Hercules Brushless Impact Driver

Let me tell you about the day I finally caved and bought a Hercules Brushless Impact Driver. After years of wrestling with underpowered tools and burning through batteries faster than my morning coffee, I’d had enough. Standing in the tool aisle at Harbor Freight, I kept coming back to that sleek blue Hercules box. That was two years ago, and honestly? It might have been one of the best tool decisions I’ve ever made.

If you’re on the fence about whether the Hercules Brushless Impact Driver deserves your hard-earned cash, or if you’re trying to figure out how it stacks up against the big names like DeWalt and Milwaukee, I’ve got you covered. I’ve put this thing through hell and back on both weekend warrior projects and professional jobs, and I’m ready to give you the unfiltered truth.

The Nitty-Gritty: What Makes the Hercules Brushless Impact Driver Tick

First things first, let’s talk about what you’re actually getting when you pick up the Hercules. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill impact driver. The model I’ve been using is Harbor Freight’s 20V Hercules brushless impact driver (item #63382), and the specs alone are enough to raise eyebrows.

Power That Punches Above Its Weight Class

The 1,800 in-lbs of torque from this compact powerhouse is what initially sold me on the Hercules line. Let that sink in for a moment. That’s 150 ft-lbs of twisting force in a tool that fits comfortably in your hand. For context, that’s enough power to break loose stubborn lug nuts on most vehicles or drive substantial lag bolts into hardwood without breaking a sweat.

When I first used it to remove some rusted deck screws that had been weathering Minnesota winters for a decade, I was genuinely shocked. The Hercules didn’t just remove them; it made the job feel effortless. The kind of effortless that makes you wonder why you spent so many years grunting and straining with lesser tools.

Speed and Control That Matter

The variable speed trigger gives you a range from 0-2,800 RPM and 0-3,600 IPM (impacts per minute). This isn’t just marketing fluff – having this level of control matters tremendously when you’re working on different materials and fastener sizes.

Need to delicately drive screws into finished cabinetry? A light touch on the trigger gives you precise control. Removing stubborn bolts from an engine bay? Full throttle delivers that satisfying rat-tat-tat as it breaks them loose.

The three-speed selector switch is something I use more often than I expected. Position 1 gives you about 25% power for precision work, position 2 offers 50% for general-purpose fastening, and position 3 unleashes the full 1,800 in-lbs when you need maximum power. This kind of versatility means the Hercules can handle everything from hanging pictures to automotive repair.

The Brushless Advantage

Let me be straight with you – if you haven’t made the switch to brushless tools yet, you’re missing out. The Hercules Brushless motor isn’t just about marketing hype; it delivers tangible benefits I notice every single day:

1. My runtime has practically doubled compared to my old brushed impact driver
2. The motor runs cooler, which means less wear and tear over time
3. There’s noticeably more power, especially when working with tough materials
4. The tool responds more intelligently to different loads

After using it extensively for two years, I can confidently say the brushless motor is the real deal. On a recent deck building project, I drove nearly 300 3-inch deck screws on a single battery charge. My old brushed driver would have needed at least 2-3 battery swaps for the same job.

Ergonomics and Build Quality

Weight matters when you’re using a tool all day. The Hercules tips the scales at about 2.1 pounds (without battery), which places it right in the sweet spot – substantial enough to feel durable but light enough to prevent fatigue during overhead work.

The rubberized grip has held up remarkably well despite exposure to various oils, solvents, and the occasional rainfall when I forget to put it away. The balance feels natural, and the compact head design (just under 5 inches from front to back) lets me get into tight spaces that my bulkier Makita can’t reach.

One detail I particularly appreciate is the all-metal gear housing. Many budget tools cut corners with plastic components in the drive train, but the Hercules feels solid and has shown minimal wear even after countless hours of heavy use.

Hercules vs. The Big Names: How Does It Really Compare?

I know what you’re thinking: “Sure, the Hercules sounds good, but how does it actually stack up against my DeWalt/Milwaukee/Makita?” It’s a fair question, and one I asked myself before making the purchase.

The Price-Performance Equation

Let’s get this out of the way upfront: the Hercules isn’t the cheapest option, but it’s not trying to be. Currently priced around $99.99 for the bare tool and about $149.99 for the kit with battery and charger, it sits in a middle ground between budget options and premium brands.

For comparison:

• DeWalt DCF887B (20V MAX XR): $159-179 (bare tool)
• Milwaukee 2853-20 M18 FUEL: $149-169 (bare tool)
• Makita XDT16Z 18V LXT: $139-159 (bare tool)

When you factor in the regular Harbor Freight coupons and sales, the price gap widens even further. During their periodic sales events, I’ve seen the Hercules kit drop to around $129.99.

Raw Performance Comparisons

I’ve had the opportunity to use most of the major brands in various work situations, and I can say with confidence that the Hercules holds its own surprisingly well:

• Torque: The Hercules delivers 1,800 in-lbs, which is virtually identical to the DeWalt DCF887 (1,825 in-lbs) and just shy of the Milwaukee M18 FUEL at 2,000 in-lbs.
• Speed: At 2,800 RPM max, it’s on par with most professional-grade drivers on the market. The Milwaukee edges ahead at 3,000 RPM, but in practical use, this difference is barely noticeable.
• Battery Life: This is where things get interesting. Using the Hercules 2.5Ah battery, I consistently get performance comparable to my friend’s DeWalt with their 2.0Ah battery. It won’t quite match the runtime of Milwaukee’s top-tier 5.0Ah batteries, but dollar for dollar, the efficiency is impressive.
• Durability: After two years of professional use, my Hercules shows normal wear but no major issues. The brushes haven’t needed replacement (one advantage of brushless technology), and the chuck still grips bits firmly with no wobble.

The Intangibles

There are some areas where the premium brands still edge out the Hercules:

• The DeWalt and Milwaukee have slightly more refined trigger response for ultra-precise work
• The premium brands typically offer better warranty coverage (Hercules offers 90 days standard, extendable to 1 year with their protection plan)
• The ecosystem of compatible tools is more extensive with the major brands

However, if you’re primarily focused on the impact driver itself rather than buying into a complete system, these differences may not justify the additional $50-100 premium.

Real-World Applications: Can the Hercules Handle Professional Demands?

I’m a general contractor who splits time between residential remodels and light commercial work, so my tools need to handle diverse challenges. Here’s how the Hercules has performed across different applications:

Woodworking and Construction

This is where the Hercules truly shines. From framing to finish carpentry, it delivers consistent performance that makes me forget I’m using a “value” brand:

• Deck Building: I recently completed a 500 sq ft cedar deck using the Hercules as my primary driving tool. It sank 3-inch deck screws into pressure-treated lumber without hesitation, and the battery lasted through approximately 300 fasteners before needing a swap.
• Cabinet Installation: The precision of the variable speed trigger made installing delicate cabinet hardware stress-free. The compact head design was particularly useful when working in tight cabinet corners.
• Framing: While I typically use a dedicated impact wrench for heavy structural connections, the Hercules had enough power to drive 3/8″ lag bolts into load-bearing beams when called upon.

Automotive Work

I’m not a mechanic by trade, but I do handle maintenance on my own vehicles. The Hercules has proven surprisingly capable in the garage:

• Tire Changes: With 1,800 in-lbs of torque, it can break loose most automobile lug nuts without reaching for the breaker bar, though I still use a torque wrench for final tightening.
• Engine Bay Work: The compact design allows it to reach many bolts in tight engine compartments. I recently used it to replace an alternator in my Toyota, and it navigated the cramped spaces admirably.
• Underbody Work: The built-in LED light has been invaluable when working underneath vehicles where lighting is poor. It provides enough illumination to clearly see fasteners and connection points.

Heavy-Duty Applications

This is where most budget tools fall short, but the Hercules has impressed me with its capability to handle tasks I would typically reserve for more expensive tools:

• Lag Bolts: I’ve successfully driven 5/16″ x 3″ lag bolts into hardwood without pre-drilling (though I wouldn’t make a habit of this).
• Rusty Fasteners: The impact mechanism has enough power to break loose severely corroded fasteners that have seized due to exposure.
• Continuous Heavy Use: On a recent commercial shelving installation, I ran the Hercules continuously for nearly four hours, driving hundreds of self-tapping metal screws. It never overheated or showed signs of strain.

Living with the Hercules: The Day-to-Day Experience

Beyond the specs and performance metrics, what’s it actually like to use this tool as part of your daily arsenal?

Battery System and Charging

The Hercules uses Harbor Freight’s 20V lithium-ion battery platform. I’ve primarily used the 2.5Ah battery that came with my kit, though I’ve since added a 5.0Ah battery for longer jobs.

Charging time with the standard charger is about 60 minutes for the 2.5Ah battery and approximately 120 minutes for the 5.0Ah. Not the fastest in the industry, but perfectly reasonable.

The battery life has been a pleasant surprise. On average, I get about:

• 300-350 2″ wood screws per charge with the 2.5Ah battery
• 600-700 2″ wood screws with the 5.0Ah battery
• About 45-60 minutes of continuous moderate-duty use

The batteries have held up well to regular use and still maintain approximately 90% of their original capacity after two years.

Comfort During Extended Use

Tool ergonomics matter tremendously when you’re using something for hours at a time. The Hercules has a well-designed grip with a comfortable rubber overmold that reduces hand fatigue. At 2.1 pounds (tool only), it’s light enough for overhead work but has enough weight to let the tool do the work when driving fasteners.

The balance point sits naturally right at the trigger, making one-handed operation comfortable even when reaching for awkward angles. This might seem like a small detail, but when you’re installing fixtures above your head for hours, every ounce of unnecessary weight becomes noticeable.

Noise and Vibration

Let’s be honest – all impact drivers are loud. The Hercules is no exception, producing around 95-100 dB under load. This is comparable to other professional-grade impact drivers I’ve used.

The vibration, however, is notably well-controlled. After a full day of use, I don’t experience the same hand fatigue that some cheaper drivers cause. The anti-vibration engineering isn’t just marketing – it makes a tangible difference in user comfort.

The Little Things That Matter

Several small but significant features have enhanced my experience with the Hercules:

• Triple LED Light Ring: Unlike some drivers that place a single LED below the chuck (which creates shadows), the Hercules surrounds the chuck with three LEDs that eliminate shadows and provide excellent visibility.
• Belt Hook: The included belt hook is sturdy and properly positioned. I can hang the tool from my belt without it constantly swinging into my leg while I move.
• Bit Retention: The 1/4″ hex chuck grips bits securely, and I’ve rarely experienced a bit dropping out unexpectedly, even during high-vibration applications.
• Case Quality: The hard case that comes with the kit is well-designed with adequate storage for the tool, charger, and a few accessories. It’s not the most robust case I’ve seen, but it’s handled being tossed in the back of my truck without issue.

Is the Hercules Right for You? Breaking Down the Decision

After thousands of fasteners and countless hours of use, I can confidently help you decide if the Hercules Brushless Impact Driver makes sense for your situation.

Perfect For:

1. Serious DIYers: If you tackle multiple home improvement projects annually and want professional-grade performance without the premium price tag, the Hercules offers exceptional value.
2. Budget-Conscious Professionals: Contractors who need reliable tools but are bootstrapping their business will appreciate the performance-to-price ratio.
3. Secondary Tool Users: If you already have a primary impact driver from another brand but need a backup or second tool for the team, the Hercules is an excellent choice.
4. Automotive Enthusiasts: The combination of power, compact size, and affordability makes it ideal for home mechanics who work on vehicles periodically.

Perhaps Look Elsewhere If:

1. You Need an Extensive Ecosystem: If you’re planning to buy deeply into a single battery platform with dozens of tools, the more limited Hercules line might not offer everything you need.
2. Warranty is Your Top Priority: While Hercules tools have proven reliable for me, the standard 90-day warranty (extendable to 1 year with protection plan) falls short of the 3-5 year warranties offered by premium brands.
3. You Need Specialized Features: If you require tool-tracking technology, smartphone connectivity, or other cutting-edge features, you may need to invest in the latest flagship models from the major manufacturers.

The Fine Print: Specifications and Details

For those who love the technical details, here’s a comprehensive look at the Hercules Brushless Impact Driver specifications:

• Model Number: 63382
• Voltage: 20V Max
• Chuck Size: 1/4″ Hex
• Maximum Torque: 1,800 in-lbs (150 ft-lbs)
• No-Load Speed: 0-2,800 RPM
• Impact Rate: 0-3,600 IPM
• Length: Approximately 4.9 inches from front to back
• Weight: 2.1 lbs (tool only), approximately 3.1 lbs with 2.5Ah battery
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Speed Settings: 3-position selector (low/medium/high)
• Lighting: Triple LED ring around the chuck
• Available Configurations: Bare tool or kit with battery and charger
• Current Pricing: $99.99 (bare tool), $149.99 (kit with battery and charger)
• Warranty: 90 days standard, extendable to 1 year with protection plan

Where to Buy and What to Expect

The Hercules line is exclusive to Harbor Freight, which means you’ll need to visit one of their retail locations or order online through their website. In my experience, most stores keep the Hercules impact driver well-stocked, though the kits sometimes sell out during major sales events.

Current pricing as of my last update:

• Bare Tool: $99.99
• Kit with 2.5Ah Battery and Charger: $149.99
• Additional 2.5Ah Battery: $39.99
• Additional 5.0Ah Battery: $59.99

These prices are subject to change, and Harbor Freight frequently runs promotions on their Hercules line. I’ve seen discounts of $20-30 during their major sales events, so timing your purchase can yield significant savings.

When you purchase in-store, the staff can help you register for the warranty, and many locations offer on-the-spot testing to ensure your tool is functioning correctly before you leave.

Accessories and Expandability

While the Hercules ecosystem isn’t as vast as DeWalt or Milwaukee, Harbor Freight has been steadily expanding their 20V lineup. Currently, you can find:

• Multiple drill/driver options
• Circular saw
• Reciprocating saw
• Angle grinder
• Oscillating multi-tool
• LED work lights
• And several other specialized tools

The batteries and chargers are interchangeable across the entire Hercules 20V lineup, which adds value if you’re considering building out a collection of cordless tools.

For the impact driver specifically, Harbor Freight offers compatible accessories including:

• Impact-rated bit sets
• Socket adapters
• Extension bars
• Bit holders
• Carrying cases and bags

The Long-Term Relationship: Durability and Maintenance

I believe tools should be evaluated not just on their out-of-the-box performance, but on how they hold up over years of use. After two years of professional-level use, I can report:

• The chuck still grips bits firmly with no perceptible wear
• The trigger response remains precise and consistent
• The speed selector switch functions perfectly
• The LED lights are as bright as day one
• The motor shows no signs of reduced performance

Maintenance has been minimal. I regularly blow out the vents and motor housing with compressed air to prevent dust buildup, and occasionally clean the chuck with a light solvent to remove debris. Beyond that, the tool has required no special attention.

The original batteries continue to hold a charge well, though I’ve noticed a slight reduction in runtime (approximately 10-15% loss after two years of regular use). This is consistent with or better than my experience with other lithium-ion batteries from major brands.

The Verdict: Is It Worth Your Money?

After extensive use across countless jobs, here’s my honest assessment:

The Hercules Brushless Impact Driver represents one of the best values in the power tool market today. It delivers 90% of the performance of premium brands at 60-70% of the cost.

For most users—whether DIY enthusiasts or working professionals—the performance differences between the Hercules and top-tier brands won’t meaningfully impact your ability to complete projects efficiently and effectively. The money saved could be better invested in additional tools, higher-quality fasteners, or other materials that directly improve your project outcomes.

That said, tools are personal, and brand loyalty runs deep in the construction world. If you already have a substantial investment in another battery platform, or if the longer warranty periods of premium brands provide valuable peace of mind, those factors may outweigh the cost savings.

For my money, though, the Hercules has earned its place as my go-to impact driver. It’s the tool I reach for first on most jobs, and the one I recommend most frequently to friends and colleagues looking for that perfect balance of performance, reliability, and value.

When a tool continues to exceed expectations after years of demanding use, it deserves recognition—and the Hercules Brushless Impact Driver has certainly earned mine.