When it comes to cordless impact wrenches, aspects like battery life and power are important. And so, by the time you’re reading this, you’ve probably found yourself in a pickle and can’t decide what’s right for you.
No need to worry though, because this best cordless impact wrench review will ease things for you. It gives you all the necessary tips and suggestions as per your specific and personal requirements.
So, let’s dive into it right away, and find which impact wrench suits you. However, if you find this post a long read, then you can always pick our recommended option - the Milawaukee 2763-22 M18 impact wrench .
Best Cordless Impact Wrench Review
1. Milwaukee 2763-22 M18 1/2" Inch Impact Wrench
You gotta give props to the Milwaukee engineers for making the necessary changes to fit your needs. This tool is an improvement of previous versions. As a user, you get to enjoy longer battery life – which is just perfect for a cordless impact wrench.
The Milwaukee 2763-22 is meant for both home users and complex engineering works since you can use it on heavy screws and bolts.
It’s such a simple machine to use. You actually get to adjust its torque power to suit your preferred fastening task. The 2763-22 wrench has the capability to remove rusted bolts by delivering a fastening torque of up to 700 foot-pounds.
At the same time, the tool can deliver a maximum nut-busting torque of up to 1,100 foot-pounds.
The best thing about the Milwaukee 2763-22 wrench is its runtime, which is double and 2X more than its previous versions.
If you’re always worried about the overloading and overheating of an impact wrench, worry no more. This machine features a drive control mechanism, which prevents the overheating and overload.
When it comes to effectiveness, the 2763-22 version offers some astounding power output whilst operating cool and without any hitch – all thanks to the brushless technology.
Better yet, the Milwaukee wrench is all about precision. It minimizes instances of messing up your car, motorbike, or whichever machine you’re working on.
The most attractive aspect is the fact that its battery can last up to 4 hours if used continuously. And yeah, it comes with two batteries and a charger, which means you’ll be charging the batteries in intervals.
Finally, we love the fact that its carrying case entails a friction ring, a battery pack and a multi-voltage charger. These are all helpful in ensuring your Milwaukee wrench is well-maintained.
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2. DEWALT DCF889M2 20V MAX Impact Wrench
If you’re looking for an ideal wrench that’s gonna drive in and remove fasteners in metal, wood and concrete, then the DeWalt DCF889M2 is what you need.
The best thing about impact wrenches is that technology has made it possible for such tools to produce high torque power. And the DeWalt 20V Max hasn’t been left out.
The wrench is one of the most powerful impact wrenches in the market. With a max torque of 400 ft./lbs., the machine is versatile enough to be used for a wide range of heavy duty fastening and loosening.
When it comes to durability, its gear case is made of magnesium that protects the impact wrench.
Other than its powerful torque, the DeWalt (DCF889M2) wrench boasts of the XR Lithium-ion batteries, which are known to run on fuel gauge possessing more than 30% excess capacity compared to standard batteries.
Basically, this means that the battery’s longevity is 4 hours.
You’ll definitely love the ½-inch drive size, which comes with an inventive and unique detent pin meant for preventing nuts and bolts from falling off once unscrewed.
You can use the DeWalt (DCF889M2) wrench for both small and heavy vehicles. To interchange the sockets, you need to get a Dewalt deep impact socket for a diverse range of nuts and bolts.
And, in case you need to change your car tires at night, the wrench’s LED lighting comes in handy. The lighting also provides enough visibility when working in a dimly lit room.
The DeWalt (DCF889M2) is such an effective wrench, attributing this to an adjustable speed trigger. And although the adjustability is manual, it works just fine.
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3. Ingersoll Rand W7150-K2
This wrench has been designed with performance in mind, but without compromising comfort or safety. The wrench’s design is also characteristic of an angular head that makes it suitable and convenient for maneuverability into tight places.
What we love about the Ingersoll W7150-k2 is its capability to withstand rugged conditions, such as in factories or where construction works are common. This is attributed to its housing, which has been reinforced with metal all round.
There is no doubt about its performance. Engineers rate the Ingersoll W7150 K2 wrench as having the best and highest power to weight ratio.
While it’s lightweight at just 6.8lbs., the impact wrench produces a 1100 ft./lbs. torque. And since it features a reverse torque system, the wrench can get the same torque both clockwise and anticlockwise.
When using the Ingersoll Rand W7150-K2, your hands don’t get fatigued because of its ergonomic handle, which is really comfortable and feels so soft. Its grip is comfortable too, allowing you to hold onto the wrench so restfully.
When it comes to cordless wrenches, battery life is of the ultimate importance. This impact wrench is boastful of a long lasting 20V battery, which delivers a high-charge capacity. As a result, there is limited impedance for maximum power.
Also, the wrench's battery has an AI-like management system, which provides control over power going into the motor – for maximum efficiency.
The Ingersoll Rand W7150-K2 comes with a carrying case that’s strong enough to protect the wrench from physical damage.
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4. Ryobi P1833 3-Speed 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench
This wrench finds itself hanging around the lowly priced machineries. However, don’t be fooled. The Ryobi P1833 offers the same effectiveness as the highly priced wrenches like the Milwaukee 2763-22.
I mean, it offers three different speed settings for handling all kinds of jobs, from the most intricate tasks to the nut-busting jobs. With this wrench, you can use it under any challenging circumstance.
The Ryobi wrench is fairly lightweight compared to most wrenches. But this shouldn’t mean that its power capability isn’t at par. In fact, this impact wrench produces a torque of 300 ft./lbs., which is great for its price. You get more than what you pay for.
If you couple the torque with a max of 3200 IPM (impacts per minute), you get one of the most effective impact drills, providing the versatility to do all kinds of wrenching stuff.
The Ryobi P1833 ½-inch also comes installed with an 18V ONE+ battery, which increases its functionality by 35%. The battery life in this wrench is unique, and that it never dies.
In essence, the Ryobi P1833 wrench has an amazing power-to-weight ratio, coupled with a three-speed setting, and a lasting battery. All these make it very effective when getting out stuck bolts and lug nuts.
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5. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Impact Wrench
Its design is not only remarkable and awesome, but also convenient. With the Porter-Cable PCC740B, you get to work for longer hours without losing its grip. Neither will you feel any tiresomeness.
The comfortable grip also guarantees that you don’t feel any vibrations. Although the machine isn’t meant for high-end, tough industrial wrenching, it still offers 330 ft./lbs. of torque, enough to handle your tire replacements.
The torque also provides the required power to loosen some of the most tenacious and stubborn bolts and lug nuts.
Other than the torque, the Porter-Cable PCC740B wrench generates up to 1,650 IPM, which helps with fastening faster. This, in turn, makes the wrench perfect for some demanding tasks.
The advantage of its variable speeds is that the wrench guarantees accuracy, since it enables you to work on bolts and nuts without any obstacles.
Essentially, this machine lets you complete your tasks faster and with the utmost precision.
We have to give props to the wrench’s ½-inch hog ring, which lets you interchange sockets much quicker and efficiently. Moreover, the hog ring is usable with a variety of nut sizes and bolts.
Also, thanks to a variable speed trigger, you get to have control over everything you do with the impact wrench. Nothing ever goes wrong when you have control over your own operations.
When shipped to you, the Porter-Cable PCC740B comes as a complete package, inclusive of the charger. However, the charger is kinda the cheaper version. And so, you should expect to change it soon.
Remember, this is a “Tool Only” product, which doesn't come with a battery. The good thing, though, is that you can get a 2-pack PORTER-CABLE (PCC740B) battery at a reasonable price.
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6. Makita XWT11Z Cordless Impact Wrench
It goes without a doubt that this Makita wrench was designed for comfort and convenience. Yeah, I’ve described it as if it’s a high-end hotel.
But that’s exactly what the Makita XWT11Z is offering. The machine boasts of a three-speed setting, which enables you to work on anything that’s got nuts and bolts.
While testing it, we noticed the wrench’s auto-stop mode puts a stop to both the impact and rotation, all within seconds. You just need to adequately loosen the fastener and then press it on.
The Makita XWT11Z features a soft rubberized grip, which minimizes fatigue and tiredness of the fingers and the arm. Hence, you get to work for longer hours.
The wrench’s torque is only 210 ft./lbs. This indicates that the tool has been designed for carrying out small tasks, which require less power. But, since most tasks fall below the 200 ft./lbs. threshold, you’re okay. This is because the wrench makes up by featuring other aspects promoting efficiency.
For instance, it comes installed with a brushless motor, which is more advantageous over some version of wrenches in the market. At the same time, this brushless motor also enables the wrench to run cooler and more effectively.
If you enjoy working at night and in dimly lit rooms, then the Makita XWT11Z is a great product. It features an in-built LED lighting to help you see what you’re working on.
Its battery runs about 40% longer than most wrenches. And since this is a bare tool, you’ll need to get a Makita 18V LXT Lithium battery at an extra charge. The battery also comes with a 3-stage LED gauge, which indicates your battery’s level of charging.
We think you’ll love this Makita model, which is compact enough to offer the best maneuverability.
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7. BLACK+DECKER BDCI20C
With variable speeds that peak at 3,000 RPM, it’s surprising how this impact wrench costs half of what its competitors go for, despite offering equal or better performance.
The wrench has been designed to help with your overhead projects, whereby you get to enjoy full control over the tool’s performance and efficiency. The Black+Decker (BDCI20C) offers plenty of torque, which helps in hammering screws and removing bolts and lug nuts.
The tool’s efficiency is augmented by its ¼-inch quick-release chuck, which makes it way more convenient to change bits using only one hand. Better yet, you can also trigger the activation by driving in lots of pressure, and then slowly but carefully releasing your finger.
I particularly love the fact that the B&D (BDCI20C) wrench comes with a magnet at the top, for bit storage. When operating the machine, your hands won’t get tired, because the wrench has been designed to guarantee minimal fatigue.
Since it is lightweight (only 3.6 lbs.) and ergonomically compact, the Black and Decker BDCI20C wrench will easily access strange and tight angles. Its batteries are powerful too.
Essentially, the wrench may be a disappointment in breaking loose lug nuts; however, it helps put together a fence just as quick.
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8. VonHaus 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench
Among the impact wrenches we tried and tested, this has the best value for money. I mean, it isn’t the most affordable – Black+Decker BDC120C is – but it has the best value, particularly regarding what you’re paying for.
For instance, the VonHaus boasts of a high impact rate of up to 2,700 BPM, which is accompanied with a spec motor that’s offering a max tightening torque of about 260 ft./lbs.
Ostensibly, these are the kinds of features only available in high-end wrenches such as the Milwaukee 2763-22.
The VonHaus 20V MAX has everything you need to change your tires. It comes as a full package – batteries, protective casing, charger, etc. As a matter of fact, this wrench blows its competitors out of the water.
It’s hard to find a wrench that offers such qualities at a low-end price. You get to have more than what you pay for.
The VonHaus impact wrench is a great tool to opt for, especially if you are not sure of what you’re getting yourself into. You just have to endure its deafening noise. Still, you can put on earplugs for protection from the noise.
Anyways, compared to other cordless wrenches, the VonHaus has a pretty powerful motor, with a 20V battery.
Since the wrench’s loosening torque maximizes at 300 ft./lbs., you can actually work on anything except, of course, heavy duty factory machineries. But, anything else outside the huge factories can be handled by the VonHaus.
When it comes to battery, you can charge it very quick (about 75 minutes). Therefore, if you’re too busy working on something, don’t worry; the battery will be up in about an hour. Due to its 4ah Li-Ion, the battery offers a 20% power boost.
The fact that it comes with a battery is the killer reason to make a purchase of the VonHaus.
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Buyer’s Guide For Best Cordless Impact Wrench – Questions To Ask Yourself
With the above eight impact wrenches to choose from, I’m guessing you’ve already chosen what’s right for you. However, if you are still sitting on the fence and struggling to decide on which impact wrench to go for, then read on. This guide will definitely be of great assistance.
The buying guide for the best impact wrench helps you prioritize your needs, which can differ from one person to another. Therefore, this buyer’s guide is all about asking the right questions.
How Much Power Does the Wrench Produce? And Is Torque Really That Important?
Well, for starters, torque is very important when picking the right impact wrench. In fact, power ought to be the very first thing to look for. They are measured in foot per pound (or ft./lbs.), and the higher the figure, the better.
Higher figures translate to a powerful impact wrench that can handle a variety of tasks, from light duty such as changing your car’s tires to loosening stubborn nuts in factory machines. It all depends on what you’re intending to do with the impact wrench.
More often than not, the more powerful the wrench, the costlier it gets. Still, it’s highly advisable to go with a wrench that puts out torque of more than 200 ft./lbs., because the least tasks such as car tire changing requires 100 ft./lbs.
Not to worry though, coz most wrenches usually have power that’s more than 200 ft./lbs.
Nonetheless, if you’re gonna be using the impact wrench for stronger and tighter nuts and screws, then you better get a wrench that offers stronger torque.
Also, note that most manufacturers tend to exaggerate the powers produced by their impact wrenches. So, it would be better if you buy one that’s got higher torque power.
Is Weight An Important Factor to Consider? If So, Which Is The Lightest Impact Wrench?
Of course, weight is an important aspect to consider when choosing your impact wrench. You wouldn’t want a wrench that’s gonna make your hands feel fatigued every time you loosen a bolt or lug nut.
But, you have to understand that with a lightweight wrench comes a lesser powerful torque. In most cases, you’ll have to compromise.
Therefore, you need to balance your decision between weight and torque, and get a wrench that’s somewhere in the middle – a little bit lighter whilst still producing some serious torque.
Basically, it’s important to choose an impact wrench that’s weighing somewhere between 4 and 8 pounds. From our list, the Black+Decker (BDCI20C) 20V Max is the lightest impact wrench, weighing just 3.6 lbs.
What Size Should I Opt For?
As expected, the wrench size and shape somewhat matters when loosening and tightening bolts. Fine, it doesn’t really matter when you’re using it to tighten lug nuts on wood or something like that.
But, if you’re working on an engine, maneuverability becomes a crucial aspect to take into consideration. You’ll need a wrench that’s gonna fit into tight spaces. So check out the wrench’s size and shape before buying it.
If you’re buying online, it’s important to check out the manufacturer's video.
Why Is the Drive Important When Choosing an Impact Wrench?
Well, the drive in an impact wrench is the component that connects the wrench to the bolt or nut you intend to work on.
Impact wrenches come in different sizes, for different bolts and nuts. The wrenches come in three different drives:½-inch drive meant for full-size sockets, ¼-inch drive for standard size bits, and ¾-inch for larger bits.
Once again, you need to know what wrench drive you're gonna need. Also, know that the larger the wrench, the larger the impact wrench.
Should I Compromise Price When Choosing An Impact Wrench?
Simply put, the answer is NO. However, there are circumstances where you really need a high performance impact wrench, but within your budget range. This is why you need to find a wrench that offers the best value for your money.
Finding the right wrench based on budget will take an in-depth research. The good thing is that you’ve got a slew of options to pick from.
When considering price, you need to check out if the wrench you’d like to choose comes with batteries or not. Some of these impact wrenches come as bare tools, and you’ll have to go through the hassle of ordering batteries separately.
I particularly find this stressful, but if the wrench has all the features you want, and is within your budget, then go for it. But, if the lack of batteries increases your budget, then you better take your time making the right decision.
Also, remember that some of these wrenches use batteries that are compatible with other common tools. So, if you’re a hobbyist or an industry worker, and you probably have other tools using similar batteries, then you can always forgo the battery and get a tool-less wrench, which may be a cheaper option.
Nonetheless, it’s all about your specific convenience, and the budget you’re willing to spend.
Final Thoughts
As I’ve explained in the buying guide section, you need to know your priorities when choosing an impact wrench. This is because what’s right for you might not be someone else’s cup of tea.
Still, our recommended impact wrench is the Milwaukee 2763-22 ½-inch M18 , which has an impressive performance and comes with a five-year warranty. With a torque of 1,100 ft./lbs., the wrench can handle all kinds of uses – from simple home-based light duty tasks to engine-based duties.
However, if your budget is tight, then the VonHaus ½-inch cordless wrench would be just fine. With more than 300 ft./lbs. of torque, the wrench offers the best value for your money.
The wrench comes with a lasting battery and a charger, all at a very affordable price. Despite its price, the wrench rubs shoulders with high-end and costlier impact wrenches.
Nonetheless, these are just two suggestions, you can still go through the other options and find out which wrench is perfect for your specific needs.
Last update on 2020-08-04 at 03:05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API