You can have the best impact driver in the world, but if you’re in a noise-restricted environment, it doesn’t do much good sitting on the sidelines. That’s when you turn to a quieter tool, such as the Masterforce Boost 20V Hydraulic Impact Driver. Low noise, isn’t the only benefit, though. We got our hands on one to run through its paces and show you why a hydraulic impact might be just what the doctor ordered.
Masterforce Boost 20V Hydraulic Impact Driver Performance
Performance stats are always an interesting comparison between standard impact drivers and hydraulic models. Masterforce’s brushless motor delivers 2400 RPM and 650 in-lbs of torque with a maximum impact rate of 1800 IPM.
Especially on the torque side, that seems a bit low. That’s one of the effects of a hydraulic driver’s impact mechanism. It doesn’t slam as hard as the hammer and anvil in an impact driver. It feels more like a series of strong pushes. The push engages longer than the quick strike of a standard impact driver, so you can actually see faster driving speeds, even with lower RPMs.
To see the difference, we ran our RSS screw test and put the Masterforce Boost 20V Hydraulic Impact Driver up against the Ultra Compact Impact Driver (241-0382) using a 4Ah XHC battery. On paper, this should be a blowout of epic proportions. Here’s how it actually went:
| Boost Hydraulic Impact Driver | Ultra Compact Impact Driver | |
| Speed | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Torque | 650 in-lbs | 1800 in-lbs |
| Impact Rate | 1800 IPM | 3500 IPM |
| Avg Drive | 13.1 seconds | 19.3 seconds |
Despite having lower top-end speed, impact rate, and torque, the hydraulic model torched the standard impact.
Another positive effect of the hydraulic system is the low noise level compared to traditional models. The difference is significant. According to Masterforce’s tests, they achieved noise levels up to 68% quieter than standard impact drivers.
And if that wasn’t enough, the overall vibration is lower as well since you’re using a driver that doesn’t strike as violently.
Masterforce Boost 20V Hydraulic Impact Driver Design Notes
Size and Weight
To fit the hydraulic system in, this is a beefy impact driver. Its size is about the same as the Boost impact driver, measuring right at 6 inches from tip to tail.
As a bare tool, it weighs 3.3 pounds. The 4.0Ah XHC battery we tested it with brought the working weight up to 4.5 pounds.
Controls
There are three modes to work with and you cycle through them electronically with a button on the foot of the tool. Here’s what to expect from each mode:
| Speed | Impact Rate | Torque | |
| Mode 1 | 0 – 1600 RPM | 0 – 1000 BPM | 300 in-lbs |
| Mode 2 | 0 – 2000 RPM | 0 – 1500 BPM | 500 in-lbs |
| Mode 3 | 0 – 2400 RPM | 0 – 1800 BPM | 650 in-lbs |
Additional Highlights
- Foot-mounted LED light
- Integrated bit holder
- Belt hook
Masterforce Boost 20V Hydraulic Impact Driver Price
The hydraulic driver comes as a kit with a 2.5Ah battery and charger for $169.99. It’s backed by a 3-year warranty. As is the norm for Menard’s keep your eyes open for sales and mail-in rebates to drop that price down even more.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for the highest impact driver performance available from the Masterforce line, that still lies with the Boost impact driver. The Boost Hydraulic Impact Driver is the way to go if you want a tool that produces less noise and vibration than its traditional counterparts. It outperforms the Ultra Compact model and is much easier on your hands and ears.
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