Makita. Best overall. The variable three-speed power selection switch offers soft, medium and hard settings* for a wide range of fastening tasks. Having a brush-less motor is one reason this is the shortest impact driver (to fit in small spaces). I.e., motors with brushes are longer. Brush-less motors also reduce complexity and maintenance, since..., there are no brushes. The easy-to-grab bit-holder protrudes over 5/8" from the tool, to simplify bit changes. This is the latest generation Makita impact driver, introduced summer 2009 and has their most advanced battery technology, an electric brake, a phosphorescent bumper ring for finding the tool in dark spaces, and a battery warning light and built-in LED, which both flash when it's time to recharge the battery. It has the right speed/torque setting for everything from construction to finish carpentry, to cabinet-making. One "improvement" would be for Makita to lengthen the battery warranty to two or more years.
#6Bosch........ 25618-01 18V Cordless Lithium Impact Driver
#5Milwaukee.. 2650-22 18-Volt Extra-Compact Impact Driver
#4DeWalt...... DCF826KL 18V Cordless Li-Ion Impact Driver
#3Hitachi...... WH18DL 18-volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver
#2Panasonic.. EY7540LN2S 14.4-Volt Lithium Ion Impact Driver
#1Makita....... BTD144 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver
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