Best Impact Wrenches For Autocross: Top Picks Reviewed

An impact wrench is a powerful tool that can make light work of removing stubborn lug nuts and rusted bolts, making it a must-have for any automotive enthusiast or professional mechanic. With so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you. Here is a list of the best impact wrenches to help you make an informed decision:

- DeWalt 20V Mid-Torque DCF891: With 600 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 800 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, this impact wrench offers excellent power and performance. It features two drive styles and comes with oil-resistant batteries, making it a top choice for professionals.

- Makita 40V XGT Mid-Torque GWT07: This impact wrench delivers an impressive 560 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 810 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. It offers advanced features and precise control, making it a powerful and versatile tool.

- Flex 24V Mid-Torque FX1451: The Flex impact wrench provides an outstanding combination of power and value. With 600 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 750 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, it delivers exceptional performance at a reasonable price point.

- Skil PWRCore 20 Mid Torque IW5761B-10: This impact wrench is an excellent choice for home users and DIYers. It offers decent performance at a very affordable price, making it a great option for those who don't need professional-level power.

- DeWalt 20V Max Atomic DCF922: If you're looking for a compact and lightweight impact wrench, the DeWalt Atomic is a perfect choice. With 300 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 450 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, it packs a punch in a small package.

- Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque: This impact wrench offers a great balance of performance, size, and value. With 550 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 650 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, it delivers the power you need in a compact and lightweight design.

- Ryobi P262 4-Mode Impact Wrench: The Ryobi impact wrench is a solid option for DIYers and professionals looking for a value tool. It provides 450 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 600 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, along with three standard speeds and an auto mode for precise control.

- DeWalt 20-Volt Max XR 1/2 Drive Impact: This impact wrench is perfect for removing rusted bolts and tightening lug nuts. It offers three torque settings and impressive battery life, making it a great choice for garage use.

- Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench: The Ryobi ONE+ impact wrench delivers an impressive 600 ft-lbs of torque in a compact and lightweight package. It features an automatic stop mode to prevent over-tightening and a three-year warranty, making it a popular choice among home mechanics and professionals.

- Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench Kit: With an impressive 1,100 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 1,500 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, this impact wrench packs a powerful punch. It comes with a battery, case, and charger, making it a great choice for those who need a high-performance tool.

Best impact wrenches for power and performance

Impact wrenches are essential tools for heavy-duty fastening or loosening tasks, such as removing stubborn bolts and nuts. They are designed to deliver high torque output with minimal effort, making them a favourite among professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

When it comes to power and performance, here are some of the best impact wrenches on the market:

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. With four modes, three different speeds, and a bolt removal mode, it offers excellent control over speed and torque. Its performance on rusty bolts and nuts is impressive, and its ability to prevent runoff and over-tightening makes it a top choice for heavy equipment repair and industrial maintenance.

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

The DeWalt Atomic 20V Max is a powerful tool in a compact package. With the highest torque specs in its class, it can drive lag bolts faster than other models. It features a bolt removal and fastening mode to prevent runoff and over-tightening, along with two speed settings. While it is the loudest model in its class, its compact size makes it ideal for working in tight spaces.

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

The Ingersoll Rand High-Torque Impact Wrench is a robust and durable tool often found in industrial or commercial applications. With an all-metal drivetrain and a steel-reinforced handle, it can deliver up to 1,500 foot-pounds of nut-busting torque. Its unique dial mode selector always faces the user, making it easy to see and select the desired mode. It offers four modes, including hand tight and wrench tight, making it perfect for daily or heavy-use applications.

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

The DeWalt 20V Max XR is a high-torque impact wrench that delivers impressive performance. Weighing 7.2 pounds with the battery, it is the heaviest in its class but gives the impression of being well-built. It excels at removing lug nuts and rusted nuts and bolts with ease. While its size may be a challenge in tight spaces, its performance and comfort make it a top choice for auto, truck, or tractor repair.

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

The Ryobi 18V One+ offers exceptional value, accomplishing all the tasks in testing with ease. It can remove lug nuts and rusty bolts and drive lag bolts into pressure-treated lumber. With three speeds, it helps prevent over-tightening, although its lack of a brushless motor may limit its daily use.

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

The Flex Mid-Torque Impact Wrench is a well-balanced tool that is smaller and lighter than high-torque models, making it easy to handle and manoeuvre. It features bolt removal and auto-stop modes to prevent over-tightening, along with three other mode settings to tailor speed to the task. It is an excellent choice for auto maintenance and mechanical work.

Honourable Mentions:

Other notable impact wrenches include the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 3/8-Inch Mid-Torque Impact Wrench, which is compact and ideal for tight spaces, and the Ridgid 18V SubCompact 1/2-inch Impact Wrench, which is lightweight and suitable for lighter-duty work.

Additionally, the Makita XWT08Z 18V LXT, Porter-Cable 20V MAX, and Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 FUEL are also worth considering for their power, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

Best budget options

If you're looking for a budget-friendly impact wrench for autocross, there are several options available that offer a balance between performance and affordability. Here are some of the best budget options:

Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench Kit

The Ryobi ONE+ impact wrench is a popular choice among autocross enthusiasts. It offers 600 pound-feet of torque in a compact package, making it a great option for home mechanics and professionals alike. It features an automatic stop mode that prevents stripping fasteners and a three-year warranty. While it offers excellent performance, some users have reported issues with battery life and quality control.

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

The DeWalt 20V Max XR impact wrench is a powerful and versatile tool. It features three torque settings, with the lowest setting being almost perfect for tightening lug nuts. It also has a huge 60V Max 6.0 Ah battery that lasts a long time. While it is on the heavier side, it is still a great option for those looking for a combination of power and value.

Porter-Cable 20V MAX 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench

The Porter-Cable 20V MAX impact wrench offers a nice balance between power and price. It has adequate loosening torque for most jobs on a car, and its compact size makes it easy to work in small spaces. While the head is a bit long, making it tricky for very tight spaces, it is still a great budget-friendly option for those looking for a solid garage tool.

Craftsman V20 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench

The Craftsman V20 impact wrench is a lightweight and convenient option. It features a quality build and a powerful motor that can handle a wide range of tasks. It also comes with a variable speed trigger and a quick charger that can charge the battery in 60 minutes or less. The LED light improves visibility in poorly lit areas. While the Craftsman impact wrench is a great option, it may not be suitable for very tight spaces due to its size.

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 may not be suitable for bigger jobs, it is easy to handle and can tackle tasks like removing lug nuts tightened to 150 foot-pounds. It also features a bolt-tightening mode that prevents over-tightening by shutting down at around 20 foot-pounds.

Best for working in tight spaces

When it comes to working in tight spaces, you'll want to look for a compact and lightweight impact wrench. Here are some of the best options on the market:

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

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel is a powerful and compact impact wrench that can easily fit into tight spaces. It features a compact body and three LEDs on the face of the tool, making it a great option for working in low-light conditions. The "drive control" mode prevents over-tightening and spin-offs, making it a safe and reliable choice. It comes with two 5Ah batteries and a charger, and the kit typically retails for around $200.

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

The DeWalt Atomic 20V Max is a compact and lightweight impact wrench that packs a lot of power. It features a bolt removal mode that prevents over-tightening and spin-off, making it a safe option for working in tight spaces. It's one of the loudest models on the market, but its performance and versatility make it a popular choice for those who need a compact wrench. The kit typically retails for around $300.

Bosch 18-Volt Li-Ion Compact Impact Wrench IWH181-01

The Bosch IWH181-01 is a lightweight and compact impact wrench that's 25% lighter and 23% shorter than its main competitors. It's easy to manoeuvre and can fit into tight spaces with ease. The kit comes with two 4.0Ah batteries and typically retails for around $200. While it may not have the highest torque, it's a great option for those who need a small and lightweight wrench for light-duty tasks.

Ridgid 18V SubCompact 1/2-inch Impact Wrench

The Ridgid 18V SubCompact is a lightweight and compact impact wrench that's easy to handle and ideal for working in tight spaces. It features a bolt-tightening mode that prevents over-tightening, making it a safe option for those who need a small and lightweight wrench. However, it struggles with very tight bolts and larger lag bolts, so it's best suited for lighter-duty work. The kit typically retails for around $150.

When choosing an impact wrench for working in tight spaces, look for models with a compact and lightweight design. The above options are some of the best on the market, offering a balance of power, performance, and manoeuvrability.

Best for heavy-duty tasks

If you're looking for a heavy-duty impact wrench, you'll want to look for a model that delivers high torque and has enough power to handle large nuts and bolts. Here are some of the best options on the market:

DeWalt 20V Mid-Torque DCF891

DeWalt's DCF891 impact wrench offers an impressive 600 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 800 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. It features two drive styles—hog ring and pin detent—and you can also opt for a kit with oil-resistant batteries. While it's not the most compact option, measuring nearly 7 inches in length, it's a solid choice for all-around performance.

Makita 40V XGT Mid-Torque GWT07

The Makita GWT07 impact wrench delivers an impressive 560 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 810 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, making it one of the most powerful options in the mid-torque class. It offers four standard speed settings and three forward and reverse assist modes, giving you plenty of control over the tool. It's also slightly longer than some of its competitors, but the extra length may be worth it for the increased power.

Flex 24V Mid-Torque FX1451

The Flex FX1451 impact wrench is an excellent choice if you're looking for a balance of power and value. It offers 600 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 750 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, and it features an isolation zone between the housing and the motor to reduce vibration. While it's on the heavier side, it's a great option for Pro-grade quality at a lower price point.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1-Inch D-Handle Impact Wrench (2868/2869)

If you need a heavy-duty impact wrench for tractor-trailers or heavy equipment, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1-Inch D-Handle impact wrench is a great option. It delivers an impressive 1900 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 2000 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, making it capable of handling even the most stubborn fasteners. It also features customizable controls and inventory management through Milwaukee One-Key.

Ingersoll Rand 1-inch Cordless Impact Wrench (W9000 Series)

The Ingersoll Rand W9000 series is another excellent choice for heavy-duty tasks, delivering an incredible 3000 ft-lbs of breakaway torque and 2200 ft-lbs of fastening torque. It uses a pair of batteries to achieve these impressive power levels and is a great option if you need to tackle large nuts and bolts.

Best for battery life

When it comes to battery life, the DeWalt 20V Max XR 1/2-inch Impact Wrench Kit is a great option. It comes with a huge 60V Max 6.0 Ah battery, which users say lasts a long time. One user even says that the smaller 20V battery will run the tool for "some time". The wrench has three torque settings, with the lowest being "almost perfect for tightening lug nuts".

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-inch Impact Wrench is another great option for battery life. It comes with two 5 Ah batteries, which users say last a long time. One user says they've used it for 15 events and it's "still at 3/4 charge".

The Ryobi 18V One+ 1/2-inch Impact Wrench Kit is also worth considering. It comes with a 4 Ah battery, which users say is enough for two tire changes. One user says that even if the battery doesn't quite last, the fast charger is "REALLY fast".

If you're looking for something more heavy-duty, the DeWalt 20V Mid-Torque DCF891 has been named the "best overall" cordless impact wrench by Pro Tool Reviews. It doesn't come with a battery, but it's been tested with a 5 Ah battery and users say it has "excellent power-to-weight ratio".

For something more compact, the DeWalt 20V Max Atomic DCF922 is a great choice. It's been named the "most compact cordless impact wrench on the market" by Pro Tool Reviews and works well with DeWalt's 5 Ah Stack Pack battery.

Frequently asked questions