Best Compact Impact Driver?

Are budget brand compact impact drivers worth it? We have no idea, but we CAN tell you how close they are getting these days to options closer to the top. Comparing Milwaukee's oldest 2463 model & latest M12 3453 vs options that are as wallet friendly as possible, including WORKPRO, Nawin 16, SeeSii 16V, and SKIL ID6744A-10.
We also bought the Hyper-Tough from Walmart which showed up last, but like their impact wrench with the included battery it stop/starts often and couldn't complete testing without also requiring additional larger batteries, so was left out for this specifically budget episode for that. But can include in the future if you guys like, people last time thought we were making this stuff up so didn't want to stir up another honest nest.

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As always, the creator of this channel works in product development for Astro Tools, always consider multiple sources when looking at a tool!

[leeh]

"the song of its brushed people" - Thanks for my first laugh of the day 🤣

[someguy]

I've used the M12 Fuel driver as a service tech for a few years now and it's a lifesaver when clambering on roofs or through attics, does 99.5% of the stuff I need it to.

[warpig]

I always feel that SKIL is the red headed step child of the tool family. Highly underrated.

[DaTwinkie]

"The SeeSii seems satisfied scoring superior stats."
Beautiful alliteration.

[denoftools]

My vote, as usual, is for the Skil 12V. They have killer sales, and they go on sale quite often. Also all of the Skil line is brushless, many have USB adapters in the batteries. Better charging stations. There is also a decent line of tools in their lineup. Not at the level of Milwaukee but better than any other budget line. And personally I like the stand up design.

[Darkcruzer]

Love seeing skil do well! Keep testing them!

[micha]

Just picked up a 10 piece skil 12v kit for 150 at Lowe’s today. For that price, I could not say no. To find out it performs so well is mind boggling.
Thanks for the test!

[TheCynicalSquiddly]

I was going to buy the M12 Fuel on its own but it comes in a kit with the M12 Fuel hammer drill for $200 with two batteries, which felt like a no-brainer for me. Great content as always!

[dannydee]

The brushed milwaukee is my favorite and my go to, its been a workhorse. Had it since 2019. Its been to hell and back, survived multiple drops including falling onto pavered concrete from 2 story house i inadvertently left it out in 125 degree tucson weather for the weakend, after all that it doesn't miss a beat.

[Sam-thjl]

the thing i think is most important for an impact driver is actually how slow it can go, how sensitive it is, and the feedback you get from the tool. the ability to drive in small fasteners 95% of the way and then finish by hand is something that saves a lot of time. i dont just want to smash in big framing screws, i also want to run in 1.6mm screws and assemble ikea furniture. not sure how you'd test that though lol

[Nolano]

This is great!
I would love to see a similar test with compact drills. I know that's a little less in your use scenario but I've been mulling them over a lot lately.

[FordRanchero]

Bit sad I didn't see the dewalt DCF815 or 801. Though not modern, I use my 815 mainly, works great for interior trim fasteners and small engine bolts like coil packs and air duct bands and such. Always been curious how low power it is.

[shaunnightfire]

Skil 12v seems perfect for drills, impact drivers, multi tools, and jig saws.

[QKFTW]

Picked up a couple M12 Fuel kits w/ small battery & charger $99 on sale around a holiday. Hard to beat & love them

[richadent]

I love all my 12 volt Skil tools. The most under noticed tool is the Skil 2x20 volt 7.25 inch circular saw for under $250 for the kit.

[rapps]

This is becoming one of my favourite channels. Also, I really appreciate the Nm conversion! 😊

[answeris]

I'm a woodworker and I usually grab my 12v tools over my 18v tools. Mostly because they are smaller and it's easier to control how deep a screw goes in with a 12v.

Kind of angry that Ridgid decided to discontinue them seeing that it was my favorite tool.

[JoshAllenGoated]

Did you ever consider testing the Bosch 12V line?

[edj]

I bought the seesii based on your review. I love this channel! Will be putting it through it's paces when I go back to work on Monday. Will update on how it goes. Thanks again guys!

[GTM]

I love my M12 Bushed Milwaukee I bought it with the drill combo for like $100 8 years ago and it does just fine for the none hard regular use I need it for.