Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction
We had an amazing response to our first impact driver test but there were questions asked about the solid oak being a fair torque test.
We decided to update the test and add a comparison of the drivers on concrete. So here it is – our updated showdown of the big players in the impact driver arena.
Roger Bisby takes drivers from Bosch, Dewalt, Hitachi, Hilti, Makita, Metabo, Milwaukee and Panasonic to see which one has the power and features of a champion.
Why did we choose to test these drivers?
All of our tool tests are designed to help you establish which is the best tool for your needs. Is a particular impact driver worth it for what you want to achieve?
Whether or not it’s worth you getting an impact driver at all, these impact driver reviews will arm you with enough information to make an informed decision.
If you are already running a certain platform hopefully the tests will provide you with the reassurance that you’re not missing out because you’re running the wrong brand.
The recent introduction of quiet fluid drives into impact drivers which have traditionally been notoriously noisy is also worth highlighting.
In certain areas where noise is an issue and considerate construction is a priority, the quiet fluid drive is likely to be a real bonus.
As well as the impact driver test conclusion above, links to the full reviews of each impact driver are listed below along with the results of the Solid Oak Torque Test.
As always we would love your feedback and suggestions for the next test – please share your thoughts on our YouTube channel or in the comments below.
Impact Driver Shopping
Support Skill Builder and buy your driver using our affiliate links.
✅ Bosch GDX 18 V-EC – https://amzn.to/3fJyFNw
✅ Dewalt DCF887 – https://amzn.to/33JAwzC
✅ HiKOKI WH18DBDL – https://amzn.to/3gHxnUB
✅ Hilti SID 4-A22 – https://amzn.to/3kwilTJ
✅ Makita DTD170 – https://amzn.to/2Ds2UeU
✅ Metabo SSW 18 LTX 400 Impact wrench – https://amzn.to/2DAc8FO
✅ Milwaukee M18 FQID – https://amzn.to/2PEaO7b
✅ Panasonic EY75A7 – https://amzn.to/3krDrCT
See all of the individual review videos
Bosch GDX 18 V-EC – https://youtu.be/8UifYYM3RbA
Dewalt DCF887 – https://youtu.be/xTWJzfxhtZY
Hitachi WH18DBDL – https://youtu.be/KHwS3Tyc0Y4
Hilti SID 4-A22 – https://youtu.be/cWojSxuQkJE
Makita DTS141 & DTD170 – https://youtu.be/JvBPhFzsuL4
Metabo SSW 18 LTX 400 Impact wrench – https://youtu.be/LZvD-9hveXc
Milwaukee M18 FQID – https://youtu.be/ISE73oT5pLE
Panasonic EY75A7 – https://youtu.be/QnI2f48ygeg
Hungry for more? See our Plunge Saw showdown series.
Does that Bosch GDX 18V-EC -unit you’ve tested still have problem with the trigger? The test result suggests it has. And if it is so, why in the name of God hasn’t Bosch made an international recall of those units for repair.
The video I’ve linked below is in german but it is easy to see there what I’m on about:
https://youtu.be/bvhbdtHTVdc
I am not sure that the result was because of the trigger but we will take another look. I didn’t detect the problem but we had a lot going on.
Thank you, Roger!
Every example of that tool I’ve held in my hand has that problem, including the one I own.
It is rather disturbing to know that Bosch has probably known about that fault for years without doing anything about it.
Hi, Georgina Bisby
This was pretty bad man. Get some 4 inch lag screws and put a nut driver in the chuck and don’t predrill. Then show them what this thing can do
Wonderful! very informative. This article increased my knowledge of Impact Driver Shopping.
Thanks, for such an informative post.
That was a good test but using different ah batteries will make a difference between drills I think you should have had the same size batteries for all if I’m honest