Masterforce Gives Its Brushless Impact Driver a Boost Upgrade
Masterforce is a brand you may not have on your radar, but it’s definitely not one to ignore. The Masterforce Boost 20V cordless impact driver is priced to compete on the same level with popular Prosumer brands such as Ryobi, Craftsman, and Skil. We ran it through a series of tests to see how the Boost upgrade compares in this competitive class.
Pros
- LED halo (LOVE this!)
- Brushless motor with Boost upgrade
- 3 electronic speeds plus auto-mode
- One-handed bit change
Cons
- On the heavy side
Masterforce Boost 20V Cordless Impact Driver Performance
Making an Impact
Overall, we enjoyed the improved performance of this impact driver compared to its previous version. Even though both are brushless, the Boost model boasts higher specs across the board: 3100 RPM top speed, 3500 max IPM, and 2000 in-lbs of torque.
| 20V Brushless | 20V Boost Brushless | |
| Top Speed | 2800 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Max Impact Rate | 3300 IPM | 3500 IPM |
| Max Torque | 1700 in-lbs | 2000 in-lbs |
We tested it in both drilling and driving applications. On the drilling side, we easily powered through 2x using a 1/2-inch twist bit as well as a 3/4-inch spade bit, essentially converting our rather expensive lumber to swiss cheese. Impact drivers still aren’t the go-to for all drilling applications, so we still recommend getting the combo kit that includes the Boost hammer drill. However, this impact driver can handle a lot of your drilling needs if you want just one tool.
Turning our attention to driving capabilities, it unsurprisingly handled small screws and 3-inch lag bolts without any difficulty. If anything, its wider size may get in your way slightly during precision fastening, but it doesn’t have any issues driving even big screws. Even with larger structural screws such as 8-inch RSS screws from GRK Fasteners, the tool has no problem setting those.
Auto-Stop
You control this impact driver with three electronic speed settings and an auto-stop mode paired with a typical variable speed trigger. When you engage the auto-stop mode it will automatically stop rotation 1-2 seconds after the impacts begin. It’s useful when you need to prevent overdriving that causes damage to your material or fasteners.
I wanted to test how effective the assist mode really is when driving fasteners. We laid out a piece of pine 2×4 and proceeded to drive some drywall screws on the highest speed setting. It felt like the impact driver was going to send it all the way through the board. That’s exactly what we expect when we pair soft wood with small screws.
Next, I turned on the assist mode while still set to level 3 and the difference was night and day. The rotation stopped about one second after impacts began and left me with a perfectly countersunk screw.
Masterforce Cordless Impact Driver Design Notes
LED Halo Light
There seems to be some debate in the tool universe concerning the optimal placement for an LED work light. Should it go under the chuck? On the foot? Maybe the side? Like their previous model, there’s an LED halo surrounding the collet and it’s one of the best designs we’ve seen. Say bye-bye to annoying shadows!
Ergonomics
The tool feels very robust in a well-built sort of way. The grip favors larger hands and the rubber over-molded grip offers substantial grip even if you’re not wearing gloves or it’s a particularly hot day and your hands are sweaty.
As far as size is concerned, Masterforce’s design is on the larger side. However, it remains very well-balanced, unlike some impact drivers which can feel a little lop-sided when you insert a battery.
Overall, you’re looking at 2.8 pounds for the bare tool and 3.9 pounds when you add a 2.5Ah Boost battery. From front to back, it’s 5 7/8 inches long.
Masterforce Boost 20V Cordless Impact Driver Price
Masterforce is exclusively available at Menards and the bare tool runs $89.88. It’s $149.00 with a 2.5Ah Boost battery, charger, and stackable hard case.
If the 2-piece hammer drill/impact driver combo is more your speed, that kit runs $269.99 with a couple of 2.5Ah Boost batteries, charger, and soft bag.
Keep your eyes peeled because Menards often runs mail-in rebates and sale promotions so you just might snag it at a discount. This impact driver also carries a 3-year limited warranty and a 90-day return policy.
The Bottom Line
Masterforce’s Boost upgrade to their brushless impact driver resulted in extra power and speed that takes the tool up a notch. Even though it’s on the bulkier side of the Prosumer class, its sub-$150 kit price tag is pretty attractive if you’re looking for better performance than pure DIY models without the cost of a premium brand.
Masterforce Cordless Impact Driver Specifications
- Model: Masterforce 5740
- Collet: 1/4-inch hex
- Impact Rate: 3500 IPM
- Max Speed: 3100 RPM
- Max Torque: 2000 in-lbs
- Bare weight: 2.8 pounds
- Weight with 2.5Ah battery: 3.9 pounds
- Warranty: 3 years
