Emergency Impact Wrench: Best Tool For The Job

Impact wrenches are tools designed for tightening and loosening various hex-head bolts, nuts, and lag screws. They are particularly useful in roadside emergencies, such as flat tires. While traditional impact wrenches were predominantly pneumatic and used mainly by professional mechanics, improvements in battery technology have led to the development of battery-powered impact wrenches that offer greater mobility and convenience. Today, there is a range of impact wrenches available on the market, from heavy-duty, high-torque models to compact, medium-duty options, making it important to choose the right tool for your specific needs.

Best 12v emergency impact wrenches

If you're looking for a 12v impact wrench to keep in your car for emergencies, there are a few options available on Amazon and Harbor Freight.

The Wagan EL2257 12V DC Mighty Impact Wrench is a popular choice, with over 1,200 ratings on Amazon and a 4 out of 5-star rating. It has 271 ft-lbs of max torque, which is enough to remove lug nuts from most passenger vehicles. It also comes with a convenient carry case and two double-ended socket wrenches. However, some customers have reported that it is not as strong as expected and that the plastic housing is cheap and brittle.

Another option is the Powerbuilt 12-volt lug nut impact wrench, which is also available on Amazon. This wrench comes with two sockets and an LED light for night-time use.

If you're looking for a more compact option, the Bosch PS82-02 12V Max EC Brushless 3/8-inch impact wrench might be a good choice. It's small enough to fit into tight spaces, and it comes with a carrying bag.

Finally, Harbor Freight offers a 12-volt 1/2-inch emergency impact wrench, although there are no reviews available for this product.

When choosing an emergency impact wrench, consider the torque, size, and ease of use. You'll want something small and lightweight that you can easily store in your car, but also powerful enough to handle the task at hand.

Best portable impact wrenches for roadside emergencies

A flat tire can be a stressful experience, especially if you don't have the right tools to change it. That's why it's important to have a reliable and portable impact wrench in your car for such emergencies. Here are some of the best options on the market:

Wagan EL2257 12V DC Mighty Impact Wrench

The Wagan EL2257 12V DC Mighty Impact Wrench is a powerful and compact tool that can help you remove lug nuts with ease. With 271 ft-lbs of max torque, it can handle most passenger vehicles, even those with neglected models. The no-load speed of up to 5000 rpm makes it easy to spin off loosened lug nuts and put them back on. The ergonomic design and intuitive 3-position switch make it easy to use, even for those with smaller hands. It also comes with a convenient carry case and integrated bubble level indicator to ensure accurate placement.

Chicago Electric Power Tools 12V Emergency Impact Wrench

The Chicago Electric Power Tools 12V Emergency Impact Wrench is a great option for roadside repairs. While there are limited reviews for this product, Chicago Electric Power Tools is a well-known brand that offers a range of impact wrenches.

Portable 12-volt Power Impact Wrench by Balance World Inc.

This portable 12-volt power impact wrench by Balance World Inc. is designed for roadside emergencies and lug nut removal. Unfortunately, it is currently unavailable on Amazon, and there are no reviews to reference. However, it is worth checking other retailers to see if this product is available.

Other Options:

There are also other options available on Amazon, such as the WISETOOL Cordless Impact Wrench and the Eastvolt 800W Electric Impact Wrench, which offer similar features to the products mentioned above. These products have received positive reviews from customers, but they may not be as widely available or well-known as the Wagan or Chicago Electric Power Tools options.

When choosing a portable impact wrench for roadside emergencies, consider factors such as torque, speed, ease of use, and portability. It's also important to read reviews and compare prices to find the best option for your needs. Remember to keep your impact wrench stored in your vehicle, so you're prepared for any unexpected flat tires.

Best electric car jack, impact wrench and tire inflator kits

If you're looking for an electric car jack, impact wrench and tire inflator kit, the ROGTZ 5-Ton kit is a popular choice. It comes with an electric impact wrench, two sockets, a powerful motor, and a built-in tire inflator pump that can inflate a tire in 2 minutes. The kit also includes a durable toolbox to store all your tools, and the red triangle on its surface can serve as a warning sign during emergencies.

According to reviews, customers find this kit easy to use and convenient to have in their cars. It is simple, compact, and well worth the price. The jack is powerful enough to lift SUVs and trucks, and the impact wrench can quickly remove screws and achieve high-strength 360° rotation.

However, some customers have reported issues with the kit's stability, and others have mentioned that the impact wrench broke after the first use or was not strong enough to remove lug nuts. Therefore, it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing an electric car jack, impact wrench, and tire inflator kit.

Best cordless impact wrenches

Cordless impact wrenches are a great alternative to pneumatic wrenches, which require a significant investment in an air compressor. Battery-powered wrenches are mobile, versatile, and can be used wherever they are needed.

Best Overall: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench

Milwaukee's M18 Fuel model is a heavy-hitter, with 1,400 foot-pounds of torque. It has multiple speed and torque settings, excellent battery capacity, and tremendous nut-busting power. It is easy to set the speed and torque for the job at hand, and its bolt removal mode prevents runaway nuts and bolts.

Best Compact Impact Wrench: DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Compact 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench

The DeWalt Atomic 20V Max is a powerful tool in a small package. At less than 5 inches long, it can fit into tight spaces, and it has the highest torque specs in its class. It features a bolt removal and fastening mode to prevent over-tightening and spin-off, and two speed settings.

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

The Ingersoll Rand ½-inch High-Torque 20V Impact Wrench is a robust and durable tool used in industrial and commercial applications. It has an all-metal drivetrain, a steel-reinforced handle, and an impressive 1500 foot-pounds of nut-busting torque. Its dial mode selector is always within view, making it easy to select the right mode for the job.

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

The DeWalt 20V Max XR packs a punch, with beefier components that can handle high torque. It is the heaviest impact wrench in its class, weighing 7.2 pounds with the battery attached. It has excellent nut-breaking power and is ideal for auto, truck, or tractor repair.

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

The Ryobi 18V One+ is a capable tool that hits a great price point. It can handle various tasks, from removing lug nuts to driving 6-inch lag bolts into pressure-treated lumber. It has three speed settings to help prevent over-tightening, but it lacks a brushless motor, so it may not stand up to daily use.

Other Notable Mentions:

• Flex ½-in. Mid-Torque 24V Impact Wrench: Smaller and lighter than high-torque models, with an auto-stop mode to prevent over-tightening.
• Milwaukee M18 Fuel 3/8-Inch Mid-Torque Impact Wrench: Compact size, ideal for tight spaces, with a drive control mode to prevent over-tightening and spin-offs.
• Ridgid 18V SubCompact 1/2-inch Impact Wrench: Lightweight and compact, perfect for lighter-duty work, with a bolt-tightening mode to prevent over-tightening.

When choosing a cordless impact wrench, consider factors such as power, speed, battery life, size, weight, build quality, ergonomics, noise level, and price. Ensure the wrench has enough torque for your intended tasks and adjustable speed and torque settings for better control.

Cordless impact wrenches are a valuable addition to any toolbox, providing the power and versatility to tackle a range of projects, from automotive work to heavy equipment repair.

Best impact wrenches for the money

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

When it comes to getting the best value for your money, here are some options to consider:

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

The Ryobi 18V One+ delivers excellent value for money. Although it may not have the highest torque output, it is more than capable of handling most tasks around the house. It offers three speeds, which are useful for avoiding over-tightening fasteners. While it may not be suitable for daily use due to the lack of a brushless motor, it is a great option for those looking for a capable tool at a reasonable price.

Porter-Cable 20V MAX

The Porter-Cable 20V MAX impact wrench offers a nice balance between power and price. It delivers adequate loosening torque for most automotive jobs, although its longer head might make it tricky to use in small spaces. This impact wrench is a great option for those looking for a solid tool for their garage without breaking the bank.

Kimo 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench

The Kimo 1/2-inch impact wrench is a compact and lightweight option that can easily fit into small spaces. While it may not have the highest torque output, it is perfect for removing wheels and performing light automotive work. It is also the quietest impact wrench on this list, so you don't have to worry about disturbing your neighbours.

Ridgid 18V SubCompact 1/2-inch Impact Wrench

The Ridgid 18V SubCompact is a lightweight and compact option for those looking for a lighter-duty impact wrench. While it may not be suitable for bigger jobs, it is easy to handle and can be used comfortably in tight spaces. It also features a bolt-tightening mode that prevents over-tightening by shutting down at around 20 foot-pounds.

Wagan EL2257 12V DC Mighty Impact Wrench

The Wagan EL2257 is a 12V impact wrench that delivers 271 ft-lbs of max torque, making it capable of removing lug nuts from most passenger vehicles. It has a no-load speed of up to 5000 rpm, making it easy to spin off loosened lug nuts. The ergonomic design and intuitive 3-position switch make it easy to control and change directions. It also comes with a convenient carry case and accessories, including two sockets and two fuses.

When choosing an impact wrench, consider factors such as power, torque, speed, size, weight, build quality, ergonomics, noise level, warranty, and, of course, your budget. It is also worth considering the type of battery and whether it is compatible with your existing cordless tool system.

Frequently asked questions