Best Hydraulic Oil Impulse Impact Driver - Head-to-Head

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Who has the BEST Best Hydraulic Oil Impulse Impact Driver?
For this Head-2-Head we tested tools from Makita, Milwaukee and Ridgid. We put these tools through two typical fastener driving tasks, and also a more difficult task of driving 4" TimberLOK screws into sandwiched LVL (engineered lumber) to see how they stand up to a much more demanding driving task.
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[@avrampraskov1861]

I do appreciate the time you’ve taken to evaluate the tools and to share with us. Thank you.

[@simonjessopp1517]

I bought the m18 surge about a month after they released it. Absolutely awesome tool. So much quieter and smoother. It has become the tool I get out first, just about every day. More expensive but so worth it!!!

[@timsimmons9042]

Thank you for this one. Really answered the questions I had on these items and brands in particular. Stay safe

[@MaydaysCustomWoodworks]

You guys havw the best tests and reviews. I love it!

[@MONNIEHOLT]

You guys are heaven sent, keep up the reviews, look forward for all of them, even if I’m not it the market for a Particular tool at the time, it still educates me for later down the road

[@fatherfirefighter7751]

Again you guys are unmatched in tool testing.

[@simonlanglois802]

Nearly 1 year of use on m18 now I hate the sound from a regular impact I use it on small and large screws and bolt only thing i noticed is it bust some screws because is hard to ear when the tool going on high torque !! Keep doing good vid!!

[@kiwdwks]

Great review as you always do. Thank you!

[@nickransom9411]

Don’t like the results but love the work you do, keep it up!

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

Love your reviews, Rob. Can't begin to tell you how refreshing your thoroughness and honesty with your reviews is.

[@mikezeke7041]

1:11, wearing makita hat, using Milwaukee. Lol

[@mattbaldwin1154]

Yeah I was going to make the same comment!

[@OneWheelLess]

At least his head is in the right place :)

[@HaloGamer401]

The HERESY!

[@jonathanpotts3591]

Lol right

[@jamesadams7131]

Go Makita!!!

[@lawdog516]

I’ve been waiting for this review for a long time, great review guys!!! I have the Makita because I’m in the Makita battery platform and absolutely love it. It’s my go to impact for just about everything I do from woodworking to any repair I have to do. I used the Ridgid and found it shakes much more. Thanks again for taking the time to do this comprehensive review!!

[@seansmythe7543]

Been waiting for a video on these drivers for too long

[@williamhall8460]

Best tool reviews on KZbin by far!! Thanks.

[@gt5228z]

Check out ave's "boltr" vids.

[@brandonisaiahsexton6533]

Great informative video brother. Best video on the hydraulic impacts hands down

[@m.a.w1231]

Fantastic review! Thanks mate 👍🏽

[@cb2000a]

Bought the Milwaukee last year...awesome tool.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

Really extensive review ! Best I have seen ! I love my Makita LXT tools I have had them at least 10yrs now since the lithium 18v LXT system came out and just keep adding tools . Its amazing to me they have 250 tools that use that 18Volt lithium battery . That Milwaukee impact looks nice tho.

[@julianweiser9985]

Just got a makita adapter for the milwaukee battery hell yeah.

[@Bathtubcrocodile]

I've tried the M18 Surge and it's a dream. And it is pretty strong as well. But it feels smooth and gives great control. I'm getting one for sure.

[@joshtiel2980]

This was insanely helpful! Well done 👍👍👍

[@westonbartosik4505]

I rreeeaaaalllllyyyyy hope Milwaukee brings their hydraulic tech to the M12 line. A compact M12 hydraulic impact driver would become my most used tool

[@scott8706g]

Weston Bartosik agreed

[@HaloGamer401]

WERD.

[@jonathanpotts3591]

I have the 18v one and love it the only problem I have is it snaps off heads too easy lol. But I'd love a 12v version

[@thehvachacker]

There m12 impact fuel is all I use. I do hvac service so never need my m18 fuel unless ripping apart a voyager to get them heat exchangers out

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Me too

[@houstonsmitherman6888]

I once got a better review because a man's sick wife was sleeping in the next room (no ac) and I needed to use my drill. I have a m18 gen 4 and a surge. I told him I'd use my slightly quieter drill in meager hopes of it helping. Due to the way the surge hammers you can slightly pull the trigger and the screw will still turn per hammer. Surge is a good one but not for heavy work despite it being a m18 fuel

[@chasejordan22]

I have ridgid batteries so its not a hard decision. But its nice to see how it stacks up.

[@toptools7632]

It wasn't long ago, Makita wasn't allowing these comparison tests. Good thing they changed their mind. They have some good tools. They should market them too. Great job Rob and crew!

[@aaronbegon2092]

Always wondered why... it's not a good look for your company if you refuse comparison tests. If you trust in your product, let it go head to head.

[@greentjmtl]

How would they able to not allowing them if people buy them with their own money? Or do they just refuse to "sponsor" people looking for free stuff?

[@Technohonk]

@@greentjmtl actually a lot of companies go for youtubers etc. with lawyers when they do tests and the company thinks there is something wrong (or their junk gets some true testing and they don't want anyone to see) so they will sue the shit out of ppl sometimes.. at least i've seen some of these cases, vids taken down etc.

[@patty109109]

Milwaukee has absolutely no legal bearing whatsoever on what somebody does with their tool. If a deliberately, disingenuous statement is made about a tool, they may have legal ground. If you buy a tool from a store, you can do any review you like.

[@patty109109]

@@Technohonk not true. If a tool sucks and the KZbin reviewer says it sucks and it legitimately sucks the company will get obliterated in court if they try to challenge.

[@isaacbeja4073]

Great video, I know Ryobi is not "professional grade" but I would love to see it in future videos. I am just a diy'er... And don't use my tools on a daily basis...

[@TBreezy17]

Royobi is a test bed to make better tools for Rigid, Rigid is a test bed for Milwaukee. All are made by the same company. This is covered by AvE who explained the process when he reviewed the Stealth Force (Rigid).

[@RoyFabian]

I use a surge for sheet metal work. Everyone is always surprised when they hear how much less noise it makes. Normally when putting screws into a large duct, it echoes so much. With this, way less. And it doesn't strip things out as easily. I found i dont really like the sheet metal screw setting, but i usually do the action by hand. I usually only run it on the high setting for the rpms. And doing wood work inside the house, it makes way less noise though the house. Doesn't scare the pets nearly as much. Even using it with a socket on cars, its much smoother on things. Its perfect for what i do most of the time.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Roy Fabian thx for commenting

[@qanononabong8491]

What's a surge?

[@mundolinux2250]

QAnon On a Bong its the hidraulic impact from milwaukee

[@AlexLee-dc2vb]

Man these videos are good

[@pdxlockpicker7796]

I'm surprised Makita didn't get the first in fit and finish. Watching Ave teardowns, they seem to be the best engineered.

[@jesseganzel366]

I've been eyeballing that makita for awhile. Tile guy and work in high end residential homes, would be really nice on the ears for prep work

[@DanielGomez-cf6vk]

I love my ridgid stealth force impact driver I have the surge too haven’t tried it as much

[@DavidsonMott]

I would love to see Impact Wrench Head-To-Head.

[@MartinezFAMHawaii]

I got the makita subcompact combo, I noticed the impact drill a bit noisy. I didnt know they have this kind impact with low noise, ah I wish I can trade 'em in😁

[@sc0368]

Excellent review thanks! Makita here I come....

[@denverdanoreno]

This guy is a perfect example of correct speech application, a speech therapist dream example. And moreover a great salesman.

[@johnjingleheimersmith9259]

odd, but okay.

[@chaseprimus]

Pretty killer review/comparison. I wanted to get the Milwaukee surge but after watching this it sounds like the Makita would be the better option...

[@mainsource8030]

had my xst01 almost 2 years now, makita oil impulse ftw

[@jimfeaster4837]

Once again great.....

[@vladimirmorgunov6782]

Thanks!

[@Bathtubcrocodile]

You guys are the answer to all my "Why didn't they mention that" questions. You cover all angles. Perfect review. I played with the m18 Surge for a day and I really want one. Edit: And Yeah I already have a Milwaukee kit and beyond and I really feel that trigger lock on the Makita. I have tried holding it. If you are a Makita guy that tool is a no brainer.

[@aussietoolguy6942]

I still use my Milwaukee surge over my new milwaukee gen 3 impact every day unless I'm driving some big gauge fasteners I will not put my surge away

[@LilasTools]

I like all 3, I only work around the house and whatnot though. No need for oil impact at the time.

[@benchippy8039]

Sounds like the tool I need for them occasional mornings after the night before! There’s not much worse than an impact driver rattling away when you misjudged how late you’ve gone to bed! Great video as always, I’m still eager to see an auger or flat bit h2h

[@crazyfishingdude]

Love my surge but that Makita looks nice

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

Great video

[@thomascdurham9130]

I'm a building Superintendent off a 100+ unit carpet building. When ever I get a trade vendor in the building working along side me when impact drivers are being used, they all noticed how quiet mt Impulse Makita driver is. Some wondered if I somehow installed a muffler on it! When working in apartments doing repairs with sleeping babies a doorway away and senior with TV and radios turned upped to hear the programming, babies are never awoken and senior forget I was there until I startle them when letting them know I'm leaving. Only my Impulse goes with me within living quarters. The others impact tools work outdoors or in the many utility maintenance rooms around the property.

[@braulioperez181]

Bob, this is a great review. Thanks so much. I feel that for a common joe or weekend warrior, the Ridgid is a great value. However, the pros shall move to Makita?... Well the time will tell. Any idea how the Hitachi line of power tools compare?

[@MarkT]

Difficult to get such a review right. Congrats with doing such!

[@ryane6719]

Those lxt Makitas are the best

[@mrc1672]

iv got the aeg and its nice and quite but it has earned the name ~dumbbell~

[@octapusdude629]

I like the form factor of batterie options you get with Milwaukee. Many different profiles witch makes the tool last longer or be more compact.

[@Bathtubcrocodile]

I agree! I have 3 of those old Milwaukee 5ah batteries that equal the size of Makitas 18v ones. And after trying a 2.0 Ah and putting it on my nail gun I'm thinking about getting a couple of 2.5 High output ones and getting more compact. It does alot for control and weight.

[@troyguinn303]

I mean, I like the price comparison, but you quoted the milwaukee at over 300 for the impact and 2 5ah batteries. Two weeks ago I got this impact, the fuel hammer drill, two 5ah batteries and a rapid charger new in a hard case for 280, shipped to my door

[@11SecSTionStockSnail]

Milwaukee with 2.0AH compact battery hands down. I have mine since literally it showed up in home depot 2.5 years ago? Worked outside in rain multiple times, fell off roof few times, use it every day sometimes all day. Looks as if I dragged it on asphalt for miles behind truck. But to my surprised running like a champ. But then again, I have probably 70% or Milwaukee’s offerings and wouldn’t trade them for anything else. With a 2.0 battery on this surge impact there’s really no need for a 12V version. (It’s super light) All my corded tools are festool though

[@chrisstewart4823]

Quality content brother!

[@gynn4622]

If you have the budget I would go m12 surge and m18 fuel impact. Small tasks with the surge while still staying quiet. If you need the bigger power just use the m18 fuel

[@lightjedi6]

That's exactly what I did, I have fallen in love with the that little m12 surge. It's so light and compact, and it doesn't question it when I drive 3" wood screws, it just asks me "how deep?"

[@alaskabornheathen8902]

I did notice that the Makita has a plastic cap on the end of it, I just picked up their 430ftlb 1/2” impact wrench and it has the same plastic cover. I do have a Milwaukee Surge and it’s been fantastic. I came here to see what the Makita is about since I’m getting into some of Makitas tools. I hope I have the chance to test one out before deciding to buy one, it seems interesting. In general all these Hydraulic impact drivers are a game changer, they provide hearing safe operation that doesn’t disrupt what other people are doing. On top of that they are highly controllable, standard impacts don’t have as much finesse. The Milwaukee Gen 3 impact will drive screws all the way through a 2x4 in the blink of an eye, whereas the hydraulic varieties are a little slower and much more controllable. Meaning you can put that screw exactly where you want it.

[@Bathtubcrocodile]

While I agree on that and I love the Surge, people seem to forget that a non impact screw driver or small drill (Even 12v) can put these screws down withouth any hazzle at all, with even less noise. Still I get it. I'm in love with the M18 Surge. It just feels good and has excellent angling/skew and one handed control.

[@johnnynewell8565]

Great channel. Thank you

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thank you too!

[@brianhelmold1332]

TL:DW : Makita wins, but all are good. Get whatever one your current platform is.

[@achimtorok8156]

Thanks for that, cant stand the pointless 20min waffle

[@MrMaxggangster]

I have DeWalt. Damn

[@jasonjayalap]

@@achimtorok8156 That's what she said.

[@volume311]

This man the real MVP

[@kignacio]

TYBH

[@TBizzell68]

I have used Makita for years, when my impact driver was missing (later found in a different tool box) I bought the Milwaukee hydraulic as they didn’t have a makita in stock. I can’t get over how much quieter it is. I still love my Makita. Thanks for your real world reviews!

[@2010hondacbr1000rr]

Do a best jigsaw shootout. Corded and a cordless one

[@punksurfer76]

do they also outperform impact drivers? ( at the jobs these are aimed at, not at heavier duty tasks)

[@kevinwiley5325]

Was the Ryobi Quietstrike on the market when this was made? I have one at me and it's the only impact I use for my wood Weirton

[@Fee.1]

Do you have any videos exactly paining what specs are needed when buying a compressor for air tools?

[@J.Wick.]

Hikoki also has an Oil Impulse Driver. I'd love to see that included in this test as well. WHP18DBL(NN) It's been out for some time.

[@benjaminromshak2921]

Use the surge about 25% of the time..metabo brushless 12v 15% of the time and Hikoki (Metabo HPT) Multivolt 🔨🔨🔨 60%. Love having options for different jobs.

[@Fee.1]

My question about the oil impulse causing less vibration, is why does the Rigid look so visibly wobbly when driving compacted to the others showing none. Oh I just got to the part of the video about reactionary torque I assume that’s the answer. I wish Milwaukee would have kept the original plan and gone for big power and just dialed out the torque wobble though, especially since they came out with the m12 which is not far From the m18 if i understand correctly. Is the m12 surge based on gen 3 m12 or gen 2 like the m18 surge? It’s hard to know from the spec sheets given the deviations

[@z1522]

At 10:45, not quite. A 3 dB increase doubles the sound energy; however, it takes a 10dB increase for our ears to perceive a sound as "twice as loud." This helps explain how and why dB levels can be deceptive, particularly relative to actual hearing damage.

[@Jujoji]

Interesting the Ryobi Quietstrike wasn't included for the lowest end comparison

[@jrelectrician4387]

Thank you for the info 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍✌✌✌✌✌

[@victorgonzalez-tr4su]

love my makita

[@davidrobinson7112]

EXCELLENT PRESENTATIONS...SPEED OF DELIVERY IS A LITTLE FAST...BUT GOOD.

[@jackwagonsusa]

I was gonna hate in the comments but I actually learned a lot so thank you

[@ConcordCarpenter]

hamster Juan why were you gonna hate?

[@TheCulinary_Explorer]

MY OG Carpenter boss hates my milwaukee m18 fuel drill , cause theres no audio feedback lol .. how do you feel about using it for finished work ?

[@zack6892]

Think I may have to pick the Makita up, I didn't plan on jumping in this fad but that thing would make a great home drill.

In 12V plattform from Bosch i would buy one of this ☺

[@matthewlantz1983]

Hey Rob! I picked up the surge a few months ago. So far, the only complaint I can find is the speed switch rubs on my tool pouch and will change modes. Sorta a pain, just had to relocate where I hang it. Big positive is I can continue a conversation while running the tool. Awesome power, great tool

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Matthew Lantz interesting feedback, thanks!

[@ken7808]

I noticed the same thing with my Surge. Too easy to change speed. Otherwise I love it.

[@kevinorellana5930]

Hey man you’re a badass 👏👏👏👏👏

[@richardelliott7022]

I like the rigid line

[@skycorrigan6511]

I have heard that it vibrates a lot. Is that true?

[@charleshillier4539]

@@skycorrigan6511 it does. It's also heavy and stupid powerful. It took me a while to get used to the power. It also started acting up after a little over a year. Pull trigger and it starts and stops as it pleases. I switched to Makita.

[@puresikness77]

I like how the Ridgid is a little heavier than the other impacts. To me it feels a little more rugged...which is nice when a helper knocks it off a ladder......

[@hornetf18]

I always really preferred a larger tool. It just seems heavier duty to me. That’s why I kind of like the Ridgid and the older Dewalt hammer drills.

[@TrixieDK]

Thanks for the testing. I thought of a couple of things while I watched: - For a direct comparison, look only on the price of the bare tool. - Your test was based a bit towards low torque application. For at more rounded testing, some heavy torque applications should be tested as well. This would probably move the general performance scores a bit. Especially when noise and speed is factored in. Why not include some big lag bolts or perhaps some vehicle work. - Warranty. This is important. Include scores for that. - I would have liked an evaluation of how well one of these can directly replace a traditional impact driver. Preferably through testing. -There is no need to mention the old 'it comes down to what platform you own'. We all know this, but tool doesn't care. This is a tool comparison, not a platform comparison. Thanks again.

[@toddfratzel3569]

TrixieDK we could test more rigorous applications, but the tools are not designed for that. Kind of like we’re not going to use a standard impact driver to install lug nuts when the proper tool is an impact wrench.

[@TrixieDK]

@@toddfratzel3569 the difference is the noise level. I think many users would use the more silent product wherever possible. Myself included. Don't get too carried away by the 'this product is meant for this, and that product is meant for that' sort of thinking.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

TrixieDK with exception of the Ridgid these tools were not designed for heavy torque applications.... they were designed for MEP trades, and probably started as a niche tool. Bare tool cost is one way to do it. Warranty is a good point! We’ve started to look at that more. Mentioning platform is needed because many people feel that way, for example, a lot of people will justify a slightly under performing tool if their invested in that platform. I’ve seen it time and time again.

[@Bathtubcrocodile]

​@@ConcordCarpenterAnd that makes even more sense today. A 5ah Battery on pro platforms go for around 100$ here in Sweden. Charger 60-100$ too. So it makes sense to stay on a platform. Most of the time the differance in most tests are minimal on Milwaukee vs Makita. Makita often more smooth and Milwaukee with more power. You can't go wrong with either.

[@noconz0727]

I use my Ridgid Stealth Force as my main driver for building decks. You say they are for smaller fasteners but I drive 8-12" GRK RSS all day with no issues.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Ridgid is geared with more power - it'll handle those np

[@boxmfg]

SuperNice, great video #TeamRIDGID

[@frosty0419]

In other words their all pretty damn good. What about the lifetime warranty on the rigid?....??.?.

[@fergbongo6771]

I work metal framing and this impact driver is perfect for that. Im sorry DeWalt but this is the way...

[@weldonpinder7295]

Will driving small lag screws eventually destroy the Milwaukee . I have one and I rather not do this if it will mess it up. I'm always hearing they're not meant for bigger fasteners

[@NRCustom]

This guy reminds me of Jon Taffer. Good review.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

NRCustom Thank you brother I wish I had his money, please consider subscribing

[@maxpouser]

Make one of routers pls!!!

[@teeg3275]

Makita did the best in my opinion and it's been out for years now

[@ROMEAEOM]

Ayoo Robert DeNiro doing tool reviews now? Just kidding love your channel :)

[@user-vu3kl2yx7n]

Выбирал между 2853 и гидро. У гидро раньше удар включается (раньше отдыхать начинаешь) , саморезы не ломает, в 2 раза тише. Взял гидро (из США). Посмотрим сколько проработает.

[@idropagearbabye6822]

I've used all of these and all are amazing but the makita overall wins hands down for me

[@chrisw7188]

i hear you get cavitation with hydraulic drivers though essentially wearing out the mechanism faster than traditional hammer and anvil systems

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

Yes, according to AvE, that's a tradeoff with oil impact systems, and he explains the mechanics behind that in one of his videos, although I can't name exactly which one.

[@ibrazeau3044]

I heard about this too but in reality, it makes no real difference to me because these tools really only last 5 years or less under construction use. I am on my second Surge (dropped 3 floors and split in half) and my second 2753 (squashed and broken under cement blocks). I don't think I will ever get to the point where the oil impulse driver is really out of commission.

[@axeami1354]

the video ave done on the ridgid he got slightly wrong. however even with the cavitation the likelihood is an oil pulse will outlast a standard impact providing the hydraulic cylinder doesn't leak or overheat.

[@ibrazeau3044]

axeami135 - hopefully you are right... these tools are just fabulous and still quite unknown to most... I am an advocate of oil impulse tools regardless of brand! In the end, only time will really tell... I just hope it doesn't tell my tool about cavitation ;)

[@chriskathol]

Tin basher by trade and I LOVE my Surge. So satisfying when your screws go in silently. That speed setting button is the worst thing anyone ever thought of for impact drivers. An experienced tradesman knows when to back off. you fnd up pressing it by accident or your co-worker is playin jokes and you end up on 1 when all you ever want is 3 (I'm guilty of pranking too). We call it "noob mode". I very very rarely strip screws, I think the amount of times I pressed that button on purpose is exactly 1 (other than when I'm playin jokes on co-workers, it' gets pretty funny when someone starts losing their mind wondering how they constantly accidentally go to 1), never again, never again. Fridgies might want this though, the amount of RTUs I run into with stripped screws is almost comical. Last week I was on a roof where every panel I looked at had 2 or 3 screws left in it and they were stripped.

[@XaeroR35]

The Milwaukee has 35% more torque. It would have been nice to see something that demonstrates when that makes a difference (lag bolt install,etc)

[@ericnauman499]

I can’t find this rigid oil impulse anywhere since it was discontinued. If anyone knows where to find one please let me know

[@berockization]

I always knock Makitas out of gear with my grip -- that's the only reason I abandoned them for Milwaukee. The forward/reverse switch is a bit too low on every Makita I've tried since.

[@arincstingray611]

I like Ridgid ... their product looks rugged n cool .

[@harleyrider025]

hello, my question to u sir is: I watch this video and I see your top choice is the Makita...I already have a full line of Milwaukee M18 tools... Is the Makita that much better to leave the Milwaukee family or is the Milwaukee version good enough?...btw love your vids

[@sailingtramontana8103]

Stick to your Milwaukee line, Makita is overall a better toolbrand than Milwaukee and DeWalt, but mixing the line is not worth it. Unless you are thinking about replacing all tools to Makita slowly.

[@laurenceallen2670]

One thing you don't mention when you are talking about cost is the Ridged batteries are warranty free for life as well as the tool

[@shane.t.188]

Maskita all the way great vid toolbox buz😀👍

[@achrisofalltrades5620]

Good ole Maskita tools