Battery Impact Wrenches: Consumer Reports And Buying Guide

Battery-powered impact wrenches have become a viable alternative to pneumatic impact wrenches, which require a significant investment in an air compressor. Cordless impact wrenches offer greater mobility and convenience than their pneumatic or corded electric counterparts, making them ideal for automotive work and home garage applications. They are also safer than manual socket wrenches, as they eliminate the twisting motion that can strain the user's hand, wrist, or arm.

When choosing a cordless impact wrench, factors to consider include size, price, torque, speed, battery life, weight, build quality, ergonomics, noise level, and warranty. The most common sizes are 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch, suitable for various tasks, while torque ratings can range from 100 ft-lbs to over 1,500 ft-lbs, catering to both light-duty and heavy-duty needs.

Some of the top-performing brands in this category include DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Ingersoll Rand, offering a range of features and price points to suit different user needs.

Best heavy-duty impact wrenches

Heavy-duty impact wrenches are powerful tools that can be used for tightening and loosening various hex-head bolts, nuts, and lag screws. They are ideal for heavy equipment repair, industrial maintenance, and auto, truck, or tractor repair. Here are some of the best heavy-duty impact wrenches available:

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench

Milwaukee's M18 Fuel Impact Wrench is a heavy-hitter when it comes to impact wrenches. With four modes, three different speeds, and a bolt removal mode, it offers tremendous nut-busting power and excellent battery capacity. It can easily handle removing lug nuts and breaking free rusty, corroded nuts. The M18 Fuel has a torque of up to 1,400 foot-pounds and is an effective tool for major jobs.

Ingersoll Rand ½-inch High-Torque 20V Impact Wrench

The Ingersoll Rand ½-inch High-Torque Impact Wrench is a powerful tool with an all-metal drivetrain, steel-reinforced handle, and a torque of up to 1500 foot-pounds. It features a large, visible mode selector with four modes: hand tight, wrench tight, half power, and full power. This impact wrench is ideal for daily or heavy-use applications and is known for its robust performance and durable construction.

DeWalt 20V Max XR 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench

The DeWalt 20V Max XR Impact Wrench is a high-torque model that excels in nut-breaking power. It has a weight of 7.2 pounds and features three speed settings. This impact wrench makes light work of removing lug nuts and rusted nuts and bolts. Its heavy-duty components and high torque make it ideal for auto, truck, or tractor repair.

Flex ½-in. Mid-Torque 24V Impact Wrench

The Flex ½-in. Mid-Torque Impact Wrench is a powerful tool that is well-suited for auto maintenance and mechanical work. It features an auto-stop mode to prevent over-tightening and three other mode settings to control RPMs. This impact wrench is smaller and lighter than high-torque models, making it easy to handle and manoeuvre in tight spaces.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 3/8-Inch Mid-Torque Impact Wrench

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 3/8-Inch Mid-Torque Impact Wrench is a compact and versatile tool. It features four mode settings, including a "drive control" mode that prevents over-tightening. With a torque of up to 35 foot-pounds, this impact wrench is ideal for both professionals and homeowners with frequent projects.

Best compact impact wrenches

When it comes to impact wrenches, compact models are ideal for working in tight spaces. 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 is a powerful and compact impact wrench, measuring less than 5 inches from tip to tail. It features a bolt removal and fastening mode that prevents over-tightening and spin-off, as well as two speed settings. While it is a loud model, its small size and high torque make it perfect for working in confined areas.

Ingersoll Rand 1/2-Inch High-Torque 20V Impact Wrench

Ingersoll Rand's 1/2-inch High-Torque impact wrench is a robust and durable tool often used in industrial and commercial applications. It boasts a whopping 1500 feet-pounds of nut-busting torque and a unique dial mode selector that makes it easy to switch between its four modes. This impact wrench is ideal for daily or heavy-duty applications.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 3/8-Inch Mid-Torque Impact Wrench

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel is a compact and versatile impact wrench with a drive control mode that prevents over-tightening and spin-offs. Its small size and three LED lights make it perfect for tight and dark spaces. This professional-grade tool is designed for daily use and can handle a wide range of jobs.

Ridgid 18V SubCompact 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench

The Ridgid 18V SubCompact impact wrench is a lightweight and compact option for light-duty work. While it struggles with very tight bolts and larger lag bolts, it is perfect for tasks like removing lug nuts. Its bolt-tightening mode prevents over-tightening, making it a good choice for those who need a compact and easy-to-handle tool.

Flex 1/2-Inch Mid-Torque 24V Impact Wrench

The Flex 1/2-Inch Mid-Torque impact wrench is a well-balanced tool that offers both power and ease of use. It has an auto-stop mode to prevent over-tightening and three other mode settings to tailor the speed to the task at hand. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to handle and manoeuvre in tight spaces.

Best impact wrenches for beginners

Impact wrenches are powerful tools that can be used to tighten or loosen bolts, nuts, and screws. They are particularly useful for heavy-duty tasks and are a common fixture in the toolkits of auto mechanics and trade professionals.

Ryobi 18V Cordless Impact Wrench Kit

This impact wrench is a great option for beginners as it is lightweight and user-friendly. Weighing just 2.3 lbs, it is the lightest model in our tests, making it easy to handle for extended periods. It has three speeds and an auto-tightening mode that helps to avoid over-tightening. With up to 275 ft-lb of torque, it may not be the most powerful impact wrench, but it can handle most basic tasks with ease. The built-in LED lights are also a handy feature, providing clear visibility in low-light workspaces. The Ryobi 18V is also one of the most affordable models available, with a standard three-year manufacturer's warranty included.

Ridgid 18V SubCompact Impact Wrench Kit

Don't be fooled by its size; the Ridgid 18V SubCompact packs a punch. Weighing just 3.6 lbs without the battery, it delivers 500 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 650 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. It features a brushless motor, three speeds, and an auto-tightening mode that shuts off automatically to prevent over-tightening. The built-in pin detent also does an excellent job of holding onto the socket. However, it may struggle with larger bolts and lag bolts.

Hart Consumer Products Inc. 20-Volt Cordless Impact Wrench

This wallet-friendly, no-frills impact wrench is a solid choice for those on a budget. While the battery is sold separately, the tool itself performed well in tests, with no issues breaking loose large, rusty nuts and bolts. It was also able to remove lug nuts on a farm truck, despite its limited torque capacity of 350 ft-lbs. The friction ring allows for quick and easy socket changes, making it versatile and user-friendly. At just 3.3 lbs, it is lightweight and won't require much muscle during extended use. However, it only has one speed setting and lacks a brushless motor, so it may not be suitable for daily use.

DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench Kit

DeWalt is a well-known and trusted brand in the tool industry, and the 20V MAX impact wrench is a great option for beginners. With up to 700 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 1,200 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, it delivers impressive power. Our partners at Popular Mechanics found it removed lug nuts seamlessly and handled rusted nuts and bolts with ease. It features a brushless motor, an LED work light, and a 1/2-inch hog ring anvil. However, it is on the heavier side, weighing 6.4 lbs without the battery and 7.2 lbs with.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Impact Wrench

Milwaukee is a favourite brand among professionals, known for its exceptional power and rugged design. The M18 Fuel impact wrench is no exception, delivering 1,400 ft-lbs of torque and featuring a 5-Ah battery. While it may be more tool than the average DIYer needs, it's an excellent option for those looking to tackle tougher projects. It performed exceptionally well in tests, easily removing and replacing lug nuts. The bolt removal mode is also a handy feature, slowing down the tool speed to prevent damage to rusted fasteners. The M18 is a heavy-duty tool, weighing 7.5 lbs, but its top-quality construction ensures it will stand the test of time.

Final Thoughts

When choosing an impact wrench, consider the power, drive size, comfort, and price that best suit your needs. Impact wrenches with higher torque tend to be heavier, and some can be bulky and less comfortable to hold for extended periods. Additionally, while premium models can be quite costly, price doesn't always indicate quality.

Best impact wrenches for the money

Impact wrenches are powerful tools that can make light work of tightening or loosening nuts and bolts. They are particularly useful for automotive work, such as removing stubborn lug nuts and rusted bolts.

When choosing an impact wrench, it's important to consider factors such as power, speed, size, weight, and torque. Higher torque ratings, for example, can make it easier to remove seized nuts and bolts.

Flex 24V Mid-Torque FX1451

The Flex 24V Mid-Torque FX1451 offers a great combination of power and price. With 600 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 750 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, it delivers more power than the Milwaukee while also being more affordable. It has a top speed of 2700 RPM and features an assist mode for both forward and reverse. The only downside is that it's heavier and less compact than some of its competitors.

Ryobi 18V One+ 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench

The Ryobi 18V One+ is a fantastic option if you're looking for a budget-friendly impact wrench that doesn't compromise on performance. With a price point that's hard to beat, it delivers 600 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 1150 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. It has three speed settings, making it easy to avoid over-tightening fasteners. While it may not be the best choice for daily use, it's perfect for occasional projects around the house.

DeWalt 20V Max Atomic DCF922

If you're looking for a compact impact wrench, the DeWalt 20V Max Atomic DCF922 is an excellent choice. With 300 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 450 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, it packs a lot of power into a small package. It features two standard and two assist modes, providing advanced control despite its compact size. The tri-LED lights also illuminate the work area clearly.

Skil PWRCore 20 Mid Torque IW5761B-10

The Skil PWRCore 20 Mid Torque IW5761B-10 is a great option for home users or DIYers who don't need professional-level performance. With a kit price of less than $200, it offers decent fastening performance, comfortable ergonomics, and an LED ring light around the collet. While the speed may not be impressive, the low price point makes it a great value for occasional use.

Kobalt KIW 124B-03 Impact Wrench

The Kobalt KIW 124B-03 Impact Wrench is a solid choice for serious DIYers or professionals on a budget. With 500 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 650 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, it offers impressive performance at a very reasonable price. It also features special modes designed for automotive professionals, such as Auto Slow and Hand Tight, which help prevent over-tightening and mitigate potential damage to threads.

Best versatile impact wrenches

Impact wrenches are powerful tools that can be used for a variety of tasks, from tightening and loosening bolts and nuts to assembling machinery. Here are some of the best versatile impact wrenches on the market:

DeWalt 20V MAX XR

The DeWalt 20V MAX XR is a cordless impact wrench that delivers impressive power and performance, making it a favourite among professionals. It offers up to 2,400 impacts per minute (IPM) and features a bright LED work light, an ergonomic grip, and a 1/2 inch hog ring anvil. With a torque of up to 1,200 lb-ft, it is a versatile tool for various applications.

Milwaukee 2967-20 M18

The Milwaukee M18 is a versatile electric impact wrench capable of producing up to 1,600 lb-ft of breakaway torque. It features a half-inch high-torque impact wrench and a friction ring, allowing it to easily reach into tight spaces. The four-mode drive control and bolt removal control provide greater precision and prevent overtightening.

Makita XWT08Z 18V LXT

The Makita XWT08Z is a versatile impact wrench suitable for various automotive and industrial tasks. Its brushless motor extends battery life, providing up to 50% longer runtime per charge. With three power modes and a half-inch anvil, it offers precise fastening control for different applications.

Ingersoll Rand 2235QTiMAX

The Ingersoll Rand 2235QTiMAX is a pneumatic air impact wrench with a lightweight titanium construction, making it easy to handle for long jobs. It offers up to 1,300 lb-ft of torque and features various power modes to adjust the torque for different tasks. Its ergonomic grip helps reduce fatigue during extended use.

CRAFTSMAN V20 RP

The CRAFTSMAN V20 RP is a heavy-duty impact wrench that delivers a maximum torque of 1,000 lb-ft and a runtime of up to 700 lb-ft. It features three speed settings, a variable speed trigger, and a built-in LED work light for improved visibility. This versatile wrench is suitable for various applications, including automotive work and remote site tasks.

Frequently asked questions