Whether it’s automobiles, construction projects, machinery maintenance or DIY projects at home, the utility of the best impact wrench cannot be sidelined as all the mentioned work fields have one thing in common i.e., dealing with bolts, screws or lug nuts.

Don’t underestimate the small size of nuts or screws. They have the ability to drive you insane when you’re manually wrestling to drive them in or out of their place.

Having a good impact wrench at hand is a blessing as it will apply adequate force to loosen or tighten any bolts, screw or nut in seconds. This is mainly because of the presence of a powerful motor that will produce high torque and impact to get the otherwise lengthy and taxing job done in a flash.

Corded, electric or air impact wrench, all three types come with different torque, impact range, portability, and price point, but the aim is only one: to liberate user of time-consuming tinkering with hard-to-shift rustic bolts that have the tendency to frustrate the user and in worst case scenario, injure his knuckles and fingers. No matter which type you’re using, there’s hardly any mulish nut or screw that it will not loosen or fasten.

Best Impact Wrench in 2023 Reviews

You know what else is time-consuming? To find a best impact wrench. This article saves you a lot of time and effort as it contains a list of 10 of the best impact wrenches with their strengths and weaknesses along with a buying guide. Both will help you enormously to select a model that suits your needs best.

1.   Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 Impact Wrench

Combining simplicity, innovative design and power in a single body is a miracle that only Milwaukee can perform. This impact wrench can without any doubt outperform a high-end model by DeWalt. Beneath appealing red exterior is caged more power than a pneumatic tool. With a 1000 ft-lbs high fastening torque and 1400 ft-lbs nut-busting torque, dealing with rusted bolts becomes a child’s play. At 2x higher speed your job will be finished quicker than you expect.

Featuring 4-mode controls enable user to be fully in control when handling fasteners. More impressive is the presence of friction ring that offers hassle-free socket change. Going a mile further, it comes equipped with an LED light to let you work more accurately even when working in less desirable low lighting condition.

Working with so much power continuously tends to overheat the tools, but no such thing happens with this model because it comes with anti-burnout and anti-overload technology – preventing the unit and battery from getting damaged and in result extending unit’s life substantially. Also, rubberized overmold casing fights corrosion and further adds to tool’s life, not to mention offer comfortable hold while working.

You’ll also love its cordless battery-powered design that makes your life and work easy as you’ll not have to deal with the hassle of power cords. What absolutely seals the deal is its compact body despite the huge amount of torque and force its housing.

Pros

• Long-lasting compact design.
• Battery-powered unit can generate up to 1400 ft-lbs torque.
• 4-mode control including bolt removal mode.
• Overload and overheat protection technology.
• Built-in LED light.
• Friction ring anvil for easy socket change.

Cons

Bottom Line:

For around 200 bucks this might seem like a very expensive impact wrench, but you’ll get a highly durable and powerful wrench with additional features for the money.

2.   DEWALT (DCF899HB) XR Impact Wrench

This impact wrench by DEWALT is a sight to behold. Thanks to its brushless motor, you get durability, decent runtime and outstanding performance all enclosed in a single body. It’s a heavy duty impact tool in a lightweight body.

This one is a strong contender in cordless category with its ½-inch chuck size and maximum torque of 700 ft/pounds along with breakaway torque of 1200 ft/pound. This implies that even if you’ve a lug nut stuck on your vehicle, this high torque wrench will loosen it so easily and quickly as if it was stuck in foam instead of on a car.

The highlight of the tool is the inclusion of hog ring anvil that gives user a breezy socket swapping. It also provides the tool additional strength to handle any stubborn fasteners with ease.

This impact wrench comes with a multi-speed control panel to offer speedy and smooth performance for a variety of applications – (400/ 1200/ 1900 RPM). Furthermore, like Milwaukee 2767 impact wrench this one also comes with an LED light – with a 20-second delay mechanism – to allow user to work comfortably in a dimly-lit area.

Its superior build is evident from the fact that the body will come out unscathed even after taking a fall from 6-ft height. Such durability makes it a perfect tool for tackling tasks around construction sites, garage and household.

Pros

• Heavy duty impact wrench in a lightweight body.
• Tough built can withstand a 6-ft fall.
• 3-speed control panel for variety of applications.
• Built-in LED light.
• Hog ring anvil.

Cons

Bottom Line:

This cordless impact wrench is a little pricey, but offers abundance of durability and speedy performance to make it a perfect tool for accomplishing a variety of tasks around a construction site, garage or household.

3.   Avid Power 20V MAX Impact Wrench

Not all the good things come with a hefty price tag. This is what this cordless impact wrench by Avid Power stands for. You get a highly powerful and superior performing unit in an attractive price point.

Carrying 1/2-inch chuck along with the capability to deliver maximum torque of 2213 in-lbs, it offers user a decent amount of flexibility. Also, its powerful motor can deliver maximum speed of 2200 RPM for quickly screwing bolts. Whether you want to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts; use it for auto repair, body shop maintenance, or any other such application, it will not shy away from accomplishing the assignment in record time.

Besides, variable speed trigger will give extra control while using to achieve your desired results; and with bright LED light you’ll be in a better position to work even in dark working areas.

Despite housing so much power and speed, it weighs barely 3.3-pounds which allows user to use it for long hours as if it was feather light, not to mention it easily reaches tight corners to get the job done. Another reason for its fatigueless performance is its rubberized anti-slip handle that gives a worker maximum comfort while screwing rusty bolts and fasteners.

The package also includes 4pcs driver impact sockets, 20V lithium ion battery, USB output, charger, tool bag and a 2-year warranty card. As icing on the cake, you can use its battery as a power bank too.

Pros

• Lightweight with anti-slip rubber handle for comfortable use.
• 1/2-inch chuck size.
• Maximum torque of 2213 in-lbs.
• Motor speed of 2200 RPM with variable speed trigger.
• Built-in LED light.

Cons

• Unlike other brands, this offers only 2-year warranty.

Bottom Line:

This cordless impact wrench is a treat for on-budget workers because in a low price they will get a highly powerful and flexible tool to tackle a variety of jobs – be it around a construction site or a mechanic’s garage.

4.   AIRCAT 1150 “Killer Torque” Impact Wrench

Like its name this impact wrench is a “killer” when it comes to tinkering with screws and bolts. It will not lose steam no matter how often you use it. Coming with a powerful impact of 1/2-inch and loosening torque of around 1300 ft-lbs, it will jolt any stiff or rustic bolt out of its place in seconds.

The real highlight is its twin hammer mechanism that aims at kicking an impressive amount of power, 1400 Blows Per Minute, to easily wrestle with any kind of stubborn bolt. All this power and force which results in high performance is mainly attributed to its 15% larger rotor.

Unlike other air impact wrenches this one is quite quieter – at 86 decibels – during operation, thanks to the incorporation of patented technology. So you can work as long as it takes to finish a task without worrying about waking up the entire neighborhood.

No extra pounds are added in weight to accommodate such hefty punches of power. Instead, its comes in a small and lightweight chassis along with ergonomic handle to offer maximum comfort during work.

All in all, it can easily kill some high-end impact wrenches when placed in close completion to make it to the top slots.

Pros

• High torque power to get the job done quickly.
• High-hitting twin hammer setting to wrestle with any stubborn bolt and nut.
• Quieter operation.
• Lightweight with ergonomic handle.
• 2-year warranty.

Cons

• Vibrates when tackling tough job.

Bottom Line:

This air impact wrench is a befitting choice for those workers who have to work frequently with stubborn bolts and lug nuts and therefore need a highly powerful tool to finish the tough job in short time.

5.   Porter-Cable Impact Wrench, PCE211

Porter-Cable’s products know how to make the best out of any tough situation without taking a sizable chunk out of your wallet. This electric impact wrench is a treat for using around home. Employing 7.5-amp motor kicks out enough power to deliver impressive speed of 2200 RMP for a wide range of heavy duty applications.

Its 450 ft-lbs torque isn’t something that needs to be mocked at. Instead, it’s laudable torque power because it enables you to conveniently and quickly accomplish those tasks around home that would have otherwise left you huffing and puffing if you were using a manual wrench.

More impressive is the 1/2-inch hog ring anvil which makes sure that situation like changing tough sockets doesn’t get the better of your impact wrench. The winning shot comes with its forward/reverse rocker switch which takes its convenient operation to unmatchable heights.

However, it’s a little heavier but that’s a small price you’ll pay for the power that it delivers to fasten or loosen frozen bolts and nuts. All in all, getting a heavy duty piece of equipment like this one without breaking a bank is a once in a blue moon opportunity that needs to be availed without delay.

Pros

• Cheaply-priced.
• Designed for heavy duty application.
• Maximum torque of 450 ft-lbs.
• Forward/reverse rocker switch for convenience.
• 1/2 –inch hog ring anvil.
• 3-year limited warranty and 90-day money back guarantee.

Cons

Bottom Line:

If you are looking for a highly powerful impact wrench that can tackle simple tasks around home and heavy duty applications with equal efficacy and speed, then investing in this model will give you the time of your life. Its significantly low price is an added bonus.

6.   Neiko 10878A Impact Wrench

All it takes is to have a top-notch heavy duty impact wrench to drive any mulish socket, bolt, and lug net in or out of its place. Simply means, if you have Neiko 10878A cordless impact wrench in hand, no screw or bolt will ever become a headache for you.

Thanks to its heavy duty powerful motor, it produces 300 ft-lbs maximum torque with a high speed of 3000 RPM and impact frequency of 3500 BPM to deliver unrivalled efficient performance when it comes to dealing with resilient bolts.

You’ll have full control over the unit’s torque delivery with its variable speed trigger and forward/reverse switch to get optimum performance in short time. The crowning glory comes with its lightweight and portable body that doesn’t lag behind in durability as well. It features a belt hook for easy carrying and textured groove handle to give you a smooth grip while working – without fatiguing your hand.

Since its cordless so the unit comes with long-lasting rechargeable battery and a built-in indicator to help you monitor how much battery has been used. Other accessories include a charger, 4 square to drive socket adapters and a solidly built storage box to keep everything organized and out of harm’s way.

Pros

• Lightweight, portable and ergonomic design.
• Affordable price.
• Heavy duty motor produces 300 ft-lbs torque.
• Variable speed trigger and forward/reverse switch for optimum performance.
• Accessories with a sturdy storage case.

Cons

Bottom Line:

This cordless impact wrench is a package deal. From sturdy built to lightweight ergonomic design to high torque delivery – to fight with any tough socket, bolt and lug nut in record time; you get it all without putting a dent in your pocket.

7.   Ingersoll Rand 231C Impact Wrench

An impact wrench by Ingersoll Rand can be described in only a few words: ruggedly built, affordable price, and flawless performance. If you’ve to jolt lug nuts on your vehicle, there’s no other power tool that will give you better and quicker results than this air impact wrench by Ingersoll Rand.

Thanks to its twin hammer setting, it delivers 600 ft-pounds maximum torque which is enough to tackle most of the jobs in your home garage. With adjustable power regulator you get full control over torque output to get optimum performance in less time.

Without infusing any flashy features, this one comes with a simple 2-piece design that’s easy to assemble and use. There’s no prep work involved before use as it comes fully lubricated, ready for use the minute you take it out of the box.

Like its cousin 231G, this one is also well constructed to withstand anything. Drop it and it will come out unscathed, ready to work again. All in all, you get a lot of muscle to wrestle with some tough lug nets on vehicles for a small chunk of money.

Pros

• Durable and compact design.
• Maximum torque of 600 ft-pounds with adjustable power regulator for controlling torque.
• Ideal for vehicles.
• Affordable price.

Cons

• Needs regular lubrication.

Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for a highly durable and powerful air impact wrench for your garage, then this model will give everything that you need to work on vehicles all the while staying on the low end of cost spectrum.

8.   Ryobi P261 Impact Wrench

Why should you spend an extravagant amount on a brand new impact wrench when you can easily get your hands on this refurbished model that not only looks like new but also works like one? In an affordable price, you get a ruggedly built powerful impact wrench that can easily sink wood screws into hard woodworks, or remove stubborn lug nuts from your automobile.

Thanks to its robust motor – that cranks out 300 ft-lbs of torque pressure – and 3-speed regulator, for adjusting speed from 0-3200 impacts per minute, that make all these heavy duty applications possible. However, if you want to use it in an auto workshop, then this might not give you the best results as the taxing job will drain the battery very quickly. But don’t worry because it’s compatible with Ryobi One + 18V battery. So, if you’ve already invested in that, then you’ll be in a better position to get any job done.

What really steals the show is its anti-slip rubberized handle and LED light, built in to the chuck, to let you work even in less desirable work conditions. In addition, heavy duty plastic material gives the tool the required durability – to make it last for years – without making it uncomfortably heavy.

Pros

• Durable, compact and affordable.
• 300 ft-pounds maximum torque to tackle woodworking jobs and most auto jobs.
• 3-speed selection.
• Built-in LED light.

Cons

• Drains battery quickly when working on lug nuts.
• Comparatively low torque.

Bottom Line:

This cordless impact wrench is a befitting option for those rugged DIYers and workers who have to frequently work with difficult woodworking tasks. Its maximum torque pressure is also enough to accomplish most auto work jobs in your garage.

9.   ENEARCO Impact Wrench (ENIW2006)

ENEARCO tools manufactured with only one aim i.e. to make your job and life easier. This cordless impact wrench stands true to brand’s promise.

This model is real treat for any worker as it comes in a lightweight and small frame, but the small chassis doesn’t cut down on durability and power of the tool. Its high temperature resistant brushless motor can produce maximum torque of 300 ft-lbs to accomplish repair projects, machine maintenance or construction projects etc. without overloading the unit. Not only this, but you’ll be able to finish any job anywhere without causing unnecessary commotion, courtesy of machine’s low noise level.

Adhering to the brand’s principle of efficient performance, it employs 3-speed selection switch to give user full control to adjust speed from 0-2800r/min to meet various jobs’ needs efficiently. Its 1/2-inch detent anvil ensures that the tool gives maximum performance despite the nature of the work.

Like durability and efficiency, it doesn’t lag behind in comfort and safety as well. Its ergonomic design comes with a belt clip and soft grip handle for easily carrying it around and working without fatiguing you. More impressive is its electronic brake system that protects user’s wrist from any injury that can occur due to kick back of motor when it stops.

Also, to further add to the convenience and stable performance its battery comes with light indication to let you know battery’s capacity. Your work will not be delayed as it’s fast charger will fully recharge the battery within 2 hours.

Apart from battery and charger you also get four impact sockets, a carrying case and 24 months defect free warranty.

Pros

• Long-lasting, lightweight and ergonomic design.
• Maximum torque of 300 ft-lbs with 3-speed selection.
• 1/2-inch detent anvil.
• Quieter operation.
• Easy and safe to use.
• Affordable price with 24 months defect free warranty.

Cons

• Low torque as compared to some other models.

Bottom Line:

Investing in this impact wrench is worth a punt because in a durable and compact body comes a high torque pressure which is enough for dismounting tires, medium duty maintenance jobs and constructional engineering. Also, it offers safe and quieter operation.

10. NoCry 20V Impact Wrench Kit

Its name says it all. This impact wrench comes with enough muscle and force to not let you cry when you’re unable to loosen stubborn bolts, lug nuts and large screws. Not only this but the low cost will not let your budget cry too.

Loosening or tightening tough screws and lug nuts is a cinch for it as it features 300 ft-lb of torque for loosening and 260 ft-lb to tighten them. Such efficient performance is mainly attributed to its heavy duty impact that is created by 2700 IPM.

Its 1/2-inch detent anvil will enable user to dismount tires from cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, trucks and trailers instantly at 2200 rpm. You can also put it to use for auto repairs, tough construction projects, heavy equipment maintenance and other such applications.

What really seals the deal is the unit’s ability to work efficiently and continuously – without many stops – due to rechargeable battery that will give you over 1 hour of uninterrupted performance on full charge. The battery fully charges within 2 hours. So, your work will be finished in time.

Moreover, it has a belt clip for easy carrying when working outdoors, and a smooth grip handle to let you work comfortably for long time.

In addition, it comes with a carrying case for securely placing the tool when not in use to keep it protected from dust and damage.

Pros

• Maximum torque of 300 ft-lb.
• 1/2 –inch detent for removing tires from vehicles.
• Maximum speed of 2200 rpm.
• Suitable for auto repairs, construction projects and heavy equipment maintenance.
• Package includes belt clip and carrying case.

Cons

• Battery and charger are only compatible with 20V NoCry 20V power tools.

Bottom Line:

If you need a powerful impact wrench that can easily tackle tough jobs like dismounting vehicle’s tires, construction projects and machinery maintenance, then investing in this model is a safe bet. Its affordable price is a blessing for on-budget customers.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Impact Wrench in 2023

This detailed buying guide will highlight all those features that you need to keep an eye out for while picking an impact wrench to get the best performance.

Types:

Impact wrenches are mainly of three types, cordless, electric and air. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses that you need to evaluate first.

Cordless Impact Wrenches:

There are most commonly used because of their convenience and portability. Powered by a battery, they come with enough torque and RPMs to easily tackle standard jobs. Their compact body lets user comfortably work in tight corners.

Electric Impact Wrenches:

They resemble a lot with cordless wrenches, especially in performance. Instead of battery they receive power from electric power socket. Since they come with electric cords therefore, their mobility and portability is limited. However, like corded impact wrenches, they are also very lightweight.

Air Impact Wrenches:

This type of impact wrenches uses compressed air for tightening lug nuts and screws. They come with impressive torque force and RMPs in a small chassis, that will last for decades. Due to their noteworthy power, they are readily used by mechanic and construction companies. Despite affordable price, they’re costly investment as they require bulky air compressor too. Due to this same reason they lag behind in portability too.

Going through all the types, you can easily evaluate and reach a conclusion that which type will work better for you.

Specifications:

You also need to closely observe the specifications of a model to make sure that it will be compatible with your intended use. Every impact wrench comes with different torque, RPM, IPM and voltage rate. It’s a rule of thumb that a model with high numerical figures will give you better performance. For instance, a model with high toque of 600 ft-lb and above will more easily loosen or tighten some tough and rustic bolts and nuts than a model with low torque of 300 ft-lbs.

Similarly, in case of cordless impact wrenches, a model with 24V power supply will work better with resilient bolts than a similar model with 20V power supply.

Motor:

A motor is the heart and soul of any impact wrench. Impact wrenches either incorporate brush DC motors or brushless DC motors. Brushless motors are expensive than their counterparts – brush motors, but they’re also more versatile, long-lasting, quieter and speedy.

Grip:

As you’ll hold impact wrench in hand while using it therefore, picking a model with textured or rubberized anti-slip handle will provide you better control and grip. It will also allow you to work for long hours without fatiguing your hand and wrist.

Price:

It’s obvious that you’ll pick an impact wrench that fits your budget. However, there’s a lot more than just upfront cost. For instance, an air impact wrench lies in the low cost spectrum, but it gets expensive because you’ll also have to invest in a heavy air compressor to power it. On the other hand, a cordless impact wrench might seem expensive at first, but the high cost will be balanced with the inclusion of a battery.

Conclusion

Impact wrench is a great investment both for professional as well as DIY projects. As the market is bustling with a plethora of models, it gets really perplexing to find a right model for your needs. This article along with the buying guide is supposed to help you select an impact wrench that will not only suit your budget but also your work needs.