Surprising Changes and New Voltage Levels Transform the Results of the Best Hydraulic Impact Driver
Two significant changes have shaken up the landscape of the best hydraulic impact drivers since our previous reviews. First, the unexpected departure of Ridgid Stealth Force has left a void in the market. While it is larger and heavier than the offerings from Makita and Milwaukee, it still delivers commendable performance that should be seriously considered.
Secondly, Milwaukee Tool has introduced the M12 Fuel Surge, which is the only hydraulic impact driver available on the 12V platform from a major manufacturer. Although it operates at a different voltage class, we were eager to see how it stacks up against other oil impulse drivers in our tests.
Makita 18V LXT Oil Pulse Driver XST01
The Makita XST01 Oil Hydraulic Driver strikes a perfect balance between ergonomics and performance, making it the best overall hydraulic impact driver in our testing. Among the 18V models, it is the lightest and fastest during load operation. While there were other models that were more powerful in our torque tests, the XST01 held its own.
The only downside is that there is no kit option available. If you are new to Makita’s cordless tools, you will need to purchase the battery starter kit in addition to the bare tool, which costs $209. This shouldn’t be an issue for current Makita 18V LXT users.
Best Hydraulic Impact Driver for Fastening Speed
Makita 18V LXT Oil Pulse Driver XST01
In addition to being our top recommendation, the Makita also boasts the highest fastening speed in its class, clocking in nearly 60 RPM faster than the second-ranked Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge. We extensively tested it using both hard and soft torque applications and found that the Makita consistently tightened fasteners faster, even under load.
Best Hydraulic Impact Driver Torque and Power
Makita 18V LXT Oil Pulse Driver XST01
Originally, the Ridgid Stealth Force held the top spot, but due to its unavailability at Home Depot, the Makita has taken its place. After all, we cannot recommend a tool that is no longer on the market. While the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge and M12 Fuel Surge excel in nut-breaking torque, the Makita has a solid edge when it comes to tightening torque.
Quietest Hydraulic Impact Driver
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Surge 2551
Ridgid initially set the bar for noise levels in our tests, but Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel Surge has managed to lower the bar even further, reducing noise levels by another 5 decibels. With an average sound pressure level of just 87 dB(A), it is the only impact driver we have tested that consistently stays below 90 dB(A) under load.
All other 18V models tested have the same sound pressure level of 94 dB(A). Priced at $179 for the kit, the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Surge is not only a powerful impact tool but also impressively quiet.
Editor’s Note: Check out our Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact vs M12 Surge article for a detailed comparison between these two tools.
Most Compact Hydraulic Impact Driver
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Surge 2551
Adding the 12V model to the mix, the M12 Fuel Surge takes the crown as the most compact hydraulic impact driver. It is noteworthy that its 5.2-inch head length is actually 0.2 inches longer than the M18 Fuel Surge, but its 6.8-inch height is nearly an inch shorter than any 18V model.
In terms of weight, the M12 Fuel Surge is also more comfortable to handle. With batteries included, it weighs 2.4 lbs, which is 0.4 lbs lighter than Makita’s Oil Impulse driver.
Best Hydraulic Impact Driver Value
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge 2760
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge combines excellent performance, compact design, a wide range of compatible tools, and the best warranty in its class, making it the best value in the market. Additionally, it is the only brand that offers a hydraulic impact driver as an option with a battery kit. Although the tool is priced at $329, which may seem steep, it offers quieter results and a compelling value proposition.
The M12 Fuel Surge is also a strong contender, especially for those who prioritize a smaller size and lighter weight.
The Best Hydraulic Impact Drivers for the DIY Enthusiast
Ryobi P290 QuietStrike Pulse Driver
Priced at $149 for the kit and $79 for the bare tool, the Ryobi P290 QuietStrike Pulse Driver remains our top choice for DIY enthusiasts seeking a quieter impact driver. It delivers ample power for basic fastening tasks and, although not the most compact, it provides a decent balance in terms of tool balance. For those looking to save some money while reducing noise, the Ryobi is a reliable option.
Test Results
Note: To get detailed information about our testing methodology, please refer to our best impact driver reviews article.
Speed Under Load
Driving deck screws is a simple task that can be effortlessly handled by our oil hydraulic drivers, even when compared to traditional models. However, when subjected to an additional load of 1/4″ ledger screws, the game changes. In this regard, the Makita came out on top with a speed of 503.8 RPM, followed by Milwaukee’s Surge with 444.6 RPM.
The average speed of hydraulic drivers is slightly lower compared to conventional impact drivers. While they may not be the fastest, they are often preferred for their quieter operation.
Fastening Efficiency
Having high speed is one thing, but using that speed efficiently is another matter. To measure efficiency, we compare the no-load speed with the speed under load. The higher the percentage, the easier the motor operates. Reducing stress on the motor should extend the overall life of the tool.
Makita leads the pack with 17.7% efficiency, followed by Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Surge at 15.4%. Interestingly, Ridgid’s Stealth Force also performed solidly with 17.2% efficiency.
Standard 18V impact drivers typically have an efficiency rating of up to 24%, while the average falls closer to 16%. In comparison, the 12V models have an average efficiency of just under 11%. Hydraulic drivers maintain consistent performance without significant efficiency loss or gain, despite being slightly slower.
Tightening Torque
Our torque tests cannot fully replace the way manufacturers test their specifications. For more details on our testing methodology, please refer to our Best Impact Driver home page.
Hydraulic impact drivers operate on a different mechanism than standard impact drivers and do not deliver heavy blows. Some manufacturers are reluctant to provide torque figures; therefore, we were particularly interested to see how this group of hydraulic impact drivers compares to traditional models.
The Makita takes the lead, requiring an average of 1871 inch-pounds of torque to break its fastening work. Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Surge has a slight advantage over the M12 Fuel Surge, but it still lags considerably behind Ryobi.
Nut Busting Torque
To test bolt-breaking force, we performed proof loading on grade 8 hardened nuts and bolts using a Gearwrench digital torque wrench and a Gearwrench torque multiplier when necessary.
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge outperforms the competition with a nut-breaking torque of 2880 in-lbs, followed closely by the Makita at 2760 in-lbs. The M12 Fuel Surge also delivers a solid performance with 2400 in-lbs of nut-breaking torque. On the other hand, the Ryobi only manages an average of 600 inch-pounds.
Compared to our standard 18V impact drivers, which deliver torque ranging from 1413 to 2656 lb-in, the tightening torques of hydraulic impact drivers are generally lower.
Weight
Adding an oil pulse mechanism to an impact driver naturally adds weight. This weight difference between the four tools is quite significant. Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel Surge is the lightest at 2.4 lbs with a 2.0Ah battery.
Stepping up to the 18V models, Makita’s compact battery weighs 2.8 lbs, making it 0.5 lbs lighter than Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Surge.
These weights fall within the range of traditional impact drivers, with Makita even being slightly lighter than its XDT16 counterpart.
Footprint
Among the 18V hydraulic impact drivers, Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Surge boasts the shortest tip length at 5.0 inches, giving it an unexpected advantage over its M12 counterpart. However, due to its significantly reduced height, the M12 Fuel Surge features a more compact design overall.
In fact, three out of the four tools are relatively compact for an impact driver. The exception is the Ryobi, which has a bulkier head length of 7.6 inches and a height of 7.6 inches.
Feature Set
The primary feature of hydraulic impact drivers is their hydraulic impact mechanism. Here is an overview of the additional benefits offered by each tool:
Makita 18V LXT Oil Pulse
- Brushless Motor
- 3 speed modes
- Quick Shift Mode (for metal fixed T-patterns)
- One-handed drill insertion
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Surge
- Brushless Motor
- 3 speed modes
- Self-tapping screw method
- One-handed drill insertion
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge
- Brushless Motor
- 3 speed modes
- Self-tapping screw method
- One-handed drill insertion
Ryobi 18V One+ QuietStrike
- Triple-beam LEDs around the chuck
- One-handed drill insertion
- Bit pop
- Mag tray for holding drill bits and screws
Noise Level
Each of our oil impulse drivers claims to significantly reduce noise. But which one is truly the best hydraulic impact driver in terms of noise reduction?
The award for the quietest hydraulic impact driver goes to the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Surge, with an average sound pressure level of just 87 dB(A). The M18 Fuel Surge, Makita, and Ryobi all come in at 7 dB(A) higher.
It is worth noting that noise measurements are not linear. A 7-decibel drop is more than four times the sound intensity, and in terms of perceived loudness, it is halved for every 10-decibel decrease. In comparison to the standard impact drivers we tested, which have a sound range of 97 to 105 decibels, the hydraulic impact drivers offer significantly lower sound pressure levels.
Value
Value is more than just pricing. In our value calculations, we consider performance, design, the impact of purchasing a battery system, and other factors.
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge scored the highest in terms of value, followed by the M12 Fuel Surge, Makita, and Milwaukee. While none of these options can be considered a bad value, they may not offer the same exceptional value as some standard impact drivers due to their lower performance and higher prices.
Value propositions can vary depending on individual preferences. For example, if you work in occupied spaces like schools or office buildings, the drastic reduction in noise levels offered by a hydraulic impact driver may place it at the top of your value list.
Please note that the value rating for the M12 Fuel Surge is based on a comparison with other 12V models, while all other models are compared to 18V models.
Price List
- Makita XST01 (Oil Pulse): $209 bare tool
- Milwaukee 2551 (M12 Fuel Surge): $149 bare tool, $179 kit (2 x 2.0Ah)
- Milwaukee 2760 (M18 Fuel Surge): $169 bare tool, $279 kit (2 x 2.0Ah), $329 kit (2 x 5.0Ah)
- Ryobi P290 (QuietStrike): $49 bare tool
Final Rankings
18V Hydraulic Impact Drivers
- Makita 18V LXT Oil Pulse Driver
- Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge
- Ryobi One+ 18V QuietStrike
12V Hydraulic Impact Drivers
- Milwaukee M12 Fuel Surge