DeWalt XR 18V 3 Speed BL Impact Driver Naked-Body ONLY
A cordless power tool (18V, 200 Newton Metres), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
The Best Cordless Impact Drivers in the UK (2026)
An impact driver drives long screws and bolts with ease where a drill would stall. Here's what it's for, what to look for, and our top picks.
Quick answer
An impact driver is a compact, high-torque tool for driving - long screws, decking, bolts and stubborn fixings - using rapid rotational impacts. It's not for precise drilling. Look for brushless, strong torque, and the same battery platform as your other tools. Many people buy it alongside a combi drill.
How an impact driver works
Instead of steady rotation, an impact driver delivers rapid rotational "impacts" when it meets resistance, generating far more turning force than a drill of the same size. That's why it sinks long screws and breaks loose tight bolts effortlessly - but the impacting action and 1/4" hex chuck make it less suited to precise hole drilling or delicate work.
What to look for
- Brushless motor for power and runtime.
- High torque for big fixings (the whole point of the tool).
- Compact, light body to get into tight spots.
- 1/4" hex chuck that takes impact-rated bits.
- Same battery platform as your drill, so they share batteries.
Impact driver vs drill
They do different jobs. The drill/combi makes precise holes and drives screws with clutch control; the impact driver drives long or stubborn fixings with much more torque, faster and with less wrist strain. The ideal home setup is both (often sold as a twin kit); if you only do occasional DIY, a combi drill alone is usually enough.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using an impact driver for precise drilling - that's the drill's job.
- Using standard bits instead of impact-rated ones (they can shatter).
- Buying a different battery platform from your drill.
- Overlooking torque if you drive large fixings.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Milwaukee M12 Fuel 12V 1/4" Lithium-ion Cordless Impact Driver
A cordless power tool (12V, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#3 
Milwaukee 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/4'' Hex
A cordless power tool (18V, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#4 
WORX 18V Impact Driver and Hammer Drill Twin Pack
A cordless power tool (20V, 40 Newton Metres), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#5 
Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless Impact Driver GDX
A cordless power tool (18V, 210 Nm), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#6 
Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Combi Drill and
A cordless power tool (18V, 50 Nm), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#7 
Einhell Cordless Impact Driver TE-CD 18/40 Li-i +64 Power
A cordless power tool (18V, 40 Nm), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#8 
Milwaukee M18 Heavy-Duty Twin Pack
A cordless power tool (18V, 45 Newton Metres Amperage 4 Amps), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#9 
Milwaukee
A cordless power tool (18V, 60 Nm), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
Frequently asked questions
What is an impact driver used for?
Driving long screws, decking screws, bolts and stubborn fixings with high torque and rapid impacts. It's not designed for precise hole drilling - use a drill for that.
Do I need both a drill and an impact driver?
For most home jobs a combi drill alone is enough. If you drive lots of long screws or bolts, an impact driver makes it far easier - many buy the two as a twin kit.
Can an impact driver drill holes?
It can with hex-shank drill bits, but the impacting action and hex chuck make it poor for precise or delicate drilling. A drill/combi is the right tool for accurate holes.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the DeWalt XR 18V 3 Speed BL Impact Driver Naked-Body ONLY (our score 9.5/10) - A cordless power tool (18V, 200 Newton Metres), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site..