Choosing cordless power tools for fastening work often comes down to one practical question: do you need a complete two-tool setup, or a compact driver to handle a more focused role? This group ranges from a tool-only impact driver to a subcompact impact-driver-and-drill kit, with an absolute listed-price spread of $100.01. Battery inclusion is the other major divider: three entries are listed without a battery, while the Milwaukee kit includes two.
Quick take
- Choose the Makita DTD173 18V LXT Cordless Impact Driver when the lowest listed price and a compact brushless impact-driver format are the main priorities.
- Choose the DEWALT DCF850B ATOMIC 20V MAX Impact Driver for a compact, brushless 20V MAX standalone driver with a 1/4-inch keyless chuck.
- Choose the Milwaukee M12 3494-22 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit when having both an impact driver and drill/driver, plus included batteries, matters more than buying a single tool.
- Choose the Ridgid Nuke Sub Compact Pulse Driver RNKSID03B when you specifically want an 18 V compact pulse driver and are comfortable with a battery-not-included format.
Listed-price comparison
| Model | Listed price | Relative listed-price bar | Main distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgid Nuke Sub Compact Pulse Driver RNKSID03B | $160.00 | Compact 18 V pulse driver; battery not included | |
| Milwaukee M12 3494-22 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit | $159.95 | Impact driver and drill/driver kit with two batteries | |
| DEWALT DCF850B ATOMIC 20V MAX Impact Driver | $68.50 | Brushless 20V MAX standalone impact driver | |
| Makita DTD173 18V LXT Cordless Impact Driver | $59.99 | Compact brushless 18 V LXT standalone impact driver |
Decision matrix
Start with the number of tools you need. The Milwaukee is the only choice here that combines an impact driver and drill/driver, so it suits projects that call for drilling and driving without changing tools. For a single compact impact driver, the DEWALT and Makita are the direct alternatives; both are listed as new, brushless, and without a battery included.
The Ridgid takes a different route with its pulse-driver type. It is the option for shoppers focused on that specific format rather than a standard impact-driver title. If buying at the lower end of the listed-price range is central to the decision, the Makita leads this group; if included batteries are essential, the Milwaukee is the clear fit.
Product notes
Ridgid Nuke Sub Compact Pulse Driver RNKSID03B
The Ridgid Nuke Sub Compact Pulse Driver RNKSID03B fits a shopper seeking an 18 V pulse driver in a compact format for home-improvement or workshop tasks. Its listed new condition and compact feature make the appeal straightforward: a small, dedicated cordless driver rather than a kit. Pick it when the pulse-driver format itself is the priority and a compact tool is more useful than a combination kit. The central limitation is that no battery is included. It also sits at the top end of the listed-price range, so the dedicated pulse-driver format should be an important part of the decision.
Milwaukee M12 3494-22 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit Impact Driver & Drill/Driver
The Milwaukee M12 3494-22 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit makes the clearest case when you need both an impact driver and drill/driver in one subcompact package. It includes two batteries, uses lithium-ion battery technology, and lists a brushless motor. Its description also emphasizes balance and control for overhead drilling or driving and for accessing tight spaces. That broader tool selection is the concrete reason to choose it over a standalone driver. The tradeoff is condition: this kit is listed as open box, while the Ridgid, DEWALT, and Makita entries are listed as new.
DEWALT DCF850B ATOMIC 20V MAX Impact Driver
The DEWALT DCF850B ATOMIC 20V MAX Impact Driver is a focused choice for shoppers who want a compact, brushless standalone driver in a 20V MAX format. The listing identifies a 1/4-inch keyless chuck, and its compact, lightweight description suits maneuvering in tight work areas. It is positioned for fastening and screw-driving across construction, woodworking, installation, maintenance, and DIY tasks. Choose this one when those details align with the kind of work on your list and you want a single impact driver rather than a combo kit. The limitation is its tool-only configuration: no battery is included.
Makita DTD173 18V LXT Cordless Impact Driver
The Makita DTD173 18V LXT Cordless Impact Driver is the lower-listed-price standalone option in this comparison. It combines an 18 V LXT title, a brushless motor, compact feature, and keyless chuck in a driver intended for screws, bolts, and demanding project work. The description cites up to 180 N·m of torque, giving shoppers a concrete performance figure to weigh alongside its compact format. This is the sensible pick when you want a new, compact brushless impact driver without stepping up to the price of the Ridgid or Milwaukee entries. Its limitation is also clear: it is tool only, with no battery or charger included.
Final recommendation by use case
For the lowest listed price among these four, choose the Makita DTD173. For a compact brushless driver in a 20V MAX format, choose the DEWALT DCF850B. For drilling and driving with two included batteries, choose the Milwaukee M12 3494-22. Choose the Ridgid Nuke Sub Compact Pulse Driver only when an 18 V compact pulse-driver format is the deciding need, since it is the highest-listed-price option and does not include a battery.
