Many people wonder what the difference between a drill and an impact driver is. These are both superb tools to have in your woodworking workshop but many feel that impact drivers are better for woodworking projects. This is because they offer a lighter frame and more power considering their lighter size.
In this guide, we are going to compare some of the best brushless impact drivers to get if you want a powerful tool that you can use for a multitude of different carpentry projects.
The Best Brushless Impact Drivers to Buy Now
There are quite a few different types of brushless impact drivers that you can buy. Here is a quick look at our top picks that you can buy right now.
1. The Bosch GSB18V-535CB15 Compact Impact Driver Kit
The impact driver is not the most powerful on our list. Its 72W motor can produce up to 535 torque and the 600 RPM speed, which isn’t very impressive but this is still a very good beginner set if you need something portable and very easy to use on the go.
Specifications
- Weight – 2.7 pounds
- Productsize – 7.9 x 7.25 x 2.3 inches
- Color – Blue and red
- Battery – 1 Lithium ion battery included
- Motor – 72 Watts
- Torque – 535 Inch Pounds
- Speed – 600 RPM
- Included – Drill, battery, 18V charger, belt clip, belt bit set and carrying bag
- Function – Hammer drill for drilling holes or bolting screws
Pros
- Full kit includes everything you need for drilling or bolting screws
- The set includes an 18V charger
- Drill battery comes with set
- A carry case is included to keep everything together
- The drill also has a belt clip for easy hanging while you work
- The price is good for such a full set
- The 72W drill offers good torque
- The wireless design makes for easy maneuvering in your workshop
Cons
- The drill speed is rather slow
- Only one battery is included
2. The Dewalt DCK287D2 Brushless Impact Driver Kit DCK287D2
The set might be pricey but it does carry a great value since the impact drivers are incredibly powerful and fast. They are also fitted with LED lights so you can see where you are working with ease.
Specifications
- Weight – 9.25 pounds
- Productsize – 15.06 x 9.25 x 5.38 inches
- Color – Yellow and black
- Battery – 2 Lithium ion batteries included
- Speed settings – 2 Speeds
- Lighting – LED light on impact driver
- Torque – 1,825 inch pounds
- Speed – 3,250 RPM
- Included – Drill, 2 x li-ion batteries, ½ inch hammer drill, ¼ inch impact driver, charger and carry bag
- Function – Drill holes and bolt screws
Pros
- The drill comes as a full set
- You get a charger with the set
- The carry bag is ideal for keeping everything together
- The set includes a ½ inch hammer drill and ¼ inch impact driver
- The drills come with belt clips for easy hanging
- The drill offers two speed settings
- Two batteries are included which means you can continue working while one is on charge
- Powerful torque
- Fast rotating speed
Cons
- The set is a bit pricey
3. The Dewalt DCF887B Brushless Impact Driver
It isn’t the cheapest drill on the market and you will need additional accessories such as a battery and charger, but it is still a great drill because of its extreme power.
Specifications
- Weight – 2 pounds
- Productsize – 8 x 3 x 5.88 inches
- Color – Yellow and black
- Battery – Lithium Ion battery not included
- Motor – 20 W
- Torque – 2000 inch pounds
- Speed – 1000, 2800, 3250 rpm (3 speeds)
- Included – Impact driver drill only
- Function – Drill holes or bolt screws
Pros
- It features a strong motor
- Lots of torque
- 3 speed settings of 1000, 2800 and 3250 RPM is ideal for most woodworking projects
- The drill is compatible with most lithium ion batteries
- A belt clip is included for easy handling
Cons
- Does not come with carry bag
- Does not come with battery
- Does not come with charger
- Pricey for a single drill without battery
4. The Bosh PS42-02 Brushless Impact Driver Kit
The impact driver included is quite fast with a 2,600 RPM speed. But we are not thrilled with the low torque level, which makes this drill better equipped for softwood projects.
The drill comes with a full set, including a carry case, batteries, drill, and charger. It is a good compact travel kit to have with you.
Specifications
- Weight – 2.2 pounds
- Productsize – 5.5 x 2.2 x 7.04
- Color – Blue and red
- Battery – 2 lithium ion batteries included
- Motor – 24 W
- Torque – 81.25 Inch Pounds
- Speed – 1,200 – 2,600 RPM (2 speed)
- Lighting – 3 x LED lights
- Included – 12V charger, 2 x 12V batteries, screwdriver bits, impact driver, belt clip and carry bag
- Function – Drill holes and bolt screws
Pros
- The set includes 2 batteries so you can continue working nonstop
- The 2 speed drill has a fast speed of 1,200 / 2,600 RPM
- It comes with a carry bag
- It comes with a handy belt clip
- It comes with screwdriver bits
- A suitable 12V charger is included
- Affordable price for a kit with 2 batteries
- LED lights make it very easy to see where you are working
Cons
- The torque is not great
- The battery is small
5. The Makita XDT131 LXT Brushless Cordless Impact Driver Kit
The impact driver has lots of torque and two very fast speed options: 3,400 and 3,600 RPM. The set includes a charger, battery, belt clip, tool bag, and the impact driver.
With this set, you can get your workshop set up at a very affordable price.
Specifications
- Weight – 7 pounds
- Productsize – 10.16 x 15.08 x 6.06 inches
- Color – Teal and red
- Battery – 1 x lithium ion battery included
- Motor – 54W
- Torque – 1500 Inch Pounds
- Speed – 3,400 RPM or 3,600 RPM (2 speeds)
- Included – 18V charger, impact driver, 18V battery, belt clip and tool bag
- Function – Drill holes or bolt screws
Pros
- The drill has a powerful motor
- Lots of torque
- The 2 speed motor is very fast at 3,400 or 3,600 RPM
- A charger is included in the kit
- A 18 V battery is included in the kit
- The drill comes with belt clip
- You also get a tool bag to store everything
- The set is remarkably affordable
Cons
- No extra battery included
6. The Ryobi P238 Brushless Impact Driver
You should, however, take note that this drill doesn’t come with a battery or charger.
Specifications
- Weight – 3.1 pounds
- Productsize – 7.8 x 6.3 x 3.3 inches
- Color – Yellow and gray
- Battery – 1 Lithium ion battery not included
- Torque – 2,000 Inch Pound
- Speed – 3,100 RPM (3 speeds)
- Lighting – LED Tri-Beam
- Included – Impact driver, belt clip
- Function – Drill holes or bolt screws
Pros
- The drill is compatible with various lithium battery types
- It offers lots of torque
- It has 3 speed settings up to 3,100 RPM, which is sufficient for most woodworking projects
- LED lights make it easy to see where you are working
- A belt clip enhances the driver’s convenience
- The price is relatively affordable
Cons
- No battery included
- No charger included
- No carry case included
- No drill bits included
Buying Guide
These are all terrific impact drivers to have in your workshop. They are all cordless so you can move with ease and they are all made from durable materials. If you are still having a tough time choosing one, perhaps this quick guide can help you decide.
The Best Full Kit
For beginners, and for most other carpenters, it makes sense to buy a full kit. Full kits usually include batteries, chargers, and a drill or two so you can get right to work without any delays.
With a full kit, you know that you have the right battery at hand and these kits usually come with handy storage bags. The full kits are also better options because drill batteries will die after a while and extra batteries are always handy investments.
The Dewalt DCK287D2 is the best full kit for complete beginners because this set includes a carry bag, charger, battery, and two different types of drill motors.
The Bosch GSB18V-535CB15 or Makita XDT131 are also good beginner sets to get since they include everything such as a carry bag, battery, and charger.
The Best Set for Nonstop Work
If you love to continue working uninterrupted then it is important to choose a driver kit with more than one battery. This way you can have one battery on charge and the other one in the drill so you don’t have to struggle to switch between drill types.
The Dewalt DCK287D2 and the Bosch PS42-02 are the best drill kits to get if you want a set with two batteries. The Bosch PS42-02 is more affordable but the Dewalt DCK287D2 is more powerful which might make it a better pick since the Bosch driver doesn’t have much torque.
The Best Impact Driver Motor
If you already have a drill battery and kit then we recommend you consider the Dewalt DCF887B drill piece or the Ryobi P238 drill piece since they include additional accessories and are compatible with most lithium-ion batteries. These two drills are equally powerful and functional.
The Most Budget-Friendly
The Makita XDT131 is a perfect drill kit to buy if you are shopping on a tight budget since it comes with various accessories and is the most affordable on our list.
Final Thoughts
We are quite sure that all of these brushless impact drivers will serve you well in your workshop. We do hope that this guide helped you find a brushless impact driver that suits your need for perfection.
And if you are shopping for other quality woodworking tools such as the best parallel clamps, the best worm drive circular saws, the best power tools or the best cordless drills then we welcome you to hop over to some of our other guides where you can check out the best tools in these and other categories.