Best Impact Drivers in 2027

The DEWALT DCF860B holds the top spot on our Best Score at 73. It lists 2500 in-lb of max torque and a 3800 RPM no-load speed. Torque is the twisting force that sinks lag screws and long deck screws, so it matters most for tough fastening work. Only the GoYwato CID-300-Y lists more torque, at 2655 in-lb.

At 2.73 lb and 5.75 in long, it should be manageable for a full shift. It has three speed modes, which lets you slow down for small screws and self-tapping fasteners. The motor is brushless. The data does not list an LED light, a warranty length or an impact rate, so check the listing for those.

This is sold as a bare tool. It runs on the 20V platform, so you need a battery and charger. That suits anyone who already owns DEWALT 20V batteries. A buyer starting fresh must add them separately. The listing also calls it DEWALT's highest torque impact driver.

The DEWALT DCF845B ranks second on our Best Score at 68. It lists 1825 in-lb of max torque and 3400 RPM. That is enough for large screws and typical framing or decking work, though it sits below the DCF860B on both numbers. The motor is brushless.

Weight is 2.35 lb, which is light for a driver with this torque. That helps when you drive overhead or for long stretches. It has three speed modes and a built-in LED work light, which helps in dim corners and crawl spaces. The listing also mentions a belt hook.

The length is listed as 8.07 in, longer than the 5.75 in DCF860B and many others here. It is a bare tool on the 20V platform, so batteries and a charger are separate. DEWALT lists a 3-year limited warranty, and only some models on the page list any warranty.

The Milwaukee 2953-20-NBX sits third on our Best Score at 66. It lists 2000 in-lb of max torque and 3900 RPM no-load speed. That RPM figure ties for the highest on the page. High speed shortens the time it takes to run long screws into wood.

It weighs 2.2 lb and measures 4.47 in long, so it fits tight spots and stays comfortable over a long day. It offers four drive modes, the most any model here lists. More modes let you match speed and power to small screws, big screws or self-tapping fasteners.

It also lists one-handed bit insertion and a tri-LED light. That saves time when you swap bits on a ladder. The motor type is not published in this data. It is a tool-only kit on the 18V platform, so you must supply batteries and a charger.

The Milwaukee 2953-20 ranks fourth on our Best Score at 65. At 4.4 in, it is the shortest tool among all products on the page. A short body helps when you drive screws between studs, inside cabinets or in other tight places.

Its numbers match the 2953-20-NBX: 2000 in-lb of torque, 3900 RPM and a weight of 2.2 lb. Here the motor is listed as brushless. The tool has four drive modes and a tri-LED light, so you can adjust output for small fasteners and see your work area.

The listing says it has smooth trigger control to help avoid stripping screws. It does not list one-handed bit change, so that is a gap against its sibling model. It is tool only on the 18V platform, so battery and charger are separate purchases.

The DEWALT DCF870B ranks fifth on our Best Score at 58. That matters when you work indoors or around other people.

Its listed speed is 3000 RPM. The maker does not publish max torque here, so you cannot compare its fastening force with the others by the numbers. That is a real gap if tough fastening is your goal. It weighs 2.57 lb and is 4.45 in long.

It has an LED light, and the listing mentions 9 LEDs with a 20 minute work light mode. It runs on the 20V platform and is a bare tool, so you add the battery and charger. The listing also says it performs in cold temperatures.