Best Impact Driver Uk: Top 8 Best Impact Drivers

The DEWALT DCF887M1 is the highest-performing unit and is the best impact driver. It can provide an impact rate of 3,800 IPM and a 205 Nm torque but doesn’t come cheaply. If you want a more affordable alternative as an average DIY’er, however, the sought-after Makita DTD153Z can be your ideal solution.

In this roundup, we’ve practically and rigorously tested our recommendations and used our experience in using multiple units to rate each impact driver. We’ve also leveraged the latest research and numerous other factors, including performance, tool quality, power modes, value for money, warranty, impact driver reviews and other additional features to suggest the best impact driver you can put your hands on.

8 Best UK Impact Drivers:

• 1. Worx WX291 Cordless Impact Driver: Starter Kit
• 2. VonHaus Cordless Compact Impact Driver E-Series: Best Budget Impact Driver
• 3. INGCO CIRLI20023 Impact Driver Kit: Good Value For Money
• 4. Milwaukee M18FID-0 Impact Driver: Best Professional
• 5. Bosch Impact Driver GDR 12 V-105 Cordless: Best Lightweight
• 6. Ryobi R18IDBL-0 18V ONE Impact Driver: Best All-Rounder
• 7. Makita DTD153Z Cordless Impact Driver: Best Value
• 8. Dewalt DCF887M1 18V Impact Driver: Best Overall

See also: Best Table Saw

1. Worx WX291 Cordless Impact Driver: Starter Kit

The WORX WX291 Cordless Impact Driver is a reliable tool that can handle a variety of tasks. Its variable speed control, metal gear housing, and compact design make it a great choice for those who need a tool that can handle tight spaces and extended use.

One potential downside is that the LED light could be brighter for better visibility in dark areas. Additionally, while the Powershare 20V battery is interchangeable with other WORX tools, it may not be compatible with other brands. Finally, some users may find the 2600 RPM maximum rotational speed to be too slow for their needs.

Overall, if you’re looking for a durable and lightweight cordless impact driver, the WORX WX291 is definitely worth considering.

2. VonHaus Cordless Compact Impact Driver E-Series: Best Budget Impact Driver

This impact driver is perfect for users who need a powerful tool that can handle tough jobs. With a torque force of 100NM and speeds up to 2800RPM, it can easily screw through even the thickest, densest materials. The quick-release 1/4″ hex drive makes it easy to change bits, and the tool is compatible with the battery and charger in the VonHaus E-series Cordless range.

However, some users may find that the tool's weight of 1.22kg with the battery attached is too heavy for extended use. Additionally, the tool is only available for delivery within the mainland UK, which may be a drawback for some users. Finally, some users have reported issues with the tool's durability over time.

Overall, the VonHaus Cordless Impact Driver E-Series 18V is a reliable and powerful tool that is perfect for users who need a tool that can handle tough jobs. However, users should be aware of the tool’s weight and delivery restrictions and may want to consider other options if durability is a primary concern.

3. INGCO CIRLI20023 Impact Driver Kit: Good Value For Money

The INGCO Brushless Impact Driver comes with a range of features that make it a versatile tool for daily use. The LED working light with good light diffusion illuminates more areas, and the quick-release chuck provides sturdy holding and quick release. The lightweight body design with screwdriver head bits and nuts is suitable for daily use, and the metal hook can be hung at the waist for aerial work. The canvas bag is easy to take in and suitable for furniture, houses, and more.

The battery pack and charger are compatible with the full range of products of INGCO P20S platform, making it a smart investment for those who already own other INGCO tools.

Overall, the INGCO Brushless Impact Driver is a good choice for those looking for a cordless impact driver for daily use. However, it might not be the best option for heavy-duty tasks.

4. Milwaukee M18FID-0 Impact Driver: Best Professional

If you need a powerful and versatile impact driver, the Milwaukee M18FID-0 is a great choice. With four modes of operation and advanced safety features, this tool can handle just about any job you throw at it.

However, it's worth noting that the tool can be a bit heavy and bulky, which may make it difficult to use for extended periods of time. Additionally, since this is a bare unit, you'll need to purchase batteries and a charger separately.

That being said, if you’re looking for a high-quality impact driver that can handle heavy-duty tasks, the Milwaukee M18FID-0 is definitely worth considering.

5. Bosch Impact Driver GDR 12 V-105 Cordless: Best Lightweight

The Bosch Professional GDR 12 V-105 Cordless Impact Driver is a high-quality tool that is perfect for DIY enthusiasts. With a powerful 105 Nm torque and high speed of 2,600 rpm, it can handle tough applications in metal and concrete with ease. Its compact design makes it easy to handle in tight spaces, while the long battery life ensures extended use without interruption.

However, the batteries take a long time to charge, which can be frustrating for those who need to use the tool frequently. Additionally, it is not suitable for heavy-duty professional use, as it is designed for DIY projects. Lastly, it is more expensive compared to other cordless impact drivers on the market.

Overall, if you are a DIY enthusiast looking for a powerful and compact cordless impact driver, the Bosch Professional GDR 12 V-105 Cordless Impact Driver is an excellent choice.

6. Ryobi R18IDBL-0 18V ONE Impact Driver: Best All-Rounder

The Ryobi R18IDBL-0 18V ONE Impact Driver is a powerful and efficient tool that can handle a variety of tasks. Its brushless motor optimizes efficiency for up to 40% more run time per charge, making it a great option for extended use. With four pre-set speed and power levels, this impact driver unlocks new applications and offers 270 Nm of torque for fast screw driving and drilling.

However, it's important to note that the battery is not included in the package, so you'll need to purchase it separately. Additionally, some users have reported difficulty with the chuck mechanism, and the impact driver is quite heavy compared to other models.

Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and efficient impact driver, the Ryobi R18IDBL-0 18V ONE+ Cordless Brushless Impact Driver is a great choice.

7. Makita DTD153Z Cordless Impact Driver: Best Value

The Makita DTD153Z Cordless Impact Driver is a great tool for those who need a powerful and efficient impact driver. Its brushless motor and 5.0Ah battery provide more power and longer run time compared to brushed motors, allowing you to work for extended periods without interruption. The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to use in tight spaces and reduces user fatigue. However, the impact driver is quite loud, which may be an issue for some users, and the battery takes a while to charge fully. Additionally, the impact driver does not come with a charger or a case.

If you’re looking for a powerful and efficient impact driver, the Makita DTD153Z Cordless Impact Driver is definitely worth considering.

8. Dewalt DCF887M1 18V Impact Driver: Best Overall

In terms of performance, the DEWALT DCF887M1 18V Impact Driver is hard to beat. Its high-power brushless motor provides plenty of torque for even the most demanding applications, and the 3 motor speeds and torque settings give you complete control over the operation. The Precision Drive mode is particularly useful for screwdriving applications, as it allows you to avoid damaging the material or fastener.

One potential downside of the DEWALT DCF887M1 18V Impact Driver is the placement of the switch that changes the rotation direction. Some users have reported accidentally triggering the switch when gripping the driver, which can be frustrating. Another potential drawback is the price point. While the DEWALT DCF887M1 18V Impact Driver is certainly a high-quality tool, it may be a bit expensive for some buyers. 

One potential downside of the DEWALT DCF887M1 18V Impact Driver is the placement of the switch that changes the rotation direction. Some users have reported accidentally triggering the switch when gripping the driver, which can be frustrating. Another potential drawback is the price point. While the DEWALT DCF887M1 18V Impact Driver is certainly a high-quality tool, it may be a bit expensive for some buyers. 

Finally, some users have reported issues with the battery life. While the included 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion battery pack is certainly powerful, it may not last as long as some users would like.

Overall, if you’re in the market for a powerful, reliable impact driver, the DEWALT DCF887M1 18V Impact Driver is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of the potential downsides before making your purchase.

Impact Driver Buying Tips

A Dewalt or Makita would be our perfect recommendation. These two are incredibly durable and last several years. Besides, they’re perfect and can make good tools with their excellent warranties, except they can be initially expensive.

The INGCO CIRLI20023 model offers the best bang for your buck if you want an impact driver for occasional use or a specific job. But I’d also suggest you get a perfect set of drivers. The Dewalt DCF887M1 is one of our favourites, which you can get a complete review of by just clicking on it.

12V vs. 18V Option?

The power difference between a 12V and an 18V model has only a slight nuance. However, the latter is the most sought-after.

The reason for such popularity is that numerous people already own a charger and branded 18V battery. However, the 12V is lighter and more compact, an option that may suit innumerable people.

What Is the Excellent Torque for a Torque Driver?

160-2000 Nm is the ideal torque for impact drivers. Measured in Newton meters, torque is the force that causes rotational movements and displays the power of an impact driver. The twisting force is directly proportional to the Nm; the higher it is, the more force it’ll deliver.

Alternatively, cordless drills have torques of between 4 and 35Nm, which shows why designers create such impact drivers with longer screws with high torque demand.

Impact Wrench vs. Impact Driver?

We’ve encountered the question about the difference between an impact wrench and an impact driver. Below is a breakdown of the two and how they differ and compare.

Impact driver

Mainly practical in driving long screws into wood – Impact drivers are used to driving long screws into wood because they offer high torque and a hammering action, allowing for efficient and effective fastening.

The increased torque overcomes resistance in dense or rigid materials, while the immediate impacts help the screw penetrate the wood more easily. The hammering action reduces user fatigue and minimizes the risk of stripping or cam-out, ensuring secure and reliable fastening even with longer screws.

Ideal when working on heavier projects, including significant construction, decking, and fencing – like in driving long screws into wood, impact drivers are suitable for massive projects like major construction, decking, and fencing due to their high torque, hammering action for rigid materials, reduced user fatigue, and decreased risk of stripping or cam-out, ensuring efficient and reliable fastening in demanding applications.

Hammer Drills

Particularly helpful for drilling into masonry – Hammer drills have a unique hammering action. Unlike regular drills that only rotate the drill bit, hammer drills combine rotational motion with a rapid hammering motion. This hammering action creates immediate impacts that help break through the hard surface of masonry materials, such as concrete or brick.

Virtually all hammer drills can replace drills/drivers, perfect for smaller screws up to about 2 inches – These hammers offer the versatility of drilling and driving functions in one tool.

While primarily designed for drilling into masonry, hammer drills can also be used for regular drilling tasks in wood, metal, or other materials, meaning they can handle a wide range of screw sizes. That includes tinier screws, making them a convenient all-in-one tool for various applications.

Impact Drivers vs. Cordless Drivers

People also want to understand the variation between impact and cordless drivers, like our inquiries about impact wrenches and drives. Below is a detailed comparison of the two.

Impact Driver

Ideal for driving long screws into wood – The roles don’t seem to change for impact drivers as they help, as we’ve described before. Impact drivers efficiently drive longer screws into wood with high torque, hammering action, reduced fatigue, and decreased stripping risk.

Perfect for working on heavier projects, including decking, fencing, and significant construction – Impact drivers are ideal for heavier tasks like major construction, decking, and fencing due to their high torque, hammering action for rigid materials, reduced user fatigue, and decreased risk of stripping or cam-out. These features ensure efficient and reliable fastening in demanding applications, making impact drivers the preferred choice for driving long screws into wood.

Cordless Screwdriver

Essentially practical for driving small screws into wood – Cordless screwdrivers are suitable for driving small screws into wood due to their compact size, lightweight design, and cordless operation. They offer sufficient torque, control, and manoeuvrability for precise screw driving. With their convenience and versatility, cordless screwdrivers are ideal for small screw-driving tasks in woodworking projects.

Ideal for assembling flat-pack furniture – Cordless screwdrivers are suitable for building flat-pack furniture due to their convenience and ease of use. Their compact size and cordless operation offer excellent manoeuvrability in tight spaces.

They provide sufficient torque for driving screws into various materials, ensuring quick and efficient assembly. Cordless screwdrivers simplify the process, making flat-pack furniture assembly faster and more convenient.

FAQs

What’s the use of an impact driver?

Impact drivers help with fastening and unfastening works, often those with high torque demands. Such jobs can include driving screws into timber, metal sheets, and masonry. They’re ideal choices for professionals and DIYers who work on more challenging tasks, including those that involve driving large nuts and bolts.

Moreover, they can act as regular electric screwdrivers and help with hanging shelves, putting together furniture, and other do-it-yourself tasks.

How do impact drivers work?

Impact drivers combine rotational and hammering forces with massive torques that help drive screws and other fasteners.

A spinning and spring-loaded anvil generates the rotational forces while the electric motors create the hammering force. Impact drivers ameliorate the process of driving screws and other fasteners into materials because they retract after every strike, adding more power and making the work quicker to complete and with less effort.

Which between impact drivers and impact drills is better?

Impact drills are ideal for drilling holes into metal, wood, concrete, and other materials.

On the other hand, impact drivers are more suited to driving screws into denser materials, including composite decking and metals. They provide higher torque and are perfect for more challenging jobs. Ideally, however, whether or not any of these choices is better will depend on the project you’re working on.

Are brushless impact drivers worth the extra costs?

Consider getting brushed impact drivers if you don’t need extra power and performance. However, brushless motors are more efficient, require less maintenance, and generate less heat. Besides, they offer higher torques and perform better.

Although they can be relatively costly, they can be worth the long shot. If performance is necessary, the latter option can be ideal. However, constantly assess your project and pick a perfect impact driver between the two.

Can you use an impact driver in place of a regular drill?

You can, indeed, use an impact driver as a regular drill. However, it helps to know that they’re unrecommended since they’re better suited for high-torque fastening and unfastening, like driving screws in timber and out. They cannot replace regular drills since their performance may not be as good despite being practical in drilling holes in softer materials like wood.

What are impact driver bits?

Nonetheless, that’s not much recommended due to the difference in bits fittings. These bits are of high-grade steel and come with a hexagonal shank fitting into the impact drivers’ square drive. That enables them to last longer while providing higher torques than regular drill bits. Impact drivers are also available in various sizes and shapes that suit different tasks.

Can you use an impact driver as a screwdriver?

You can use an impact driver instead of a screwdriver as they use more torque than standard electric drivers. Thanks to their higher RPM, their unfastening speeds are typically fast and can speed up repetitive tasks. They’re also perfect for driving larger fasteners—including screws—and can be preferable to screwdrivers.

Are cheap impact drivers ideal?

Nowadays, you can seamlessly find affordable, high-performing, and reliable impact drivers for only about 100, often capable of handling heavy-duty and standard work. Thanks to technology and manufacturing processes, the power tool industry has massively improved and more affordable options have emerged.

Technological advancements in battery efficiency, motor technology, and material engineering have brought cheap impact drivers a long way. Consumers can affordably acquire impact drivers to help with heavy-duty operations, including building fences, decking, and other processes.

Brushless motors have played a significant part in contributing to the improved quality of affordable impact drivers. Advancements in Li-on battery technology provide long-lasting options. Their reduced maintenance, longer runtime, and improved power enhance these cheap impact drivers’ value.

Thanks to our review of the best quality and reasonably priced in the market, you don’t have to be overly concerned about trading quality for affordability when getting cheap impact drivers. We’re sure these drivers will meet your expectations, and you can also take on numerous tasks without investing heavily.

Why don’t impact drivers come with a battery?

Most manufacturers have developed swappable battery systems for all ranges of tools. Therefore, if you search for a power tool or lawn mower, they may advertise them as having no battery. These manufacturers typically want to lock users to their specific brand, so they seem to assume that you already have their power tools to hot-swap the battery with.

Therefore, you’d never need to order a new charger and battery; if you’re buying a Makita and already have another power tool, you can use the same battery for both. Except for the Dewalt, all products here retail as naked and don’t have a battery or charger.

What torque is best for impact drivers?

Broadly, an impact driver between 1500-1800 in-lbs of torque has a higher rotation per minute and can do 95% of the work quickly.

Is getting an impact driver worth it?

Impact drivers aren’t all fitting to everyone, but they can do almost all of your work in the home and harden if you have one.

However, you should purchase one if you’re going heavy with the work, including building a deck, partially or fully converting an attic or garage, or setting up a fence.

Impact drivers are quick and drive longer screws and all other types in less time.