Makita Impact Drivers – What's the Best For 2023?
Posted by Katy | Toolstop on 9th Apr 2021
This Toolstop Buying Guide focuses on Makita Impact Drivers and which is the best for 2023. Which Makita Brushless Impact Driver to choose can be tough so we have put this blog post together to make life that little bit easier.
Which Makita Impact Driver Should I Get?
Makita is one of the leading brands in power tools, and their impact drivers are no exception. Impact drivers are a type of power tool that uses a high-speed impact mechanism to drive screws and bolts. They are ideal for a variety of applications, including kitchen fitting, installing decking or quickly driving large screws.
Makita offers a wide range of models to choose from, so it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. Here are a few of the best Makita impact drivers for 2023.
Why are impact drivers better than a standard drill driver?
Any drill/driver will drive big screws. But because of the concussive blows delivered by an impact driver and their increased speed over standard drills, you have way more raw screwdriving power.
Typically you have around 3 times more turning torque from an impact driver than you do from a drill/driver, and the concussive action (the BPM) delivers the energy to the screw, not to your wrist meaning more comfortable working.
Comparing Makita Impact Drivers
Makita's DTD152, DTD172, and DTD154 are all cordless impact drivers that are part of their 18V Lithium-Ion cordless system. They all have similar features, but there are some key differences between them.
DTD172
The DTD172 is the most powerful impact driver in Makita's lineup. It has a brushless motor that delivers up to 180 Nm of torque, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications like driving lag screws and installing deck screws. It also has a variable speed trigger and a built-in LED light for working in low-light conditions.
Specification:
- Voltage: 18V
- No Load Speed: 3600 rpm
- Impact rate: 3800 bpm
- Fastening torque: 180 Nm
*Not currently available at Toolstop
DTD154
The DTD154 is a more affordable option that still offers plenty of power. It has a brushless motor that delivers up to 175 Nm of torque, and it has a variable speed trigger and a built-in LED light. It's also slightly lighter than the DTD172, making it a good choice for users who want a more compact and lightweight tool.
Specification:
Voltage: 18V •
No Load Speed: 3600 rpm •
Impact rate: 3800 bpm •
Fastening torque: 175 Nm •
DTD154
The DTD154 is a more affordable option that still offers plenty of power. It has a brushless motor that delivers up to 175 Nm of torque, and it has a variable speed trigger and a built-in LED light. It's also slightly lighter than the DTD172, making it a good choice for users who want a more compact and lightweight tool.
Specification:
- Voltage: 18V
- No Load Speed: 3600 rpm
- Impact rate: 3800 bpm
- Fastening torque: 175 Nm
DTD152
The DTD152 is the most basic impact driver in Makita's lineup. It has a brushed motor that delivers up to 165 Nm of torque, and it has a variable speed trigger. It's a good choice for users who need a basic impact driver for light-duty applications.
Specification:
- Voltage: 18V
- No Load Speed: 2900 rpm
- Impact rate: 3500 bpm
- Fastening torque: 165 Nm
Results:
Power: The DTD172 has the highest power output of the three models, with a maximum fastening torque of 175 Nm
Speed: The DTD154 is the fastest of the three models, with a maximum speed of 2,600 RPM
Weight: The DTD152 is the lightest of the three models, with a weight of only 1.4 kg
Price: The DTD172 is the most expensive of the three models, followed by the DTD154 then the DTD152
Which Makita Impact Driver is Best?
When choosing a Makita impact driver, there are a few features that you should keep in mind:
Torque: The torque rating of an impact driver determines how much power it has. Higher torque ratings are better for driving larger screws and bolts
Speed: The speed of an impact driver determines how quickly it can drive screws. Higher speeds are better for tasks like driving decking screws
Lightweight: Impact drivers can be heavy, so it's important to choose one that is lightweight if you plan on using it for extended periods of time
Ergonomics: The ergonomics of an impact driver are important for comfort and control. Look for a tool that has a comfortable grip and a well-balanced design
Features: Consider the features of the impact driver. Some models have features such as a built-in LED light, a belt clip, and a variable speed trigger
Price: Consider the price of the impact driver. Impact drivers can range in price massively. Choose one that meets your specification but is within your budget