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Impact driver torque settings and speed modes explained

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In short

Most impact drivers do not have a clutch like a drill. Instead they have speed or power modes that limit maximum speed and impact rate, plus special modes on some models that slow down or stop when a screw seats. The torque figure in Nm is a peak value, not a setting. For small screws use the lowest mode and a light trigger; for long screws and bolts use full power.

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People often look for torque settings on an impact driver and find a button with one to four dots instead. That is because impact drivers control power differently from drills. Understanding the modes, and what the headline Nm figure really means, helps you drive screws neatly and choose the right driver.

Why there is no clutch

A drill's clutch slips at a set torque so screws stop at the same depth. An impact driver delivers torque in rapid rotational blows, so a slipping clutch would not work in the same way. Instead the tool limits motor speed and blow rate in each mode. You control the final depth with the trigger and by stopping when the head is flush.

If you need exact repeatable depth for small screws, use a drill with its clutch; see drill clutch and speed settings.

impacts turn the bit
hammer pushes into masonry
An impact driver's blows turn the bit; a combi drill's hammer pushes it forward.

What the modes do

Mode names differ by brand, but the idea is the same. Check your manual for the exact behaviour of each mode on your driver.

ModeWhat it doesUse
Low or 1Low maximum speed and fewer blowsSmall screws, hinges, soft materials
Medium or 2Mid speedGeneral wood screws
High or 3 and aboveFull speed and torqueLong screws, coach screws, bolts
Self drilling screw modeSlows once the screw breaks through metalRoofing and cladding screws
Auto stop or precision modeStops or slows when impacts begin or the head seatsAvoiding overdriving
Common impact driver modes

What the Nm figure means

Listings quote a maximum torque, often around 150 to 230 Nm for 18 V impact drivers. That is a peak reached under ideal conditions, usually with a bolt, not a figure you can dial in. It tells you roughly how powerful a driver is compared with others, but the feel in use also depends on speed and impact rate.

For most home jobs, any modern 18 V impact driver has plenty of torque. A compact 12 V model is enough for many DIY tasks. See impact driver kits for current figures.

Compare impact driver kits →

How much torque do you need?

Decking screws, fence rails and stud work need a decent mid range driver. Long coach screws and large bolts benefit from a high torque model. Wheel nuts and suspension bolts are a different job; an impact wrench is the right tool, as explained in impact driver vs impact wrench.

More torque is not always better. A very powerful driver can snap small screws and strip heads unless you use a low mode.

Tips for using the modes

Start new jobs in a low mode until you know how the screw and material behave, then step up. Use a light trigger to start screws and ease off as heads approach the surface. In thin sheet metal, use the self drilling mode if your driver has it to avoid stripping the thread.

Pair the driver with impact rated bits; see impact driver bits explained. For a step by step method, read how to use an impact driver.

  • Low mode for small screws and chipboard.
  • High mode for long screws and bolts.
  • Special modes for metal roofing and cladding screws.
  • Feather the trigger near the end.

Hydraulic and oil pulse drivers

Some drivers, such as oil pulse or hydraulic models, use a fluid filled mechanism instead of a metal hammer. They are much quieter and smoother, and some users find them easier to control on finishing work. They still use speed modes rather than a clutch.

Our impact driver kits guide includes quiet hydraulic models if noise is a concern. They are worth a look if you work in occupied homes or flats, where the loud crack of a conventional driver can disturb people.

Note:Wear hearing protection when using conventional impact drivers. Keep fingers clear of the bit and check for hidden cables and pipes before driving into walls and floors.

Frequently asked questions

Do impact drivers have torque settings? Most have speed or power modes rather than a clutch. A few have more modes with auto stop features.

What mode should I use for decking? A medium or high mode, easing off the trigger as screws seat.

Is 200 Nm enough for an impact driver? Yes for almost all screwdriving. For wheel nuts, use an impact wrench.

Can I set an exact torque on an impact driver? Not usually. For exact torque on bolts, use a torque wrench to finish.

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