Best cordless impact wrench | Makita or Dewalt cordless ratchet?

Things to look out for a cordless impact wrench

Durability

Impact wrenches typically undergo tremendous strain and pressure, so you will want one that will hold up to heavy-duty work. The components should fit snugly together without rattling or shaking, and there shouldn’t be an excessive vibration during operation.

And if you will be working with cars a lot, look for a wrench that has a nylon body that can withstand repeated exposure to automotive fluids.

Design

Loosening bolts often requires you to work in tight or confined spaces, with very little room to maneuver.

Consider looking into impact wrenches with small diameter heads and right-angle drives that allow you to work in hard-to-reach spots such as engine compartments. Extended paddle switches also let you operate the wrench from different grip points.

Size

Bigger wrenches allow you to work with bigger bolts and generally provide more torque as well. However, you will want to go for a wrench that is small enough to be easily manageable and isn’t too bulky to carry around.

The best cordless impact wrenches strike a good balance between power and portability.

Power (Torque)

The power of an impact wrench is determined by “torque”, which refers to the tool’s twisting force. This is measured in feet-pound (ft-lb), which refers to the amount of force necessary to move a one-pound weight a distance of one foot around an axis at a one-foot radius.

The best impact wrenches for changing tires can have as much as 1,295 ft-lb of torque. Most models intended for less demanding building and metalwork may have from 500 to 700 ft.-lb. of torque.

Speed (IPM and RPM)

Impact wrenches are also rated according to impact per minute (IPM) and revolutions per minute (RPM). IPM refers to the number of blows the tool delivers to the bolt to tighten or loosen it. RPM refers to the number of turns the driver makes per minute.

Impact wrenches used for demanding applications may be capable of 1,200 to 1,400 IPM. Most have a range of settings that allow you to adjust the IPM according to the demands of the job.

Appearance

How your impact wrench looks may or may not be an issue depending on your preferences and what other tools you have in your arsenal. I have to admit that a color-coordinated set of tools is nice to have, and tends to give your workshop a more professional look.

An impact wrench in a distinctive color and design also makes it easier to differentiate from an impact driver or similar-looking power tools.

Price

Like all power tools, the best impact wrenches can cost a considerable amount of money. But this is something you won’t want to skimp on given the heavy-duty demands placed on these tools.

If you are dead-set on owning an impact wrench and you know that you will be using it a lot, it makes more sense to pay for a reliable model from a reputable manufacturer than to settle for a budget model.

Warranty

A warranty will cover you from damage caused by poor workmanship and substandard parts.

Although you can generally count on models from reputable manufacturers to provide excellent performance, a warranty will still go a long way in easing any concerns you may have about the reliability of a particular impact wrench

Cordless vs. Corded: Which impact wrench should you get?

Choosing between a cordless and corded wrench is often a pretty straightforward decision. The choice often comes down to whether you prioritize power and runtime over portability and convenience. 

That being said, many cordless models offer comparable power to the best impact wrenches. A good cordless impact wrench should let you loosen bolts and tighten nuts just as effectively as any corded model.

And with a spare set of batteries, you can get quite a lot of work done before you have to hunt for a power outlet. 

Here are the relative advantages of cordless impact wrenches: 

• Cordless models are convenient and portable.
• No need to have access to a power outlet or deal with extension cords. 
• Allow for working in tight spots and hard to reach areas. 

Here are the relative disadvantages of cordless impact wrenches: 

• Some cordless models may be underpowered compared to corded models. 
• You will need to have extra rechargeable batteries for long sessions. 
• Batteries may run down quickly if you work with plenty of stubborn bolts make sure your batteries are at least 5ah.
• Batteries can add considerable weight to the unit, but this can also help stabilize the rattle. 

What is the highest torque [1/2 inch] cordless impact wrench?

The Milwaukee 2767-21 M18 is a powerful, high torque impact wrench capable of loosening even the most stubborn nuts and bolts. With 1,000 ft.-lbs. of fastening power and 1,400 ft.-lbs. of loosening torque, it can do jobs that would normally require a pneumatic tool. 

Working with this Milwaukee impact wrench is fast and easy, with a motor that runs twice as fast as comparable models. You get a lot more done during the day, and even tasks that would typically take hours to complete could be done at a fraction of the time. 

The 2767-21 M18 is admittedly a bit heavy, and it runs hot as well. Even so, that is to be expected given the power and capability of this outstanding impact wrench.

#1 Highest performance impact wrench

What are the best value cordless impact wrenches

The Makita XWT08Z LXT offers excellent value in a powerful and capable impact wrench. The highly efficient brushless motor cranks out a decent 740 ft.-lbs. of fastening torque and 1,180 ft.-lbs. of break-away torque, which should be plenty for light to medium jobs.

This Makita impact wrench also has a 3-speed power selection switch, allowing you to handle everything from carpentry to automotive work and anything and everything in between. 

#1 Best value Makita 1/2 inch

The DeWalt DCF991P1 is a high torque heavyweight that has an efficient brushless motor that ensures rugged reliability and long runtimes. It has a maximum fastening torque of 700 ft.-lbs. and a break-away torque of 1,00 ft.-lbs.

Features such as the 3-speed selector switch and LED light with 20-second  delay gives this DeWalt impact wrench outstanding versatility for various applications. 

#1 Best value Dewalt 1/2 inch

Most affordable cordless impact wrench?

The Goxawee G5060 is an affordable impact wrench that is capable of surprisingly powerful performance. It has a very efficient brushless motor that cranks out 221 ft.-lbs. of torque, which is more than adequate for most light to medium jobs. The G5060 did struggle a bit with axle nuts, but most fasteners posed no challenge at all. 

#1 Most affordable 1/2 inch

Best mid torque cordless impact wrenches [3/8]

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2754-22 delivers an impressive 210 ft.-lbs. of fastening torque in a compact package. It runs 20% longer than most other impact wrenches in its class, thanks to its highly efficient Powerstate brushless motor.

Combined with the Redlink Plus Intelligence system that protects against damage caused by overloading and excessive heat, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2754-22 is a solid performer that won’t break your budget.

#1 Best performance 3/8

Another light and efficient impact wrench, the DeWalt DCF890B is one of the fastest tools of its kind on the market today. The 150 ft.-lbs. of torque won’t win any awards for sheer brute force, but it’s more than enough to get the job done if you focus primarily on DIY and light automotive work.

Best value 3/8

The Craftsman V20 CMCF910B is a convenient and portable cordless model that you can easily take with you on any job site. Light and affordable, it nevertheless delivers excellent performance with a max removal torque of 165 ft.-lbs. It also has a variable speed trigger that lets you dial the speed down or crank it up, depending on the task at hand.

Although the Craftsman V20 CMCF910B isn’t the most powerful impact wrench you can buy, it should be sufficient for basic DIY and automotive work.

Most affordable 3/8

Who uses cordless impact wrench?

When do car technicians use a cordless impact wrench?

Of all the professionals who use impact wrenches, automotive technicians probably use them the most. If you work with cars daily, there’s a good chance that you will have to pull put your impact wrench at least once a day. Whether you need to change a tire or take an engine apart, an impact wrench will come in handy. 

A cordless model is best for automotive work for the following reasons: 

• Cordless impact wrenches allow you to work away from a power outlet. 
• There is no air cord to get in the way as with an air-driven model. 
• You can get to work quickly without having to set up a compressor. 

When do builders use a cordless impact wrench?

Builders and carpenters will find many uses for impact wrenches as well. Although most builders don’t usually work with heavy machinery and metal fixtures, they still come across many situations where an impact wrench is useful. Here are some reasons why you may want to add an impact wrench to your toolbox: 

• They can be used to loosen screws that hold floorboards and other large pieces of wood together.
• They can be used to remove large lag bolts that connect railing posts.
• You can use them to tighten screws used in large furniture assembly. 

When do DIY’ers use an impact wrench?

Most DIYers have limited time to work around the home or in their workshops. Most of you probably don’t have a lot of time to sit around, trying to loosen up a stubborn bolt! Even just for the occasional loosening and tightening job, an impact wrench will come in handy.

• They can make quick work of changing a tire or performing repair and maintenance around the house.
• And if you have to repair a furnace, attach railing, or put up a post, an impact wrench will let you get the job done much quicker than any other type of tool.

Tips for using a cordless wrench

Impact wrenches are powerful tools that can cause considerable damage and injury when improperly used. Here are some dos and don’ts for using impact wrenches.

1. Always remove the battery or unplug the wrench from the wall outlet when done working.
2. Do the same when changing wrench sockets.
3. Read your manual and learn how your impact wrench works before using it. 
4. Keep a firm grip on the wrench during use, and make sure you are prepared for the initial twisting action. 
5. Wear goggles to protect your eyes from bits of material that may break off.  
6. Use gloves to protect your hands.
7. Sometimes a socket gets stuck on a bolt, you can lightly tap it with a hammer to loosen it or better use an Estwing ball peen hammer. 

1. Avoid over-tightening fixings to prevent stretching or stripping the threads. 
2. Don’t tighten a cross-threaded bolt or nut. Instead, manually thread the nut or bolt before using the impact wrench.
3. Do not use the wrong sockets. Standard sockets used in socket wrenches are incompatible with impact wrenches and could cause damage or injury. Stronger sockets are required and are often colored black.
4. If a bolt head is stripped you could use a cordless angle grinder to fix the problem.
5. Do not use the wrong wrench size, that could round a bolt head.

1/2 Cordless impact wrench comparison

3/8  Cordless impact wrench comparison

Conclusion

The Editor’s Choice award goes to the Milwaukee 2767-21 M18. A heavyweight impact wrench in every sense, it is capable of delivering an impressive amount of torque. It cranks out 1,000 ft.-lbs. of fastening torque and 1400 ft.-lbs. of loosening torque, making it more than up to the challenge of any job.

It also removes bolts twice as fast as comparable models, so you get jobs done quicker. The 2767-21 M18 also has an ingenious bolt removal mode that slows down the motor for greater control once the bolt has been loosened.

Our Premium Choice is the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2754-22. A lightweight model that delivers sufficient torque for medium to heavy jobs, the 2754-22 has an efficient Powerstate Brushless Motor that gives you 20% longer runtime than other impact wrenches.

Features such as the Redlink Plus Intelligence electronic system protects the bat from overheating, while the 4-mode drive control provides versatility for a wide range of applications. If you are in the market for a premium impact wrench, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2754-22 is a worthy option. 

Along with the best impact drill , a good impact wrench is essential for automotive buffs who work on their own cars frequently, and builders or DIYers that need to quickly and effortlessly remove and drive bolts and heavy coach screws.