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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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

Great video!

Where available, my answer is always Metabo HPT. 💚

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,

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.

Really liked the video, the presentation was so good, covered a lot of points, other videos I have seen don’t make clear, do agree with some readers, would have liked to include the “Hercules”, Indo have I started with Ryobi then got Milwaukee then got some Ridgit then Hercules and like all of them, thanks guys

I bought the craftsman in a kit that was on sale for half price of this entire comparison. I keep it in my mobile trunk tool bag as a time saver, I think I end up using it more than the big badass ones that break every automotive fastener you put them on.

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.

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

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.

Wonder why they used the smallest battery for hilti?

Xgt and Metabo HPT(Hikoki) are both 36v with a *peak voltage of 40v Just like DeWalt 20v, which are actually 18v. Speaking of DeWalt, the new DCF 860 is a beast too

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

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.

What an amazing video! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤

Thanks a lot 🎉

Yea had to come back after that “riveting & nail biting” video comparison of the 887 and Flex Quick Eject 1371. Lmao

Crazy that this is flexes first gen tool. Plus if you change that to the pouch cell it may be a different story.

Thanks for the video! Just gave up my Kobalt XTR for the Milwaukee M18 G4

FLEX is Awesome! Great Quality Tools.

A lot of these videos testing tool performance is at max output, which is good to know, but not the be all end all. One thing I’ve noticed using different brands is the trigger and how easy it is to control at low to medium speeds. I own Makita tools, and feel their trigger is so easy to control at low and medium speeds. Tried the Milwaukee and dewalt, just couldn’t get used to them.

Wait, why didn’t y’all use the 2nd gen 40v makita impact driver instead of the 1st?

Own the Milwaukee & the Ridgid.. love them both😅

ive got a huge pressure sore at the base of my thumb from the milwaukee impact , it works amazingly but i pay for that in pain

Has anyone ever tried the masterforce lineup at menards? Any good???

What adapter do you use to go from the small chuck to the 1/2" impact socket that was able to handle the torque?

I prioritize the color and reputation (milwaukee is obviously the best looking) and my father was a carpenter/handyman type and always used and uses milwaukee

I work as a carpenter and I use a drill almost all the day, simply because it is quiet and does the work well. How often do you really use enormous screws that requires impact? (6x140mm screws can easily be screwed inn with a drill.) That's why I don't see the need for having this kind of impact tool, since the work I do with an impact tool often requires regular socets, and a regular impact wrench does that jobb alot better without a adapter. And for the few times I need a hex socket this kind of tool has, well I use a adapter on the impact wrench. Personally I eally can't bear the noise from impact tools all day. Talking with colleagues while working is what making work and the day nice.

Running an 18v comparison on all of the tools would have been a better comparison

No Hercules? 😢

I like all these tool comparisons... however, in short, there is the top quality level of tools for pros (Milwaukee, DeWalt, Hilti, Makita,...), and then all the rest for DIY, homeowners, hobby, tinkerers,... which generally will work just fine. And obviously, avoid the unknown brands that you can find on Amazon, Ebay,... unless you're looking for a one-and-done experience.

This is an interesting comparison considering they are NOT all flagship comparable models from the respective manufacturers.

Dewalt Atomic Dcf850 with Powerstack 5ah batteries would have swept everyone btw great job

End result is not surprising.

Good showing for Ridgid. About 3rd place in most tests. Definitely the best bang for your buck. Same for Kobalt.

Better performance and consistent NOT perfect but consistent performance overall is why I went with the Kobalt XTR line of tools for my A/C heating n cooling and medium construction job. Those 24volt kobalt batteries are amazing in performance, consistency and price compared to others

I prefer to use a drill on screws. Much quieter and better torque control. I really don't get the hype on impact drivers.

Porter Cable? I'm a Milwaukee guy and love my M18 Fuel 1/2 Impact Wrench. I also use DEWALT and Makita

I bought the craftsman because i already have a bunch of the craftsman v20 tools. So i can swap batteries and it works for my needs.(Mostly automotive)

The DCF850 outperforms the 845.

Why would you not list your charts in order?

Ill be honest. As somebody who works in construction for over 20 years and have used milwaukee, hilti, dewalt, makita, bosch and countless other high end equipment On a jobsite ill use a more pricy brand thats professional grade obviously it has to work 8-12 hours a day 5 or 6 days a week in the rain, mud. Snow and dust....BUT at home ill use Ryobi. I dont need some expensive extremely durable drill for the hubby do list. Why spend more on a construction grade drill to put up a picture frame? Also they have a bunch of nifty products for around the house that the other brands dont or if they do the battery is not compatable with the typical drill. I built my deck all with ryobi tools and didnt have any issue maybe it took me an hour longer than had i used pro grade tools but ill survive.

Do a 3 yr update and let's see where you're at!

Can you test the Hercules and Bauer?

Triple hammer all the way that set set impacting sounds is ASMR

Milwaukee is always the best. Just look for items on sale and for price to performance it can't be beat

My Ryobi P238 still good enough for me.

greets from germany , i loved and used just milwaukee

I truly believe the dcf 850 is the better choice. Its my go to driver. I also have the gen 4 Milwaukee and that thing is a beast. But i love my 850

No IR ?

Did you guys verify any of the manufactures spec's? Cause what it looks like is you just took those specs at face value and stuck them in your charts. And what's with the different capacity batteries?

No m18 surge?

No noise level?

One does not use an impact driver for screws. Where do you guys get this idea? I don't get it.

You guys used their older xc battery, would had probably performbetter with a HO 6.0 battery

I got my flex turbo drill on the way for 99 bucks!

I prefer to see the charts to show from top performers down to worst in order. Good video though.

No Hercules?

Dang Milwaukee must be paying good!!

Hercules ultra extremely close to Milwaukee performance. Tops out at >1,650 ft/lbs, It's a quality build and a great price.

DeWalt is always best regards because it's only about brand loyalty for years before my generation period.

They had me until milwaukee and smooth trigger. There's A LOT of dead travel, esp compared to Makita and Hilti

It blows my mind that these engineers that have managed to shrink the impact/motor as much as possible, but can’t figure out that in some applications, keeping the full size brick of a battery- defeats the whole point of making the driver as compact as possible. 🤷🏼‍♂️ Like Milwaukee or dewalts 12v versions; At least make the option...

I don't understand the purpose of background music in a video like this.

Shoulda tested the ridgid 4 mode

Flex better than other products ?

yeah, that new Hercules 20V brushless will spank them all, especially considering their price.

How about ingco impact wrench

Thank you for speaking and not yelling like the other guy that does the new product videos.

I work commercial. I spend more money on and use impacts more than even most guys in the trade. Sadly im dumb enough to own four battery brands. In todays market, Kobalt is surprising, Ridgid might have the best value, Makita has never made a bad tool, DeWalt is here, and Milwaukee still makes the best tool.

Milwaukee ❤️❤️🔥🔥 that’s what I use

Why not Festool???

Why not test the TD173 Makita?

Milwaukee for the Win :-)

Where is the Makita in the lineup?

Regret getting into the 18v makita line, since they only seem concerned with their 40v line now

no hercules ? wudddd. should be #1 on list as power comparable to mauwalkee for half the price

No Seesii?😢

Dewalt would have had a different score if used with the Powerstack 5ah battery

I’ve been trying to find the atomic comparison… That sucked lol

Metabo HBT/Hikoki are the best! The Milwaukee will not last

Metabo SSD 18 Ltx 200 Bl 💪

W3111 from Ingersoll rand is the best. If you want pro level.

lol. A little biased much on the FLEX. I see that in you used a 5ah battery. (They are one of the most expesive and using a larger ah battery can increase the performance,not always , but usally increases the max amp output) Which if you were to really compare them with diffrent batteries and have a clamp amp meter connected inside to find the batteries that are the same watt output regardless of AH and all have= +/-same Watts. which is Amp x Volts = Watts. but as a 5ah battery just means it can supply 5amps for 1 hour . and a 2ah can supply 2 amps for one hour but that doesnt tell you what the actual amp draw of the motor. or the max C rating (amp output)of the battery. as the 2.5Ah 18v 100C battery will out perform a 5ah 20v 25C battery. But the 5ah will last a lot longer. but if the motor is isnt getting enough amps it will cause both the motor and battery to get very hot quickly and fail or even catch on fire afterl long use. It all give and take. I mean if someone wanted to make any of those impact as drivers better than all of those or anything ever sold. They could do it very easily and pretty for cheap too. just buy the same size upgraded brushless motor and esc for an RC car and swap it out. That if you wanted one that had massive torque get motor with a lower KV rating. and if you wanted one that was faster you could even get a higher KV castlemotor that can handle 60,000+RPMs. As i am sure all of those impact driver motors, are not even in the same balpark, with any motor that is made to upgrade or replace a 1/12 scale or larger RC car. Which everyone seems to just test out how fast they can put a screw in or how much torque. But they fail to test how long it can be used before its too hot to handel, or the safety temp turns it off. or it actually causes damage or early battery failure from the heat it generates after continuous use swaping im fresh batteries. As I have had all those things happen and even had a sawsall motor catch on fire one time. so in a sense its all give and take what you use it for. if you have 200 1/4 x8inch lag bolts to put in. vs 1000 1 1/2 drywall screws to put in. As you would probably want the slower one with a lower KV and more torque than one that maybe faster,but also will mostlikely generate more heat , causing it overheat and needs to stop and cool for 20-30min or damage the battery, motor or components. Which in the long run can also cost more money and time buying a replacement. Than the few extra seconds it takes to put in lots of screws or lag bolts. just a bit of information that i havent seen anyone mention those very important considerations. which I wouldn consider more important than a 1-3 sec. time difference putting in a screw

Kinda silly to not use the 40v makita with the battery that comes in the kit. At the very least do both and add a split line in the chart for them.

FLEX, as it is turned out is the best, it turns out, Milwaukee has one key which is awesome

Now do this with sawzalls and hammer drills (also use the dewalt DCD999 and DCS389 with a flexvolt and not a standard 5AH)

In craftsman we trust

Oil impulse impacts are supreme

According to TTC testing, the DCF850 is more powerful than the DCF845.