Add The Best Dewalt Impact Drivers To Your Tool Kit
When it comes to power tools, DeWalt has earned the stature of being among the top brands in the construction industry. You might already know that an impact driver works much similar to a power drill that woodworkers used to drive screws. However, the rotational force of an impact driver is way more than that of a power drill. It has the capacity of rotating approximately 50 times per second. Thus, an impact driver creates a potent torque capable of swiftly and effortlessly driving even big screws and other fasteners into hard materials. The best impact drivers in 2021 are the ones that offer good value of money and come in handy for your next DIY project.
Best Dewalt Impact Drivers Buying Guide
As you have reviewed some best options, you might have a clear idea of which one should you consider buying. Though we have listed above the best impact drivers, not all machines are flawless. So, rather than blindly believing the brand, you should learn the basic aspects of the Dewalt impact drivers to get the correct tool.
What are some common types of impact drivers that you will come across?
Impact drivers without a cord
The most prevalent form of impact driver today is the cordless impact driver. These impact drivers run on little batteries, some of which are removable, and others are built-in. Well, it's practically complete independence.
You can use your impact driver without worrying about being too far away from an electrical outlet or needing to be near a power source. You will, however, need to recharge your driver or its battery regularly.
Corded impact drivers
The corded impact driver is the polar opposite of the cordless impact driver. These power tools have a cord that must be connected to an electrical outlet in order to operate. However, the power of these impact drivers is limitless, and the battery will never need to be replaced or recharged.
How should you buy the best dewalt impact drivers?
Battery
Dewalt has completely abandoned the use of cables since perfecting the cordless design.
Some batteries are 12 volts, 18 volts, and 20 volts. However, 18V is the standard voltage that provides the best efficiency. Higher voltages allow for a faster starting time, but the voltage is subsequently stabilized at 18 for the duration of the operation.
Then there's the Amp-hours (Ah), which shows you how long your device can run. 12V batteries have a capacity of 1.1 Ah, whereas 18V and 20V batteries have a capacity of 2 Ah. Choose tools with the most considerable Ah power if you work long hours.
Motor
Brushed and brushless motors are the two types available.
Brushless motors outperform brushed motors in terms of efficiency. Brush motors are used in the 18V variants, whereas brushless motors are in the 20V models. If you're searching for a mid-level performance, the 18V will suffice.
The 20V brushless motors, on the other hand, are better in terms of quality and longevity. They're somewhat more expensive than the 18V versions, but the difference in performance more than compensates.
Speed
These devices have two-speed settings: one and three. Variable speed is also possible with a single speed setting that depends on the trigger pressure. You won't be able to control the speed entirely.
However, Dewalt has included a built-in precision drive in the 3-speed setting modes, which will adjust to whatever pace you want to work at. Here, you have more control.
IPMs
To be more specific, it is the number of impacts each minute. This indicates the motor's efficiency in a better way compared to the speed or torque. In impact drives, this is what indicates how rapidly the motor rotates. Divide the torque figure in in-lbs (inch-pounds) by 12 to get the IPM.
What are some other considerations of buying the dewalt impact drivers?
Ergonomics and shape of the driver
Because you'll be holding an impact driver in your hand, the driver you choose should be comfortable. Look for ergonomically formed drivers since they are those that have been created with your hand's comfort in mind.
Padded grips, non-slip handles, and other small details that help you keep a stronger grasp on the tool are all beneficial ergonomic characteristics.
Attachments included or available
Some impact drivers come with additional attachments, and others are compatible with various supplementary attachments that you can buy separately.
All of these add-ons can increase the versatility of your driver by offering you more reach, flexibility, and the ability to deal with a variety of fasteners and materials. You'll put your driver to work more if you have more attachments to choose from.
Keyless chuck
Impact drivers with keyless chucks, which are common in cordless variants, make adjusting your tool simple and quick. When working with different types of fasteners, a keyless chuck allows you to swap bits out in a matter of seconds. You'll also gain more flexibility.
LED lights
LED lights are now standard on most impact drivers. These lights are integrated into the driver's head and designed to assist you in seeing what you're working on by illuminating the area directly.
These LED lights are very useful in dimly lit or poorly lit workplaces. They're also energy-efficient, so your battery won't be drained.
How much do dewalt impact drivers cost?
Even though DEWALT is a premium brand, its tools are reasonably priced.
Inexpensive
The cheaper 12V impact driver kit, which includes the battery, charger, and carryall, is normally under $100. You can obtain an 18V bare tool (one that comes without a battery, charger, or other accessories).
Mid-range
18V kits and the top-rated 20V Max XR as a bare tool are available for roughly $110 to $130.
Expensive
The 20V Max XR kit, which includes a charger, two batteries, and a carryall, will cost between $220 and $260. You're receiving one of the most powerful, dependable, and long-lasting impact drivers on the market for your money.
Here Are the Best Dewalt Impact Driver of 2021
Ingersolll Rand Cordless Impact Driver
– Best Overall
The brushless motor and impact mechanism provides 1,500 ft/lbs of nut-busting torque and 1000 ft/lbs of peak torque, giving it the best power-to-weight ratio in the industry. The IQ power control system has full and half power settings, as well as two automatic shut-off modes – Hand Tight and Wrench Tight.
The tool is protected to bend or collapse from repeated drops, fluids, chemicals, and hostile work environment as it features a patented steel-reinforced frame. Moreover, this impact driver has an impact and chemical-resistant housing. A 360-degree LED light ring provides unparalleled visibility with four dimmable settings.
- MAX0 Power, Mid Power, Wrench Tight, and Hand Tight are the four IQv Power Control System settings
- Shadowless LED light ring with 4 adjustable settings and task light mode
- 8.1″ short tip-to-tail design that’s only 7.6 pounds
- Light isn’t of good quality and won’t last long.
Makita Cordless Impact Driver
– Runner Up
The BL Brushless motor is made to last long and provide a torque of up to 1,500-inch-pounds. For a range of fastening applications, variable speed (0 to 3,400 RPM & 0 to 3,600 IPM) is offered.
The BL Brushless motor’s electronic regulation improves battery energy use for up to 50% longer running time per charge. This driver is an energy-efficient tool as you can match the torque and RPM as per the demands and needs of the work to be done.
- Weighs just 3.3 lbs. to reduce operator’s fatigue
- The rubberized grip offers more comfort while working
- Perfectly illuminates the workspace with 2 built-in LED lamps
- Overheats after 10 minutes or so.
TECCPO Impact Driver
– Honorable Mention
No matter what type of workpiece you are working on, the high-performance 4-pole motor efficiently works to produce a torque of up to 1600 inched pounds. Moreover, the 4000 BPM of impact allows you to drill screws without getting chips.
The speed trigger, unlike the two shifting buttons, allows for a simple speed change between 0-2900 RPM. The harder you push, the quicker the motor spins the driveshaft, allowing you to select the best speed for various applications.
- Impact driver’s trigger-active LED work light to provide enhanced visibility
- The compact and light design fits into tight areas and corners
- Speed trigger allows smooth speed change between 0-2900 RPM
- The batteries are not that powerful.
Craftsman Impact Driver
– Also Consider
The Craftsman V20 Impact Driver has a brushless motor and power ratings that are in the Professional mid-range. This cordless impact driver with hog ring anvil for quick socket changes can produce a torque of up to 350 ft. lbs.
You can operate it at a speed of 2,500 IPMs, making it ideal for swiftly removing bigger fasteners. For further control, it includes a variable speed trigger and a maximum RPM of 1,700. It has a LED light that increases vision in dimly lit work environments. It comes with a 20V MAX* 4Ah high capacity lithium battery for long usage in demanding applications.
- Craftsman V20 outperforms others as it claims to be tough and powerful
- The fast charger can recharge a high-capacity lithium battery in less than 60 minutes
- Easily removes lug nuts and bolts on a car
- Doesn’t work efficiently on oversized nuts.
The porter cable cordless impact wrench has a strong engine that delivers 260 ft-lbs of torque for demanding jobs. With a complete variable-speed trigger for precision control, it swiftly drives big fasteners. You can change sockets with ease- thanks to the 1/2-inch hog ring.
If you are looking for an impact driver to get more grip without compromising on the comfort, get your hands on this one as it includes over-mold grips. Moreover, it comes with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery for long battery life and high performance.
- Features a full variable speed trigger for better control
- For different application speed, 1,700 RPM is recommended
- Features an LED light for visibility in low-light situations
- Not sufficient for vehicle lug nuts.
The Makita XDT16Z brushless cordless impact driver is the lightest on the market. Makita has a long history of developing cordless impact drivers, and the 18V LXT brushless 4-speed impact driver (XDT16Z) is no exception. It has four speeds and a unique quick-shift mode for improved control.
It also enables you to determine the optimal combination of speed and torque according to the impending application needs to offer more effective fastening. Makita’s 18V LXT cordless tool system uses 18V lithium-ion batteries to power it. The batteries of this amazing driver offer the fastest charge speeds so that you can quickly complete the job without spending hours waiting for it to charge.
- Two Tightening modes (T-mode) for quicker self-drilling screw tightening
- Helps prevent damage or chips while working on thick or thin gauge metal
- The auto-stop option for reverse rotation stops rotation and impact
- Lacks durability and does not last more than 2 months or so.
The DEWALT impact driver’s brushless motor and XR li-ion batteries provide higher run time and capacity than conventional models. The cordless impact driver offers three-speed options for maximum application adaptability- precise drive in speed 1 for enhanced control and precision applications.
It features three LEDs to offer improved visibility. Each LEDs activates with a 20-second delay when the trigger is released without casting shadows. The 1/4-inch hex chuck with an easy-grip sleeve for one-handed loading also accommodates 1-inch bit tips. It has a small, lightweight design that makes it portable and easy to store.
- Compact 3-speed impact driver fits in confined places and increases efficiency
- Features 1/4-inch hex chuck with an easy-grip sleeve for one-handed loading
- Three LED lights to work in low-light environments
- The build quality can be better to make it more durable.
Dewalt Impact Driver FAQ
A: 18V is the same as 20V for these drivers. You can expect to get higher voltage from new batteries. However, over time, the battery's performance degrades and eventually reaches a plateau at 18 volts.
A: Yes, if you use a 1/4-inches long hex shank to drill holes. These instruments lack the precision needed to drill holes in most cases. However, if you want big holes, you can still utilize them for the job.
A: No, it is not. Don't worry about the word "impact." Both these are diametrically opposed. A screwdriver is used to insert screws into objects. The wrench, on the other hand, is used to loosen nuts and bolts.
