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Expert Picks for March 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.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee 2656-20 M18 18V 1/4 Inch Lithium Ion Hex Impact Driver with 1,500 Inch Pounds of Torque and LED Lighting Array
Milwaukee
B00I3POGXQ
"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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 2656-20 M18 18V 1/4 Inch Lithium Ion Hex Impact Driver with 1,500 Inch Pounds of Torque and LED Lighting Array Milwaukee | Best Overall | ★ 4.5 (5.0k) | Varies | - | - | - | - | View |
 BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* POWERCONNECT 1/4 in. Cordless Impact Driver Kit (BDCI20C)Impact Driver Kit,21V Max Torque 3095 In BLACKDECKER | Best Premium | ★ 4.6 (4.1k) | Varies | - | - | - | - | View |
 Click to see price Click | Best Value | ★ 4.7 (3.4k) | Varies | - | - | - | - | View |
 Click to see price Click | Best Budget | ★ 4.8 (7.9k) | Varies | - | - | - | - | View |
 Makita XDT13Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Impact Driver, Tool Only, Variable SpeedCRAFTSMAN V20 RP Cordless Makita | - | ★ 4.5 (7.9k) | Varies | - | - | - | - | View |
 CRAFTSMAN V20 MAX Cordless Drill Driver and Impact Driver Set, Power Tool Set with 2 Batteries and Charger, LED Work Lig CRAFTSMAN | - | ★ 4.6 (5.5k) | $249.95 | - | - | - | - | View |
 DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Impact Driver, Cordless, Compact, 1/4-Inch, Tool Only (DCF809B)22-Pcs 1/2 Inch Drive Impact Driv DEWALT | - | ★ 4.7 (7.1k) | Varies | - | - | - | - | View |
 CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit, 1/4 Inch, 2,800 RPM, LED Work light, Battery and Charger Included (CMCF800C1) CRAFTSMAN | - | ★ 4.8 (7.7k) | Varies | - | - | - | - | 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.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee 2656-20 M18 18V 1/4 Inch Lithium Ion Hex Impact Driver with 1,500 Inch Pounds of Torque and LED Lighting Array
Milwaukee
B00I3POGXQ
BLACKDECKER
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* POWERCONNECT 1/4 in. Cordless Impact Driver Kit (BDCI20C)Impact Driver Kit,21V Max Torque 3095 In
BLACKDECKER
B00JJ3QY9A
Click
Click to see price
Click
B01CA04RH4
Click
Click to see price
Click
B01KBWEBQU
Makita
Makita XDT13Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Impact Driver, Tool Only, Variable SpeedCRAFTSMAN V20 RP Cordless
Makita
B01M6V8CP4
CRAFTSMAN
CRAFTSMAN V20 MAX Cordless Drill Driver and Impact Driver Set, Power Tool Set with 2 Batteries and Charger, LED Work Lig
CRAFTSMAN
B07K2KN7D7
DEWALT
DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Impact Driver, Cordless, Compact, 1/4-Inch, Tool Only (DCF809B)22-Pcs 1/2 Inch Drive Impact Driv
DEWALT
B07QJ96V1S
CRAFTSMAN
CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit, 1/4 Inch, 2,800 RPM, LED Work light, Battery and Charger Included (CMCF800C1)
CRAFTSMAN
B07ZK6PM4N
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.
Our top pick is Milwaukee 2656-20 M18 18V 1/4 Inch Lithi.
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