Impact Wrench Sets: Best All-Round Power Tool Combos

best impact wrench set

An impact wrench is a powerful tool that can make light work of removing stubborn lug nuts and rusted bolts. While they were once predominantly pneumatic and used by professional mechanics, improvements in battery technology have made cordless impact wrenches a viable alternative, offering increased mobility.

When choosing an impact wrench, it's important to consider factors such as power and torque, speed and control, battery life, size and weight, build quality and durability, ergonomics, noise level, warranty and customer support, and price.

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

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

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

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

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

Characteristics Values
Best Overall Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
Best Compact Impact Wrench DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Compact 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
Best Torque Ingersoll Rand ½-inch High-Torque 20V Impact Wrench
Most Power DeWalt 20V Max XR 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
Best Value Ryobi 18V One+ 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
Best New Makita Tools Makita XWT08T 18V LXT
Best Overall DeWalt 20V Mid-Torque DCF891
Most Powerful Makita 40V XGT Mid-Torque GWT07
Best for the Money Flex 24V Mid-Torque FX1451
Best for Home Use Skil PWRCore 20 Mid-Torque IW5761B-10
Most Compact DeWalt 20V Max Atomic DCF922

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Best impact wrench sets for mechanics

Mechanics need a variety of tools to deal with different problems, and a cordless impact wrench is a must-have for loosening and tightening nuts and bolts. Here is a list of some of the best cordless impact wrench sets for mechanics:

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench 2767-20

This impact wrench is one of the most popular on Amazon, with a 4.9-star rating from over 4,400 reviews. It weighs under six pounds and delivers 1,000 pound-feet of fastening torque and 1,400 pound-feet of breakaway torque to remove stubborn fasteners. The 1/2-inch socket size is common and versatile, and the brushless motor provides reliability. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel is available as a bare tool or in one- and two-battery kits.

DeWalt 20V Max XR 1/2-inch Impact Wrench DCF899HB

The DeWalt 20V Max XR is a close runner-up to the Milwaukee model. It is slightly heavier at 6.4 pounds, with a maximum breakaway torque of 1,200 pound-feet. The durable design can withstand drops of up to eight feet and is resistant to chemicals, grease, and cleaners. Like the Milwaukee, it has a brushless motor and variable speed trigger, and it is available as a bare tool or with batteries.

Ingersoll Rand 20V 1/2-inch Cordless Impact Wrench W7152

This impact wrench provides an impressive 1,500 pound-feet of breakaway torque with a 20-volt battery, making it ideal for heavy-duty jobs. It weighs just 6.8 pounds, giving it one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its class. Ingersoll Rand's high-torque impact wrench is available as a bare tool or with a charger and battery packs.

DeWalt 20V Max Cordless 3/8-inch Impact Wrench Kit DCF883M2

The DeWalt DCF883M2 is a smaller, 3/8-inch impact wrench that is perfect for jobs that require a tighter fit. It offers less nut-busting torque than the larger models but is still powerful for its size. It has a hog ring for easy socket changes and is highly rated on Amazon, with 4.8 stars from over 600 ratings. The kit includes a lithium-ion battery pack, charger, and kit box.

DeWalt Xtreme 12V MAX Cordless 3/8-inch Impact Wrench DCF902F2

The DeWalt Xtreme is a compact and affordable option, weighing just 4.5 pounds and delivering 200 pound-feet of breakaway torque. It's a great choice for those new to cordless impact wrenches or those on a budget. The kit is highly rated on Amazon, with 4.6 stars from over 500 ratings, and includes a battery, charger, and carrying case.

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Best impact wrench sets for automotive work

If you're looking for the best impact wrench sets for automotive work, there are several options available that offer high torque output and impressive performance. Here are some recommendations:

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 IPM and features a bright LED work light, an ergonomic grip, and a 1/2 inch hog ring anvil. With torque settings ranging from 700 lb-ft to 1,200 lb-ft of breakaway torque, it is a powerful tool for heavy-duty applications.

Milwaukee 2967-20 M18

The Milwaukee 2967-20 M18 is an electric impact wrench capable of delivering up to 1,100 lb-ft of fastening torque and 1,600 lb-ft of breakaway torque. It features a brushless motor and a half-inch high-torque impact wrench with a friction ring, making it ideal for reaching 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 18V LXT is a versatile impact wrench suitable for automotive and industrial tasks. Its brushless motor extends battery life, providing up to 50% longer run time per charge. With three power modes and a half-inch anvil with a friction ring, it offers precise fastening control and quick socket changes. It can deliver up to 740 lb-ft of fastening torque and 1,180 lb-ft of nut-busting torque.

Ingersoll Rand 2235QTiMAX

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

CRAFTSMAN V20 RP

The CRAFTSMAN V20 RP is a heavy-duty impact wrench that offers good runtime and efficiency. It delivers up to 700 lb-ft of maximum tightening torque and 1,000 lb-ft of breakaway torque, making it suitable for various tasks. It features three speed settings, a variable speed trigger, and a built-in LED work light. With a weight of 10.23 pounds, it is a powerful and feature-rich option for automotive work.

When choosing an impact wrench for automotive work, consider factors such as power source, torque requirements, drive size, weight, ergonomics, and additional features like LED lights and speed settings.

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Best impact wrench sets for home use

If you're looking for an impact wrench set for home use, there are a few things to consider. You'll want something that's powerful yet compact and easy to handle. Here are some of the best impact wrench sets on the market that fit the bill:

Skil PWRCore 20 Mid Torque IW5761B-10

The Skil PWRCore 20 Mid Torque impact wrench offers a great balance of power and size for home users. It delivers 480 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 800 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, ensuring you can tackle a variety of projects around the house. The kit comes with an LED ring light for clear visibility and is available at an impressive price point, making it a solid choice for those who don't need professional-level performance.

DeWalt 20V Max Atomic DCF921/DCF922

If you're after something compact and lightweight, the DeWalt 20V Max Atomic impact wrench is a great option. With a breakaway torque of up to 450 ft-lbs, it packs a punch despite its small size. The head is angled slightly to keep the battery out of your way, and the tri-LED lights ensure your work area is well illuminated. This model includes two standard and two assist modes, giving you advanced control over your projects.

Greenworks IWD401 Cordless Impact Wrench

For those on a budget, the Greenworks IWD401 Cordless Impact Wrench is a fantastic choice. Available as a kit with either a 2.0Ah or 4.0Ah battery, it delivers up to 300 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, making it perfect for projects around the house and garage. The battery even has a built-in USB port, so you can use it as a power supply for your devices. At under $130, it's a great value for the price.

Ryobi P262 4-Mode Impact Wrench

The Ryobi P262 is a versatile impact wrench that can handle a range of tasks. With 450 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 600 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, it's perfect for both delicate Mode 1 work on engines and tackling rusty lugs. It features three standard speeds and an auto mode, giving you control over the applied torque. While not the most compact option, the HP Brushless upgrade keeps the profile relatively small.

DeWalt 20V Mid-Torque DCF891

The DeWalt 20V Mid-Torque impact wrench is a solid choice for all-around performance. It delivers 600 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 800 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, ensuring you can tackle a variety of projects. This model offers both hog ring and pin detent drive styles, as well as a kit with oil-resistant batteries. DeWalt also has a high-torque option, the DCF961, which offers 1750 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque if you need that extra power.

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Best impact wrench sets for heavy-duty work

If you're looking for a heavy-duty impact wrench set, you'll want to consider the power, speed, and torque of the wrench, as well as its weight and comfort. Here are some of the best impact wrench sets for heavy-duty work:

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 18-Volt Impact Wrench

Milwaukee is a well-known power tool brand, and the M18 Fuel 18-Volt Impact Wrench is a top choice for many professionals. With 1,400 foot-pounds of torque and a 5-Ah battery, this wrench offers exceptional power and speed. It performed well in tests, easily removing and replacing lug nuts and breaking free rusty bolts from old farm equipment. The kit includes three batteries and is available at Home Depot for $429.

DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench Kit

DeWalt is another trusted brand when it comes to power tools. The 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench Kit delivers up to 700 foot-pounds of fastening torque and 1,200 foot-pounds of breakaway torque. It performed seamlessly in tests, removing lug nuts on a Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup truck in a fraction of a second. The kit includes a 5-Ah battery and is available on Amazon for $449.

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

The Ingersoll Rand 1/2-inch High-Torque 20V Impact Wrench is a powerful tool with an impressive 1,500 foot-pounds of nut-busting torque. It features an all-metal drivetrain, a steel-reinforced handle, and a large, visible mode selector. While it may be harder to find in big-box stores, it's a favourite among industrial and commercial applications due to its robust performance and durable construction. The wrench is available at Walmart for $836.

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

The DeWalt 20V Max XR 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench is a heavy-duty option, weighing in at 7.2 pounds with the battery attached. It delivers impressive power, easily breaking free lug nuts on a Ford F-250 Super Duty. The weight of the wrench gives the impression of sturdy construction, and its brushless motor promises a long lifetime. This wrench is available at Amazon for $449.

Flex 24V Mid-Torque Impact Wrench

The Flex 24V Mid-Torque Impact Wrench offers a great combination of power and value. With 600 foot-pounds of fastening torque and 750 foot-pounds of breakaway torque, it delivers impressive performance while also being comfortable to use, thanks to an isolation zone that reduces vibration to your hand. This wrench is a great choice for professionals or serious DIYers and is available for $299.

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Best impact wrench sets for DIY enthusiasts

Impact wrenches are a game-changer for DIY enthusiasts, making light work of stubborn lug nuts and rusted bolts. They are powerful tools that can speed up your projects and make light work of demanding tasks.

There are a few considerations when choosing an impact wrench set. Firstly, you'll want to ensure it has enough torque for your needs. Torque is the tool's ability to drive in lag bolts or loosen stubborn nuts, so the higher the torque, the more muscle the tool has. You'll also want to consider the speed settings, size, weight, and battery life.

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

This set includes a battery, charger, and kit bag. It has four-mode speed settings and a powerful motor that delivers up to 1,823 inch-pounds of torque. The set also features a built-in LED light to illuminate your work area, and the wrench's compact design allows for easy handling in tight spaces.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench

This heavy-duty impact wrench offers tremendous nut-busting power and excellent battery capacity. It has multiple speed and torque settings, delivering up to 1,400 foot-pounds of torque. The set also includes a carrying case, two batteries, and a charger.

Makita XWT08T 18V LXT

This impact wrench delivers serious power, with tightening and loosening torque measurements over 850 foot-pounds. It comes with two 5-amp-hour batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag. While it is the heaviest of the bunch, it feels well-balanced and comfortable to use.

Porter-Cable 20V MAX

The Porter-Cable 20V MAX offers a nice balance between power and price. It has adequate loosening torque for most automotive jobs, and its compact size makes it easy to handle. The kit includes a battery and charger.

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

The Ryobi 18V One+ is a great value option that delivers impressive performance. It has three-speed settings and can easily remove lug nuts and rusty bolts. While it may not be the most powerful option, it is perfect for light DIY projects around the house.

These impact wrench sets offer a range of features to suit different DIY needs, from heavy-duty projects to light tasks around the home.

Frequently asked questions

There are three common impact wrench sizes for automotive work: 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/2-inch. The 1/4-inch impact wrench is great for small, delicate jobs; 3/8-inch wrenches are nice "do-it-most" tools; and 1/2-inch impact wrenches are for heavy-duty nuts and bolts.

Impact wrenches deliver more torque than impact drivers and are used for heavy-duty tasks such as removing lug nuts or large bolts. Impact drivers, on the other hand, are more compact and used for driving screws and smaller bolts.

The key differences are the materials and design. Chrome sockets are suitable for general use and tasks where high torque is not a primary concern. Impact sockets are specifically designed to withstand the extreme forces generated by impact wrenches in heavy-duty applications. If you are using an impact wrench, it is crucial to use impact sockets and drive tools to ensure safety and prevent damage to both the tools and fasteners.

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