXT system |
| Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless Impact Driver | Best value | $90 to $140 (kit) | Value seekers building a tool collection |
| Craftsman V20 Brushless Impact Driver | Best value | $90 to $130 (kit) | A trusted name at a fair price |
| Metabo HPT 18V Brushless Impact Driver | Best value | $90 to $130 (kit) | Performance hunters on a budget |
| Kobalt 24V Max Brushless Impact Driver | Budget pick | $70 to $100 (kit) | A budget start on the Kobalt system |
| Black+Decker 20V MAX Impact Driver | Budget pick | $50 to $80 (kit) | Occasional light fastening |
| WORX 20V Power Share Impact Driver | Budget pick | $45 to $75 (kit) | Light tasks and existing WORX owners |
Editor's pick
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Impact Driver (2953)
$150 to $200 (kit)
The torque benchmark with precise control modes. Overkill for light work, but the pick if you drive a lot of long fasteners and want a tool that never bogs down.
Best for: Heavy fastening and M18 owners
Typically available at Home Depot, Acme Tools, Amazon.
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Impact Driver (DCF887)
$130 to $180 (tool or kit)
The all-around workhorse and a value-for-power favorite. Three speed settings, compact body, and a huge battery ecosystem to grow into. Hard to go wrong here.
Best for: Most homeowners who want one to last
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
Makita 18V LXT Impact Driver (XDT16)
$140 to $190 (kit)
Smooth, quick, and comfortable over long sessions, with assist modes that prevent stripped screws. A refined pick on a deep, durable battery platform.
Best for: Comfort and control on the LXT system
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Best value
Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless Impact Driver
$90 to $140 (kit)
Brushless power at a friendly price on the giant ONE+ battery system. The best bang for the buck if you are building a tool family without premium-brand prices.
Best for: Value seekers building a tool collection
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Craftsman V20 Brushless Impact Driver
$90 to $130 (kit)
A solid brushless driver from a familiar name with easy returns. Plenty of torque for decking and household work without the top-tier markup.
Best for: A trusted name at a fair price
Typically available at Lowe's, Amazon, Ace Hardware.
Metabo HPT 18V Brushless Impact Driver
$90 to $130 (kit)
An underrated performer that often undercuts the big names. Formerly Hitachi, so the engineering is proven even if the badge is newer.
Best for: Performance hunters on a budget
Typically available at Amazon, Lowe's.
Budget pick
Kobalt 24V Max Brushless Impact Driver
$70 to $100 (kit)
A capable budget driver that tests well for power and runtime, sold at Lowe's. A smart entry if you are starting on the Kobalt platform.
Best for: A budget start on the Kobalt system
Typically available at Lowe's.
Black+Decker 20V MAX Impact Driver
$50 to $80 (kit)
Light and cheap for occasional fastening: furniture, shelves, and the odd deck repair. Brushed motor, so it is not for all-day driving, but the price is right.
Best for: Occasional light fastening
Typically available at Amazon, Walmart.
WORX 20V Power Share Impact Driver
$45 to $75 (kit)
Inexpensive and light, with batteries that cross over to WORX yard tools. Fine for the honey-do list, not for heavy structural fastening.
Best for: Light tasks and existing WORX owners
Typically available at Amazon, Walmart.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between a drill and an impact driver?+
A drill bores holes and drives screws with a keyed or keyless chuck. An impact driver only drives fasteners, using rotational hammer blows for far more torque. For long deck screws and lags, the impact driver is the better tool.
Do I need both a drill and an impact driver?+
For light work, a drill alone is fine. Once you are sinking lots of long screws or lag bolts, the impact driver saves your wrist and the battery. Many kits bundle both, which is the best value.
Is a brushless impact driver worth it?+
Yes for most buyers. Brushless motors run cooler, last longer, and get more drives per charge. Nearly every current pick worth owning is brushless.
Can I use regular drill bits in an impact driver?+
Use impact-rated bits. The hex collet only takes 1/4 inch hex shanks, and standard bits can shatter under impact forces. Impact-rated bits are cheap and widely sold.
How much torque do I need?+
For decking, framing, and household work, 1,500 to 2,000 inch-pounds is plenty. The very high-torque models are for heavy lags and pros, and they cost and weigh more.
Planning a bigger job? See the full Decking project guide: cost, DIY vs. hire, and the whole plan.
Open the Decking guide →