Strongest Impact Driver Adapter? A Definitive Guide 

Been using the Shockwave bits for a decade and always loved them. Hated the cases for an equal period. ;)

Strong when you’re on the bottom of the ladder, break when you’re at the top

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="641">10:41</a>. THANK GOD I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME WHO HAD WEAK FINGERS WHEN TRYING TO GET THOSE BITS OUT.

Way to take ProjectFarms testing a step further. It’s not easy to out do Todd over there. Keep up the great work!

Zephyr makes the absolute best adapters and they are made in the USA. They are the OEM for Snap On bits. I’ve been using them since The first gen Milwaukee fuel came out and never broken one. The 1/4 hex shank isn’t pretty but not broken.

CONGRATS ON 400K TESTIES I LOVE YALL!

That Milwaukee impact slowly turning into a meme😂

Ttc: Brings two bags of broken tools for warranty... Person in the store: Here we go again 😅

TTC, thanks for pointing out to subs\watchers that if the public can't buy it... Well then we don't TEST IT! An honest video publisher that doesn't accept bribes(free tools to review). Loyal watcher & sub!

my last impact purchase i went the other way, i got one with a 3/8" anvil and bought a 3/8" to 1/4 hex adapter. no regrets.

Auto tech here. I just bought one from each tool truck that comes by, 3 in total. When one breaks I am less than a week away from a replacement and 2 left in the drawer. I can't imagine having to pay a few bucks every time I use my tool

Curious if some custom adapters with much more exotic materials would do any better. Grind down ARP head studs? Tool steel? Super alloys? Shits and giggles?

Bless Father Todd, and Bless you brother TTC

I used to break the Milwaukee ones all the time with my gen 3 on level 2. Then they just stopped breaking. Same tool. Finally broke one for the first time in about a year on level 3. Those Milwaukee adaptors are pretty good.

Ever since I bought my flex a few years ago, I’ve been having this problem so much. I needed this video 💀

Based on the TTC video, I converted my deWalt impact driver to an actually useful 3/8" impact wrench. Solved the adapter breakage problem completely. If I need to drive screws I use a drill with an adjustable clutch. Unless they make an impact driver with an adjustable clutch, I won't buy one again.

I work in a steam plant, and have been rebuilding rotary steam joints for 5+ years on a single Milwaukee impact adapter. It’s actually impressive as the high temperature steam locks every bolt in place regardless of how much anti seize we use.

Been using those Milwaukee drivers at work and they last a very long time before breaking. Glad to see they are the best choice currently available.

I’ve been using the Husky ones. They’re nice. I’m not trying to torque that much with a driver. Mostly just use it on engine air filter boxes and small bolts, like transmission pan ones

Honestly this video has just proven me more correct about my opinion that I really don't need or want an impact driver that's stronger than the M12 - an impact driver has to be compact and light first and foremost, and only needs to be strong enough. If it is so strong it quite literally kills itself by using it, or it constantly breaks my adapters I see no point in buying it, especially if it's significantly bigger, like the M18 is compared to the M12 - that huge battery sure is a nuisance in engine bays!

Harbors cheap 3 piece is decent & thx for recommending the XGT it does well with drilling through steel!

Can confirm the Makita Impact XPS bits break a lot. I personally use Mac tools bits/socket adapters. Unfortunately, the bit adapter I usually use is not available outside of a set.

Cool that you delayed upload to confirm your observations warm and fuzzy Helpful material as always 🤘🏻

I’ve always thought this kinda test is unfair; impact drivers like these are made to drive fasteners into wood more than slamming a massive socket that isn’t really turning. Without the movement the force is directed at the weakest part which is not the socket or bolt. I’ve used them working on my vehicles but mostly with 1/4” drive sockets and never had a problem but even a lugnut removal would seem more reasonable than that massive bolt, love to see the results of testing these tools and adapters on a more reasonable field. Still watch every video and love what you do keep it up!

I have a Japanese made <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="893">14:53</a> Koken adapter that holding up really well and Proto makes them as well. Great test!

The Hikoki adapters can be had for very cheap. Would be great to also see these ranked. 👍

I used to be a heavy truck tech. Currently working at a place with a lot of atvs and light trucks. Its at a remote camp so im using shop tools not my own. Never thought an impact driver would be useful, but it is the most used tool currently for me. Screws and small fastners with a 1/4 adapter fly in an out. I ever go back to fixing trucks ill totally buy one for small stuff. High torque cordless 1/2, mid torque cordless 1/2 compact cordless 3/8 and a 1/4 compact impact driver would make a dream team.

The 6" husky 1/4" to 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" adapter set has lasted me over a year without a single failure with the 1/4" and 3/8" being the most used from the set. The 1/4" adapter is used with a gen 3 milwaukee to tighten 6mm hex fasteners on bicycles, and I frequently max out the impact driver.

Great testing, this is partly why I just ended up buying a 3/8 impact this week. (DCF921)

I love y’all here at torque test channel! I watch all your weekly posts…. but guys, I’m going to have to strongly disagree about those Milwaukee shockwave 1/4” hex to 1/2” adapters. As a general contractor who rebuilds everything from full homes, decks, kitchens, baths, doors and windows, and than wrenching on my cars on the weekends. I can genuinely say I’ve broken about 30+ adapters (zero exaggeration). All Milwaukee shockwave also. Luckily my company spends a crap ton of money at our local HD… so they don’t mind exchanging out broken ones for brand new sets. Keep up the fantastic content fellas! This is my new number #1 channel 🎥 🔧

My parents gave me a Milwaukee 1/4 hex impact in 2013 as a graduation gift, and 3 Milwaukee adapters, 1/4, 3/8, and a 1/2. I haven’t broken one of them since, still not really sure how. Sometimes simpler is better. That impact will still take off lug nuts, and most bolts that I encounter working on my own vehicles. I have not been nice to it over the years, and it’s never let me down. Maybe tools given out of love have a special strength boost

Milwaukee should include pliers with their bit cases.

DeWalt are the ones I use, really good in shop and home use. Never an issue for me so far. Great testing fellas

The best 3/8" adapter I've used has been one I grabbed from the Ace Hardware by my old shop when my Milwaukee adapter broke and I needed one ASAP. It was made by Century Drill And Tool and that thing lasted about 3-4x longer than the Milwaukee. I got another for free with the lifetime warranty when it finally broke and it's been doing great so far.

I have a Milwaukee Philips bit which is by far my favorite, and I have used quite a few. The thing is a beast, it doesn't cam out often, and even when it does the flutes have stayed pretty solid. I hope when I buy new bits the next Milwaukee buy holds true.

The test of adapter durability is certainly interesting, but the real impact (heh) to our wallets is the *tool* durability that you accidentally tested here. You can afford a *lot* of adapters for the price of a tool that's no longer under warranty and these tools had a hard time surviving this testing, which does not look good considering that an air impact from 1985 is probably still working just fine.

Impressed the Milwaukee dis so well on short and dewalt did so well on the Long adapters <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="850">14:10</a> @Torque Test Channel

Can't believe the timing of this video, I just upgraded my impact driver which twisted my adaptor that I have been using forever. Bought the Irwin which is made in Taiwan, so far so good.

Thanks for the work, TTC! I've been using Neiko set for about 15 years at home and at the shop (welder-machinist) and they hold up well to light and medium use. Back then they were $3.99 for the 3 piece set, I would have a set in every imagined place of need or tool kit. I like the DeWalts but they always seem to be expensive where I am. I'll be sure to make sure I pick up the right model number of those Shockwaves. I've avoided these because of the horrendous reviews online. I'll give it a shot as you've demonatrated they are not weak, at least this SKU. Cheers!

It would be interesting to see how hardness varies within each model.

Wasn't expecting the makita xps to do so porling wow <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="550">9:10</a> @Torque Test Channel

We use Rock River adapters at work with Milwaukee tools. Usually we crack the socket or wear out the ball detent before breaking the shaft.

I personally use some Titan adapters I chose them because the have a master set with shorts longs and standard length but I’m curious to see how they stack up

One adapter missing in the test line up was the Hercules. I use them with the Hercules driver, and have not broken one YET. Granted, I don't put them through the same torture you do. I have twisted off several of Harbor Freights Warrior adapters.

Ivy Classic has been a very good brand for driver bits, saw blades, and grinder cut off wheels. Usually my go to if I can get them. I would suggest trying Ivy Classic brand impact adapters. My first real WOW moment with Ivy Classic stuff was ~8 years ago. I had to cut some section bolts on a boiler. My DeWalt and Lenox blades went dull after 1 bolt or so. Had to run to the local hardware store for more blades where I got the Ivy Classic blades. One Ivy Classic blade would make it through 7 or 8 bolts! Yes, the Lenox blades were "Bi-Metal" or their special version. All were the same TPI. The DeWalts were their cheap version.

It makes you wonder if there is an issue with the heat treatment. I have had the same brand bought at the same time in a retail store fail instantly then another run for years. I dont even use a brushless driver though. It would be intersting to see if they were forged or just billet machined but I would guess they were billet machined in a swiss lathe. Regardless another useful test and still not quite up to 400K subs. Come on people these guys deserve some subs.

Good video as ways Nice bonus footage at the end <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="900">15:00</a> @Torque Test Channel

I have the Lexivon adapter set but will give the Milwaukee shockwave a try now since those are an inch shorter. What attracted me to the lexivon adapter set was the price and also the reviews on it. So far knock on wood they still haven’t broke on me I mean I only use them on lighter duty work under 200 ft-lbs. Thank you for the review tho I really appreciate it. God bless you and your fam.

i've been abusing the heck out of cheapo HF adapters for years now, haven't managed to break any at all, and i've literally just sent it. every time. doesn't seem to stop me losing them, however.

Thanks for the chart. I now know that my lower torques driver (DCF840) will not bother most adapters!

Glad to see the 860 at the end. Good to know these two are best. I never broke one but tend to use right sized tools ie M12 stubby for 3/8 and 1/2 m12 non stubby 1/4 and 921 and 891 on 1/2. I might upgrade to a set of each of these and throw the old ones in the holiday house toolbox :-)

I have had the same set of 3 lengths of locking 1/4" drive Snap-on driver adapters for 15 years of professional mechanicing and have never broken one. My impact driver has been my 2nd or 3rd most used tool the whole time.

I work in an underground coal mine and I broke a makita adapter in seconds using a paddle socket on loop nuts that were extremely rusted. Still haven’t broken a shockwave adapter and I’ve used the same one a bunch. I keep a bunch of them anyway in my tool bag

The shockwave series of impact bits and adapters has become my go to, it's pretty much always a safe choice

Bosch adapters and bits have always been my favorite, they seem to fit better too. The generic grey ones are the weakest, but sometimes they’re actually pretty good, I have some generic grey ball hex heads that I’ve really beaten on with my makita and they aren’t wearing or breaking at all when I figured they’d break and I’d buy some expensive ones.

I've had the same DeWalt for 10+ years. Never had any issues with truck and trailer tires. I had a couple Milwaukee's with a kit that broke instantly. Bought Makita when I didn't have my DeWalt on site one day and it broke instantly. Have a few huskys that have been very durable. I'm really surprised Milwaukee did so well. Any adapter with the 'shock zone' seems to just snap in that spot every time.

I’ve been using a snapon locking bit on my m12. Daily driver setup and it’s held up for 4(ish) months with no problem. Like $40 for it with lifetime warranty

I'm curious to see you test Craftsman, Diablo, Hilti, Skill, Kobalt, Ryobi, flex, metabo, hitachi, hyper tough, hart, festool, and the harbor freights types.

Nice video! Yeah I have a pile of them and ended up coming to the same conclusion. Milwaukee or Dewalt, the Makita XPS was supposed to be the best but I didn't see it. Congrats on 400K!

Had to pause at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="640">10:40</a> when you used pliers to extract a bit from the Milwaukee bit case: wow. And I thought it was just me and my little hands, I bought a STUD tape measure and everything, still struggling with this.

Good thing to note is Lexivon has a lifetime warranty, bought quite a few specialized tools from them like E-torx and triple square sockets, had no problem getting items warrantied, they mail them!

Great video as always, I 100% agree with your last comment on the video that impact drivers should start to branch out in to 5/16, it will enable all kinds of cool innovations I think. The only issue might be slow adoptions and the heavier weight of all bits.

I agree. 1/4 hex shank is a limitation on these modern tools. The hammered impact screw drivers use 5/16 (8mm) shank. They do exist, just need to incorporate them into a battery tool.

Good job with that in-depth testing! Results are about on par with what we’ve seen in our tool repair shop. I’m usually a red guy, but those DeWalt were consistently outlasting all the other brands, including Shockwave. Your testing makes me wonder if we used separate adapters for each load test direction, (one for forward only, and vice versa), if that might extend their life?

If you're a cash-strapped, small-time RU-vidr like me, Husky's warranty comes in handy!

I bought a 100 pack of the 1/2" adapters from aliexpress after breaking 3 of the shockwave adapters in one day. I'd say most of them broke while tightening their first couple of bolts, but SOME of them lasted months of abuse without breaking. Not bad for $0.05 apiece.

Was interesting to see where the break off. Some snapped at the base where in goes into the impact drive. Others break at the base of the socket tip. Great video 👍🔥🔥🔥🔥💙💙💙

Thanks for this video. Just ordered 1 Milwaukee and 1 DeWalt adaptor

I own and use Milwaukee adapters for my impact and have never broken one. However, I use a Milwaukee hydraulic impact driver which is smooth and quiet and doesn't push these adapters too far. If I need a level of power that breaks these 1/4" adapters I'm just moving up to my M12 stubby 3/8". I've never understood the fascination with pushing small 1/4" tools to the limit. However, I was a professional technician (now retired) and time is money. If you're breaking pro tools regularly you're using them incorrectly.

Awesome! It's so good to know which adapters hold up the best. Thanks for sharing!

Appreciate your testing. I don’t envy pulling all those broken adapters out of the drivers. I did that with the Milwaukee installation drill driver and it was a pain. Thanks for the videos.

Been using the husky impact adapters and they haven’t broke at all. Have had them for over a year now

I've been using ivy classic Phillips bits for a while. They hold up amazing for me you should try their adapters next test

Best I’ve found so far have been harbor freight’s, both the warrior standard length pack and the Bauer extended length adapters. The Hercules torqflex were not such a good idea but the warrior and Bauer have been great. Had the extended ones for almost 2 years, broke the 1/2” about 3 months ago but 3/8 is still rolling. Got warrior about 2 months ago cause I was tired of buying dewalts and Been using them daily lately in an assembly station on everything from 1/4-5/8” bolts.

This was super helpful. I have Milwaukee tools at home, but i bought hercules for work. I know that sounds backwards, but they have a 5 year warranty, perform well enough, and I can just stop on my way home for a replacement if and when I break one. But as of now, hercules doesn't have a good 3/8 drive impact and the 1/4 hex is actaully stronger. But I keep breaking the adapters, guess I need to grab the Milwaukee!

I have had 1 set of the Hercules adapters going now for the last 9 months without a single break. (Probably at 50-70 ish uses now depending on the size) would be interesting to see you test those as they are like 7 bucks for the 3 pack. Could be a good budget option.

The short stature of the Milwaukee I feel really helps it, as Ive bought Dewalt 1/2" adapters (from watching this channel) and while they are good, they have broken compared to the Milwaukee that's still strong. And that's on both a DCF887 and Gen 3 Milwaukee impact driver.

Been using Koken adapters for the past year or so. They haven't broken yet. Typically tighten/loosen bolts/nuts up to 3/8 with it. Anything bigger I grab my impact wrench.

Have you empirically found that you break less adapters with the Makita drivers? I know they are not the most powerful, but they focus on vibration dampening, and I wonder if that leads to less breaks versus a similarly powerful driver.

I'll say everything Neiko that I've used has been a dang good value for the money, especially the 1/2 extendable ratchet for $26.

I've had great luck with the Mac tools adaptors. I've used the same one daily for years without breaking it. Definitely looks different than the DeWalt as well.

I always have issues with Makita bits, but my makita tools have out lasted any other brands I’ve owned from Milwaukee and Bosch

I've only ever had luck with Apex ones, and even then the 1/4" square end ones. I find the best life with 3/8 and 1/2 ones are minimizing impacting (as in just use a real square drive impact and not a driver) and accepting they are still just kind of disposable. The pin lock ones can be annoying but at $10+ per adapter they do at least hold up for me enough for me to be brand loyal

I'd love to see the impact adapters from harbor freight tested, i bought the 3 piece warrior set and if I remember correctly I broke my Dewalt impact adapter a lot faster then the warrior.

Hot DAMN that 40 later audio quality change was a slap in the ears. Note that setup, because it sounded MUCH better!

I have not tried the ½" impact adapter yet but I've had good luck with Diablo for bits and bit holder

Best idea is to just *use the right tool for the job* . Don't use an impact driver where an impact wrench is required, and vice versa. (Yes I get they need to use the adapters here for the dyno, I'm referring to real-world use.) Adapters exist that go both ways but both break all the time (the wrench-->driver ones usually flying apart in more spectacular fashion). They're not at all ideal for anything more than "in a pinch" type use. With impact drivers, it also means they can get stuck in the tool, sometimes creating a real headache to get the broken part out.

Congratulations on 400k subscribers!

On the Cheap I use TEMO and you get a bag of ten and they work. Tested on Project Farm. Would have liked to see those, and Wiha Terminator BLUES ARE THE TIUGHEST BITS I'VE USED. Would have been great to see here. The adapters. I wish I could trade all my DeWalt bits, huge 54"×24" tool drawer full for Wiha blue bits, about the same price! Thanks 🎉

Sometime if you guys need a video idea, it'd be interesting to hear an "ode to Cr-V". What is it? Whys it popular? Why do people not use it? Also gotta get one of those 1/2" to 1/4" hex adapters and really put that Milwaukee to the test

My seasoned tool and die maker friend swears by Titan. Not a premium brand as far as I know but I went with it, along with Husky. I will never break these, so you will have to do it for all of us. 😊

The makita XPS bits are a bit wild. I used one of the longer T25 in the kit and it lasted for about 4 months but as I used the regular T25 bit that needs the extension it snapped on the first blow of the impact. It has happened 4 times with this single set. I used the M18 fuel gen 3 impact

I have a ton of Milwauke bits and cases and they always drive me nuts because the bits never want to come out of the Cases <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="640">10:40</a> @Torque Test Channel

Awesome work! Thank you for your thorough testing and taking the time to show the follow up on Team Red. I haven't hated the shockwave cases, what am I missing? What does everybody hate about them?

I've had pretty good luck with titan brand impact drivers. Usually, I pay $4 CAD for a set. I've only broken a couple, but if it doesn't loosen the bolts in a few seconds, i go get a real impact.

My Snapon A3042 as never broken, and if it did the snap on truck would replace it for free, but I have 2 of them in total and use them all of the time. I also add a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter on the end of it for certain socket needs.

What are those Milwaukee bit sets you're using? The design of the inner pieces looks completely different from mine. Is this an older design? If so, I'm glad they changed because mine is very easy to use.

In my personal experience, the longest lasting socket adapter was from HD Husky brand. I tried Makita, Masterforce(Menard's) and generic brands. The Husky lasted about 3 times longer than the Makita.

Can confirm, my dewalt 3/8ths has held up well. And when it does meet its end, I’m def buying the same one again 😂

Great video! Thanks for all the effort you put into these. Would love to see wiha adapters tested, they’re made in the u.s I believe Also a video idea, test sockets similarly to the way you tested wrenches, I know multiple brands offer multiple grades of sockets and it would awsome to see what’s just marketing and what’s worth the money