Powerful Impact: Battery 3.8 Impact Wrench Review

A 3/8 impact wrench is a powerful and compact tool that can be used for a variety of applications. It is known for its ability to deliver high torque and fast speed, making it ideal for tightening or loosening bolts and lug nuts. This versatile tool is available in both cordless and corded versions, with cordless options being more popular due to their convenience and ease of use in tight spaces. Various brands offer 3/8 impact wrenches, including DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Hart, with prices ranging from $50 to $200. The wrenches are often sold as tool-only or as part of a kit that includes batteries, chargers, and other accessories.

3/8 impact wrench kits

A 3/8-inch impact wrench is a handy tool to have around for automotive and DIY tasks. Many of the options available are cordless, battery-powered tools, which offer greater flexibility and control over your torque power.

There are a variety of 3/8 impact wrench kits available, with different features and price points to suit your needs. Here are some options:

Neiko 10880A 3/8-Inch-Drive Brushless Cordless Impact Wrench Kit

This compact, cordless impact wrench delivers heavy-duty performance for all your fastening needs. It produces 185 ft-lbs of max torque power with an impact frequency of 0–3,300 and a no-load speed of 0–2,800 rpm. The kit includes a rechargeable lithium-ion 20-volt 2.0-amp-hour battery, a 2.4-amp ETL-approved fast charger, and a sturdy storage case. The ergonomic body features a belt hook for easy transport, and the rubber handle ensures a secure grip. An energy indicator light displays the battery level, and a built-in LED light illuminates dimly lit work areas.

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Stubby 3/8-Inch Impact Wrench Kit

This kit includes the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V impact wrench, one 4.0 and one 2.0 Ah battery, and a charger. The compact, cordless design offers flexibility and control. The M12 FUEL model features a forward/reverse switch and a mobile app integration.

Ryobi ONE+ 18V Lithium-Ion 4.0 Ah Battery, 2.0 Ah Battery, and Charger Kit with FREE ONE+ Cordless 3/8-Inch Impact Wrench

This kit includes two batteries, a charger, and a 3/8-inch impact wrench. The Ryobi ONE+ impact wrench offers cordless convenience and performance, with a forward/reverse switch and a free mobile app.

Bosch PS82-02 12V Max EC Brushless 3/8-Inch Impact Wrench Kit

The Bosch PS82-02 kit includes batteries, a charger, a belt clip, and a carrying bag. It delivers compact, lightweight performance with a max torque of 85 ft.-lbs. and two-speed settings.

ACDelco ARI12104 12V Max Compact Tool Kit

The ACDelco ARI12104 kit includes a 3/8-inch power impact wrench, two batteries, and a charger. The compact, cordless design delivers 90 ft-lbs of torque and features an LED light.

Torque and power

Cordless impact wrenches typically produce torque outputs of over 250 foot-pounds, with sub-compact models at 225 foot-pounds and the most powerful models reaching 1,500 foot-pounds of torque. For context, cordless drill/drivers usually produce about 50 foot-pounds of torque, while impact drivers deliver around 125 foot-pounds.

The torque output of an impact wrench is directly linked to its price. The higher the torque, the higher the price. So, it's important to consider the tasks you'll be using the tool for and choose an impact wrench with sufficient torque for those tasks.

The FLEX 24V 3/8" Compact Impact Wrench, for example, delivers 300 foot-pounds of fastening torque and 450 foot-pounds of nut-busting torque. This makes it suitable for demanding jobs such as tightening or loosening bolts and lug nuts. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 3/8-Inch Mid-Torque Impact Wrench is another powerful option, with four mode settings and a "drive control" mode that prevents over-tightening.

In addition to torque, impact wrenches also offer multiple speed settings. Revolutions per minute (RPM) and impacts per minute (IPM) are important specifications to consider. High RPM helps drive nuts or bolts faster, while IPM increases as resistance increases, transferring more torque to the drive head.

When choosing a battery-powered 3/8-inch impact wrench, look for a model that offers a good balance of torque, speed, and impact rate to suit your specific needs.

Battery and charging

The batteries used in 3/8-inch impact wrenches vary in voltage, ranging from 12V to 20V. The voltage of the battery determines the power output of the wrench, with higher voltages generally providing more power. However, lower voltages, such as 12V batteries, offer the advantage of being more compact and lightweight, making them suitable for smaller jobs, working overhead, or in tight spaces.

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in these tools, with some models featuring advanced battery technologies like THERMA-TECH™ heat management for longer runtime. The battery capacity is typically measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), with batteries ranging from 2000mAh to 5000mAh. A higher mAh rating indicates a higher battery capacity, which translates to longer runtimes before needing to recharge.

When it comes to charging, some impact wrenches come with fast chargers that can significantly reduce charging times. For example, the FLEX 24V 3/8" Compact Impact Wrench boasts 50% faster charging thanks to its high-power, dual fan charger. Additionally, certain impact wrenches offer convenient features like battery charge indicators, so you know when it's time to recharge.

It's worth noting that some 3/8-inch impact wrenches are sold as "bare tools," meaning they do not come with a battery or charger. In these cases, you'll need to purchase compatible batteries and chargers separately, ensuring they are designed for the specific brand and model of your impact wrench.

Overall, the battery and charging features of 3/8-inch impact wrenches vary across different brands and models. When choosing the right tool, consider the voltage, battery capacity, charging time, and whether it comes with a battery and charger included or if they need to be purchased separately.

Design and weight

When it comes to design, the 3/8" battery impact wrench is a compact and powerful tool that can help you tackle a variety of tasks, from automotive repairs to framing applications. Its compact size makes it ideal for working in tight spaces, and its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip for extended periods.

The impact wrench typically features a square or friction ring anvil, with some models offering a hog ring anvil. It has a 3/8" square drive that allows you to tackle tough bolts. Additionally, the wrench may include a belt clip for easy carrying and storage.

In terms of weight, the 3/8" battery impact wrench is designed to be lightweight and portable. For example, the FLEX 24V 3/8" Compact Impact Wrench is 38% lighter than its larger counterpart, making it ideal for working in confined areas. The weight of the tool varies depending on the brand and model, but overall, it is designed to be lightweight and easy to manoeuvre.

The lightweight design of the 3/8" battery impact wrench not only reduces user fatigue during extended use but also enhances manoeuvrability in tight spaces. This feature is particularly advantageous when working in automotive or mechanical applications, where accessibility can be challenging.

The compact and lightweight design of the 3/8" battery impact wrench makes it a versatile and practical tool for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. Its ergonomic features and powerful performance in a small package set it apart from bulkier alternatives, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications.

Speed and modes

Most impact wrenches offer multiple speed settings, allowing users to adjust the speed according to their specific task. For example, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench has four modes and three different speeds, while the DeWalt 20V Max Atomic DCF922 has two standard modes and two assist modes.

In addition to speed settings, some impact wrenches also offer special modes that provide additional control over the tool. These modes can include features such as auto-slow, which slows down the wrench when a fastener is loose, or hand tight, which stops the rotation once the tool starts impacting to prevent over-tightening.

The speed and modes of an impact wrench can vary significantly between different models, so it is important to choose one that offers the right balance of speed and control for your specific needs.

Frequently asked questions