We run many standardized tests to simplify comparing impact drivers across manufacturers. While we could take the bare tool weight from a brand marketing page for each impact driver, we prefer to put each tool through a more rigorous process.
Plus, there are no resources we’ve come across online that measure each impact driver in different battery configurations, which is helpful when looking for the best impact driver for your needs.
Below, we detail our standardized weight testing methodology used across our test fleet. Check out our impact driver weight results to compare all models in our test fleet.
What we test
We use a commercial-grade digital scale to measure the weight of each impact driver in several configurations. The Reshy High Precision Scale offers high precision within 0.1 grams of actual weight and a repeatability error of +/- 0.3 grams.
How we test it
We weigh each impact driver in the following scenarios:
Bare tool: The weight with no belt hook attached
Configurations: We measure the working weight with no belt hook attached for each impact driver using the most common battery Ah-capacities. Not all voltage platforms offer batteries with the same Ah capacities. We include a “Not tested” designation when a specific Ah capacity isn’t offered in that brand’s platform or if we’ve yet to test the configuration in our lab. The current Ah capacities we consider measuring are 2Ah, 2.5Ah, 4Ah, and 5Ah capacities.
Impact driver weight is measured in lbs, and we round to the second decimal place. For example, an impact driver with a weight readout of 1.809 lbs is rounded to 1.81. An impact driver with a weight readout of 1.804 lbs is rounded to 1.80 lbs.
Why it matters
Assuming similar performance, we see no reason to choose a heavy impact driver over a lighter one.
Hand and arm fatigue can set in over long driving sessions, regardless of an impact driver’s weight. Part of this fatigue is also a result of the violent jolting experience of an impact driver, further highlighting why weight is essential.
Hand and arm fatigue isn’t the only consideration. Lightweight setups are incredibly agile. They also stow away easily in a tool belt or hanging off your back pocket without feeling like it’s dragging you down.
