Best Impact Wrenches For Linemen: Top Picks Reviewed

Linemen require a wide range of tools to adapt to their ever-changing job, which can include fixing a pole, animal-proofing a line, or chopping down trees and branches to prevent them from touching power lines. One of the most important tools for a lineman is the impact wrench, and the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16″ Impact Wrench is specifically designed to meet their unique needs. This cordless impact wrench is faster than other cordless options and provides up to 750 ft-lbs max torque. It also features an extended handle that accommodates the thickness of insulated gloves, a QUIK-LOK chuck for single-handed bit insertion, and an integrated lanyard loop for convenient transfer and storage. With its powerful performance and adaptive design, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16″ Impact Wrench is an excellent choice for linemen, helping them work efficiently and safely.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16 Impact Wrench

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16" Impact Wrench is the first cordless impact wrench designed specifically for the unique challenges faced by utility linesmen. It is 30% faster than the next fastest cordless 7/16" wrench on the market, with 0-2,300 RPM, 0-2,800 IPM, and 750 in-lbs of max torque. While it is not as fast as a hydraulic model, it is much more convenient as it does not require running a hydraulic hose.

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16" Impact Wrench has a lightweight design, weighing just under 7.5 lbs with the battery attached. It is also 1-1/2" shorter than the 2765 model released in 2013, making it easier to handle and balance, especially when working in a bucket or from a harness. The taller handle design also accommodates thicker Class II gloves, providing a comfortable grip and maneuverability even when gloveless.

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16" Impact Wrench features the industry-first QUIK-LOK chuck, which allows for single-handed bit insertion. This is especially useful when working at height, as it reduces the risk of dropping the tool. The integrated lanyard loop also provides convenient transfer and storage, making it easy to hoist the impact wrench to the user.

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16" Impact Wrench is built to withstand the harshest conditions and is rated for use around lower voltage distribution lines as well as transmission and municipality lines up to 69 KV (69,000 volts). It is powered by an XC 5.0 REDLITHIUM battery and features REDLINK PLUS Intelligence to protect the device from overloads, heating, and over-discharge. The ONE-KEY system allows users to program, track, and manage the tool from a phone app.

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16" Impact Wrench is available as a bare tool (2865-20) for $349 or as a kit with two 5.0 Ah batteries (2865-22) for $579.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16 One-Key

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16 One-Key is a cordless impact wrench designed specifically for the unique challenges faced by utility linesmen. It is 30% faster than the next fastest cordless 7/16" wrench on the market, with a maximum torque of 750 ft-lbs, 0-2,300 RPM, and 0-2,800 IPM. This makes it suitable for tightening or loosening any bolt and drilling through any pole.

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16 One-Key has a lightweight design, weighing just under 7.5 lbs with the battery attached. It is also 1-1/2" shorter than the previous model released in 2013, making it easier to manoeuvre and improving the balance of the tool. The extended handle is designed to accommodate the thickness of insulated gloves, providing a comfortable grip and improved manoeuvrability, even in demanding environments.

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16 One-Key features a Quik-Lok chuck, which allows for single-handed bit insertion. This is especially useful when working at height, as it reduces the risk of dropping the tool. The integrated lanyard loop provides convenient transfer and storage, making it easy to hoist the impact wrench to the user.

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16 One-Key is powered by an XC 5.0 REDLITHIUM battery, which provides all-day power. The REDLINK PLUS Intelligence protects the device from overloads, heating, and over-discharge, while the ONE-KEY technology allows users to track, customize, and manage the tool from an app on their phone.

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7/16 One-Key is a versatile and powerful tool that is designed to meet the ever-changing needs of linemen. It provides faster drilling speeds, more power, and improved control, making it a reliable choice for professionals.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2 Compact Impact Wrench

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2 Compact Impact Wrench is a powerful and versatile tool, ideal for a lineman's diverse tasks. Its compact size, at only 4.9" in length, allows for easy access to tight spaces, making it perfect for working on confined areas.

The wrench delivers an impressive performance with up to 250 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque, ensuring you can tackle even the most stubborn fasteners. It features a POWERSTATE Brushless Motor, which provides the necessary power to remove rusted or tight fasteners effortlessly.

One standout feature of this wrench is its lighting. It is equipped with tri-LEDs that surround the anvil, providing brighter light with fewer shadows. This enhances workspace visibility, making it easier to work in low-light conditions.

The 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL offers a high level of precision with its range of pre-set RPM and IPM levels, which can be easily selected using a single button. Mode 4 includes AUTO SHUT-OFF control, preventing over-tightening by applying no more than 20 ft-lbs of torque. Additionally, this mode features Bolt Removal Control, which reduces RPMs once the bolt is loosened, preventing fastener drops.

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2 Compact Impact Wrench is designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. Its REDLINK PLUS Intelligence electronics maximize performance and protect the tool from overloads, overheating, and over-discharge. It is also compatible with all M18 batteries and chargers, ensuring you can get the job done without interruptions.

This impact wrench is an excellent addition to any lineman's toolkit, providing the power and versatility needed to handle a variety of tasks throughout the day.

Klein High-Torque Impact Wrench

The Klein High-Torque Impact Wrench is a powerful and versatile tool, ideal for professional impact fastening and drilling applications. With up to 500 foot-pounds of max torque, it can effortlessly drill through auger bits and drive fasteners into wood, metal, and concrete. This makes it a perfect tool for a wide range of tasks, from fixing poles to animal-proofing lines.

One of the standout features of the Klein High-Torque Impact Wrench is its 7/16-inch quick-release chuck, which allows for easy bit changes without slowing you down. The variable speed trigger, with a range of 0 to 1900 RPM, gives you precise control over your work, ensuring a smooth and efficient performance. Additionally, the safety lockout switch adds an extra layer of protection during operation.

The Klein High-Torque Impact Wrench is designed with practicality and user comfort in mind. It is powered by DeWALT 20V lithium-ion batteries, known for their reliability and performance. The housing of the wrench is made from PA6, Glass Filled 30%, TPE, ensuring durability and a secure grip. It is worth noting that this tool is not insulated, so additional precautions should be taken to prevent electrical shock.

The Klein High-Torque Impact Wrench offers two purchasing options: the tool-only option, which is ideal if you already have compatible batteries and chargers, and the kit option, which includes everything you need to get started. The kit comes with the impact wrench, a battery, a charger, and a contractor bag, providing a complete package for your projects.

Overall, the Klein High-Torque Impact Wrench is a reliable and powerful tool for linemen, offering versatility, precision, and convenience. With its impressive torque, durable construction, and easy-to-use features, it is a great choice for professionals who demand both performance and comfort in their tools.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque 1/2 Impact Wrench

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mid-Torque 1/2 Impact Wrench is a powerful and versatile tool, delivering up to 650 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque while weighing only around 5 lbs. This makes it extremely lightweight and versatile, capable of performing a wide range of applications, including removing large bolts and lug nuts. With a length of just 6.0" to 6.7", it is the most compact in its class, allowing easy access to tight spaces where larger impact wrenches won't fit.

The M18 Fuel Mid-Torque features a POWERSTATE Brushless Motor, which provides the necessary power to perform various tasks quickly and efficiently. It also offers four drive control modes, giving you greater precision and control over the output speed and power. The auto-shut-off mode prevents over-tightening by applying no more than 35 ft-lbs of torque, while the bolt-removal mode offers more control as the RPMs slow down once the bolt is loosened.

The M18 Fuel Mid-Torque is designed for comfort and durability. Its compact and lightweight design reduces fatigue during prolonged use, and the improved rubber overmould material provides a secure grip and withstands corrosive materials. The Tri-LEDs deliver high-definition lighting, increasing workspace visibility and reducing shadows.

The M18 Fuel Mid-Torque is compatible with all M18 batteries and chargers, and its REDLINK PLUS Intelligence ensures maximum performance while protecting the tool from overloads, overheating, and over-discharge. It is rated for use in up to 69kV environments, making it suitable for work around lower voltage distribution lines and some transmission and municipality lines.

Frequently asked questions