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An impact driver is an essential tool for anyone who loves doing a bit of DIY or for those who work in the trade.
But with so many products on the market, it doesn’t take long before you find yourself in a sea of potential impact drivers and no clue of which might be the best impact driver, UK.
It is essential to look at the impact driver’s features before you commit to making a purchase as this will ensure that you are getting a product that can meet your needs.
In this article, we will be looking at what you should look for in an impact driver, as well as providing you with some in-depth impact driver reviews to give you a good idea of the best products.
What To Look For In An Impact Driver
As we mentioned, there are a lot of impact drivers available, and naturally, some are better than others. You may come across a product that perfectly suits your needs, but this may not be ideal for other people.
Looking at each tool’s unique features will allow you to make an informed decision and get the right equipment for the job.
RPM
It is a relatively well-known fact that impact drivers produce much higher RPM than a drill, which is why many people prefer them for more heavy-duty tasks. However, you will notice that each impact driver RPM is varied, and what you require will depend on how the tool will be used.
In short, the more the RPM count, the faster the tool will operate.
Torque
One of the most notable features of any impact driver is the considerably higher torque than you would get when using a drill. This is great if you are going to be using the tool for lengthy periods as it reduces the pressure on the user. Furthermore, higher torque can make for a much more effective tool.
That being said, it pays to look at the torque of the individual impact driver. Most models will have an option to increase or reduce the amount of torque, but the type of work you will be doing will play a role in this level.
Many people want to use an impact driver for cars and wheel nuts, and while this is possible, it does require a certain amount of torque, so you must check this before buying. However, to get the most effective result when removing car nuts, an impact wrench is the better option.
Attachments
Most impact drivers will come with a specific number of attachments, but once again, what you need will be determined by the type of work you will be completing. For example, if you are boring large holes, a spade attachment is essential, whereas driving in long screws will require something entirely different.
Of course, there is the option to purchase additional bits for the impact driver, but you should always keep in mind that a ¼ inch hex fitting is required for this type of tool.
Type Of Clutch
In the main, impact drivers come with either an electronic clutch that will reduce the torque if resistance is met or a manual clutch that allows the user to control the torque. If you want more control over the tool, the latter is the best option.
Batteries
While there are corded impact drivers, most modern workers want a cordless model that is easier and more convenient to use.
However, with this comes the need for batteries, and you must look at the power of the battery as well as its life. You will need a battery that will give you a decent amount of working time for more demanding tasks.
In contrast, if you plan to use the tool for smaller jobs, you might not need something as robust in terms of power.
The Best Impact Drivers UK
Having taken the above points into consideration, we have made a lot of impact driver comparisons and narrowed down some of the best impact drivers in the UK.
Let’s take a look at the ones we thought stood out from the rest.
Best All-Round Impact Driver
The DEWALT eretr DCF885C1 not only comes from one of the most reputable power tool manufacturers in the world, but it also boasts an incredible range of features that make light work of even the most trying tasks.
It is perfect for use in smaller areas thanks to its extremely compact design, but small doesn’t mean that it isn’t mighty.
It is also effortless to use thanks to the one-handed bit changing that means no more fiddly changes, allowing you to switch attachments and get on with the more important things. In addition, you are also getting an LED light that gives you increased visibility in darker areas.
The tool runs on a single 1.5Ah battery, which is plenty for this type of equipment but what is most interesting about this is that it comes with a fast charger that won’t leave you hanging around waiting to get to work.
The torque of this one is 1400lbs per inch, which is very impressive and demonstrates the power of this piece of equipment. If you are looking for an impact driver that will be there for you during various jobs, this is the one that will do it.
We mentioned earlier that impact drivers for cars need to have a specific torque and this model far exceeds that.
Best Runner-Up Impact Driver
The Makita DTD152 Impact Driver is slightly more expensive than our previous offering, but the difference is minimal. The significant difference between the two products is that this one has a considerably more powerful battery, at 5.0Ah, giving you much more power. They are lithium-ion batteries that are known for their longevity and superior power.
The impact driver runs at 2900RPM and is exceptionally lightweight, making it ideal for more extended use and effectively reducing the strain on the user.
You’re getting electric braking, so you don’t need to be thinking about when to reduce torque, and the variable speed settings give you greater control of how to use the tool.
Some nice little add-ons make the tool a pleasure to use, such as the handy belt strap and soft-grip handle. Whilst this is an excellent impact driver, it came in as runner up because it is missing some of the features that we find on the DEWALT such as the LED light.
Best Budget Impact Driver
WORX is widely renowned for its innovative approach to tools and is favoured by people all over the world. But one of the most notable things about the WORX WX291 Impact driver is its affordability.
At just shy of £70, you are getting an incredible piece of kit that will quickly become your go-to device when it comes to driving screws and other fastenings.
When we compare this model to the more expensive items on this list, it isn’t difficult to see that getting a budget-friendly impact driver with all the frills is entirely possible.
It comes with a decent 2.0Ah battery that can be used with any other WORX tools you own, making it a diverse battery that delivers on power.
Similarly to the DEWALT impact driver, this one features an LED light which gives you the freedom to work in areas with lower light.
It is also perfect for working in tight spaces owing to its compact design and lightweight nature, although it isn’t as light as the Makita. For a fraction of the cost, you are still getting something that is adaptable to its surroundings.
In terms of speed and rotation, the WORX is not lacking. You’re getting both forward and reverse rotation as well as variable speeds which allow you to tackle a range of jobs.
Conclusion
Impact drivers are compact and useful tools that deserve a place in your toolkit. However, each model has its own specific features that will determine whether it is suited to your needs.
For this reason, it is essential to look at these features before buying an impact driver. You should consider things like the RPM, torque and battery when considering one of these pieces of equipment.
Once you have decided what you need from your impact driver, it’s time to start shopping, and we have put together a list of the best impact drivers in the UK right now, taking the hard work out of finding the best tool for you.
If you would like to learn more about Impact Drivers, then please see my beginner’s guide – Impact Driver Guide
