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Expert Picks for January 2026
When a regular drill just spins and strips screws. We compared impact drivers for deck building, furniture assembly, and anyone who's ever sworn at a stubborn lag bolt.
DEWALT
The gold standard for impact drivers. Three speeds give you control from delicate screws to lag bolts.
1,825 in-lbs
0-1,000/2,800/3,250 IPM
1/4" hex
2.8 lbs
"If you're driving screws longer than 1.5 inches, an impact driver isn't optional—it's essential. Your wrists will thank you."
"The impact driver has done more to improve DIY construction than any tool in the last 20 years."
| Product | Award | Rating | Price | Torque | IPM | Speed Settings | Weight | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCF887B 20V MAX XR DEWALT | Best Overall | ★ 4.8 (15.7k) | $129 | 1,825 in-lbs | - | - | 2.8 lbs | View |
 M18 FUEL Surge Impact Milwaukee | Best Premium | ★ 4.7 (8.9k) | $149 | 1,500 in-lbs | - | - | 3.3 lbs | View |
 XDT13Z 18V Impact Makita | - | ★ 4.6 (6.5k) | $119 | 1,500 in-lbs | - | - | 2.8 lbs | View |
 ONE+ 18V Impact Driver Ryobi | Best Value | ★ 4.4 (23.5k) | $79 | 1,600 in-lbs | - | - | 3.2 lbs | View |
 PCCK647LB 20V Impact PORTER-CABLE | Best Budget | ★ 4.2 (9.9k) | $59 | 1,450 in-lbs | - | - | 2.6 lbs | View |
Users who've switched from drills for driving screws never go back. The torque difference is dramatic—deck screws that stalled drills drive effortlessly. Main learning curve: these things are LOUD and powerful enough to snap screws if you're not careful.
DEWALT
The gold standard for impact drivers. Three speeds give you control from delicate screws to lag bolts.
1,825 in-lbs
0-1,000/2,800/3,250 IPM
1/4" hex
2.8 lbs
Milwaukee
Hydraulic drive system reduces noise and provides smoother operation than traditional impact drivers.
1,500 in-lbs
0-4,000 IPM
1/4" hex
3.3 lbs
Makita
Reliable performance in a compact package. The auto-stop feature prevents over-driving screws.
1,500 in-lbs
0-3,600 IPM
1/4" hex
2.8 lbs
Ryobi
Excellent entry point into impact drivers. Part of the expansive ONE+ tool system.
1,600 in-lbs
0-3,100 IPM
1/4" hex
3.2 lbs
PORTER-CABLE
Budget option that includes battery and charger. Good for light-duty fastening tasks.
1,450 in-lbs
0-2,900 IPM
1/4" hex
2.6 lbs
Watch expert reviews and comparisons to see these impact drivers in action.
12:45 Essential Craftsman
Match the battery system to your drill if possible. Look for multiple speed settings—they prevent stripping small screws. Brushless motors last longer.
Yes, with hex-shank bits, but you lose the smooth control drills provide. Use a drill for precise holes, impact driver for driving fasteners.
The hammering action—rotational impacts that provide torque. Those impacts, not continuous rotation, are what drives screws without stripping or stalling.
Drills are better for drilling holes. Impact drivers excel at driving screws and bolts. Many people find a drill/impact combo ideal.
Use impact-rated bits. Standard bits will break under the hammering action. Magnetic bit holders help with one-handed operation.
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