Best Impact Driver 2024? Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Flex

In this video, we dive deep into the world of the best impact driver 2024, exploring the top models that professionals trust for their power, performance, and durability. We've tested and compared models from leading brands, including Milwaukee, Flex, DeWalt, Ridgid, Ryobi, Skil, Bosch, Hilti, Craftsman, Kobalt, Makita, and Metabo HPT.

We'll show you how we run all of our tests including the torque, speed, and specification tests, and then we'll share all of the data we've compiled into animated charts, that are packed with info that will help you decide which model is best for you!

⏳TIME STAMPS⌛️

Intro 0:00
Milwaukee 2953 0:25
Flex FX1371 1:15
DeWalt DCF845 1:54
Makita GDT01 2:48
Ridgid R862312 3:40
Ryobi PBLID02 4:15
Skil ID6739B-10 4:50
Bosch GDX18V-1860CN 5:21
Hilti SID 6-22 5:42
Craftsman CMCF820 6:14
Kobalt KXID 1424A-03 6:42
Metabo HPT WH36DC 7:10
How We Tested 7:35
Charts and Data 8:54
Best Impact Driver 10:13

[Protoolreviews]

Links to all the products tested in this video can be found _in the description_ ! *Thanks for watching, everyone!*

[RogueMTRafter]

Ive had the same Makita LXT Impact Driver for 10 years now and its never failed ever, so powerful. Its still running strong 🤘🏼

[NrOx]

I have the triple hammer and love it. It doesn't do well in bolts but excels in screws. Exactly what an impact driver should do. It has a very accurate variable speed trigger and and applies torque at low RPM. Perfect for precision. In fact, it's so precise, I use it on high-end door and window hardware.

[RobtTa]

Would have been nice to see the overall final rankings in order, all we really know is Milwaukee came out first

[MaddenKING]

I was a Dewalt guy, the construction company I work for provided us all with Milwaukee M18 tools and ever since, my garage now contains only Milwaukee M18 and M12 products. Love the Fuel multi tool

[J.Wick.]

Where available, my answer is always Metabo HPT. 💚

[johnmichael]

Awesome video. This is the kinda stuff I’m looking for and love. I would watch this video updated for every single tool there is

[JamesSmith-gksz]

What’s never added in these tests which makes a *huge* difference is the following:

1.) Is the model being used the regular or brushless model?
2.) which voltage battery is being used for the test? A 40v max vs a standard 18 is night and day
3.) How hard is the operator pressing down on each a screw or lag or rss screw during the test?
4.) Is the hit or driver attached to the impact driver an exact fit or a rough fit?

For instance, using a brushless Makita 40v max battery with a socket attachment that fits a lag perfectly while the operator is pressing with all his might is *eons* different than someone using a standard Craftsmen 18 v driver with a 2ah battery lightly pushing on a lag with a socket that fits but is loose.
None of these variable were even mentioned, and for me was a large error in the efficacy of the test.

[thisisntanoption]

As angry as it makes everyone, the Hercules brushless should be on this list. Coming from a guy who has Milwaukee at work and skil at home so while I’m not against value brands and don’t hate HF I’m definitely not a fan boy either. Former Matco distributor as well for what it’s worth.

[FryChicken]

I have the prior gen of the Bosch Freak.

Absolutely love it. I leave it set on setting 1 and use it for automotive work. The battery lasts forever. The 1/4" hex and 1/2" is simply brilliant. Bosch's brushless controllers are the best in the industry.

[JoeBot]

I would recommend the 18v Metabo HPT triple hammer impact over the 36v model tested here. You lose a bit of torque, but it's lighter and costs less.
Also the triple hammer is really good at the small to mid size fasteners, but it is designed to halve the ipm at really high torques so it is never going to be the fastest for large lags.

[superspeeder]

Heavy on stats, light on test results.

Why does everyone insist on using huge construction fasteners and lag bolts to test impact drivers? The more torque these things are designed to put out the less good they are at small-medium sized screws, like the ones we use the vast majority of the time.

My favorite impact by far is the Makita oil impulse driver. It’s quiet and smooth, while giving excellent control on driving the most common size fasteners. It starts “impacting” at a very low torque, which allows the bit to reset in the fastener much better than normal impacts which can almost drive 3” screws completely before impacting at all.

When I need to drive 6” TimberLok or larger I pull out the regular impact driver. Fasteners with a hex head that won’t skip are usually better driven with (gasp!) a regular old drill in low speed mode. I know, crazy right? Lol.

I like the M12 Surge oil impact for fine work like cabinet hinges, for the same reasons I like the 18v Makita oil impact. The M12 is smaller and slips at an even lower torque, so it works great on finer screws.

Less noise from both oil drivers is a big plus if you’re not wearing ear protection.

For lag bolts use a 1/2” mid-torque. Leave the impact drivers for smaller stuff, as was intended.

[tgsgardenmaintenance]

As a gardener, I don't need anything too powerful. I have the Bosch, and find it excellent for my needs!

[afellowinnewengland]

Interesting data and test. The measurements suggest Flex should have the advantage over the Milwaukee with higher torque, IPM, speed, etc. However, in actual use the Milwaukee surpasses it easily. Goes to show that there's a lot more to tool design than we think...As for the test-the only measurement I would have liked to see here (and perhaps you can add it) is sound level. Would have liked to see dB in use. I prefer quieter tools when working all day.

[robertfrate]

Hi, for me my dcf850 is my go to for most small projects home or car, it’s so tiny and powerful it’s perfect for most applications, all the products you just demonstrated are equally amazing, I need tiny and powerful,

[lazor]

The bosch never wins any speed or power competitions but they always seem to be built durable and last. Of course there will always be the manufacturing lemons with every brand. The 1/2" anvil and 1/4" collet setup is really nice and does come in handy, maybe it doesn't for everyone but I like it. I have a whole set of 1/2" impact sockets that'll mount right on all the way down to the small sizes. You aren't gonna be using it like a high tourqe impact wrench but it's great for realistic lighter duty use, and will do lug nuts on most any regular sized car/pickup/suv. It does add a little overall length but that doesn't seem to be a big deal in actual use for me anyways. I also find it very ergonomic and the battery form factor and build is really nice and high quality. In reality I think any of these brands will do the average person fine, though I'd probably shy away from craftsman and Ryobi for daily professional use. It really just comes down to personal preference and what batteries you already have.

[Failsafeman]

Very slick and informative, but as usual there's no mention of durability. Par for the course for youtube tool reviews unfortunately!

[The.Home.Cinema.Engineer]

Thank you for doing this!
Im a DeWalt guy and always will be but I love seeing how each year these brands try to outdo one another!

[hanssteiner-nvlf]

Wonder why they used the smallest battery for hilti?

Ridgid is top dog in value. Kept getting around 4th for performance and power. One of the lowest prices. Best warranty. Lighter tools and this last year Ridgid has been pounding out new models. Best overall value it's gotta be Ridgid.