Wrestling with a stubborn lug nut and bolt on a car, tractor, or garage door is made simple when you have an impact wrench in your hand. Fast and efficient, an impact wrench will help you to complete tough automotive and DIY home repairs projects effortlessly.
Complete Automotive and DIY Home Improvements with a High-powered Impact Wrench
An impact wrench delivers lots of high-powered bolt-busting torque which makes it a favorite power tool with auto-mechanics, car and motorbike enthusiasts, carpenters, and construction site workers.
Whether you need to remove a tire, repair an engine, fix large machinery like a zero-turn mower or tractor, an impact wrench will save you time, fatigue, and frustration. You can also use this versatile tool for DIY home repairs or improvements such as fixing a garage door, building a storage shed, or tightening joists and supports on a pergola.
The 8 Best Impact Wrenches
- Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 FUEL ½-Inch Impact Wrench (Our Top Pick)
- DEWALT DCF899P1 20V ½-inch Impact Wrench Kit
- Makita XWT08T 18-Volt Cordless ½-inch Drive Impact Wrench Kit
- Porter-Cable PCE211 ½-inch Corded-Electric Impact Wrench
- HAMMERHEAD_HDIW075_7.5 AMP Corded-electric Impact Wrench
- Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX Pneumatic ½-inch Impact Wrench
- AIRCAT 1150 Pneumatic ½-Inch Impact Wrench
- Astro Pneumatic Tools 1828 ONYX 3/8-inch Pneumatic Nano Impact Wrench
Our Top Pick for the Best Impact Wrench
Our top pick for the best impact wrench is the Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 FUEL Impact Wrench.
We highly recommend this sensational impact wrench due to its powerful nut/bolt-crunching performance, reliable torque-twisting skills, the intelligent 4-mode drive speed control, and a user-friendly compact design.
So whether you are a professional mechanic, a car restoration enthusiast, or a DIY home repairer, the Milwaukee 2727-20 is an essential impact wrench for your toolbox.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best Impact Wrench
Pistol Style Impact Wrenches
A pistol grip impact wrench is the most popular type of impact wrench on the market. Its L-shaped design and compact profile fits easily into your hand and gives you that much-needed control in a tight spot.
Electric-Corded, Cordless-battery-powered, and Pneumatic Impact Wrenches
Impact wrenches are available in cord-electric, cordless-battery-powered, or pneumatic powered models.
Cordless
A cordless impact wrench gives you untethered freedom of movement and it is especially handy for working in a restricted space like underneath a car. Cordless impact wrenches will be powered by an 18-volt or 20-volt lithium-ion battery like the DEWALT DCF899P1 Impact Wrench.
The downside of a using a battery-powered impact wrench is that it can be heavier, bulkier, and the battery needs to be fully charged so that it provides a consistent power flow.
Electric-Corded
An electric-corded impact wrench, like the Porter-Cable PCE211, delivers unlimited power for heavy-duty jobs. But you will need to have the right voltage output like 120 volts for the tool to function in your workshop and the power cord needs to have a length of at least 6-feet for good maneuverability around your workspace.
Pneumatic
Powered by compressed air, a pneumatic impact wrench provides lots of power for extra challenging tasks. This type of impact wrench may also feature a double-hammer mechanism which is incredibly effective at loosening stubborn lug nuts and bolts.
A pneumatic impact wrench, like the AIRCAT 1150 or the ultra-compact and lightweight Astro Nano, indicates its air-compressor measurements by PSI (pounds per square inch) and volume (cubic feet per minute). So you need to make sure that the impact wrench is compatible with your air compressor.
Pneumatic impact wrenches can be very noisy but a pair of industrial earplugs will eliminate much of the noise and keep your ears safe.
Impact Wrench Drive Size
Most impact wrenches have a 1/2-inch or 3/8-inch drive size. A 1/2-inch friction ring is ideal for most professional and home-related mechanical or repair tasks but a 3.8-inch drive, like the Astro 1828 Pneumatic Impact Wrench, is perfect for smaller and less-challenging applications.
Torque
Torque is indicated by foot per pound (ft-lbs) and will range from a generous 240 ft-lbs up to 1400 ft-lbs of bolt-blasting power. Basically, the higher the amount of torque, the faster the impact wrench can loosen or tighten the bolt or nut you need to work on. The impact wrench may also show the fastening and nut-busting torque speed.
Rotations Per Minute (RPM)
Rotations-per-minute (RPM) range from a good 10,500 RPM, which is suitable for smaller tasks. If you have large vehicle repairs to complete and stubborn bolts to remove, you will need a higher 2,200 RPM or an ultra-fast 9,000 RPM. Impact wrenches usually have a variable speed RPM selector switch which gives you ultimate control over the speed of the tool.
BPM
BPM or IPM stands for Blows-Per-Minute or Impact-Per-Minute, which indicates how many times the hammer strikes the anvil in a minute. The higher the BPM, the more effective the impact wrench will be at removing a bolt that refuses to budge.
A great handy tip for mechanics or classic car restorers who encounter stubborn lug nuts is to apply a small amount of automotive lubricant to the nut before you use the impact wrench. Wait a few seconds and you will be able to remove the nut or bolt easily.
Ergonomic Design
Even though an impact wrench is a compact and lighter power tool, it can still get heavy after an extended period of time, especially a cordless impact wrench. If you are looking for a smaller impact wrench consider the extra light and compact AIRCAT 1150 or the Astro 1828.
If you have to remove a bolt in a tight spot or work for long hours, an ergonomic grip is a non-negotiable feature. A comfortable rubber overmold handle or a non-slip grip will help you to work smarter and safer.
Safety Features
Additional safety features may include a battery that has overheating protective features like the Milwaukee 2767-20 or the Makita XWT08T. The impact wrench may also have a LED light to illuminate a dark work area.
Best Impact Wrench Reviews
1. Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 FUEL ½-Inch Impact Wrench
Increase your productivity with the amazingly powerful cordless Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 FUEL Impact Wrench.
The Milwaukee 2767-20 is a great tool for removing stubborn, rusted on lug nuts and bolts. So whether you need to remove a tire off a car or truck or fix large machinery like a tractor, this is the impact tool for you. Its POWERSTATE brushless motor has 2X faster removal speed with 1,000 ft-lbs of fastening torque, 1,400 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque, and 0-950/1,750/2,100/2,100 IPM.
You will have ultimate control over the power tool with the 4-mode drive speed control that has an RPM range of 0 to 550/1,400/1750/1750-750 RPM. Utilize the bolt removal mode to harness maximum nut-busting torque to set a stubborn rusted on bolt free, then slow the tool down to 750 RPM for more control when removing a fastener. Sockets changes can be made quickly and easily with the tool-free 1/2-inch friction ring anvil.
As the Milwaukee impact wrench measures at just 8.39-inches, it is very compact and easy to use in hard-to-reach spots. If you need to work for long hours, the impact wrench is very lightweight at 7.5 lbs even with the battery (not included). The premium rubber overmold handle withstands corrosive materials and is comfortable to hold. Working in low light conditions will not be a problem as the 2767-20 has a LED light to illuminate your work area.
The impact wrench is powered by Milwaukee’s premium 18-volt REDLITHIUM battery that delivers more work per charge and has very good battery life. REDLINK PLUS intelligence prevents damage to the tool and battery due to overloading or overheating after heavy-duty use. Incredibly functional, the 2767-20 is part of the M18 System and is compatible with Milwaukee’s 150+ tool collection.
Milwaukee offers a 5-year limited warranty on the impact wrench.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Impressive power for maximum productivity
- POWERSTATE high-torque brushless motor
- 1,000 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 1,400 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque
- Removes stubborn fasteners up to 2X faster than the competition
- Industry leading 4-mode drive control with bolt removal mode
- Highly versatile speed range of 550/1,400/1,750/1,750-750 RPM
- Hard-hitting 0-950/1,750/2,100/2,100 IPM
- Long-lasting REDLITHIUM batteries
- REDLINK PLUS intelligence prevents any overloading or overheating of the battery
- Friction ring design ensures quick and easy socket changes
- Compact and lightweight
- Premium rubber overmold trigger style handle
- LED light
- 5-year limited warranty
- Part of the M18 System, featuring over 135+ tools
Cons
- The battery is not included
- A little bulky
- Can be a little slow with extra stubborn bolts
2. DEWALT DCF899P1 20V ½-inch Impact Wrench Kit
Designed for comfort, speed control, and working in dark spaces, the DEWALT DCF899P1 ½-inch Impact Wrench is a must-have tool for a mechanic, construction contractor, plumber, automotive restorer, or remodeler.
Whatever type of automotive or DIY repair job you have planned, the versatile DCF899P1 is equipped for wood, metal, and concrete materials and can be used for various fastening applications.
Its brushless motor offers you superior runtime, a powerful performance, and durability. At just the press of a button, the tool delivers 700 ft-lbs of maximum torque, 1,200 ft-lbs of maximum breakaway torque and a fast 2,400 IPM.
The heavy-duty ½-inch anvil with detent pin (also available in hog ring) offers strong socket retention, is highly resistant to shearing or breaking, and can even handle a 6-8-foot drop. You can control the impact wrench’s speed with the 3-speed slide selector that has no-load speeds of 400/ 1,200/ 1,900 RPM to suit your individual project.
The impact wrench is compact, well-balanced and lightweight at 7.2lbs, and its comfortable pistol grip fits snugly in your hand. A LED work light with a 20-second delay illuminates a dark work-space.
You can keep your impact wrench safe in the sturdy yellow and black tool bag as you travel from your home to the work-site. The long-lasting 20-volt 5.0 Ah lithium-ion battery has a fuel gauge to let you know when it is time to recharge. Both the battery and multi-voltage charger can be used with DEWALT’s 180+ power tool collection.
DEWALT offers a 3-year limited warranty on the impact wrench.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Ideal for a wide range of fastening applications
- Brushless motor offers superior run-time, performance, and durability
- Heavy-duty ½-inch anvil with detent pin
- Also available with a hog ring
- 700 ft-lbs of max torque and 1,200 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque
- Fast 2,400 IPM
- No-load multi-speed 400/ 1200/ 1900 RPM selector switch
- Excellent battery life
- Long-lasting 20-volt MAX 5.0 Ah lithium-ion battery and charger
- Battery and charger is compatible with DEWALT’s 180+ tool system
- Compact, well-balanced and lightweight
- LED light has a 20-second delay for increased visibility
- Sturdy yellow and black tool bag
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- The forward-reverse speed button slides easily and can get bumped in the wrong direction
- The battery can come loose easily
3. Makita XWT08T 18-Volt Cordless ½-inch Drive Impact Wrench Kit
Powerful, durable and ergonomic, the Makita XWT08T ½-inch Impact Wrench is a fantastic tool for mechanics, steelworkers, a forming carpenter, or a farmer who owns large machinery.
The technologically advanced Makita built brushless motor optimizes battery life for 50% longer per run time and charge. You will have all the torque power you need to remove stubborn nuts and bolts in a flash.
The XWT08T provides 740 ft-lbs of fastening torque, 1,180 ft-lbs of break-away torque and a hard-hitting force of 0-1,800/0-2,000/0-2,200 IPM. You have maximum control over the speed of the tool with the variable 3-speed (0-900/0-1,000/0-1,800 RPM) power selection switch. Incredibly strong, the heavy-duty 1/2-inch anvil with a friction ring makes quick and easy socket changes.
Its ergonomic design includes a compact 9-inch size, a lightweight housing at 7.9 lbs, and the pistol-style rubber grip handle is comfortable and safe to hold. Your workspace will be adequately Illuminated with the built-in dual LED lights that have pre-glow and afterglow functions.
The XWT08T comes with Makita’s super fast-charging 18V LXT Lithium-ion 5.0Ah battery, an 18V LXT lithium-ion rapid optimum charger, and a sturdy tool bag. You can also purchase the impact wrench as a bare tool.
Makita offers a 3-year limited warranty on the impact wrench, battery, and charger.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Unmatched performance
- Powerful, efficient, and cool-running Makita-built brushless motor
- Perfect for high torque fastening applications
- Ideal for mechanics, steelworkers, forming carpenters, and large farming equipment
- 740 ft-lbs of max torque and 1,180 ft-lbs of breakaway torque
- 3-speeds 0-900/0-1,000/0-1,800 RPM and 0-1,800/0-2,000/0-2,200 IPM
- 1/2-inch anvil with a friction ring allows for quick and easy socket changes
- Battery energy lasts for 50% longer run time per charge
- Star Protection Computer Controls
- Rapid optimum charger optimize battery life
- Compact and lightweight
- Comfortable rubber pistol-style grip
- Built-in dual LED lights with pre-glow and afterglow functions
- Tool bag
- Available as a bare tool
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- The battery can come loose when used with heavy-duty tasks
- Still feels a bit heavy after long-term use
- Can overheat quickly on high RPMs
- May require some lubrication before removing extra stubborn nuts and bolts
4. Porter-Cable PCE211 1/2-inch Corded-Electric Impact Wrench
If you need to complete automotive repairs or DIY home renovations, the corded-electric Porter-Cable ½-inch Impact Wrench is designed for heavy-duty applications.
The PCE211 is one beast of a power tool. Its high torque 7.5-amp 120-volt motor delivers 450 ft-lbs of torque, a fast 2, 200 RPM and a super strong hard hitting 2, 700 BPM, and the durable ½-inch hog ring anvil drive allows for easy socket changes and bolt removal.
Wielding your impact wrench in a tight spot is made super easy as the lightweight 7.8 lbs tool has a compact 6.9-inch design. Its quick-release chuck head also allows for fast one-handed tool-free bit changes.
Do you have to work underneath a car on in a dark corner of the garage? No problems! Porter-Cable has integrated an LED light that illuminates your workspace.
Comfortability is key when you have to work for extended hours and the PCE211 has a comfortable rubberized trigger grip and the forward/ reverse rocker variable speed switch can be used with just one hand. For easy maneuverability around your workspace, the impact wrench has a good 6-foot power cord.
Porter-Cable offers a 90-day money-back guarantee, a 3-year limited warranty, and a 1-year free service contract on the impact wrench.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Powerful high-torque 450 ft. lbs motor
- Ideal for heavy-duty installing and removing fastening applications
- 2, 200 RPM and 2, 700 BPM fast application speeds
- Easy socket changes with the durable ½-inch hog ring anvil
- Quick-release chuck head allows for tool-free bit changes
- Compact and lightweight
- Comfortable rubberized trigger grip
- Forward/reverse rocker variable speed switch
- Good 6-foot power cord
- 90-day money back guarantee
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- May not be as fast with extra stubborn bolts
- Can feel heavy after long-term use
- No LED lights
5. HAMMERHEAD_HDIW075_7.5 AMP Corded-electric Impact Wrench
Powerful and tough, the corded-electric Hammerhead HDIW075 ½-inch Impact Wrench is an excellent tool for heavy-duty automotive and DIY home repairs.
The powerful 7.5-amp 120-volt motor delivers 240 ft-lbs of torque, an efficient no-load speed of 2,200 RPM and a bolt-smashing 2,700 BPM. Built strong, the impact wrench has a durable metal gearbox for rough work conditions. So whether you have to replace a tire, work on an engine or a car’s suspension, or fix a broken garage door, the HDIW075 is the tool of choice for high-torque bolt removal and fastening applications.
Working underneath a car or fixing a tractor can be fiddly with a corded-electric power tool but not when you have the Hammerhead in your hand. Its forward/reverse rocker switch allows for a quick and easy two-finger operation and the non-slip pistol grip provides better comfort and control. The impact wrench also features a ½-inch square drive with a friction ring for secure socket retention.
Hammerhead offers a 3-year limited warranty on the impact wrench.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Powerful 7.5 amp motor
- Fast 2,200 RPM
- Bolt-smashing 2,700 BPM
- 240 ft-lbs of torque
- Ideal for high-torque automotive repairs, machinery maintenance, and DIY home repairs
- ½-inch drive with friction ring provides secure socket retention
- Durable metal gearbox
- Quick and easy two-finger operated forward/reverse rocker switch
- Comfortable non-slip pistol-style grip
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Can be heavy to use in a tight spot
- No LED Lights
- May not have enough power for professional use
6. Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX Pneumatic ½-inch Impact Wrench
The Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX Pneumatic ½-inch Impact Wrench is a bolt-busting dynamo that can meet the demands of heavy-duty industrial-style projects and automotive applications.
Featuring an ultra-powerful 1,350 ft-lbs of reverse torque, 930 ft-lbs of maximum forward torque, a super fast 8,500 RPM, and a finely-tuned twin-hammer mechanism, any stubborn nut or bolt will be released and tightened in just a few seconds. Its finely tuned motor and square hog-ring drive deliver more torque, durability, and efficiency over the long-term.
Designed for harsh working conditions, the impact wrench has a rugged impact and chemical-resistant housing and titanium hammer case that can take a beating and still continue to perform at an optimal level.
Weighing just 4.6 pounds, the lightweight Ingersoll Rand has the best power-to-weight ratio in its class and its ergonomic handle is easy to hold even after extended use. The intuitive four-position power regulator and one-handed forward/reverse button give you complete control, so you can easily fine-tune the torque output to suit any task.
To get the best use out of the impact wrench, it is compatible with a 90-120 psi air compressor with a 3/8-inch hose.
Ingersoll-Rand offers a 2-year warranty on the impact wrench.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good price
- Extremely powerful
- Ideal for heavy-duty industrial or automotive applications
- Air powered nut-busting 1,350 ft-lbs of torque
- 930 ft-lbs of maximum reverse torque
- Finely tuned twin-hammer impact mechanism provides maximum power and durability
- Rugged housing and titanium hammer case
- Lightweight design
- Intuitive four-position power regulator
- One-handed forward/reverse button
- Ergonomic handle
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Feels a bit front-heavy which can be uncomfortable in a tight spot
- The speed button can dig into your thumb when pulling the trigger
- Loud operation
7. AIRCAT 1150 Pneumatic ½-Inch Impact Wrench
With impressive power, fast torque, and ground-breaking advanced design, the AIRCAT 1150 ½-inch Impact Wrench is an excellent tool for automotive repairs and car restoration enthusiasts.
The powerful ultra-fast 9,000 RPM motor produces 1295 ft-lbs of fast loosening torque, a maximum bolt crunching 900 ft-lbs of torque, and a hard-hitting twin-hammer mechanism delivers 1400 BPM.
An all-black composite body with alumina finishing is designed for rough job sites but it is still very lightweight at just 5lbs which makes the tools easy to maneuverer in tight spots. The ergonomic pistol grip is comfortable to hold and the forward and reverse flip-style variable 3-speed lever allows for impressive trigger control over the tool’s speed.
Utilizing special exhaust muffler technology, the AIRCAT has substantially reduced noise levels at 86 dBa, which makes it a great little tool for working in tight working spaces.
For operator safety, the impact wrench has a patented though-the-handle exhaust system that keeps debris away from your face while you remove a tire. The impact wrench is compatible with an 8 CFM and 90 to 120 psi air compressor.
The AIRCAT 1150 is covered by a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for automotive repairs and car restoration enthusiasts
- Ground-breaking design
- Ultra powerful performance
- 9,000 RPM operating speed
- Fast and effective 1,295 ft-lb of loosening torque
- 900 ft-lbs reverse torque
- Hard hitting twin hammer mechanism delivers 1,400 BPM
- Highly sensitive 3 variable speed settings
- Ergonomic handle design
- All-black composite body with aluminum finishing
- Easy forward and reverse flip lever
- Patented quiet technology at 86 decibels
- Patented through-the handle safety exhaust
- 2-year parts and labor warranty
Cons
- Can vibrate a lot on higher speeds
- The variable speed lever can stick sometimes
- The tool may not provide its maximum torque with extra stubborn bolts
8. Astro Pneumatic Tools 1828 ONYX 3/8-inch Pneumatic Nano Impact Wrench
The Astro 1828 Pneumatic 3/8-inch Impact Wrench is ultra-compact without compromising on bolt-blasting power, which makes it a great gadget for a professional or DIY mechanic’s power tool arsenal.
If you need to work in a tight, restricted space, the Astro Nano 1828 has an extremely short profile at 3.85-inches and is incredibly lightweight at 3 lbs. Its 3/8-inch drive anvil allows for the shortest profile possible when paired with 3/8-inch impact sockets.
But do not be fooled by its diminutive size. It has a durable aluminum alloy housing, a strong 10,500 RPM motor, an impressive maximum 450 ft-lbs of torque power and a working torque of 400 ft-lbs. For extra challenging bolt-removal tasks, the long-lasting dual hammer mechanism is amazingly powerful and reliable.
You have very good variable speed flexibility with 3 forward and 3 reverse settings. The rubber overmold ergonomic trigger grip provides precise one-handed control while you change shocks or brakes on your car. Utilizing patented “Silencing Technology”, this little beauty has a reduced 89 dBA noise level, so it is the perfect tool for a small workspace.
The impact wrench is compatible with air compressors that have an air pressure of 90 psi and 5.6 CFM, a hose size of 3/8-inches and an air inlet of 1/4-inches.
Astro Pneumatic Tools offers a 1-year warranty on the impact wrench.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Very good price
- Ultra compact and lightweight design
- Durable aluminum alloy housing
- Strong 10,500 RPM motor
- Ideal for use in restricted spaces such as an engine, transmission, and suspension work
- 3/8-inch size allows for the shortest profile possible when paired with 3/8-inch impact sockets
- 3 forward and 3 reverse settings
- Amazing powerful pneumatic design provides 450 ft-lbs of torque
- Comfortable ergonomic overmold rubber trigger grip handle
- Patented silencing technology for quiet operation
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Rubber grip can get slippery when wet
- Not ideal for heavy-duty rusted on bolts
- BPM is not stated by the manufacturer
Our Top Pick for the Best Impact Wrench
Our top pick for the best impact wrench is the Milwaukee 2767-20 M18 FUEL Impact Wrench.
We highly recommend this sensational impact wrench due to its powerful nut/bolt-crunching performance, reliable torque-twisting skills, the intelligent 4-mode drive speed control, and a user-friendly compact design.
So whether you are a professional mechanic, a car restoration enthusiast, or a DIY home repairer, the Milwaukee 2727-20 is an essential impact wrench for your toolbox.
Check the price on Amazon
