Impact drivers are powerful tools that use high torque to drive screws and drill holes into various materials. They are excellent tools for carpenters, construction workers, and anyone else who needs to insert screws frequently.
12-volt impact drivers are smaller and more compact than their larger 18-volt counterparts, which makes them ideal for basic screwing tasks around the home. There are now many of these tools to choose from, which can make it difficult to find the best one for your needs.
To make your search easier, we have reviewed five of the best 23V impact drivers that are currently available. We chose these drivers for their size and weight, torque, speed, and whether they have brushed or brushless motors.
- Automatic speed adjustment
- Only weighs 2.1 lbs
- Brushless motor
- Brushless motor
- 3,300 RPM
- Hex-chuck
- Durashield protection
- Compact 5.4-inch nose
- Fuel gauge indicator
- 1,450 in-lbf of torque
- 3 speeds
- Quick-release hex
- Weighs just 2.2 pounds
- 25-minute charging
- Incudes 2 batteries
The Best 12V Impact Drivers of 2023
If you have decided to add an impact driver to your tool collection, you will have a wide range of different tools to choose from. To help you find the right one, we have reviewed five of the best 12V impact drivers you can buy today, chosen for their drilling power, size, weight, and motor type.
Makita DT04R1 12V CXT Impact Driver
Best Cordless 12V Impact Driver
This brushless Makita impact driver generates 1,200 inch-pounds of torque and a maximum of 3,000 RPM. It also delivers 3,900 IPM, so you can be sure it will tackle most driving tasks with ease. Makita has equipped this tool with user-friendly features such as its Assist Mode.
This feature starts driving screws at low speed until they bite into the material to prevent cross-threading and the driver from slipping out of the screw. This impact driver is compact and lightweight at just 2.1 pounds with a 2Ah battery installed.
What We Like
Smart Features
Assist Mode provides a smoother driving experience thanks to sensors that detect when the screw starts tightening. It then increases the driver’s speed to accommodate for the greater torque.
Only Weighs 2.1 lbs
Weighing just 2.1 pounds, this impact driver is one of the best compact models we have seen. It is important to keep your tools light if you use them for prolonged periods, so this one will minimize arm fatigue.
Brushless Motor
Brushless motors are more efficient, extending the life of your battery. They also run cooler than brushed motors, so you can use them for longer without needing to worry about overheating.
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Makita drills are never cheap but this 12V impact driver is more expensive than some of the company’s 18V models.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 2.1 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 4.4 x 14.5 x 12 |
| Torque | 1,200 in-lbf |
| RPM | 3,000 plus 3,900 IPM |
| Charge Time | 25 minutes |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
Milwaukee MLW2553-20 M12 Impact Driver
Best Brushless 12V Impact Driver
Brushless impact drivers are now the most popular type but this Milwaukee impact driver still manages to stand out from the crowd. This is thanks to its POWERSTATE motor, which can complete tasks about 20% faster than the average impact driver.
It has a maximum speed of 3,300 RPM and generates 1,300 in.lbs of torque. If you want to increase the run time even further, Milwaukee also offers 6Ah batteries. If you combine this battery with the extra efficiency of the brushless motor, you will have a tool that you can count on to keep working until the job is done.
What We Like
Brushless Motor
Even among brushless motors, which are known for their efficiency, this model uses energy very effectively. It can speed up most jobs by as much as 20%, giving a major boost to your overall productivity.
Compact
This impact driver is small and lightweight enough for use in tight spaces. You will also be able to use it one-handed without suffering from hand fatigue as a result.
Hex-Chuck
Hex chucks will hold your bits in place securely and ensure they won’t slip during use. This makes them ideal for tougher driving jobs where a universal chuck might struggle to maintain its grip.
What We Don't Like
Battery and Charger Not Included
This product only includes the tool itself. You will also need a battery and charger, which could increase your costs significantly.
Driver Only
This Milwaukee tool is exclusively an impact driver. It doesn’t have drill settings and can only be used to drive screws and fixings, so it lacks versatility.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | Not stated |
| Dimensions (inches) | 3 x 7 x 8 |
| Torque | 1,300 in-lbf |
| RPM | 3,300 |
| Charge Time | 30 minutes |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | 5-year |
Our Ratings
Bosch PS41-2A 12V Impact Driver
Best Compact 12V Impact Driver
If you want a compact impact driver that can be used in tight spaces, this Bosch model is an excellent choice. It has the shortest head length we have seen during our impact driver search at a mere 5.4 inches. Weighing just 2.1 pounds, it is light enough to be used for extended periods without causing arm fatigue.
This driver produces 930 in.lbs of torque and spins at up to 2,600 RPM. It also generates 3,100 impacts per minute and has an all-metal gear housing to ensure it can cope with heavy workloads.
What We Like
Robust
Thanks to Bosch’s Durashield protection, this impact driver can be dropped from as high as 12 feet onto concrete and still work afterward. Bosch has tested this up to 25 times to ensure its nylon/ABS plastic housing is fit for purpose. You can buy it with confidence that it will cope with the hazards of a construction site.
Compact
This is the most compact impact driver we have seen in its class. The head is just 5.4 inches long, making it an ideal tool for working in cramped spaces.
Fuel Gauge
The fuel level indicator will remove any guesswork and help you manage the driver’s battery. It prevents over-discharging, which could damage the battery.
What We Don't Like
Lower Torque
This is a compact impact driver, with the trade-off being that it is less powerful than its larger counterparts. If you want as much torque as possible, you should look elsewhere.
Potential Charger Issues
Some users have complained that the charger gives off a strange odor when charging the battery. This apparently doesn’t affect every unit but it is something to be aware of.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 2.1 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 7.25 x 5.39 |
| Torque | 930 in-lbf |
| RPM | 2,600 plus 3,100 IPM |
| Charge Time | 30 minutes |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | 3-year tool and 2-year battery |
Our Ratings
DeWALT Xtreme DCF801F2 Impact Driver
Best High Torque 12V Impact Driver
DeWALT is one of the leading tool companies in the world, so it is no surprise to see them on our list. This impact driver is very powerful, generating 1,450 in.lbs of rotational force, many times stronger than drivers from some of the other top brands.
This is also a compact driver, with a head length of 5.05 inches, great for working in tight spaces. This is made even easier as the tool has three LED lights positioned around the nose core, so you will be able to work in areas that would otherwise be too dark.
What We Like
Torque
This tool’s standout feature is its sheer turning force. It is among the most powerful 12V impact drivers we have seen, generating 1,450 in-lbs of torque.
3 Speeds
Two speeds are standard for an impact driver but this DeWALT has three, improving its versatility.
Quick-Release Hex
This driver is equipped with a quick-release hex chuck that will help you switch bits more quickly. It can also accommodate bits up to an inch in diameter.
What We Don't Like
Build Quality Issues
There are apparently issues with the chuck and it can fall apart after prolonged use. This doesn’t appear to be a common problem but we have seen enough complaints that you should be aware of it.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 4.54 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.05 x 4.38 x 8.4 |
| Torque | 1,450 in-lbf |
| RPM | 2,850 |
| Charge Time | Not stated |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 3-year |
Our Ratings
Metabo HPT WH10DFL2 12V Impact Driver
Best Brushed 12V Impact Driver
This Metabo impact driver generates 955 in.lbs of torque, so it should have enough driving power for the majority of tasks. It is also very lightweight at just 2.2 pounds, with a compact head length of 6 inches.
It has a no-load speed of 2,700 RPM and generates 3,200 IPM. This Metabo has a freestanding design, so it will stay upright when not in use, and it is equipped with an LED light for working in dark spaces.
What We Like
Lightweight
Despite possessing impressive power, this impact driver weighs just 2.2 pounds. Its lightweight design means you will be able to use it for prolonged periods without suffering from fatigue.
Fast Charge
This Metabo includes a fast charger to help you keep working. It fully charges in 25 minutes, fast enough to fill the battery during an extended coffee break.
2 Batteries
Your purchase includes two batteries, so you can charge one while using the other. You should never be left without power.
What We Don't Like
Limited Power
This Metabo is quite powerful but less than similar models from Milwaukee and DeWALT. You may notice its limitations when trying to drive into harder materials.
Brushed Motor
Brushed motors are less efficient than brushless motors. They also require more maintenance as the will brushes eventually wear out.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 2.2 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.2 x 2.7 x 8.7 |
| Torque | 955 in-lbf |
| RPM | 2,700 |
| Charge Time | 25 minutes |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | Lifetime tool warranty and 2-year battery |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | Torque | RPM | Charge Time | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita DT04R1 CXT Impact Driver | Cordless | 2 lbs | 4.4 x 14.5 x 12″ | 1,200 lbf-in | 3,000 | 25 min | 3-year limited |
| Milwaukee MLW2553-20 M12 Impact Driver | Brushless | N/A | 3 x 7 x 8″ | 1,300 lbf-in | 3,300 | 30 min | 5-year |
| Bosch PS41-2A 12V Impact Driver | Compact | 2 lbs | 7.25 x 5.39″ | 930 lbf-in | 2,600 | 30 min | 3-year |
| DeWALT Xtreme DCF801F2 Impact Driver | High Torque | 5 lbs | 5.05 x 4.38 x 8.4″ | 1,450 lbf-in | 2,850 | N/A | 3-year |
| Metabo HPT WH10DFL2 Impact Driver | Brushed | 2.2 lbs | 5.2 x 2.7 x 8.7″ | 955 lbf-in | 2,700 | 25 min | Lifetime |
Is a 12V Impact Driver Enough?
Many professionals and DIYers own 18V impact drivers but rarely need to use the tool at its full capacity. For this reason, 12-volt drivers have also become popular. Although they are smaller and generate less torque, they still have plenty of power for general screwing and drilling.
12V impact drivers are best suited for driving self-tapping screws into metal and 3-inch diameter screws into wood. They are also very useful for inserting drywall screws if you don’t have a screw gun. They do an excellent job of driving short screws into masonry and wood.
Modern 12-volt impact drivers will be able to perform the majority of these tasks around the home, so there is no point in carrying around the extra weight of an 18-volt impact driver.
How to Choose a 12V Impact Driver
Once you have decided to buy a 12-volt impact driver, you will have numerous options to choose from. You might not know where to start looking but there are some key features to consider that will help you narrow your search:
Weight
These drivers have smaller 12-volt motors, which allows them to be considerably lighter than larger 18V models. Like any handheld power tool, the weight of your impact driver is very important, especially if you need to use it for prolonged periods. Drywall contractors might need to use a driver for hours at a time, and a lighter tool will significantly reduce hand and wrist fatigue.
Torque
Torque is how much force a driver’s bit turns with, rather than how quickly it turns. The harder the job, the more important torque becomes in comparison to speed. Impact drivers are effective at driving screws into materials as they use higher torque and lower speeds. This encourages the screw to bite into the material without the driver stripping or shearing it.
If you are laying decking or erecting a fence, an impact driver will enable you to insert numerous screws quickly without needing to pre-drill holes for them.
Impacts Per Minute
Impact drivers also use a percussive motion to increase their driving power, hence their name. How quickly they do this is measured in impacts per minute (IPM) and it has a significant influence on overall performance. The higher a tool’s IPM, the more quickly it will be able to drive screws into tougher materials.
Size
In general, 12-volt impact drivers are more compact and portable than 18-volt models but their sizes still vary. Look for an impact driver that has an ergonomic handle and is comfortable to hold. Like the driver’s weight, its size and shape will affect how long you can use it before your hand and wrist become fatigued. A smaller tool will also be easier to control when used one-handed.
Brushed or Brushless Motor
The majority of impact drivers are cordless and battery-powered, so battery life and efficiency are essential. One of the most important parts of a drill or driver’s efficiency is whether it has a brushed or brushless motor.
Brushed motors use an older design and are more commonly found in corded impact drivers, although some cordless models still use them too. Brushed motors are less efficient as they need to transfer energy via their brushes but this is less important if your tool is plugged in. Brushes are usually the first part of motors to wear out, which means these tools require more maintenance than ones with brushless motors.
Brushless motors can extend the run time of your impact driver by as much as 50%, giving you much longer to complete your work before you need to recharge. They are more efficient, require less maintenance, and are less prone to overheating during prolonged use.
Price
Like any tool, your budget will have an unavoidable influence on the quality of your impact driver. It isn’t a universal rule but you generally get what you pay for with power tools. It can be tempting to save money by choosing a budget-friendly tool but, if you are a professional and need to use it frequently, it is well worth paying a little extra for a superior impact driver.
Noise
Impact drivers are generally loud tools but some are noisier than others. We recommend always wearing ear defenders when using an impact driver. Each year, about 22 million contractors and DIYers suffer hearing issues caused by loud power tools. Almost half of all construction workers suffer hearing loss of some kind (1), so check customer reviews to find out if a particular impact driver is very loud.
Frequency of Use
Your needs will probably be very different depending on whether you are a casual DIYer or a professional construction worker. If you only expect to use your driver occasionally for basic tasks such as hanging up pictures, it won’t be worth spending the extra money for a high-end tool. On the other hand, if you regularly need it for large-scale jobs such as installing decking, you shouldn’t allow yourself to be held back by a budget driver.
FAQs
Is a 12v Impact Driver Stronger Than a Drill?
Generally speaking, yes, a 12v impact driver is stronger than a drill. Impact drivers are designed to handle higher torque applications making them ideal for driving long and heavy screws or bolts, while drills do not offer the same level of power or torque.
The extra power of an impact driver also allows it to be used in tight spaces, something that would be difficult with a standard drill.
What 12v Impact Driver Has the Best Torque?
The Milwaukee 2551-20 M12 is the 12v impact driver with the best torque. Expert testing revealed that it’s also quieter compared to similar 12v models.
Aside from its many other useful features, this model comes with a self-tapping screw mode, which makes it stand out from the crowd.
Can You Do Everything With a 12v Impact Driver?
While a 12v impact driver is a powerful tool, it is unsuitable for every job. It is only ideal for driving fasteners and screws, like bolts or lag screws. Other tasks, such as drilling through hard material or cutting, can be difficult for an impact driver.
Its power can make it dangerous in certain situations and on delicate materials, so it should always be used cautiously.
Do 12v Impact Drivers Break Bolts?
A 12v impact driver can break bolts, although it’s not common. The high torque generated by the impact driver can cause the heads of certain bolts to break if too much pressure is applied.
To avoid this, it is crucial to select suitable bolts for the job and use the correct speed settings and techniques when using an impact driver.
What Is the Best 12v Impact Driver?
The DEWALT XTREME DCF801F2 provides the ultimate performance for 12v impact drivers.
Its brushless motor has a long runtime and durability, and its 1/4-inch quick-release drop design gives you total control.
It also has three controllable modes; a variable speed trigger lets you choose from precision driving, extended runtime, and maximum power. Three built-in LED lights make sue the material is always visible when you’re using it.
