The impact wrench tool is used in many industries, from automotive mechanics and vulcanizers to product assembly, construction and maintenance of various machines.
For this reason, the market offers a wide variety of models that can complicate the purchase decision. In this article, you will find a buying guide with all the aspects you will need to pay attention to and a ranking with the best models.
What are the best impact wrenches?
With this list of the best impact wrenches, you will be able to choose the model that best suits the needs you need.
Although most of them look very similar, you will find differences that make them suitable or not for your needs in the description.
DeWalt DCF899P2 18 V 5.0 Ah Cordless Impact Wrench
- Maximum speed – 1900 rpm.
- Strokes per min. – 2400
- Maximum torque – 400 Nm.
- Release torque of 1,625 Nm
- 2 x 5Ah batteries.
- Universal charger XR (18V / 14.4V / 10.8V /
- Plastic suitcase
Dewalt DCF 899 P2 is an impact wrench that includes two batteries and a charger.
The power can be adjusted at both speeds to handle any operating situation without problems.
The rubber handle of this model makes its use really comfortable by reducing vibrations to the user’s hand during demanding tightening processes, which allows you to always have perfect control over the tool.
Makita DTW1002RTJ 18V Li-Ion LXT Brushless Impact Wrench
- Maximum speed – 1800 rpm.
- Strokes – 2500
- Maximum torque – 1600 Nm.
- 2 x 5Ah batteries.
- Charger included
- Storage case
If we need a professional impact wrench with more power, this may be the right model for you. Comes complete with two batteries and a charger that gives great autonomy when working.
It weighs about four kilograms but is one of the most powerful cordless tools in its class thanks to its torque of 1600 Nm. A tool that can be used for all heavy tasks of screwing and loosening nuts.
Designed for daily and intensive use in any work scenario, the batteries are lithium and durable.
Cordless wrenches are very suitable for use in professional and home conditions where no air compressor can be used or there is no access to electricity.
Anyone looking for a cordless wrench with enough power to handle any job will consider purchasing the Makita DTW1002RTJ.
Impact wrench GDS 18 V-LI HT Bosch Professional
- Maximum speed – 1900 rpm.
- Maximum torque – 650 Nm.
- 2 x 5Ah batteries.
- Complete with charger
- Plastic storage box
This cordless wrench GDS 18 V-LI HT belongs to the Bosch professional range, which is synonymous with professionalism and efficiency. A popular German manufacturer, which is the undisputed leader in the production of tools and the quality is seen in each of its products.
It can be said that this model with a maximum torque of 650 Nm is not the most powerful on the market, but it is entirely professional. You just have to use it for tasks that are suitable for its power.
The Bosch GDS 18 V-LI HT is designed to work continuously for many hours, loosening and tightening screws that do not require too much force. That’s why it has a compact design, acceptable weight and comes with two batteries and a charger.
Ingersoll-Rand Impact Wrench 2135QXPA Series
- Maximum torque – 1057 Nm.
- Nut-busting torque – 1490 Nm.
The maximum torque that this pneumatic wrench can achieve is 1057 Nm. A professional product that is specifically designed for applications where access is restricted. It has a compact size (length 188 mm) and a low weight of 1.8 kg. The strength it possesses is surprising for the dimensions it has.
Einhell Compressed air Impact Wrench TC-PW 610
- Maximum speed – 7000 rpm.
- Maximum torque – 610 Nm.
- Storage box
This wrench is more suitable for home use or casual professional use. The maximum torque it can achieve is 610 Nm, which is ideal for tightening or loosening bolts that are not very tight.
This model is ideal to be part of the equipment of your garage so that you can make seasonal tire changes, for example, or in a small workshop where the mechanic has to deal with a tighter bolt from time to time.
As for the price, it is much lower than most models on the list, so it stands out with its good value for money if it is dedicated to those uses that we mentioned. If we need more, you may need to look for another model.
DeWALT DW292 electric impact wrench, 710W
- Maximum speed – 2200 rpm.
- Maximum torque – 440 Nm.
- Power 710W
Introducing the Dewalt DW292 electric wrench, which is designed to guarantee maximum autonomy.
It has a compact design, although it weighs 3.2 kg, as quality materials are used for its production. They make it a little heavier in exchange for greater strength and durability.
This model has a power of 710 W and reaches a maximum torque of 440 Nm.
It is designed for inserts with 1/2 ″ size, and its handle offers good ergonomics, although it does not include a special non-slip coating, which is found in most models of this manufacturer.
It reaches a maximum speed of 2200 rpm, which makes it a fantastic choice for personal use and a good solution on a professional level.
Makita TW0200 Impact Wrench
- Maximum speed – 1800 rpm.
- Maximum torque – 200 Nm.
- Power 380 W
The last one we will offer you is a punched wrench from the Makita brand. Another one of those brands that produce professional products.
If what you are looking for is a robust product with guarantees, you can completely trust this model and believe that you will benefit greatly from it.
It has an aluminium body, which gives it more protection but also reduces the weight of the machine, making it easier to manage than other heavier models. There is a rubber protector on the handle, which will prevent possible scratches on the hands during use.
What is a impact wrench?
This is an automatic tool that specialized mechanics can use, assistants and enthusiasts at home. It is mainly used to tighten and unscrew bolts and nuts, remove car wheels, buses, trucks, etc.
With a pneumatic or electric impact wrench, you can unscrew even the tightest nuts. This machine is not so difficult to use, but it is desirable to follow specific rules for your safety.
Its main function is to save time and effort compared to conventional hand tools.
Advantages of using an impact wrench
One of the biggest advantages of the impact wrench lies in the time and effort you can save by using it. This is something you should keep in mind when buying it, as it is a tool that you should use to the maximum.
If you have repetitive tasks of disassembling parts or machines and do them consistently, this tool is perfect for you. It is claimed that the impact wrench saves up to 75% execution time and up to 90% less physical effort.
Of course, these differences will be even greater when you reject more work. For example, at the industrial level, there are tasks that involve disassembling machines with more than a thousand screws, which with this tool can be done by one person in a few hours.
Without it, more people will have to do the same task if it is to be completed in one day.
Sometimes there are stubborn screws that are almost impossible to unscrew with a wrench, and with the impact wrench, you will quickly deal with them.
Types of impact wrenches
They are divided according to the energy they are supplied with. Depending on the work you want to do, you can choose between a pneumatic, electric or cordless wrench.
Air impact wrench
Powered by an air compressor, this wrench is expensive and very efficient and durable. It is one of the most powerful to use, as it is ideally suited for intensive and demanding work.
Keep in mind that the use of earplugs is essential because this tool makes a lot of noise. It is mostly used on an industrial level in garages and vulcanizers.
Electric wrench
It is known as electric because it uses AC voltage and needs a socket to be used. This type is the cheapest, and very often, consumers use it in their homes to perform non-professional tasks.
It is not as powerful as the pneumatic one, but at the same time, it is stronger than the battery one.
Cordless wrench
A cordless screwdriver similar to a cordless screwdriver is great for working on the go but not powerful enough or strong enough to work for long periods. Still, you can find models on the market with pretty good autonomy and power.
It’s generally more expensive, but it’s still the most convenient of all, and with each update, it improves battery life and the power it delivers.
How to choose the right impact wrench for you?
There is a wide variety of different models on the market. If you are not sure which one to choose, we will discuss all the aspects you need to consider to choose the model that best suits your needs.
In this little guide, you will be able to find out what tips we give you so you can find the right product and save money.
Power
Impact wrenches are very powerful, so care must be taken during use to avoid breaking bolts and harmful materials.
Power is expressed in torque and is one of the main considerations when choosing an impact wrench. Torque is measured in Newton meters (Nm). The bigger the number, the bigger the power. Impact wrenches have power in the range of 100 to 1000 Nm.
These tools have an additional function when loosening nuts. They have a special way of hitting, wich brings extra power to loosen very tight parts.
Speed
When you choose a percussion wrench with good speed, you will find that 3000 rpm and more is enough. As already mentioned, the operation of impact wrenches is based on turning to tighten or loosen fasteners. More turns means less effort on the part of the user, as the impact absorbs the extra speed of work.
Lower speeds can slow down a task, so if speed is a requirement for your job, it’s a good idea to choose a model that puts a high priority on speed, even if you need to choose a model with less torque or beats per minute. .
Number of strokes per minute
The number of strokes per minute, as well as the speed, must be high enough, as the tool needs them to act on the fastener to tighten or loosen it.
If your budget doesn’t allow you to buy a tool with a large number of strokes per minute, look for one that provides a good balance between torque, speed and strokes per minute and your budget. If the first two are very good values, then you may not need too many beats per minute.
If the machine has significant torque and speed values, it will have the characteristics of an almost perfect impact wrench.
Socket size
Many people think that the larger the size of the insert socket, the better the performance of the impact wrench, but this is not always the case. For example, would you use a 1-inch wrench to loosen 10 mm bolts daily? Certainly the answer is no. That is why it is important to take into account the size of the nuts, bolts and screws that you will use regularly, and accordingly choose a model with this size that is compatible with the inserts that you will use.
Impact wrenches designed for light to moderate use are available in three basic socket sizes: 1/4″, 1/2″ and 3/8″. The most powerful for very heavy work (for example, removing the nuts on the wheels of a car, bus or truck) are 1/2 “, 3/4” and 1 “.
Conclusion
In conclusion, good manufacturers will provide you with everything you need for the impact wrench you decide to buy and use, like most products on the market. Well-known brands offer models with all the privileges and experience to experiment with different designs and upgrades. They provide a good warranty, spare parts and after-sales service.
