Skip to content
UK DE
Compare products

Best List Impact Drivers

Best Impact Drivers in the UK (2026)

Quick answer

The DEWALT DCF887D2 is the best impact driver for most DIYers: three speeds, brushless and compact. If you drive lag bolts and structural screws every week, the Milwaukee M18FID3 is the strongest pick. The Makita DTD153 is a smooth value choice, and the Ryobi R18ID3 suits light use.

By Buyrskip Editorial Team Updated 1 min read

We research products independently. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we earn money

Our picks at a glance

  1. Best overall DEWALT DCF887D2 18V XR Brushless Impact Driver Kit Best for Most DIYers · Typically £199–£259
    Check Price
  2. Best for pros Milwaukee M18FID3-502X M18 FUEL Impact Driver Kit Best for Pros and power users · Typically £329–£429
    Check Price
  3. Best value brushless Makita DTD153 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver Best for Makita owners and value seekers · Typically £119–£169
    Check Price
  4. Best budget Ryobi R18ID3-0 18V ONE+ Impact Driver Best for Budget DIY · Typically £59–£79
    Check Price

Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.

Comparison table

FeatureBest overallDEWALT DCF887D2 18V XR Brushless Impact Driver KitBest for prosMilwaukee M18FID3-502X M18 FUEL Impact Driver KitBest value brushlessMakita DTD153 18V LXT Brushless Impact DriverBest budgetRyobi R18ID3-0 18V ONE+ Impact Driver
VerdictBuyBuyBuyConsider
Typical price£199–£259£329–£429£119–£169£59–£79
Best forMost DIYersPros and power usersMakita owners and value seekersBudget DIY
Key featureThree-speed brushless impact in a compact bodyFour drive modes and top-class torqueSmooth brushless impact at a lower priceCheap impact driver with battery
Voltage18V XR18V18V LXT18V ONE+
Drive1/4 in. hex1/4 in. hex1/4 in. hex1/4 in. hex
Speeds3———
Modes—4——
Motor——Brushless—
Kit———Bare tool
Where to buyCheck Price Paid linkCheck Price Paid linkCheck Price Paid linkCheck Price Paid link

DeWalt · Impact Drivers

DEWALT DCF887D2 18V XR Brushless Impact Driver Kit

Three speeds and brushless power at a fair price.

Buy it if
You want a fast, compact impact driver for decks, fences and home repairs on DEWALT batteries.
Skip it if
You need precision modes for self-tapping metal screws; Milwaukee offers more modes.

Pros

  • Three speed settings
  • Compact and well balanced
  • Brushless motor

Cons

  • Not the newest DEWALT model
  • Loud, like all impacts
Key specifications
Voltage
18V XR
Drive
1/4 in. hex
Speeds
3

Milwaukee · Impact Drivers

Milwaukee M18FID3-502X M18 FUEL Impact Driver Kit

Four modes and huge torque.

Buy it if
You drive structural screws and lag bolts often and want speed control modes for delicate work too.
Skip it if
You only build furniture and hang TVs; a cheaper impact covers that.

Pros

  • Very high torque for its size
  • Four modes including a self-tapping screw mode
  • Two 5.0Ah batteries

Cons

  • Expensive kit
  • Heavy with large packs
Key specifications
Voltage
18V
Drive
1/4 in. hex
Modes
4

Read the full review

Makita · Impact Drivers

Makita DTD153 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver

Light, smooth and affordable.

Buy it if
You want a light, smooth brushless impact and like Makita's LXT range.
Skip it if
You want big batteries in the kit; the included 1.5Ah packs are small.

Pros

  • Light and comfortable
  • Brushless motor
  • Good value for a major brand

Cons

  • Small 1.5Ah batteries
  • Single speed
Key specifications
Voltage
18V LXT
Drive
1/4 in. hex
Motor
Brushless

Ryobi · Impact Drivers

Ryobi R18ID3-0 18V ONE+ Impact Driver

Cheap and fine for light jobs.

Buy it if
You want an inexpensive impact for occasional deck screws and already use Ryobi ONE+ batteries.
Skip it if
You drive long structural screws all weekend; brushless models are faster and run longer.

Pros

  • Low price with battery
  • Fits the ONE+ platform
  • Light

Cons

  • Brushed motor
  • Less torque than brushless rivals
Key specifications
Voltage
18V ONE+
Drive
1/4 in. hex
Kit
Bare tool

Compare more Impact Drivers on Amazon Paid link

Who this guide is for

Cordless impact drivers for decks, fences, framing and home repairs, compared on power, control and value. We focus on what each pick does best, what it typically costs in the UK and who should skip it.

How we chose

We compared manufacturer specifications, documentation, warranty terms and typical UK prices, then gave each product a clear Buy, Consider or Skip verdict. Our verdicts are based on this research, not on lab testing.

What to look for

  • Speed settings help you avoid snapping small screws or stripping heads.
  • Brushless motors deliver more torque and run time from the same battery.
  • Head length matters in tight spots between joists and inside cabinets.
  • Buy impact-rated bits; regular bits can shatter under impact.

Buying tips for UK shoppers

Impact drivers are often cheapest in drill-and-impact combo kits on Black Friday and Father’s Day. Check whether the brand bundles a free tool with a battery purchase, and register the kit to activate the full warranty.

Frequently asked questions

Can an impact driver drill holes?

Yes, with hex-shank drill bits for small holes. For large or precise holes, a drill with a clutch is better.

Why is an impact driver so loud?

The hammer mechanism strikes many times per second. Hearing protection is a good idea for long sessions.

Do I need a 1/2 in. impact wrench instead?

Only for lug nuts and large bolts. A 1/4 in. hex impact driver is the right tool for screws.

Buyrskip Editorial Team

Part of the Buyrskip research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.

How we research products Editorial policy