Seized screws, nuts and bolts are a real chagrin for anyone who’s ever tinkered with an old car. The easiest way to shift these jammed nuts is to invest in a quality impact driver.
They work by providing a rapid rotational force (like a more powerful electric screwdriver) with the addition of a rotating hammer that delivers exceptional torque once the hammer encountered resistance (measured in blows per minute, also known as bpm).
The two types of impact driver
There are two types for sale, manual and electric. Manual ones are cheaper and foolproof mechanically, but they do require a hammer and steady hands to master.
Electric examples are simpler to use but inevitably cost more money. Pretty much every electric impact driver is sold as a bare unit leaving you to source the correct battery. For that reason, we suggest looking at your power tools and see what you currently own before buying one. For example, if you own a bunch of Worx gear already, buy the Worx impact driver and save yourself battery and charger costs.
What else can impact drivers be used for?
Like most power tools, an impact driver will find some use around the home as well as with your car. It can drive screws into wood without the need to drill holes beforehand, and it’s ideal for using machine bolts. Also, bolts and screws can seize around your home too, not just on your car, so having a bit of kit that can loosen them off quick-sharp is ideal.
The best impact drills
The best impact driver
Tried and tested by Group Commercial Content Editor Adam Binnie: "I've got a few Worx tools and they're all excellent, plus I can swap the batteries between them and use the same charger instead of having to plug loads of different ones in.
"Anyway, I've been on the fence when it comes to impact drivers for a while - I've already got a drill with a screwdriver attachment, so why spend money on another tool that can only handle screws?
"I'll tell you why - because it's absolutely brilliant. Simultaneously punchier and yet kinder to screw heads than a drill driver, the ratchet mechanism on this tool applies a powerful hammer action before releasing the rotational force over and over until the fixing is driven home.
"This makes jobs faster and less fatiguing than with a generic drill, because you have to only have to press lightly and let the tool do the work. It is quite a bit louder though, so it's worth considering this before starting DIY jobs early in the morning. I'd also recommend using ear protection."
The quality of this device means it should last for a long time (the aluminium gearing is a really sure sign of this build quality). It also has Worx's exceptional eye for ergonomics, it features an LED light and is lightweight to avoid tired arms. It's one of the most powerful options listed here and reasonably affordable too which means it's our top pick.
Pros
- Brushless motor offers plenty of power
- Lightweight but robust
Cons
- You'll need your own battery and charger
| <strong>Max torque: </strong> | 260NM |
| <strong>Max Impact Rate:</strong> | 4000 bpm |
| <strong>Voltage: </strong> | 20 V |
| <strong>Weight:</strong> | 1.27 kg |
The best impact driver for small spaces
Pros
- Small but powerful
- Brushless motor is excellent
Cons
- Expensive
| <strong>Max torque: </strong> | 147NM |
| <strong>Max Impact Rate:</strong> | 4000 bpm |
| <strong>Voltage: </strong> | 12 V |
| <strong>Weight:</strong> | 1.2 kg |
The best lightweight impact driver
Pros
- Small but decently powerful
- Stylish design
Cons
- Battery sharing range isn't very fleshed out
| <strong>Max torque: </strong> | 180NM |
| <strong>Max Impact Rate:</strong> | 2900 bpm |
| <strong>Voltage: </strong> | 20 V |
| <strong>Weight:</strong> | 1.5 kg |
The best impact driver on a budget
Pros
- Affordable electric impact driver
- Quality feel
Cons
- Not the most powerful
- Quite a chunky design
The best manual impact driver
Pros
- Mechanically bullet-proof
- Affordable
Cons
- You'll need a hammer
| <strong>Max torque: </strong> | N/A |
| <strong>Max Impact Rate:</strong> | How quick you can hit it with a hammer |
| <strong>Voltage: </strong> | N/A |
| <strong>Weight:</strong> | 998 g |
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