2021 test2 productsPower Tools
Which Impact Drivers Brand Wins?
We compared 2 impact drivers options head to head. Makita TD172 (made in Japan, red) came out on top. See the measured results, the runner-up, the budget pick, and a link to the full test video.
Winner
Makita TD172 (made in Japan, red)
Price shown in test: $225
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Runner-up
Makita XDT16 (made in China, blue)
Price shown in test: $225
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The measured results
Every number below is read straight from the test. Scroll sideways to see all measurements. Products are listed in the order they finished.
| Product | No Load Rpm Forward | No Load Rpm Reverse | Low Rpm Control | Noise Level | Max Torque Forward | Max Loosening Torque | Trigger Lag | Lug Nut Removal Speed | Screw Driving Speed | Lag Bolt Driving Speed | Eight Inch Lag Bolt Progress | Lag Bolt Breakaway Torque | Engine Rotation Test | Drop Test Durability | Vibration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Makita TD172 (made in Japan, red)$225 | 3,330 rpm, 92 rpm slower than the blue Makita | 3,391 rpm, 81 rpm slower than the blue Makita | around 100 rpm, slightly better low rpm control than the blue Makita | about 79 decibels measured 24 inches from the tool, slightly quieter than the blue Makita | pegged the 2,000 PSI gauge, reaching about 2,200 PSI | pegged the gauge again, reaching about 2,400 to 2,500 PSI | faster to respond than the blue Makita in both trials | slightly faster than the blue Makita on both lug nuts tested | won 2 of 3 timed screw driving trials, barely edging out the blue Makita each time; the blue Makita won one trial after the presenter said his tired hand cheated | won 2 of 3 timed 5 inch lag bolt trials | made more progress than the blue Makita, with about 3.5 inches of the bolt left to drive versus 3.875 inches for the blue Makita | 385 inch pounds, 49 inch pounds more than the blue Makita's 336 inch pounds | 4.5 rotations in 30 seconds simulating a rusty or galled fastener, versus 3.5 rotations for the blue Makita | survived a 12 foot drop onto concrete with no damage to the tool, only the socket adapter bent badly | presenter reports it vibrates a lot less than the blue Makita, no numeric measurement given |
| 2Makita XDT16 18V LXT (made in China, blue)$167 for just the tool, not the battery or charger | 3,418 rpm, 182 rpm slower than its 3,600 rpm rating but 92 rpm faster than the red Makita | 3,472 rpm, 81 rpm faster than the red Makita | slowest stable rotation was 114 rpm, slightly worse low rpm control than the red Makita | about 80 decibels measured 24 inches from the tool, slightly louder than the red Makita | 1,950 PSI | 1,900 PSI | slower to respond than the red Makita in both trials | slightly slower than the red Makita on both lug nuts tested | lost 2 of 3 timed screw driving trials, winning one trial after the presenter said his tired hand cheated for the red Makita | lost 2 of 3 timed 5 inch lag bolt trials, though it started faster and won one trial | made less progress than the red Makita, with about 3.875 inches of the bolt left to drive versus 3.5 inches for the red Makita | 336 inch pounds, 49 inch pounds less than the red Makita's 385 inch pounds | 3.5 rotations in 30 seconds simulating a rusty or galled fastener, versus 4.5 rotations for the red Makita | survived a 12 foot drop onto concrete, handle flexed but did not break, only the socket adapter bent | presenter reports it vibrates noticeably more than the red Makita, no numeric measurement given |
How it was tested
- no load rpm forward and reverse at top speed setting
- lowest stable rpm control
- noise level 24 inches from the tool
- maximum torque forward using a hydraulic ram and PSI gauge
- maximum loosening torque using a hydraulic ram and PSI gauge
- trigger lag response time
- speed removing 130 ft lb lug nuts
- speed driving 3.5 inch screws
- speed driving 5 inch lag bolts
- maximum progress driving an 8 inch lag bolt plus breakaway torque to restart it
- number of engine rotations in 30 seconds against a 60 inch pound brake load simulating a rusty fastener
- 12 foot drop test onto concrete
- internal teardown and parts comparison
“the red Makita definitely performs better...my opinion is definitely worth the extra money if you plan to use the tool a lot and keep it for a long time”