The Ultimate Battery Impact Wrench: Power Comparison

Battery-powered impact wrenches have become a viable alternative to pneumatic wrenches, as improvements in battery technology have brought prices down and made them more mobile. When choosing a battery-powered impact wrench, it is important to consider factors such as power, durability, usability, and cost-effectiveness. Some popular options on the market include the Makita XWT08T 18V LXT, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel, and the DeWalt Atomic 20V Max. These tools offer varying features and benefits, and it is essential to select the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Torque and power

When it comes to impact wrenches, higher voltage generally means more power. However, lower voltage tools, such as 12-volt impact wrenches, are more compact and suitable for smaller jobs, overhead work, or tight spaces. On the other hand, 18 and 20-volt tools offer advanced features and improved versatility. Amp hours (Ah) are also important, as they represent the number of amps the battery can discharge continuously for an hour, similar to the volume of a gas tank.

The size of the impact wrench is another factor that affects its torque and power. The most common size is the 1/2-inch drive model, but smaller 3/8-inch and larger 3/4-inch drive models are also available. Compact and subcompact impact wrenches have shorter, less bulky tool heads that fit into tight spaces, making them ideal for assembly and disassembly tasks. Full-size impact wrenches, on the other hand, have larger tool heads and higher torque specs, making them perfect for removing stubborn, rusted nuts and bolts.

Some impact wrenches also offer multiple speed and torque settings, allowing users to adjust the power and speed according to the task at hand. This feature helps prevent over-tightening of fasteners and spinning off lug nuts. Additionally, certain impact wrenches have modes that automatically slow down after breaking off a bolt, further enhancing control and precision.

When choosing an impact wrench, it is essential to consider the specific tasks you will be performing and select a tool that offers the required torque and power while also providing maneuverability and comfort during use.

Speed and control

Speed:

• Revolutions per minute (RPM) is a measure of how fast an impact wrench can drive fasteners. Higher RPMs help drive nuts or bolts faster.
• Impact wrenches with multiple speed settings allow you to adjust the rotational speed according to the task at hand. Lower speeds are suitable for delicate work, while higher speeds are ideal for tasks requiring more power, such as tightening or loosening nuts.
• Some impact wrenches have variable-speed triggers, allowing you to control the speed by modulating the trigger squeeze.

Control:

• Impact per minute (IPM) refers to the number of impacts generated by the internal mechanism per minute. As resistance increases, a higher IPM value will result in harder impacts, transferring more torque to the drive head.
• Adjustable torque settings are crucial to prevent over-tightening and damaging threads. Many impact wrenches have auto-stop or auto-slow features that reduce speed or stop the rotation once a nut or bolt is loose.
• Some impact wrenches have a bolt removal mode that automatically slows down after breaking a bolt to prevent spinning it off.
• Impact wrenches with dial mode selectors allow you to easily see and select the desired mode.
• A comfortable grip and well-balanced design can improve control and reduce strain during extended use.

Battery life

Cordless impact wrenches typically use 18-volt batteries, but this can range from 12 volts for more compact and less powerful wrenches to 20 volts for those with greater torque. A higher-voltage battery will generally provide more power, but this also means the wrench will be larger and heavier, which can be a disadvantage when working in tight spaces.

When it comes to battery life, it's important to consider the type of battery used. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type nowadays, as they offer higher power output, longer life, and a more lightweight design compared to older battery technologies. The battery size, measured in amp-hours, will determine how long the battery will last before needing to be recharged. For example, a 4.0 Ah battery might provide over an hour of runtime for a 250 ft-lbs wrench at moderate use.

Some cordless impact wrenches also offer fast-charging technology, reducing downtime and allowing you to get back to work more quickly. It's worth noting that battery life can vary depending on the type of work you're doing and how much power the wrench is drawing. More demanding tasks will drain the battery faster, so it's always a good idea to have a spare battery charged and ready to go if needed.

Additionally, proper battery care can help extend the life of your batteries. This includes using the manufacturer's charger, avoiding overcharging, charging and storing the battery in cool, dry places, and cleaning the battery contacts regularly.

When choosing a cordless impact wrench, it's also worth considering the availability of replacement batteries and the option of adding a fast charger to your kit. This can help ensure that you always have a fully charged battery on hand and minimise downtime while working.

Size and weight

When it comes to battery-powered impact wrenches, size and weight are important factors to consider. These tools can vary significantly in terms of dimensions and bulkiness, which will affect how easy they are to handle and how well they can access tight spaces.

The size and weight of an impact wrench are often linked to its power. Generally, higher-torque wrenches tend to be heavier and bulkier than lower-power models. For example, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench, with its impressive 1,400 foot-pounds of torque, weighs in at 7.5 pounds, making it quite a hefty tool to operate. Similarly, the DeWalt 20V Max XR High Torque 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench, capable of delivering 1,200 foot-pounds of torque, is described as heavy and weighing 7.2 pounds with the battery attached.

On the other hand, compact and subcompact impact wrenches are smaller and lighter, making them ideal for working in confined spaces. The Ridgid 18V SubCompact Impact Wrench Kit, for instance, weighs just 3.6 pounds without the battery, making it a lightweight option for those needing to manoeuvre in tight areas. The DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Impact Wrench Kit is another lightweight option, coming in at only 2.5 pounds, making it perfect for working under the hood of a car or in other confined spaces.

When choosing the right impact wrench, it's important to consider the trade-off between power and size. While a larger, heavier wrench may provide more torque, it might be more challenging to handle for extended periods or fit into tight spaces. On the other hand, a smaller, lighter wrench may be more manoeuvrable but may not have the same torque capabilities as its bulkier counterparts.

Additionally, the type of motor can also impact the weight and size of the wrench. Brushless motors tend to be more compact and lightweight compared to brushed motors, as they have fewer moving parts. This makes them a popular choice for impact wrenches, despite often carrying a higher price tag.

Ultimately, the ideal size and weight for an impact wrench will depend on the user's specific needs. Those looking for a powerful tool to tackle heavy-duty tasks may be willing to sacrifice some manoeuvrability for increased torque. On the other hand, those who prioritise accessibility and ease of use may opt for a smaller, lighter wrench, even if it means compromising on power.

Build quality and durability

When it comes to build quality and durability, it's important to opt for a well-constructed battery impact wrench from a reputable brand to ensure longevity and reliable performance. Some of the most well-known brands in this space include Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Porter-Cable, Ryobi, and Ingersoll Rand. These brands offer a range of features and price points to suit different needs and budgets.

Milwaukee, for example, is known for its heavy-duty impact wrenches that deliver high torque and are often favoured by professionals. Their M18 Fuel 1/2-inch impact wrench is a popular choice for those seeking a powerful tool, while their M12 3/8-inch "Stubby" impact wrench offers surprising torque in a compact package. DeWalt also offers a range of impact wrenches, including the Atomic 20V Max Compact 1/2-inch model, which is ideal for working in tight spaces, and the 20V Max XR 1/2-inch model, which provides excellent nut-breaking power.

Makita's XWT08T 18V LXT impact wrench delivers serious power, with tightening and loosening torque measurements over 850 foot-pounds, making it a top choice for automotive dirty work. Porter-Cable's 20V MAX impact wrench strikes a balance between power and affordability, offering adequate loosening torque for most automotive jobs. Ryobi's 18V One+ 1/2-inch impact wrench is another budget-friendly option that delivers solid performance for the price.

Ingersoll Rand's 1/2-inch High-Torque 20V impact wrench is a robust and durable option, featuring an all-metal drivetrain and a steel-reinforced handle. It delivers an impressive 1500 feet-pounds of nut-busting torque, making it suitable for daily or heavy-duty applications.

When considering build quality and durability, it's worth investing in a reputable brand to ensure the tool can withstand rigorous use and provide reliable performance over time.

Frequently asked questions