Greenworks is challenging the power tool market by offering Pro-level performance at a lower cost. Today, I’m sharing what I learned by testing the Greenworks 24V Pro impact driver (model ID5250). With a kit price just under $100, can it really keep up with more expensive models, including premium options from brands like Milwaukee and DeWalt?
We put it through the same test we run for our head-to-head reviews to see how it stacks up.
Pros
- Pro-grade speed and power
- Compact form factor
- LED light doubles as a work light
- Excellent kit value
Cons
- Step down in performance compared to premium models
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Greenworks 24V Pro Impact Driver Performance
Speed and Power
Looking purely at the spec sheet, the Greenworks ID5250 certainly looks the part of a Pro-grade impact driver. It sports a brushless motor that churns out up to 3,600 RPMs, 4,500 IPM, and up to 2,200 in-lbs of torque.
That puts it squarely in competition with some of the top names in this field, including the DeWalt DCF860, Ridgid R862312, and the Milwaukee 2953. Here’s a quick look at how these impact drivers stack up:
| Model | Top Speed | Impact Rate | Max Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenworks ID5250 | 3,600 RPM | 4,500 IPM | 2,200 in-lbs |
| DeWalt 20V Max DCF860 | 3,800 RPM | 4,500 IPM | 2,500 in-lbs |
| Ridgid R862312 | 3,400 RPM | 4,300 IPM | 2,400 in-lbs |
| Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2953 | 3,900 RPM | 4,400 IPM | 2,000 in-lbs |
Like many impact drivers, the ID5250 features three main speed modes and an auto-shutdown mode to prevent overdriving or damaging your workpiece.
Hands-On Testing
To get a feel for how the ID5250 performs under pressure, I set up two of our standard impact driver tests and compared the results to other models we’ve tested. Those numbers give us a good idea of Greenworks’ strengths and weaknesses against other Pro brands.
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RSS Screw Test
Our first fastening test falls into the medium-duty category. For this evaluation, we drive three 3/8-inch x 8-inch GRK Rugged Structural Screws (RSS) flush into a stacked and glued OSB subflooring test block. To keep things consistent, we drill a 2-inch pilot hole before each run to ensure the fastener starts straight, then average the times from all three drives.
While this test doesn’t push an impact driver to its absolute limits, it’s a considerable step up from driving standard deck screws. More importantly, it gives us a good look at real-world fastening performance. Success here requires more than just raw speed; the best-performing tools need to balance speed, torque, and impact rate to drive each fastener quickly and consistently without bogging down.
In this case, Greenworks sank these screws with an average time of 10.13 seconds. It holds its own against other top brands, like the Metabo HPT 36V Triple Hammer WH36DC and Hilti’s SID 6-22, which posted times of 9.54 seconds and 10.37 seconds, respectively.
However, the top of the food chain was quite a bit faster. Here’s what the best time was, plus the Big 3’s results:
| Model | Average Time | Head-to-Head Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Flex FX1371 | 5.86 seconds | 1st place |
| Milwaukee 2953 | 5.96 seconds | 2nd place |
| DeWalt DCF860 | 7.54 seconds | 5th place |
| Greenworks Pro ID5250 | 10.13 seconds | 10th place |
| Makita GDT01 | 13.11 seconds | 12th place |
Note: Rankings adjusted to reflect where Greenworks would have placed in the head-to-head results.
Bolt Break Test
Our second test shifts gears from driving fasteners to breaking them loose. Using our dedicated test rig, we torque eight 1 1/4-inch lug nuts onto matching 1 1/8-inch semi-truck studs to 150 ft-lbs (1,800 in-lbs) with a digital torque wrench. From there, we use the impact driver to remove all eight nuts, record the total time, and average the results.
Although we use the same heavy-duty lug nuts for our impact wrench testing, we intentionally dial back the torque to better match the capabilities of impact drivers. At 1,800 in-lbs, every model we include in this test should have enough power to complete the task. We won’t run impact drivers rated below 1,800 in-lbs on this rig. Instead of simply measuring whether a tool can break the fasteners loose, this test provides a consistent way to assess how efficiently each impact driver uses its available power under a heavy load.
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The Greenworks ID5250 completed this test with a total time of 20.85 seconds, or 2.61 seconds per nut. Once again, this high-value impact driver falls in the middle of the pack in terms of performance, proving it can keep pace in the Pro category. In this test, Greenworks bested Bosch, Hilti, Makita, and Metabo HPT… and that speaks volumes for the product team.
However, the top time was noticeably faster with Milwaukee taking the number one spot. Here’s how Greenworks fared against them:
| Model | Average Time | Head-to-Head Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 2953 | 1.54 seconds | 1st place |
| DeWalt DCF860 | 2.56 seconds | 5th place |
| Greenworks Pro ID5250 | 2.61 seconds | 6th place |
| Makita GDT01 | 2.80 seconds | 9th place |
Note: Rankings adjusted to reflect where Greenworks would have placed in the head-to-head results.
Analysis
What these results show is that the Greenworks 24V Pro impact driver really does keep up with other Pro-grade models in performance. It doesn’t really challenge the top performers, but it’s not a cellar-dweller, either.
Greenworks 24V Pro Impact Driver Design Notes
Ergonomics
The Greenworks Pro 24V impact driver weighs 2.3 pounds as a bare tool, 3.3 pounds with the kitted 2.0Ah battery, and measures 4.6 inches from tip to tail. The weight is mid-range compared to other Pro models on the market, but the length is among the more compact models.
Its compact profile makes it an ideal choice for working in areas with limited space, such as a cabinet or engine bay. Additionally, pairing it with a 2.0Ah battery keeps the overall weight down, leading to less wrist fatigue during those long work days.
Greenworks definitely had durability in mind when they designed this tool. The tool body sports a very generous amount of rubber overmolding, including a few rubber bumpers on the top and sides of the tool body and around the collet.
Overall, this tool feels really good in my hands. The rubber overmold has some texturing, but it’s not overly aggressive, so work gloves aren’t necessary. Using the compact 2.0Ah battery, it’s also very well-balanced and easy to maneuver.
LED Worklight
One cool feature on this impact driver is the work light mode. Similar to the DeWalt DCF860, the ID5250 can easily double as a worklight with the push of a button. When activated, the light will stay on for 10 minutes and automatically turn off once the time has elapsed.
This is a huge benefit when dragging along a separate work light may be cumbersome. I can see this being especially useful while working in an attic or crawlspace, where space is at a premium.
Additional Features
- One-handed Bit Insertion: Easily insert bits with one hand
- Tether Ready: A tether point on the foot of the tool improves safety when working at height
Greenworks 24V Pro Impact Driver Price
The Greenworks ID5250 retails for just $99.97 as a kit and comes with a 2.0Ah battery, USB-C charging cable, and a 65W charging brick. Greenworks backs this impact driver with a 5-year tool warranty and a 3-year warranty on the battery.
Realistically, it’s not only value-minded Pros that a price like this will attract. Considering the performance, it’s a solid upgrade for DIYers who want higher quality without the premium price.
Should You Buy It?
After getting some hands-on time with the Greenworks 24V Pro impact driver, several things became clear. It’s not going to dethrone the top-tier premium impact drivers. Greenworks never claimed it would. However, its performance does put it in the Pro class, and the component upgrades the product team told us are under the hood back that up.
So, the big question—should you buy it?
Is it as fast as Milwaukee or DeWalt? No, but for $100, it’s tempting.
For me, this is a no-brainer if you’re more concerned about value than top-end performance. It has relevant speed and power, and the price tag is almost too low to ignore. With that said, if you’re on the hunt for a competitive impact driver that won’t break the bank, the Greenworks ID5250 deserves your consideration.
Specs
- Model: Greenworks ID5250
- Power Source: Greenworks 24V battery
- No-Load Speed: 3,600 RPM
- Impact Rate: 4,500 IPM
- Max Torque: 2,200 in-lbs
- Weight: 2.3 lbs (bare tool), 3.3 lbs (with 2.0Ah battery)
- Head Length: 4.6 in.
- Collet: 1/4 in. hex
