A few years back, we put the Flex 24V Quick-Eject Impact Driver to the test, and let’s just say, it made quite a statement. Now, Flex is releasing a new batch of flagship tools on its 24V line, including the One-Touch Impact Driver. At first glance, these tools seem very similar, but it’s clear that Flex put some real thought into this next-gen model.
Of course, the real question is whether these updates translate into meaningful improvements once the tool meets the fasteners. We put the FX1372 through our standard testing to see how it stacks up against its predecessor and some of the strongest impact drivers we’ve tested, so you can see how it measures up against the competition.
Pros
- Improved speed and power
- Excellent ergonomics
- Three speed modes + self-tapping modes
- Diffused LED light ring
- Hands-free bit ejection
Cons
- A little heavy
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Flex One-Touch Impact Driver Performance
At the heart of this impact driver, you have a brushless motor that churns out up to 4,100 RPMs, 4,550 IPM, and 2,500 in-lbs of torque. This is a slight improvement over the previous model, and it remains incredibly competitive in the Pro marketplace. In fact, looking back at our historical data, these numbers put the FX1372’s speed and impact rate at the top of the Pro category.
| Mode | Speed |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1,500 RPM |
| 2 | 2,000 RPM |
| 3 | 4,100 RPM |
It also features two special self-tapping modes to increase control while driving screws into thin (T1) or thick (T2) sheet metal.
To get a feel for how the FX1372 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 Flex’s strengths and weaknesses against other Pro brands. I also decided to test this impact driver with the kitted 5.0Ah battery, so you could know what to expect before you buy.
I’ll give you a brief description of the tests, but click the link below if you’d like more details.
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RSS Screw Test
- Material: Stack and glued OSB
- Fastener: 3/8 x 8-inch GRK RSS screw
- Result: Average of 3 runs
Flex completed this test with an average time of 5.84 seconds per screw. That remains consistent with what we experienced with the FX1371, which averaged 5.86 seconds. The similarities among these results aren’t too surprising, especially since Flex didn’t place much emphasis on improving speed and power.
Now, Flex already held the top position in this test, and the new version just bumped its advantage up a little. That means it also bests top-performing models like the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2953 (5.96 seconds), the Makita XGT GDT01 (13.11 seconds), and the DeWalt 20V Max XR DCF860 (7.54 seconds).
Bolt Break Test
- Material: Angle iron
- Fastener: 1 1/4-inch studs + 1 1/8-inch lug nuts
- Set Torque: 150 ft-lbs (1800 in-lbs)
- Result: Average of 8 bolts
During this test, the Flex FX1372 averaged 1.74 seconds per nut. Once again, this is right on par with the FX1371, which finished with a 1.75-second average. That places it alongside Milwaukee (1.54 seconds) and Ridgid’s 18V R862312 (1.93 seconds), as the only mainstream brands to finish under 2 seconds.
Looking at the other members of the Big 3 Pro brands, Makita (2.80 seconds) and DeWalt (2.56 seconds) were far from being the slowest, but Flex still put a healthy gap on them.
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Testing Analysis
So, where does the Flex FX1372 fall in the ranks?
It stands with the best of the best in terms of performance. Its overall size and weight are a little higher than the best in those categories, but its pure strength and driving power are undeniable. If those are key factors in your decision, Flex is a no-brainer.
Flex One-Touch Impact Driver Design Notes
Ergonomics
The Flex FX1372 weighs 2.4 pounds as a bare tool, 4.6 pounds with the kitted 5.0Ah battery, and measures 4.4 inches from tip to tail. This is slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor, but it still feels incredibly well-balanced even with the 5.0Ah battery.
Flex maintains the same rubber overmold and grip texture as the previous model, and the reduced head length makes it easier to work in tighter spaces.
One-Touch Ejection
Although running under a different name, Flex successfully carried over their One-Touch collet, but with one major improvement. Once called Quick-Eject, the One-Touch system utilizes a button on the front of the motor housing that opens and shuts the collet for quick bit swaps.
The major difference is that on the previous model, the button only opened the collet. Now, it will automatically eject the bit, so there’s no need to manually remove bits between applications.
It seems like a small detail, but it makes all the difference in the world when you’re dealing with hot drilling and driving bits.
Quick Model Comparison
Here’s a quick look at how the old quick-eject model compares to the new one-touch model:
| FX1371 (Old) | FX1372 (New) | |
|---|---|---|
| No-Load Speed | 0-1900 / 2700 / 4000 RPM | 0-1,500 / 2,000 / 4,100 RPM |
| Impact Rate | 0-1,300 / 3,600 / 4,450 IPM | 0-3,000 / 4,000 / 4,550 IPM |
| Max Torque | 2,500 in-lbs | 2,500 in-lbs |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs (bare tool) 4.9 lbs (with 5.0Ah battery) | 2.4 lbs (bare tool) 4.6 lbs (with 5.0Ah battery) |
| Head Length | 4.75 in. | 4.40 in. |
As you can see, Flex didn’t make any real drastic changes to their flagship impact driver. Rather, this update is methodical, calculated, and just goes to show that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Additional Features
- LED Light Ring: Quickly illuminate dark workspaces with 5 brightness settings to choose from
- Bit Holder: Easily store two hex-shank bits on the tool
- Two-Position Belt Hook: Customize the tool to fit your workflow
Should You Buy It?
The Flex FX1372 is a great example of a company knowing when to refine rather than reinvent. Flex didn’t completely overhaul its flagship impact driver, and honestly, it didn’t need to. The FX1371 was already a strong performer, and the new model builds on that foundation with a slightly smaller and lighter design, improved speed and power, and a much more convenient One-Touch collet.
Our testing confirmed these points. The FX1372 delivered performance that puts it right alongside some of the strongest impact drivers we’ve tested. It didn’t make a dramatic leap over the previous model in our hands-on testing, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The FX1371 was already a top performer, and Flex managed to maintain that performance while improving the overall package.
The One-Touch collet is probably the most meaningful day-to-day improvement. Automatically ejecting the bit instead of simply releasing it sounds like a small change, but it’s the kind of feature you appreciate when you’re constantly swapping out bits.
There are still some tradeoffs. The FX1372 still isn’t the smallest or lightest impact driver in its class, particularly when paired with the 5.0Ah battery. But if outright performance is high on your priority list, that added heft is easier to justify.
For Pros already invested in the Flex 24V platform, the FX1372 is an easy recommendation. It’s a thoughtful update to an already capable flagship model, and the combination of strong performance, excellent ergonomics, and the improved One-Touch collet makes it a very compelling choice. However, I don’t think those improvements alone are enough to justify ditching the FX1371 and upgrading.
The Flex FX1372 retails for $299 and comes with two 5.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a hard-shell storage case. Flex backs this impact driver with a 3-year warranty that bumps up to a full 5 years when you register within 30 days of purchase.
Specs
- Model: Flex FX1372
- Power Source: Flex 24V battery
- No-Load Speed: 0-1,500 / 2,000 / 4,100 RPM
- Impact Rate: 0-3,000 / 4,000 / 4,550 IPM
- Max Torque: 2,500 in-lbs
- Weight: 2.4 lbs (bare tool), 4.6 lbs (with 5.0Ah battery)
- Head Length: 4.4 in.
