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One might think that an impact wrench with more power is automatically better in every way than one with less power, right? Not so fast. As with so many other things in life, there’s a trade-off. When it comes to a cordless impact wrench’s power, that trade-off is in the form of increased sound and vibration. Although battery-powered impact wrenches don’t generate as much sound and vibration as their pneumatic counterparts, both forms of impact wrenches are known for causing hand and ear fatigue. For users who expose themselves to either for too long, the sound and vibration can lead to damage to these areas.
Amp hours (Ah) equals the number of amps that the battery will discharge, continuously, for an hour. Think of amp hours like the volume of a gas tank—a bigger number equals more gas. IPM vs. RPM If you're in the market for an impact wrench, it's a good idea simply to buy the tool that goes with your at-home cordless tool system, whether that be DeWalt, Milwaukee, or another brand. It's a better, cheaper option than brand-hopping and accumulating a bunch of different batteries. 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. We strictly tested 1/2-inch cordless impact wrenches for this test, but most brands have offerings in different sizes.
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These power tools have the capacity to loosen or tighten even the most stubborn fasteners with minimal effort. Though they used to be available only as air-powered (pneumatic) options that required an air hose and compressor, technological innovations have led to the creation of cordless options that can go practically anywhere. So, if it’s time to replace those air hoses with batteries, read on for tips on finding the best cordless impact wrench. Cordless impact wrenches receive their power from rechargeable batteries. Consequently, the battery’s power (measured in volts) will greatly influence the overall power (measured in torque, rpm, and ipm) the cordless impact wrench can possess. This kit comes with two 5-Ah batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag. A lightweight and compact design allows the user to fit this ½-inch drive impact wrench into tight spaces like engine bays or wheel wells. It features four adjustable speeds: 0 to 1,000 rpm; 0 to 1,800 rpm; 0 to 2,600 rpm; and 0 to 3,200 rpm.
Size and Weight: A compact, lightweight impact driver is easier to maneuver in tight spaces and reduces fatigue during prolonged use. The 3 inch extension bar is also a nice bonus, as it allows you to reach tight spaces and awkward angles with ease. This feature is particularly useful for automotive repairs, where access to hard-to-reach areas is often necessary. There are few things more frustrating than struggling with stubborn nuts and bolts that don’t want to budge. A handheld ratchet wrench has its well-deserved place in every garage, but sometimes something with real moving and twisting power is necessary. That’s where the impact wrench comes in.
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In testing, the Eneacro 20V cordless impact wrench was somewhat of a surprise. No, it couldn’t keep up with the other models in sheer power, but for DIYers who want to rotate their tires a few times a year, it’s more than sufficient. We liked the price point and the 4-Ah battery as well. All things being equal, higher voltage will give you more power—but there are cases for lower voltage. With smaller batteries, 12-volt impact wrenches are more compact. This makes them good for smaller jobs, working overhead, or getting into tight spaces. Tools with 18 and 20 volts have less difference between them. Generally, 18-volt tools with advanced features and capabilities make them more versatile and easier to use. This 20V model features a brushless motor that produces up to 300 foot-pounds of torque. It also has three speed settings, including 0 to 1,800 rpm; 0 to 2,500 rpm; and 0 to 3,000 rpm. There’s an onboard LED, and the kit comes with a 2-Ah battery and charger. Thankfully, many cordless impact wrenches incorporate vibration-reducing ergonomic handles to buffer the impact of excessive vibrations through the user’s hands. Many also allow for adjustable torque levels to limit the exposure to the loud and physically jarring high-torque setting to times when it’s really necessary to bust a fastener loose. But no matter what noise and vibration reduction features an impact wrench might have, always wear hearing protection and take regular breaks when operating it. Grip
However, all that brute strength isn’t very useful if you can’t control the tool. Fortunately, impact wrenches are extremely comfortable to use because the concussive blows smoothly transfer most of that high-energy torque directly to the fastener, not to your hand, wrist, or arm. As a result, the twisting motion—known as reactionary torque—that you feel when using an electric drill is virtually eliminated. Batteries: Volts and Amp Hours (Ah) Without getting lost in the complexities of power tool motor mechanics, it’s enough to say that brushless motors don’t have as many moving parts as brushed motors. Moving parts create friction, and friction causes a loss of efficiency. Consequently, a cordless impact wrench with a brushless motor has several advantages over one with a brushed motor. This includes a greater power-to-weight ratio, higher motor speeds, a longer lifespan, and less maintenance. So, then, what was the problem? Despite being the same tool, the Dobetter performed worse. It was slower and less powerful than the other model. We even swapped the batteries between models to see if there was an issue with the Dobetter battery, but that changed nothing. Our VerdictFor most automotive applications, an impact wrench with a torque of around 100 to 500 foot-pounds should suffice. However, you may need a tool with higher torque for heavy-duty tasks like removing rusted axle nuts. Can I use an impact wrench for all automotive bolts? For those who’d prefer a compact impact wrench with plenty of features and power, the Makita impact wrench kit offers 430 foot-pounds of torque, high speed, and technology, making it a great overall choice. However, for those looking for something with a bit more power, the DeWalt 20V MAX XR impact wrench and Milwaukee impact wrench are both torque monsters, so DIYers should choose one that works with their current battery lineup. How We Tested the Best Cordless Impact Wrenches We appreciated the kit that this impact wrench came with. It’s also fairly powerful, though other compact models did beat it in output. Also, it’s hard to argue with the Kimo’s budget-friendly price point. The DeWalt 20V MAX Impact Wrench Kit doesn’t have any speed or impact selectors, but it does feature a 1,500 motor and a variable speed trigger. Also, it has an onboard LED work light for illuminating dark spaces. The magnesium gear case and metal transmission help shed weight while still remaining durable.
With these tests done, we had a good idea of what each model could do and which ones would make our list of the best cordless impact wrenches. Safety Tips for Using a Cordless Impact Wrench Here's our test of top 1/2-inch cordless impact wrenches ideal for auto work. There's something here for all needs and budgets. While impact wrenches are powerful tools, using them on smaller or more delicate bolts could lead to damage. Always use the right tool for the task, and consider the torque requirements of each bolt and nut. Is there a risk of over-tightening bolts with an impact wrench?
During our tests we took detailed notes on the design of each tool, the time it took to remove an axle nut, and we measured their loosening and tightening torque output. We noted the following parameters during testing:
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