Cordless Impact Driver Comparison and Review

The Milwaukee 2961 is the best selling cordless impact driver and is highly rated across the board. It's a superior piece of kit, housed in a sturdy case, packed with features and tough enough to get the job done. Despite it's 4lb weight, it delivers around 400 i/lbs of torque, which is more than enough to deal with the more difficult and stubborn tasks. It possesses an awesome bit grip retention and the M18 lithium-ion 18V battery drives the drill, providing an extended work time when compared to other battery makes/models.

There's also the little details about the Milwaukee that add to its functionality. The LED light switches off immediately the drill powers down - no power wastage. The belt clip (on the base) is great for attaching the drill bits and pieces you need for individual tasks. It feels balanced, probably in part due to the superior yet lighter battery pack. Overall, you won't regret buying this driver. It's powerful, the torque is pretty inspiring and you won't find the drill wanting when it comes to tough tasks. Recommended.

The Makita BDF is comparable to the Milwaukee and of the two it possesses the best battery life - plus it charges up extremely rapidly. It delivers 450"lbs of torque and runs at variable speeds to allow for task diversity. It's lightweight, coming in at 3.5lb total weight and the design allows for a comfortable grip/hold and plenty of stability.

Regarding what you can do with it - it's easier to list what you can't do with it. The Makita is an all-rounder - remodeling, plumbing, woodwork and more. It differs from the Milwaukee in that it's designed as a driver, rather than a dual driver/impact drill. Still, it does step neatly into the impact environment if you need it to and as an all-purpose power tool, it's ramped up and ready to rock. Great drill for under 200 bucks.

The Makita TD020 is the best entry level cordless impact driver. This one will set you back less than 80 bucks and is worth every cent. It resembles a cordless screwdriver more than it does an impact drill but - it covers both bases admirably enough. The 7.2 lithium-ion battery powers a decent level of torque - up to 2300rpm. Despite the battery size, power wise it feels more like a 12v drill, which is saying something about the Makita quality.

It might not be the most expensive, it certainly won't be the fastest but - what it will do is finish off everything that it starts. It an awesome little workhorse, never gives up, even when it's running at a low rpm. It can and will shift the most stubborn of screws - just let it do the work and you'll get there. Overall, it's an amazing bargain power tool and well worth considering if you want something that's reliable, steady and solid.

The DEWALT DCD760B is the best bare-tool cordless impact driver. Although the price won't show, once you've placed it in-trolley, it's current price is just over 80 bucks. Dewalt do a great line in power tools, and the DCD760 is no exception. It's an 18 v driver, powerful enough to tackle pretty much anything and versatile enough to become a much used tool among various trades - plumbing, woodwork, electricians and construction.

It possess a dual speed variation of 0-500/0-1700rpm, always a plus for heavy work and it's pretty compact. Working with it's a breeze, the battery gives some decent longevity and and feels plenty solid. Best purchased with the battery pack and adapter, unless you already own them, which will set you back another $120. All told, the outlay for the full kit will be just above the $200 mark which puts the DEWALT in the mid-range. Worth it? Absolutely.

The Hitachi KC18 is the best cordless impact driver and drill for under $300. In a word it's awesome. Five star rated, the Hitachi is driven by an 18V lithium-ion battery - that powers an unbeatable 570 in./lbs of torque. This is a beast - more so when you realise that it only ways in at 3.5lbs. It's superior design can't be found in the lower priced drills and the way it feels and handles is as good as it gets. The battery lasts incredibly well, considering the amount of torque and power it delivers.

It makes super short work of everything you throw it at and it's got to be as good as it gets for working on decking projects and door and window installation. When you need it to change tack and apply it to pipework or a myriad of other miscellaneous tasks, the Hitachi will plough right in. If you've got the 300 bucks to spend on a drill, make sure it's this one - the Hitachi impact drill will become the best power tool you've ever owned.