Impact wrenches aren’t just for professionals, and if you plan on doing routine maintenance on your automobile, it’s a good idea to invest in one.
When visiting an automotive repair shop or dealership, there’s a strong possibility you’ve seen or heard an impact wrench.
They aren’t necessarily expert tools, but if you plan on doing routine maintenance on your automobile, investing in an impact wrench is a good idea.
An impact wrench, like other power tools, is designed to make your life and job easier.
More crucially, there is now a large selection of options from various manufacturers, including battery-powered cordless impact wrenches.
Check out the table of contents for additional information on impact wrenches, but for now, here’s some information on the best impact wrenches for your car and garage.
Types of Impact Wrenches
Impact wrenches are currently offered in three different types: air, electric, and cordless.
Professional mechanics prefer air impact wrenches, also known as pneumatic wrenches because they are the most powerful and popular, but they require an air compressor, making them inconvenient to use at home.
They’re also connected to an airline, which makes them difficult to utilize inside a garage.
If you’re looking for a home impact wrench, we suggest looking at electric and cordless versions.
Electric impact wrenches have a lot of power, but they require a power source, which isn’t always handy for automobile owners. Top 10 best corded impact wrenches.
It also has the same drawback as an air impact wrench in that it is attached to a cord, making it difficult to move around depending on what you’re using it for.
Individual car owners are more likely to use cordless impact wrenches. They are more pricey, but they provide excellent performance without the need for a cord.
Of course, the fact that they’re battery-powered means that you’ll have to charge one or keep a fully charged spare on hand.
They are also heavier than conventional impact wrenches since they require a battery to work.
They may not be as forceful as a corded electric or pneumatic impact, but they are more than enough for regular use.
Why Do I Need an Impact Wrench?
If you work on your automobile on a daily basis, an impact wrench is a helpful tool to have.
Traditional hand wrenches and socket wrenches can get monotonous after a while, and impact wrenches can remove even the most difficult and rusty nuts and bolts.
Another advantage of possessing an impact wrench is that it can be used for more than just autos; it can also be used for other jobs around the house.
An impact wrench can be useful in a variety of scenarios. You may need to remove the lug nuts from your car in order to rotate the tires yourself, or you may need to replace your braking rotors or pads.
Maybe you’re rebuilding an engine and don’t want to go through each and every nut and bolt by hand.
An impact wrench can reduce the amount of time and effort required for any activity, and they function effectively even in confined locations.
Can I Use an Impact Wrench for Everything?
While impact wrenches are quite useful in the majority of situations, there are moments when you do not want to use one.
When utilizing an impact, there’s always the risk of overtightening a nut or bolt, resulting in stripped threads or a weaker bolt.
Use a torque wrench instead if what you’re working on requires a specified torque value. Furthermore, you should never use an impact wrench to drive a bolt in.
It’s advisable to start your bolt by hand before tightening it with an impact wrench to avoid cross-threading.
Also, be sure you’re using sockets that are suited for impact wrenches.
Standard sockets aren’t made to withstand the force of an impact wrench, and they can slip, crack, or break.
If you’re going to buy an impact wrench, you should also get a set of impact sockets.
How to Choose the Right Impact Wrench
If you’re going to use it on your automobile, you’re probably looking for a cordless impact wrench.
A cordless unit is the way to go unless you’re intending to invest in an air compressor for your garage.
However, there are certain aspects to consider regardless of the sort of impact wrench you want to purchase.
The maximum torque offered by the impact wrench is the first and possibly most essential characteristic. The higher the torque, the more adaptable and capable an impact wrench is.
Whether you’re buying a corded or cordless impact wrench, you’ll want to pay attention to the weight.
Naturally, cordless ones will be heavier due to their battery, but you should establish a limit on what you’re willing to put up with.
The more time you spend with a large impact wrench, the more exhausting it becomes.
You may be able to compromise torque for size depending on what you want to use the impact wrench for.
A smaller torque wrench allows you to work in tighter locations, which is important to remember if your job requires it.
The size of the drive/socket is critical, and you’ll want to make sure you obtain exactly what you need. 1/2 inch is the most frequent, followed by 3/8 inch.
To round up your toolkit, get a socket set optimized for use with impact wrenches.
Torque adjustment is available on some impact wrenches, allowing you to modify the torque output.
This feature can be useful in some situations, such as when you don’t want to overtighten a nut or bolt.
Comfort should also be considered, especially for lengthy assignments.
The last thing you want is to get an impact wrench that is difficult to grip or hold.
To prevent hand strain, look for ergonomic handle grips or even anti-vibration features.
Finally, like with other power tools, you’ll want to ensure sure the impact wrench comes with some kind of guarantee.
One- to two-year warranties are common, while more expensive impacts may include a three-year or even a lifetime warranty.
Top 10 Best Impact Wrenches
1. Dewalt 20V 1/2-inch Impact Wrench (DCF899P1)
If you need a cordless impact wrench, Dewalt has a brushless high torque 1/2-inch model with a 1/2-inch anvil and detent pin that gives 1,200 ft-lbs of loosening torque and 700 ft-lbs of max torque.
It has a three-speed control selection (400, 1200, and 1900 RPM) and an LED work light with a 20-second delay, which comes in helpful when working in your engine compartment or in a dimly lighted situation.
Because it uses a battery, the impact wrench features a comfortable grip handle and weighs 7.2 lbs. It has a small footprint, measuring 8.81 inches in length. Dewalt’s cordless impact wrench has a 2,400-impact-per-minute rate.
The 20v impact wrench, a 5.0 Ah battery, and a multi-voltage charger are all included in the box.
PROS : Compact design, cordless, adjustable power, LED work light
CONS : Because it is powered by a battery, it is heavier than an air or corded impact wrench.
2. Aircat Killer Torque 1/2-inch Impact Wrench (1150)
The Aircat Killer Torque is a 1/2-inch air impact wrench with 1,295 foot-pounds of loosening torque and a maximum torque of 900 ft-lbs.
It is one of the most popular impact wrenches offered on Amazon. With 1,400 blows per minute, Aircat claims its impact wrench is the strongest hard-hitting twin hammer 1/2-inch wrench on the market.
It’s also fairly quiet, with an operational noise level of 86 dB.
The impact is equipped with a proprietary, ergonomically designed handle that reduces tension and fatigue in your hands, wrists, and arms. It weighs 4.5 pounds, so it’s not too cumbersome to carry for long periods of time.
The impact wrench also has a revolutionary tuned exhaust muffler technology, which allows discharged air to pass without creating backpressure, which helps it keep power.
A two-year parts and labor guarantee is included with the Killer Torque impact wrench, which also comes with a 3/8-inch ratchet, impact adaptor, and extension bar.
However, if you want to get the most out of the impact wrench, don’t use a hose that’s longer than 25 feet, and don’t use a quick connect at the gun.
If you’re going to use this impact wrench in a garage where you’ll need a hose longer than 25 feet, keep that in mind.
PROS : Unique tuned exhaust muffler technology, powerful, silent, lightweight, ergonomically built handle
CONS : It is not recommended that you use this with a hose that is longer than 25 feet or a quick connect.
3. Porter-Cable 1/2-inch Impact Wrench (PCE211)
The Porter-Cable PCE211 is another cheap corded electric impact wrench. It has a 7.5-amp motor that produces 450 ft-lbs of torque.
The impact speed is 2,200 RPM and 2,700 BPM for this particular impact. It has a 1/2-inch hog ring anvil and a forward/reverse rocker control for quick socket changes.
It weighs 7.8 lbs, which is comparable to other cordless battery-powered impacts.
This corded electric impact is more powerful than the Hammerhead device on the list, but it’s still no match for an air impact or even some cordless models.
If you don’t want to set up an air compressor at home and have simple access to a power outlet, this is a cost-effective alternative.
For more lengthy or heavy-duty jobs, though, you’ll need something with a higher torque output.
A three-year limited warranty is included with the Porter-Cable PCE211.
PROS : Three-year warranty, reasonable price, and adequate power for a corded electric
CONS : More powerful choices are available in terms of weight.
4. Ingersoll Rand 1/2-inch Super-Duty Air Impact Wrench (231C)
The Ingersoll Rand 1/2-inch Super-Duty is an air impact wrench with a classic and durable design that has a maximum torque of 600 ft-lbs.
It has a power regulator that may be adjusted to control the torque output.
The Ingersoll Rand Super-Duty impact wrench is easy to use and maintain thanks to its ergonomic two-piece design.
This impact has a twin-hammer mechanism with 8,000 rpm rotational rates and 1,200 blows per minute. It’s a little on the heavy side at 5.8 pounds, but it’s one of the more compact units for reducing stress on your hands and wrists.
However, if you plan to use it in your garage, keep in mind that it has a sound pressure rating of 99 decibels.
A one-year warranty is included.
PROS : Compact design, adjustable power, solid power, heavy-duty construction, twin-hammer mechanism
CONS : Heavy and loud
5. NitroCat 1/2-inch Kevlar Composite Air Impact Wrench (1200-K)
NitroCat has released yet another pneumatic impact wrench, this time driven by a hard-hitting twin-clutch mechanism.
This 4.5-pound impact has a Kevlar composite housing and an ergonomically designed grip to decrease hand and writing fatigue.
It has a loosening torque of 1,295 ft-lbs and a maximum torque of 900 ft-lbs, as well as an easy-to-use flip lever for the forward and reverses options.
The NitroCat 1200-K has a maximum speed of 8,000 rpm and 950 hits per minute.
Because it’s made by Aircat, it has the same proprietary tuned exhaust muffler technology that allows discharged air to travel through without creating backpressure.
PROS : Twin clutch system is lightweight, quiet, and powerful.
CONS : Sensitive trigger
6. Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-inch Impact Wrench (2763-20)
Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel impact wrench is yet another cordless choice. This cordless tool has a maximum torque of 1,100 ft-lbs and a maximum fastening torque of 700 ft-lbs.
It has a brushless motor that, according to the manufacturer, runs cooler than its competitors and has no wearing components.
Users can choose between two operation modes: one that gives up to 100 ft-lbs of maximum fastening torque, and another that unlocks the full 700 ft-lbs of maximum fastening torque potential.
A 1/2-inch anvil with a friction ring is included for quick and easy socket changes. Unfortunately, it does not include a battery, thus the total package is slightly more expensive than the Dewalt kit.
The impact wrench, on the other hand, comes with a five-year warranty from Milwaukee, which is one of the finest in the market.
PROS : Brushless motor, cordless, powerful, long-lasting batteries, multiple operation modes, five-year warranty
CONS : Battery is not included, the price is high, and the batteries take a long time to charge.
7. Hammerhead 1/2-inch Impact Wrench (HDIW075)
Although corded electric impact wrenches aren’t as popular as they once were, the Hammerhead 1/2-inch impact wrench is a good choice.
The Hammerhead impact wrench produces 240 ft-lbs of torque at 2,200 RPM and 2,700 BPM with a 7.5-amp motor.
It incorporates a 1/2-inch square drive with a friction ring to keep the socket firmly in place, as well as a metal gearbox for added durability.
This impact wrench is great if you want to save money and don’t need a high-powered impact.
It is powered by a common home electrical socket. A non-slip grip and a forward/reverse rocker switch are included for increased comfort and control.
A three-year limited guarantee is included with this impact wrench.
PROS : Price, non-slip grip, three-year warranty, corded electric
CONS : Not very strong
8. Campbell Hausfeld 1/2-inch Impact Wrench (TL140200AV)
Campbell Hausfeld offers a low-cost air impact wrench with up to 550 ft-lbs of torque, 8,000 rpm, and 1,200 hits per minute.
It has a three-speed power regulator, making it simple to choose the right speed.
The impact has a solid composite build and is powered by a twin hammer mechanism for a long-lasting, durable instrument.
One of the advantages of this impact wrench is that it is lightweight, weighing only 4.4 pounds, making it one of the lightest pneumatic impacts wrenches on the market.
If you already have an air compressor at home and want a low-cost impact wrench that won’t see a lot of use, this is the impact wrench for you.
A one-year limited guarantee is included with this Campbell Hausfeld air impact wrench.
PROS : Price, twin hammer mechanism, composite design studies, and weight are all factors to consider.
CONS : One-year limited warranty & mid-range power
9. Makita Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-inch Impact Wrench (XWT08Z)
Makita, a well-known power tool company, offers a cordless 1/2-inch impact wrench. It’s available as a standalone tool or as part of a complete kit that includes a battery and charger.
The brushless motor of Makita’s impact wrench produces 740 ft-lbs of maximum torque and 1,180 ft-lbs of breakaway torque.
It contains a three-speed power switch that lets you choose between 900 RPM/1,800 IPM, 1,000 RPM/2,000 IPM, and 1,800 RPM/2,200 IPM.
Dual LED lights with preglow and afterglow are also built-in to help brighten the work area.
A 1/2-inch anvil with a friction ring is included with the impact, allowing for quick and easy socket adjustments.
Makita’s 18V lithium-ion batteries are used in this cordless impact, and they are reported to have the fastest charge times in their categories.
A tool hook locks the tool when it’s not in use, which is a good touch.
Overall, it’s a little device, measuring 9 inches in length and weighing 7.9 pounds with the battery.
The Makita impact wrench comes with a three-year guaranteed warranty and is only compatible with authentic Makita batteries and chargers.
PROS : Compact and light for a cordless impact, with dual LED lights, power selection, and a three-year warranty.
CONS : Because the battery and charger are offered separately, a complete kit can be somewhat pricey.
10. Ryobi 1/2-inch Impact Wrench (P1833)
If you’ve ever perused a local hardware store, you’ve probably come across the Ryobi brand, which is similar to Makita and Dewalt.
The Ryobi P261 is an 18v 1/2-inch cordless impact wrench with a three-speed selection – 1,800 RPM, 2,300 RPM, and 2,900 RPM.
It’s part of the company’s One+ range of products. It has a torque of 300 ft-lbs, which is on the lower end of the list, but it’s also less expensive than other cordless impacts.
It has a tri-beam LED light that helps in low-light circumstances and can deliver up to 3,200 impacts per minute.
Because all of Ryobi’s One+ products utilize the same battery and charger, you can get by simply buying the impact wrench if you already own one of the company’s 18v batteries.
For a quick and secure socket connection, the P261 features a 1/2-inch square anvil with detent pin retention.
Without the battery, it weighs 3.45 lbs. The total weight will vary depending on the Ryobi One+ battery you select.
A three-year warranty is included with this impact.
PROS : Price, three-year warranty, 3,200 hits per minute, three-speed selection, tri-beam LED, price, weight
CONS : Torque is limited.
FAQs About Best Impact Wrenches
What is the best brand of air impact wrench?
- Top 10 Best Impact Wrenches
- 1. Dewalt 20V 1/2-inch Impact Wrench (DCF899P1)
- 2. Aircat Killer Torque 1/2-inch Impact Wrench (1150)
- 3. Porter-Cable 1/2-inch Impact Wrench (PCE211)
- 4. Ingersoll Rand 1/2-inch Super-Duty Air Impact Wrench (231C)
- 5. NitroCat 1/2-inch Kevlar Composite Air Impact Wrench (1200-K)
- 6. Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-inch Impact Wrench (2763-20)
- 7. Hammerhead 1/2-inch Impact Wrench (HDIW075)
- 8. Campbell Hausfeld 1/2-inch Impact Wrench (TL140200AV)
- 9. Makita Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-inch Impact Wrench (XWT08Z)
- 10. Ryobi 1/2-inch Impact Wrench (P1833)
Are impact wrenches worth it?
An impact wrench and the compressor required would be costly only until they were utilized. They make life a whole lot easier. Even if you think you’ll only utilize it for a few jobs at first, once you have it, you’ll most likely find further opportunities.
Which impact driver has the most torque?
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Surge delivered the most torque of any 12V impact driver we tested. It also made far less noise than any other impact driver we’d tried. The self-tapping screw mode is one of the Milwaukee 2553’s standout characteristics.
What size air compressor is needed to run an impact wrench?
For a 12-inch impact wrench, you’ll need a 4-5 CFM @90 PSI air compressor. For example, a 1′′ drive impact wrench requires 10 CFM @90 PSI, a 12″ drive requires 4 CFM @90 PSI, and a 38″ drive requires 3 CFM @90 PSI.
Will a cordless impact wrench remove lug nuts?
They are also used by workers in the construction industry and many other trades that require a high torque output. Cordless 18V impact wrenches that are powerful enough to loosen lug nuts that are roughly tightened at 100 feet of torque are now readily available.
