Hart Impact Drivers
Hart is Walmart's own tool brand, built for homeowners who want a working kit without a big outlay. Here is what the 20V impact drivers deliver, where they fall short and which one to pick.
We research tools from manufacturer specs and long-term owner feedback. If you buy through our Amazon links we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we make money.
The Hart impact driver worth buying is the 20V brushless model (HPID26, second generation), listed at 2,200 in-lbs, 0-3,000 RPM and 0-3,900 IPM. It handles decks, fences and home repairs with ease. The brushed HPID01 is cheaper but weaker and less efficient. Hart is a budget homeowner platform: good value, frequent Walmart deals and a broad home and yard range, but no specialty modes, limited pro tools and Walmart as the main place to buy.
On this page
Hart 20V impact driver lineup
Hart sells two kinds of cordless impact drivers on its 20V platform: an entry brushed model sold mostly in kits, and a brushless model now in its second generation. Hart's own site lists limited detail, so the figures below come from Walmart listings and published reviews. Hart, like every brand, uses its own torque test method. Check the current listing before you buy, since Walmart bundles change often.
| Model | Motor | Listed torque | Speed | Impact rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPID26 (Gen 2) | Brushless | 2,200 in-lbs | 0-3,000 RPM | 0-3,900 IPM |
| HPID25 (Gen 1) | Brushless | 2,200 in-lbs | 0-3,000 RPM | Check the current listing |
| HPID01 | Brushed | up to 1,700 in-lbs | Check the current listing | Check the current listing |
Listings for the brushed HPID01 disagree, and at least one review lists a lower torque figure. Treat 1,700 in-lbs as the top of the range, not a guarantee.
The Hart impact driver to buy: 20V brushless
Hart 20V Brushless 1/4 in. Impact Driver (HPID26)
Best for: homeowners doing decks, fences, sheds, shelving and general repairs.
- Torque
- 2,200 in-lbs
- Speed
- 0-3,000 RPM
- Impacts
- 0-3,900 IPM
- Length
- 5.75 in (published review)
- Weight
- 2.4 lb bare (published review)
On paper, the brushless Hart is in the same torque class as Ryobi's PBLID02 and above DeWalt's DCF887, though each brand measures differently. In practice it drives 3-inch deck screws and 1/4-inch lags without fuss. It is often sold as a bare tool at a very low price, and in kits with a 2.0 or 4.0 Ah battery.
Strengths
- High listed torque for the price
- Brushless motor gets more work per charge
- Bare tool is frequently discounted at Walmart
Weaknesses
- Single speed: no speed selector or self-tapping mode
- Longer and heavier than compact pro drivers
- Little official spec detail; you rely on listings
Hart is primarily a Walmart brand, so stock and pricing are usually best at Walmart itself. Amazon availability varies.
The brushed HPID01: when it makes sense
The HPID01 usually appears in starter kits with a drill, a light and small 1.5 Ah batteries. For hanging shelves, assembling a playset or occasional fence repairs, it does the job. It struggles with long structural screws and lags, runs warmer and drains packs faster than the brushless model. Our explainer on brushless vs brushed impact drivers covers the difference.
If you are buying a kit anyway, check whether a brushless version is available for a little more. The brushless driver will outlast and outwork the brushed one, and that gap is bigger than the price gap during most sales.
The second-generation brushless model also ships in kits with a 2.0 Ah battery instead of the 1.5 Ah pack in older kits, according to published reviews. That alone adds noticeable runtime per charge on a deck or fence job.
Hart 20V batteries and platform
Hart's 20V packs measure 20 volts fresh off the charger and run at about 18 volts nominal, the same class as every other 18V or 20V Max platform. The name does not make a Hart tool stronger. See 18V vs 20V Max for why.
| Factor | Hart 20V |
|---|---|
| Owner | Made for Walmart by TTI |
| Main retailer | Walmart (stores and online) |
| Tool range | Broad for home, garden and yard; few trade tools |
| Battery fits Ryobi or Milwaukee | No |
| Listed warranty | 3-year limited on most 20V tools (check the manual) |
| Best pack for a driver | 2.0 Ah for weight, 4.0 Ah for decking days |
Hart also sells a 40V outdoor line. Those packs do not fit 20V tools. If you plan to buy yard tools too, check which voltage the tools you want use before you commit.
Is Hart good value for homeowners?
Yes, with honest limits. Hart's value comes from low entry prices and Walmart's frequent rollbacks on kits and bare tools. The brushless driver competes on raw specs with tools that cost more. Where Hart falls short is everything around the tool: no speed modes, a thinner support network, fewer accessories and no path into specialty trade tools.
- Good fit: first-time homeowners, renters, occasional DIYers and anyone who shops at Walmart.
- Consider alternatives: if you want the widest DIY range, look at Ryobi impact drivers. If you may go pro, start on a pro platform.
- Buy bare if possible: once you own two Hart packs, bare tools are where the savings are. See bare tool vs kit.
Hart prices swing a lot through the year. Our impact driver deals guide shows how to judge a sale, and the budget impact driver picks compare Hart with other low-cost options.
How Hart compares with other budget platforms
Hart competes with three other store-led homeowner brands. All four sit in the same voltage class despite the different labels. The real differences are the store, the tool range and the features on the driver itself. Torque figures below are each brand's own listed ratings, measured differently, so read them as a rough guide.
| Brand | Main retailer | Top driver listed torque | Speed selector on top driver | Platform depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hart 20V | Walmart | 2,200 in-lbs | No | Home and yard |
| Ryobi ONE+ 18V | Home Depot | 2,200 in-lbs | Yes, 3 speeds plus assist | Very broad DIY and yard |
| Craftsman V20 | Lowe's, Ace | 1,800 in-lbs | Yes, 3 speeds | Broad home and yard |
| Kobalt 24V Max | Lowe's | 2,000 to 2,400 in-lbs | Yes, 3 speeds | Moderate |
Hart's brushless driver matches its rivals on listed torque and usually undercuts them on price. What you give up is the speed selector, which matters most on small screws and soft materials. If most of your work is decks and fences, that hardly matters. If you build cabinets or assemble furniture, a 3-speed driver is easier to control.
Tips for getting the most from a Hart driver
- Feather the trigger. With no speed selector, the trigger is your only control. Start slow on small screws.
- Use impact-rated bits. Kit bits wear quickly. A good set of impact bits reduces cam-out and stripped heads.
- Pre-drill large lags. Drill a pilot hole for lags over 1/4 inch to avoid stalls and snapped bolts.
- Protect yourself. Wear eye protection, and hearing protection for long sessions.
- Finish critical fasteners by hand. Anything with a torque spec, like lug nuts, must be finished with a torque wrench.
Impact-rated bit sets on Amazon
Comparing Hart with other homeowner brands? See our best impact driver for DIY guide.
Verdict
The Hart 20V brushless impact driver is a strong value for homeowners: 2,200 in-lbs listed, a brushless motor and frequent Walmart discounts. Skip the brushed model unless it comes nearly free in a kit. The weaknesses are a single speed, thin official spec detail and a platform built for home use rather than trades. Buy Hart to get projects done cheaply, not as a lifelong pro system.
Frequently asked questions
Who makes Hart tools?
Hart tools are made for Walmart by Techtronic Industries (TTI), the company that also owns Ryobi, Milwaukee and makes Ridgid power tools. Hart has its own designs and battery system, and its batteries do not fit those other brands.
Are Hart batteries compatible with Ryobi?
No. Hart 20V and Ryobi ONE+ 18V use different battery shapes and terminals, even though both brands come from TTI. Use only Hart 20V packs in Hart 20V tools.
Is Hart good for professional use?
Hart is aimed at homeowners. Its brushless driver is capable enough for occasional heavy work, but the platform lacks the specialty tools, dealer service and jobsite availability that trades rely on. For daily paid work, a pro platform is the better investment.
What warranty do Hart power tools have?
Hart lists a 3-year limited warranty on most of its 20V cordless tools and batteries, with claims handled through Hart customer service and proof of purchase. Some outdoor tools carry different terms. Check the manual for your specific tool.
Is a Hart impact driver better than a Hyper Tough one?
Hart is Walmart's step-up brand and Hyper Tough its lowest-priced line. Hart's brushless driver has higher listed torque and a broader platform behind it. For anything beyond the lightest use, Hart is usually the better buy.