Impact Drivers

About Impact Drivers

Impact drivers have transformed fastening work for professional tradespeople and serious DIY enthusiasts throughout the UK. Purpose-engineered for driving screws and bolts with exceptional speed and minimal user effort, these specialist power tools employ a rotational hammering mechanism that delivers sudden, concentrated bursts of torque when resistance is encountered. This distinctive action allows them to drive even the longest coach screws and largest lag bolts into dense timber or masonry fixings with ease, making them indispensable for decking construction, timber framing, cabinet installation, and heavy-duty assembly work across countless applications.

The fundamental advantage of an impact driver over a conventional drill driver lies in its superior torque-to-weight ratio and reduced wrist strain during prolonged use. Without the adjustable clutch found on combi drills, these tools channel their full power directly into fastening operations, regularly achieving torque outputs between 100Nm and 220Nm—far exceeding the 40-80Nm typical of standard cordless drills. They feature a ¼" hex chuck that accepts quick-change screwdriver bits and impact-rated accessories, enabling rapid bit changes on site without fumbling with keyless chucks. The hammering action virtually eliminates cam-out and stripped screw heads whilst significantly reducing operator fatigue, even during full-day installation work.

Tooled-Up.com stocks impact drivers from industry-leading manufacturers including Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch Professional, Festool, Draper, and Sealey, spanning voltage platforms from compact 10.8V/12V models ideal for confined spaces through to powerful 18V and 20V machines capable of tackling the most demanding professional applications. Whether you're a joiner assembling timber frames, a general builder fixing plasterboard throughout the day, a landscaper constructing garden structures, or a homeowner undertaking renovation projects, there's an impact driver engineered to match your specific requirements and budget.

Jargon Buster

• Impact Mechanism: The rotational hammering system that delivers sudden bursts of high torque when resistance is detected. This mechanism produces the characteristic rattling sound during operation and distinguishes impact drivers from standard drill drivers, enabling them to drive large fasteners with minimal effort.
• Nm (Newton Metres): The measurement unit for torque output. Impact drivers typically deliver between 100-220Nm, considerably higher than the 40-80Nm found on most cordless drill drivers. Higher Nm ratings indicate greater fastening power for driving longer screws and larger bolts.
• Brushless Motor: Advanced motor technology that eliminates carbon brushes, resulting in approximately 30% longer runtime per charge, increased power efficiency, reduced maintenance requirements, and extended tool lifespan. Most premium models now feature brushless technology as standard.
• Ah (Ampere Hours): Battery capacity measurement indicating runtime duration before recharging becomes necessary. Common capacities range from 1.5Ah to 6.0Ah, with higher ratings providing extended runtime but adding additional weight to the tool.
• IPM (Impacts Per Minute): Measures the frequency of impact mechanism strikes. Typically ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 IPM, higher rates generally translate to faster driving speeds and improved performance in demanding applications.
• ¼" Hex Chuck: The industry-standard quick-change chuck system accepting hex shank bits. Many models feature magnetic bit holders that securely retain bits during overhead work, preventing them from dropping out mid-operation.

Who Uses Impact Drivers?

Impact drivers are relied upon daily by diverse trades and users across the UK:

• Joiners and Carpenters: Essential for timber framing, decking installation, cabinet assembly, stud wall construction, and door hanging with long fixings
• General Builders: Multi-purpose fastening tool for plasterboard fixing, structural timber work, batten installation, and general construction tasks
• Roofers: Driving roofing screws into battens, fixing cladding materials, and securing membrane fixings efficiently throughout the working day
• Fencers and Landscapers: Assembling fence panels, constructing pergolas, building garden structures, and installing decking with speed and precision
• Shopfitters: Installing retail fixtures, shelving systems, display units, and point-of-sale installations at pace
• Dry Liners: Fixing plasterboard sheets to metal and timber studs repeatedly throughout extended shifts
• Window and Door Installers: Securing frames into masonry, hanging heavy timber doors, and installing composite door assemblies
• Maintenance Engineers: General repairs, installations, and facilities management tasks across commercial and industrial properties
• Electrical Contractors: Fixing conduit, trunking, back boxes, and consumer units with reduced wrist strain
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home renovations, garden projects, furniture assembly, and general maintenance requiring faster, easier fastening than conventional drills provide

How to Choose the Right Impact Drivers

Voltage Platform: Your choice between 10.8V/12V and 18V/20V depends primarily on typical applications and portability requirements. Compact 12V models offer excellent manoeuvrability in confined spaces, reduced weight for overhead work, and sufficient power for general fastening tasks including first-fix carpentry, cabinet installation, and lighter construction work. The 18V class delivers substantially higher torque for heavy-duty applications such as structural framing, large decking projects, and driving long lag bolts into dense hardwoods. Consider which voltage platform matches your existing battery ecosystem if you already own cordless tools from manufacturers like Makita, DeWalt, or Milwaukee.

Torque Output: Measured in Newton metres (Nm), torque determines the maximum size and length of fasteners you can drive effectively. Entry-level models providing 100-140Nm suit general DIY and light trade use, whilst professional-grade machines delivering 160-220Nm handle demanding site work with larger fixings and dense materials. Match the torque rating to your most challenging typical applications rather than occasional peak demands to ensure adequate power without over-specification.

Motor Technology: Brushless motors represent the current industry standard for professional tools, offering approximately 30% longer runtime, greater power efficiency, and extended service life compared to brushed equivalents. The Tooled-Up range features numerous brushless models from Bosch Professional, DeWalt, and Milwaukee that deliver better value over the tool's lifetime through reduced maintenance and superior performance, despite commanding a premium over brushed alternatives.

Speed and Control: Multiple speed settings or variable speed triggers provide greater versatility across different applications. Look for models offering adjustable power modes that allow you to dial back the torque for smaller screws or delicate materials, preventing over-driving and damage. Some premium machines include electronic torque control for precision fastening applications where consistency matters.

Ergonomics and Weight: Since impact drivers are frequently used throughout entire working days, comfort significantly impacts productivity and fatigue levels. Compact models weigh as little as 1kg (bare tool), reducing strain during prolonged use or overhead applications. Check the grip diameter suits your hand size, and consider tools with LED work lights for visibility in poorly lit areas or inside cabinets. Rubber overmoulding improves grip comfort, particularly important during cold weather site work on external projects.

Kit Contents: Decide whether you need a bare unit (tool only), a kit with one battery and charger, or a comprehensive package with multiple batteries and a carry case. If you're already invested in a battery platform from manufacturers like Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Bosch, purchasing bare units represents excellent value. For those starting fresh or requiring a standalone tool, complete kits with 2.0-4.0Ah batteries provide everything needed to commence work immediately without additional purchases.

Popular Accessories

• Impact-Rated Screwdriver Bits: Essential accessories specifically engineered to withstand the hammering action that would quickly fracture standard bits. Quality impact bits from brands like Makita, Bosch, and Wera feature torsion zones that flex to absorb shock, significantly extending lifespan and preventing mid-job failures.
• Bit Sets and Holders: Comprehensive bit sets covering Phillips, Pozi, Torx, hex, and square drive profiles ensure you're prepared for any fastener encountered on site. Magnetic bit holders extend reach and provide secure bit retention during overhead work or awkward access situations.
• Impact-Rated Drill Bits: Hex shank drill bits allow impact drivers to perform drilling operations in timber, plastics, and thin metals when a dedicated drill isn't immediately to hand, though a drill driver remains preferable for extensive drilling work requiring precision.
• Socket Adapters: Convert your impact driver into a lightweight impact wrench for loosening nuts, bolts, and mechanical fixings. Particularly useful for maintenance work and light mechanical applications, though dedicated impact wrenches offer greater torque for automotive use.
• Additional Batteries: Extra battery packs in various capacities maintain productivity throughout the working day without waiting for recharges. Consider 4.0-5.0Ah batteries for extended runtime or 2.0Ah compact batteries to reduce weight for overhead applications and confined space work.
• Fast Chargers: Rapid charging technology can fully charge a depleted battery in 30-60 minutes, minimising downtime on site. Some models offer USB charging ports for mobile devices, adding convenience during breaks.
• Tool Bags and Cases: Protect your investment during transport and storage with purpose-designed carry cases or integrate into modular storage systems like DeWalt TSTAK, Milwaukee PACKOUT, or Makita MakPac for organised tool management.

Safety Information

Whilst impact drivers are relatively safe power tools, following proper safety protocols protects against injury and ensures HSE compliance:

Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses conforming to BS EN 166 standards when operating impact drivers. The impact mechanism can cause fasteners, bits, or material fragments to break away unexpectedly, particularly when working with brittle materials, damaged fixings, or when driving into hard substrates.

Impact-Rated Accessories: Never use standard screwdriver bits or drill bits in impact drivers. The hammering action generates stresses that standard accessories cannot withstand, leading to bit fracture and potential eye injuries or lacerations from flying fragments. Only use accessories explicitly marked as impact-rated or impact-duty by reputable manufacturers.

Secure Workpieces: Ensure materials are properly secured or adequately supported before fastening operations. The high torque can cause unsecured workpieces to spin unexpectedly, potentially causing crush injuries, damage to the work, or injury to nearby colleagues on site.

Hearing Protection: Impact drivers produce noise levels that may exceed 85dB during operation, particularly higher-torque 18V models. For prolonged daily use, wear hearing protection compliant with HSE guidelines, particularly in enclosed spaces where noise reflects off surrounding surfaces and amplifies.

Battery Safety: Use only manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers specific to your tool's voltage platform. Counterfeit batteries pose fire risks and may damage the tool or void warranties. Store batteries away from metal objects that could short-circuit the terminals, and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures, moisture, or physical damage.

Electrical Safety: When drilling or driving fixings into walls, always use a cable and pipe detector to avoid hidden wiring and plumbing. This is particularly important given UK building regulations regarding concealed services in walls, which typically run in designated zones near switches, sockets, and corners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between an impact driver and a combi drill?
Impact drivers specialise in driving screws and fasteners, using a rotational hammering mechanism that delivers much higher torque than combi drills—typically 100-220Nm versus 40-80Nm. They lack the adjustable clutch and three-jaw chuck found on combi drills, instead featuring a ¼" hex chuck for quick-change bits. Combi drills are more versatile for drilling applications and offer better control for delicate work, but impact drivers excel at heavy-duty fastening tasks with significantly less user fatigue during prolonged use.

Can I use an impact driver for drilling holes?
Yes, impact drivers can drill holes using hex shank drill bits, and they're particularly effective for drilling large diameter holes in timber where high torque proves beneficial. However, they're not ideal as a primary drilling tool because they lack the precision control, variable clutch settings, and multi-jaw chuck of dedicated drills. For extensive drilling work, especially in masonry requiring hammer action or precise metalwork, a drill driver or combi drill remains the better choice.

Do I need 18V power or will 12V be sufficient?
For general carpentry, cabinet installation, first-fix work, plasterboard fixing, and typical DIY projects, 12V impact drivers provide ample power whilst offering superior manoeuvrability and reduced weight. Choose 18V models if you regularly drive long lag bolts, work with dense hardwoods, build structural timber frames, install decking with large fixings, or need maximum performance for demanding professional applications. Many tradespeople own both: a 12V for everyday tasks and confined spaces, and an 18V for heavy-duty work.

Why do impact drivers make that loud rattling noise?
The distinctive sound comes from the impact mechanism engaging when resistance exceeds a certain threshold. Spring-loaded hammers strike an anvil multiple times per second, creating the characteristic noise whilst delivering powerful rotational impacts that drive the fastener home. This is normal operation, not a fault or defect. The noise indicates the impact mechanism is working correctly to provide the additional torque needed for the application.

Are brushless impact drivers worth the extra cost?
For professional users and frequent DIY enthusiasts, absolutely. Brushless motors deliver approximately 30% longer runtime per battery charge, generate more power from the same battery capacity, require zero maintenance (no brushes to replace), and significantly outlast brushed motors. Available from Tooled-Up in ranges from DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, and Bosch Professional, the improved efficiency, longevity, and performance represent better long-term value despite the higher initial investment. For occasional DIY use, brushed models remain perfectly adequate and cost-effective.