Right Angle Impact: 18V Wrenches For Tight Spaces

The Milwaukee M18™ 18V Right Angle Impact Wrench is a powerful and versatile tool that offers maximum access and speed for hard-to-reach fastening applications. With its compact design, bright LED light, and two-speed settings, it is ideal for working in confined spaces. The 36mm-43mm head profile allows users to fit the tool into tight spaces that pistol-grip impact tools can't access. The extended paddle switch enables users to operate the tool from multiple grip points, providing ultimate control. This impact wrench is the only tool in its class to offer multiple speed/torque modes through its proprietary 2-Mode Drive Control™ technology.

Speed and torque modes

Speed and torque settings are crucial for controlling an 18V right-angle impact wrench and avoiding overtightening fasteners or spinning off lug nuts. Most impact wrenches offer three or four speed settings, with higher-end models providing greater control over the tool's performance.

The Milwaukee M18 2-Speed 3/8" Right Angle Impact Wrench is the only tool in its class with multiple speed/torque modes, featuring two modes with torque settings of 30 ft-lbs and 60 ft-lbs, respectively. This model also has an extended paddle switch, allowing users to operate the tool from multiple grip points.

The Ridgid 18V Right Angle Impact Wrench offers three primary speed settings and an Auto Mode. Auto Mode helps prevent over-tightening and automatically stops once a bolt is loosened. This model has a max breakaway torque of 250 ft-lbs and a max impact rate of 3800 IPM.

The AEG 18V Sub-Compact 1/2" Right Angle Impact Wrench provides four drive modes for enhanced control, with the following speed and torque settings: Drive mode 1 (1,350 IPM/126 Nm), Drive mode 2 (2,700 IPM/224 Nm), and Drive mode 3 (3,600 IPM/282 Nm). It also features an Auto Shut-Off mode at 20 Nm to prevent overtightening.

The Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8" Right Angle Impact Wrench has four modes, with the fourth mode featuring auto-shutoff in forward and bolt removal mode in reverse. It can produce up to 220 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque.

The DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Compact 1/2" Impact Wrench has four speed settings and a bolt removal mode that prevents overtightening and spin-off. This model is ideal for working in tight spaces.

REDLINK Intelligence

The REDLINK Intelligence feature is included in the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3/8 in. Right Angle Impact Wrench, the Milwaukee M18BRAIW-0 M18 18V 3/8" 76Nm Right Angle Impact Wrench, and the Milwaukee M18 Cordless 2-Speed 3/8" Right Angle Impact Wrench.

The Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3/8 in. Right Angle Impact Wrench is the industry's most powerful right-angle impact wrench. It delivers up to 220 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque without kickback. This durable cordless impact wrench easily fits into tighter spaces than traditional pistol-grip impact wrenches with a profile head of only 2.2 inches, reducing the user's need for socket extensions.

The Milwaukee M18BRAIW-0 M18 18V 3/8" 76Nm Right Angle Impact Wrench offers maximum access and ultimate speed and control over hard-to-reach fastening applications. Its 36mm head profile fits where pistol-grip impact tools cannot, and its extended paddle switch allows tradesmen to operate the tool from multiple grip points.

The Milwaukee M18 Cordless 2-Speed 3/8" Right Angle Impact Wrench offers users maximum access and ultimate speed and control over their hard-to-reach fastening applications. Its 1.7-inch head profile fits where pistol-grip impact tools cannot, and its extended paddle switch allows users to operate the tool from multiple grip points.

Battery and charger

The Milwaukee M18 18V Right Angle Impact Wrench is available as a tool-only unit, meaning that the battery and charger are sold separately. This allows users to choose from Milwaukee's range of M18 REDLITHIUM batteries and chargers that best suit their needs.

The M18 REDLITHIUM battery platform offers a range of battery capacities, such as the M18 REDLITHIUM 4.0Ah battery, which provides a balance between capacity and weight. Higher capacity batteries, such as the 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah batteries, offer longer runtime but may add slightly more weight to the tool. Milwaukee also offers a M18 Six Pack Sequential Charger, which can charge multiple batteries sequentially, ensuring that you always have a charged battery ready for use.

The REDLITHIUM batteries feature Milwaukee's REDLINK Intelligence, which provides optimized performance and protection for both the tool and the battery. This technology allows for total system communication between the tool, battery, and charger, ensuring a seamless and efficient workflow.

It's important to note that the M18 18V Right Angle Impact Wrench is designed to work specifically with Milwaukee's M18 battery platform. Using batteries and chargers from other manufacturers or platforms may not be compatible and could potentially void the tool's warranty. Therefore, it is recommended to stick with Milwaukee's M18 battery and charger options for the best performance, safety, and longevity of the tool.

By offering the tool-only option, Milwaukee provides users with the flexibility to choose the battery and charger configuration that best suits their needs, whether it's maximizing runtime with higher capacity batteries or minimizing weight with smaller batteries, all while ensuring optimal performance and protection through REDLINK Intelligence.

Head profile

The head profile of an 18V right-angle impact wrench is an important consideration when choosing which tool to purchase. The head profile refers to the dimensions of the tool's head, specifically its width and height. A compact head design allows for greater access to tight spaces, making it easier to work in confined areas.

The Milwaukee M18 18V Right Angle Impact Wrench, for example, has a head profile of 43mm, which allows it to fit into spaces where pistol-grip impact tools cannot reach. This makes it ideal for working in tight areas such as engine bays. Its compact head design also provides maximum access, making it easier to manoeuvre in confined spaces.

Another feature to consider is the anvil size and type. The Milwaukee M18, for instance, has a 3/8" square anvil with a friction ring, which allows for fast and easy socket changes. This is an important feature when working with different types of fasteners.

The RIDGID 18V SubCompact Brushless 3/8" Right Angle Impact Wrench is another tool with a compact head design. With a head measuring 2.4 inches from front to back, not including the anvil, it is designed to fit into tight spaces that traditional impact wrenches cannot access. This slim profile makes it well-suited for working in hard-to-reach areas.

When choosing an 18V right-angle impact wrench, it is important to consider the head profile and anvil size to ensure that the tool can access the spaces you need to work in and accommodate the fasteners you will be using. A compact head design and a slim profile are key features to look for when selecting a tool for confined spaces.

Paddle switch

The paddle switch is an important feature of the 18v right angle impact wrench, allowing for extended use and multiple grip options. The switch is designed to be conveniently located and easily accessible, providing comfortable operation for the user. This feature is especially useful when working in tight spaces or with difficult hand/angle positions.

The paddle switch on the 18v right angle impact wrench offers a large surface area, making it easy to activate the tool regardless of the user's grip position. This design feature is advantageous as it provides flexibility and comfort during operation. The switch's size also contributes to the overall ease of use, ensuring that the user can maintain control of the tool without having to adjust their grip constantly.

Additionally, the paddle switch is designed with an ergonomic approach, considering the user's comfort during extended periods of use. The switch is typically located within convenient reach, reducing the need for awkward hand positions or excessive finger strain. This thoughtful design not only enhances comfort but also contributes to the overall safety of the tool by minimising the risk of accidental activation or finger fatigue.

Furthermore, the paddle switch on the 18v right angle impact wrench is designed to withstand the demands of various applications. Its durable construction ensures that it can handle the impact and vibration associated with the tool's operation. The switch is also strategically positioned to avoid accidental activation during use, contributing to a safer working experience.

Overall, the paddle switch on the 18v right angle impact wrench is a carefully designed feature that enhances the tool's functionality, safety, and ease of use. By providing multiple grip options, comfortable operation, and durable construction, the paddle switch ensures that users can confidently tackle a wide range of tasks with this versatile tool.

Frequently asked questions