• Standard Impact Drivers: Impact drivers have a significantly higher amount of torque than conventional drills and are able to release an immediate, powerful force in any direction. This makes them ideal for tightening and loosening screws or small bolts. Models that have a brushless motor offer a more consistent power and extend battery life.

  An internal hex chuck allows this type of impact driver to fit hexagonal screwdriver bits and compatible sockets.

  Our most popular Standard Impact Driver:

• Angled Impact Drivers: Angle impact drivers are the same as the standard models but their low-profile head makes them ideal for working in confined spaces. Angle impact drivers tend to be a little less powerful than their standard counterparts, but they are still excellent at driving screws.

  Our most popular Angle Impact Driver:

Key Considerations When Buying An Impact Driver

The ¼’’ hex - All impact drivers will only take bits that are a ¼’’ hex. Hex shanks offer an advantage over a straight shank in high torque settings because the bits can't twist in the power tool when under tension.

Voltage affects torque - Higher voltage tools typically produce a higher output in terms of raw power. Impact drivers are no different and come in 12v or 18v models. The 12v models will be lighter and more compact but there are some compact 18v models too. The 'Nm' rating will tell you how much torque, or turning power, the tool has. The higher the number, the higher the torque.

Right power tool, for the right job - It’s important that you don’t confuse an impact driver with a hammer drill or a drill driver. An impact driver's main use is as a powerful screwdriver. For those who want to do drilling then a combi drill would be a better choice.

Impact drivers can also be used to tighten small bolts using sockets, but if this is the primary purpose for the tool, then an impact wrench would be better, especially in heavy duty situations. Impact drivers can handle some socket work, but they are designed for individuals who need to drive screws into hard materials. Because these are powerful tools, they can drive screws much faster than a standard drill. In addition, standard drill drivers may not be able to drive a screw all the way into a particular material. Impact drivers, with their higher torque, will likely prove to be more successful.

Cordless vs. Corded Impact Drivers - The cordless impact drivers we stock are more powerful than our corded options, due to advances in battery technology. With moderate usage, a battery will usually last a standard days work. While our 240v and 110v impact drivers have a more limited torque, they can be used all day without the risk of running out of battery power.

Power vs. Control - If you are working with softer materials, such as plasterboard or softwood, it may be better to use a standard drill driver or combi drill. This will help to avoid damage to the material and stripping the bolts or screw heads.

Impact drivers come with variable speed triggers to help control the speeds they operate at, and to offer some low speed use. However, even at slow speeds an impact driver will still apply a high amount of torque to the bolt, bit, or screw. Some impact drivers have a speed selector switch which will reduce or increase the torque for certain applications.

Impact Driver Safety Tips

As with any power tool care should be taken when using it.

Read the instruction manual - Manufacturers normally have different features and user requirements for their impact drivers. Reading the manual will help you understand the most optimal way to charge the battery and how to safely operate the impact driver.

Wear protective clothing - As with all power tools, it is a good idea to wear protective clothing when using an impact driver. Gloves, goggles and face masks are all used dependent on your environment.

Operate the tool correctly - Always grip the impact driver correctly and firmly to ensure that the tool is kept steady when in use. When not in use for corded impact drivers, ensure that you unplug the device. For cordless impact drivers good working practice is to remove the battery when not in use so that the tool cannot accidentally be started.

Use the correct accessories - One of the benefits of an impact driver is that it allows for the quick change of accessories such as sockets and drill bits. Ensure that you use the right sized accessory for the task at hand to help prevent damage to the tool, the accessory or the item you are working on. It is easy to strip bolts when applying a lot of energy to the metal especially when the socket is too big or loose.

View our range of impact drivers and find the lowest prices online at Howe Tools.