The article is devoted to the analysis of known structures of impact devices used in industry in order to obtain recommendations for their adaptation or when creating new structures for wave strain hardening by surface plastic deformation. The analysis was carried out on the used drive and on the main parameters of impact devices: impact energy, impact frequency, relative metal consumption and efficiency. The options are the best combinations of parameters for electric, pneumatic and hydraulic drives. Recommendations are given on the use of such devices, with appropriate adaptation, as pulse generators for wave strain hardening.