Best Budget Cordless Impact Wrenches: Power On A Dime

If you're looking for a budget cordless impact wrench, there are a few options to consider. While the most powerful wrenches can be expensive, there are some more affordable alternatives available that still offer decent performance. Here are some suggestions:

- Ryobi P262: Available at Home Depot for $199, it comes with a ton of batteries.

- DeWalt DCF891: A compact and powerful option with a price of around $300.

- Ryobi PCL250B: A 3/8-inch impact wrench that can be found on Amazon for under $50.

- KIMO Cordless Impact Wrench: Features a premium brake stop and is available on Amazon.

- Eastvolt 800W Electric Impact Wrench: Heavy-duty corded option with 450 ft-lbs of torque, available on Amazon.

- BESWELL-1180 Ft.lbs: Max Loosen Torque 1/2 Regular Size Twin Hammer Air Impact Wrench, available on Amazon.

- SEYVUM Impact Wrench: 1/2 impact wrench with a 20V brushless motor and 320 ft-lbs of max torque, also on Amazon.

Best for heavy-duty automotive work

If you're looking for a cordless impact wrench for heavy-duty automotive work, you'll want a tool with high torque and excellent power-to-weight ratio. Here are some options that fit the bill:

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench

Milwaukee's M18 Fuel Impact Wrench is a heavy-hitter, delivering 1,400 foot-pounds of torque. It easily handles tasks like removing lug nuts and breaking free rusty bolts. The wrench features four modes, three speed settings, and a bolt removal mode that prevents runaway nuts and bolts. It's a versatile tool that can be used for heavy equipment repair, industrial maintenance, and automotive work.

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

The Ingersoll Rand High-Torque Impact Wrench packs a whopping 1500 foot-pounds of nut-busting torque. It features an all-metal drivetrain, a steel-reinforced handle, and a large, visible mode selector. It's a robust and durable tool often found in industrial and commercial applications. While it may be challenging to find in big-box stores, it's worth seeking out for heavy-duty automotive tasks.

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

The DeWalt 20V Max XR Impact Wrench is a beast when it comes to power. With beefy components, it weighs in at 7.2 pounds, making it the heaviest wrench on our list. But that weight gives the impression of durability and the ability to take on tough tasks. It effortlessly removes lug nuts and tackles rusty farm equipment. This wrench is an excellent choice for auto, truck, or tractor repair work.

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

The Flex Mid-Torque Impact Wrench is a versatile tool well-suited for automotive maintenance and mechanical work. It delivers plenty of torque for common operations, with 600 foot-pounds of fastening torque and 750 foot-pounds of breakaway torque. It features an auto-stop mode to prevent over-tightening and three additional mode settings to tailor the speed to your task. Its compact size makes it easy to handle and manoeuvre in tight spaces.

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

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque Impact Wrench is a compact yet powerful tool. With 650 foot-pounds of nut-busting torque, it can handle various tasks, from removing lug nuts to breaking free rusty nuts. It features four mode settings, including a "drive control" mode that prevents over-tightening when driving and spinning off at full speed when removing fasteners. Its compact size and LED lights make it ideal for tight, dark spaces.

Best for small, delicate jobs

The best cordless impact wrench for small, delicate jobs is the 1/4-inch impact wrench. This is because the size of the impact wrench you need depends on the size of the fasteners you'll be dealing with. 1/4-inch impact wrenches are great for small, delicate jobs as they are capable of dealing with smaller nuts and bolts.

The Avid Power 20V Max Cordless Impact Wrench is a great option for small, delicate jobs. It has 369 pound-feet of torque, which is good for a 1/2-inch wrench to use when you're in bolt removal mode. It also comes with a lithium-ion battery, saving you extra expenses. Amazon customers have given this wrench 4.6 stars out of five, based on over 2,300 ratings, and it's the fourth best-selling power impact wrench on the site.

If you're looking for something even smaller, the Bosch Freak 18V Two-In-One Bit Impact Driver Kit is a versatile option. It has a 1/2-inch drive for impact sockets and a 1/4-inch drive for bits, making it perfect for a wide range of jobs. While the maximum torque is a bit low at 150 pound-feet, the versatility of this wrench makes it a worthwhile choice. Amazon customers have given it 4.8 stars out of five, with nearly 150 customer ratings.

For an even more compact option, the DeWalt Xtreme 12V MAX Cordless 3/8-inch Impact Wrench is a great choice. Weighing just 4.5 pounds, this wrench is easy to handle and can fit into tight spaces. It has 200 pound-feet of breakaway torque output, which is great for the size and cost. Amazon customers have given it 4.6 stars out of five, with over 500 ratings, and it's the ninth best-selling power impact wrench on the site.

If you're specifically looking for a stubby model, the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Stubby Cordless 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench Kit is a great option. At just two pounds and eight inches tall, this wrench is easy to handle and can manoeuvre into tight spaces. Amazon customers have given it 4.8 stars out of five, with over 500 ratings, and the kit includes a battery, charger, and carrying case.

Best for medium-sized tasks

If you're looking for a cordless impact wrench that's perfect for medium-sized tasks, there are a few great options to consider. Here are some detailed reviews and recommendations to help you choose the best one for your needs:

DeWalt 20V Mid-Torque DCF891

The DeWalt 20V Mid-Torque DCF891 is an excellent choice for a cordless impact wrench. With 600 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 800 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, it offers exceptional power and performance. It features two drive styles: hog ring (DCF891) and pin detent (DCF892), giving you the flexibility to choose the one that best suits your needs. The length of this impact wrench is just under 7 inches, making it slightly longer than some of its competitors. However, it excels in overall consistency and is a reliable choice for all-around performance.

Makita 40V XGT Mid-Torque GWT07

The Makita 40V XGT Mid-Torque GWT07 is a powerful and feature-rich option. It delivers 560 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 810 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, making it one of the strongest performers in its class. This impact wrench offers advanced features for more precision, including four standard speed settings and three forward and reverse assist modes. While it comes at a premium price, the Makita GWT07 is an excellent choice if you're looking for a powerful and controllable tool.

Flex 24V Mid-Torque FX1451

The Flex 24V Mid-Torque FX1451 is an outstanding value proposition. It offers 600 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 750 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, providing ample power for most tasks. This impact wrench features an isolation zone between the housing and the motor, which helps reduce vibration to your hand during use. While it is heavier and less compact than some other models, the Flex FX1451 delivers a great combination of power and value.

DeWalt 20V Max Atomic DCF922

If you're looking for a compact and lightweight option, the DeWalt 20V Max Atomic DCF922 is an excellent choice. With 300 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, it packs a punch despite its small size. The sub-5-inch head is angled slightly upwards to ensure the battery doesn't get in your way while working. The DeWalt Atomic DCF922 also features tri-LED lights that illuminate your work area, making it easier to use in low-light conditions. It offers four modes for advanced control, including two standard and two assist modes.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque impact wrench is a well-balanced option, offering both performance and size. It delivers up to 550 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 650 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, making it a powerful tool for its compact size. Measuring just 6 inches in length and weighing a little over 5 pounds with a 5Ah battery, it is incredibly portable and easy to maneuver. The Milwaukee impact wrench is available in three different styles: 3/8-inch friction ring (2960), 1/2-inch friction ring (2962), and 1/2-inch pin detent (2962P). It's an excellent choice if you're looking for a combination of performance, size, value, and features.

These recommendations offer a range of options for medium-sized tasks, each with its unique features and benefits. Consider your specific needs, budget, and brand preferences when making your decision.

Best for tightening and loosening various hex-head bolts

Unlike cordless drills and impact drivers, which are best for drilling holes and driving screws, the cordless impact wrench is specifically designed for tightening and loosening various hex-head bolts, nuts, and lag screws. It achieves this through a combination of rotational force (torque) and short-burst concussive blows (impacts) to deliver an unparalleled amount of power.

Cordless impact wrenches are also extremely comfortable to use. The concussive blows transfer most of the high-energy torque directly to the fastener, reducing the twisting motion felt when using an electric drill. This twisting motion is known as reactionary torque.

Makita 18V Cordless 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench Kit

This impact wrench offers a full package of power, runtime, and versatility. Its brushless motor can generate 430 foot-pounds of torque, which can be controlled with its 4-speed power selector. This model features a lightweight and compact design, allowing it to fit into tight spaces like engine bays or wheel wells. It also has four adjustable speeds: 0 to 1,000 rpm; 0 to 1,800 rpm; 0 to 2,600 rpm; and 0 to 3,200 rpm.

ENEACRO 20V Cordless Impact Wrench Brushless Motor

The ENEACRO 20V cordless impact wrench offers 300 foot-pounds of torque and a brushless motor to tackle tough tasks at an affordable price. This 1/2-inch model features three speeds: 1,600; 2,100; and 2,800 rpm, along with a variable torque selector. The kit includes a carrying case, a 4 Ah battery, a battery charger, and four different-sized sockets.

DEWALT 20V MAX XR High Torque 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR High Torque Impact Wrench is a powerful option for DIYers or professionals. This 20-volt brushless impact wrench features a 1/2-inch anvil and delivers a maximum nut-busting torque of 1,200 foot-pounds and a typical torque of 700 foot-pounds. It offers variable speed selection with three settings: 0 to 400 rpm; 0 to 1,200 rpm; and 0 to 1,900 rpm. This impact wrench also features a durable design and can withstand drops of up to 6 feet.

Milwaukee 2767-20 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench

The Milwaukee high-torque 1/2-inch impact wrench packs a punch with up to 1,400 foot-pounds of torque for busting nuts loose and 1,000 foot-pounds under typical circumstances. It features a 4-speed variable power controller, allowing users to choose between 0 to 550; 0 to 1,400; and 0 to 1,750 rpm. Additionally, it has a nut-busting mode that starts at full speed and then slows down once the nut is loose. This model is compact and ideal for tight spaces.

DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench Kit

The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench is a compact and powerful option, ideal for tight spaces like under the hood of a vehicle. It features three bright LEDs for illumination and provides 130 foot-pounds of torque, making it suitable for smaller jobs. This kit includes two 4 Ah batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag. It has a variable speed trigger for controlled speed, up to 2,300 rpm.

Best for occasional use

If you're looking for a budget cordless impact wrench for occasional use, there are a few options to consider. Here are some recommendations:

Ryobi P262 4-Mode Impact Wrench

The Ryobi P262 is a good choice for those seeking a balance between power and affordability. It offers 450 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 600 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, along with a top speed of 2800 RPM. It features three standard speeds and an auto mode to help control the applied torque. While not the most compact option, it still shaves off about three-quarters of an inch from the previous model.

Ridgid R86012 Impact Wrench

The Ridgid R86012 offers similar performance to the Ryobi P262, with 450 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 600 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. It has slightly better performance in the inertial torque test but falls behind in other hands-on testing. If you're already invested in the Ridgid platform, this could be a great addition.

Craftsman V20 RP Brushless CMCF921

The Craftsman V20 is a lightweight option, weighing just under 3.5 pounds bare and under 5 pounds with a 4Ah battery. It falls behind in terms of speed, with a top speed of 1900 RPM, and trails other models in hands-on testing. However, it could be a decent choice for DIYers or professionals seeking an occasional-use impact wrench.

KIMO Cordless Impact Wrench Kit

The KIMO Cordless Impact Wrench Kit offers a premium brake stop feature and comes with seven sockets. It delivers a torque of 350 ft-lbs and a speed of 3000 RPM. It's a good option for those seeking a compact and lightweight impact wrench for occasional use.

20V Cordless Impact Wrench

This 20V model provides a torque of 260 ft-lbs and comes with a 4-piece driver impact socket set. It's a good choice for those seeking a basic impact wrench for light-duty tasks and occasional use.

These options provide a range of features and price points to suit different needs. Be sure to consider factors such as torque, speed, size, weight, and battery life when making your decision.

Frequently asked questions