
The impact wrench is a powerful tool used for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts. Unlike their pneumatic cousins, they are not tied to an air compressor to work. Battery-powered impact wrenches have become more popular as battery technology improves, and they are now viable alternatives to their pneumatic counterparts.
In this test, we will be evaluating 18v impact wrenches on their power, speed, size, weight, comfort, durability, and price. We will also be comparing them to pneumatic impact wrenches to see how they stack up.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Weight | 2.5 lbs (without battery) to 7.5 lbs (with battery) |
Torque | 100 ft. lbs. to 1,500 ft. lbs. |
Speed | 450 RPM to 2,800 RPM |
Battery voltage | 12V, 18V, 20V, 24V, 36V, 40V |
Battery capacity | 2.0Ah, 2.5Ah, 3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, 6.0Ah |
Drive size | 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch |
What You'll Learn
Best Heavy-Duty Impact Wrenches
Impact wrenches are powerful tools that can make light work of tightening or loosening various hex-head bolts, nuts, and lag screws. They are a common feature in the repertoires of mechanics and DIY enthusiasts alike.
When choosing a heavy-duty impact wrench, it's important to consider factors such as power, speed, size, weight, and torque. Here are some of the best options currently on the market:
Ingersoll Rand 1-inch Cordless Impact Wrench (W9000 Series)
The Ingersoll Rand W9000 series offers an impressive 3000 ft-lbs of breakaway and 2200 ft-lbs of fastening torque, making it the most powerful cordless impact wrench in its class. With standard and extended anvils available, it uses a pair of batteries to spin the anvil at up to 890 RPM. At 25.9 lbs before adding the battery, it is a heavy tool but provides unparalleled power.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel ½-Inch Impact Wrench
Milwaukee's M18 Fuel impact wrench is a heavy-hitter, delivering 1400 ft-lbs of torque. With four modes, three different speeds, and a bolt removal mode, it offers excellent control and versatility. It easily broke loose and spun off lug nuts on a Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup truck during testing. The bolt removal mode also helps prevent damage to rusted threads.
DeWalt 20V Max XR ½-Inch Impact Wrench
The DeWalt 20V Max XR impact wrench is a high-torque tool that weighs 7.2 pounds with its 5-Ah battery. It effortlessly broke free and spun off lug nuts on a Ford F-250, even at the highest speed setting. Its weight gives the impression of a well-built tool that can withstand heavy-duty use. DeWalt also offers a wide range of battery options, making it easy to add to your collection of cordless tools.
Makita XWT08T 18V LXT
The Makita XWT08T 18V LXT impact wrench offers both tightening and loosening torque measurements over 850 ft-lbs, providing ample power for automotive work. It is on the heavier side but has a balanced feel, minimizing strain on the wrists. It comes with two 5-amp-hour batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag.
Porter-Cable 20V MAX
The Porter-Cable 20V MAX is a great option if you're looking for a balance between power and affordability. It delivers adequate loosening torque for most automotive jobs, although its longer head may make it tricky to use in small spaces.
When choosing a heavy-duty impact wrench, consider the specific applications you'll be using it for and select a tool that offers the power, torque, and control you need. Always prioritize build quality and durability to ensure your impact wrench can withstand the demands of heavy-duty tasks.
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Best Value Impact Wrenches
When it comes to value, you want an impact wrench that won't break the bank but will still get the job done. Here are some of the best value impact wrenches on the market:
- Hart Consumer Products Inc. 20-Volt Cordless Impact Wrench: This wallet-friendly 20-volt 1/2-inch cordless impact wrench is a solid pick for budget shoppers. It had no problem breaking loose large, rusty nuts and bolts on an old piece of farm equipment and removing lug nuts on a truck. It's also lightweight at just 3.3 pounds, making it easy to use for extended periods. The battery is sold separately, and it only has one speed setting, but for the price, it's a great option.
- Ryobi 18V One+ 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench: Ryobi's 18V One+ hits a price point that's hard to beat while still delivering impressive performance. It can remove lug nuts and rusty bolts with ease and drive 6-inch lag bolts into pressure-treated lumber. It has three speeds, which are useful for avoiding overtightening, and while it doesn't have a brushless motor, it's a capable tool for getting projects done around the house.
- Ridgid 18V SubCompact Impact Wrench: This impact wrench has a somewhat awkward look, with a compact head and a bulkier battery end. However, its smaller head can get into tighter spaces, and it has enough power to leave your mid-torque impact wrench on the sideline. It has a torque of 225 ft-lbs for breakaway and 200 ft-lbs for fastening, and it packs four modes to control its brushless motor. It's a great choice for automotive and construction work, and at $119 for the bare tool, it offers good value compared to other sub-compact impact wrenches.
- Kimo 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench: This compact 1/2-inch impact wrench is one of the quietest on the market, and its small dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces. While it has the weakest torque of the bunch, it's designed for removing wheels and other small tasks. It's extremely light and easy to use, and at around $68, it's a great budget option.
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Best Compact Impact Wrenches
If you're looking for a compact impact wrench, you'll want to consider the size, weight, and torque of the tool. Compact impact wrenches are typically smaller and lighter than full-sized models, making them ideal for working in tight spaces or overhead. While they may not have the same high torque specs as larger wrenches, they have more than enough power for most assembly and disassembly tasks. Here are some of the best compact impact wrenches on the market:
DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Compact 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
DeWalt's Atomic 20V Max Compact impact wrench is a powerful and compact tool that measures less than 5 inches from tip to tail. It features bolt modes that prevent overtightening and spin-off, and it has four speed settings. It's one of the most powerful compact wrenches on the market, but it's also the loudest model we tested.
DeWalt 20V Max XR 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
The DeWalt 20V Max XR is a high-torque impact wrench that weighs in at 7.2 pounds with a 5Ah battery. It has excellent nut-breaking power and is easy to spin off nuts. It features three speed settings and a rugged grip, making it comfortable and easy to use. However, its longer head can make it tricky to use in small spaces.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 3/8-Inch Mid-Torque Impact Wrench
Milwaukee's M18 Fuel 3/8-inch impact wrench is a compact and versatile tool that can handle a wide range of jobs. It features four mode settings, including a "drive control" mode that prevents overtightening and spin-offs. The compact body and LED lights make it ideal for tight, dark spaces. It's a professional-grade tool that can stand up to daily use.
Ridgid 18V SubCompact 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
The Ridgid 18V SubCompact impact wrench is a lightweight and compact option for light-duty work. It features a bolt-tightening mode that prevents overtightening, but it may not be powerful enough for bigger jobs. It's easy to handle in tight spaces and overhead, making it a good choice for those who need a manoeuvrable tool.
Kimo 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
The Kimo 1/2-inch impact wrench is one of the smallest and quietest impact wrenches on the market. It's packaged in the same size as a 1/4-inch impact wrench and can fit into small spaces. While it may not have the same torque as larger wrenches, it's ideal for removing wheels and other light-duty tasks.
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Best Impact Wrenches for Beginners
If you're a beginner looking for an impact wrench, you'll want something that's easy to use and doesn't require a lot of muscle to operate. Here are some of the best impact wrenches that are suitable for beginners:
Ryobi 18V One+ ½-Inch Impact Wrench
This impact wrench is a great option for beginners as it is lightweight at only 2.3 lbs, making it easy to handle. It has three speeds and an auto-tightening mode that helps prevent overtightening. With a torque of up to 275 ft-lb, it can handle most basic tasks around the house. The brushless motor prolongs the life of the tool, making it suitable for daily use. The built-in LED lights provide good visibility even in low-light conditions. This model is also one of the most affordable options available.
Ridgid 18V SubCompact Impact Wrench Kit
The Ridgid SubCompact impact wrench is another lightweight option, weighing only 3.6 lbs without the battery. It delivers a torque of up to 500 ft-lb for fastening and 650 ft-lb for breakaway, making it suitable for tasks like removing and replacing lug nuts. The auto-tightening mode prevents overtightening, and the pin detent does a good job of holding onto the socket. While it may struggle with very tight bolts or larger lag bolts, it is still a good choice for light-duty work.
Hart Consumer Products Inc. 20-Volt Cordless Impact Wrench
This 20-volt cordless impact wrench is a good budget-friendly option for beginners. It has a friction ring that allows for quick socket changes, making it easy to switch between tasks. Weighing only 3.3 lbs, it is lightweight and easy to use for extended periods. While it only has one speed setting and lacks a brushless motor, it is still capable of handling tasks like removing lug nuts and large, rusty nuts and bolts.
DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench Kit
The DeWalt 20V MAX is a well-constructed impact wrench that would be a great addition to any beginner's tool set. With a torque of up to 700 ft-lb for fastening and 1,200 ft-lb for breakaway, it can handle most heavy-duty tasks with ease. It has three speed settings and a brushless motor that promises a long lifetime. While it is on the heavier side at 6.4 lbs, it is still easy to use and provides good value for money.
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Impact Wrench Weight and Size Considerations
When it comes to impact wrenches, weight and size are important factors to consider, as they can impact the tool's ease of use, versatility, and manoeuvrability. Here are some key considerations regarding weight and size:
Weight
The weight of an impact wrench can affect user fatigue during prolonged use. Heavier wrenches may cause strain on the user's arms and wrists, especially during overhead work or when working in tight spaces. Lighter wrenches are generally more manoeuvrable and can reduce fatigue. Some impact wrenches have weight distributions that make them easier to handle, even if their overall weight is on the heavier side. Additionally, the weight of the battery attached to the wrench can further impact the overall weight and balance of the tool.
Size
The size of an impact wrench, particularly the head size, plays a crucial role in its ability to access tight spaces. Compact and subcompact impact wrenches have shorter and less bulky heads that can more easily fit into confined areas. On the other hand, full-size impact wrenches have larger and longer heads, contributing to their higher torque specs. They are ideal for heavy-duty tasks and removing stubborn, rusted nuts and bolts. When choosing an impact wrench, consider the spaces in which you'll be working and select a size that can manoeuvre comfortably within those areas.
Voltage and Power
Impact wrenches with higher voltages, such as 18V or 20V, tend to offer more power and torque. This increased power can be advantageous for tackling tougher tasks. However, it's worth noting that higher voltage doesn't always equate to more power, as other factors like battery capacity and motor type also play a role. Additionally, smaller 12V impact wrenches can be more compact and better suited for smaller jobs or working in tight spaces.
Torque
When considering weight and size, it's important to also factor in the torque requirements for your tasks. Higher torque values generally equate to more power. Impact wrenches with higher torque specs tend to have larger and heavier builds. If you require a compact wrench for light-duty applications, look for models with lower torque values. Conversely, if you need an impact wrench for heavy-duty tasks, opt for a model with higher torque specs, even if it means a slightly larger and heavier tool.
When deciding on an impact wrench, carefully consider the weight and size in conjunction with your intended applications. If you frequently work in confined spaces, a compact or subcompact model with a smaller head may be ideal. However, if you need to tackle heavy-duty tasks, a full-size impact wrench with higher torque specs might be a better choice, even if it means a slightly larger and bulkier tool. Ultimately, the best impact wrench for you will balance weight, size, and power to suit your specific needs.
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Frequently asked questions
An impact wrench is used for tightening and loosening various hex-head bolts, nuts, and lag screws. It is ideal for heavy-duty automotive work and can be used for changing tires.
Impact wrenches deliver more torque than impact drivers and are used for heavy-duty tasks. Impact drivers are more compact and are designed for driving screws and smaller bolts.
Yes, impact wrenches are specifically designed to quickly and efficiently remove stubborn lug nuts, making them essential for automotive work.
It depends on your needs. Cordless models offer mobility and convenience, while corded models provide consistent power. Compressed air impact wrenches have higher torque capabilities and are more affordable, but they are not portable.
For most automotive applications, an impact wrench with a torque of around 100 to 500 foot-pounds is sufficient. However, for heavy-duty tasks like removing rusted axle nuts, you may require higher torque.