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Impact wrenches are a must-have for any automotive worker, but they can also be highly useful around your home. Cordless impact wrenches provide maximum mobility and a high power level, making them useful for anything from removing lug nuts to metalworking to changing a tire. The best cordless impact wrench for you will largely depend on what you need it for and how much power is required. To help you find the best tool for your needs, we created this guide to the best cordless impact wrenches available. Here are our top picks.
Best Cordless Impact Wrenches: Our Top 5 Picks
- Best Overall: Milwaukee High Torque Impact Wrench
- Best Value: RYOBI 18-Volt Impact Wrench
- Best Mid-Level: PORTER-CABLE Impact Wrench
- Best Heavy-Duty: DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Wrench
- Best for Small Jobs: SKIL PWR CORE Compact Impact Wrench Kit
Compare Top Cordless Impact Wrenches
| Product | Torque | RPM | Weight | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee High Torque Impact Wrench | 1,400 foot pounds | 1,750 | 7.5 pounds | 5.0 Ah |
| RYOBI 18-Volt Impact Wrench | 300 foot pounds | 2,900 | 3.5 pounds | Not included |
| PORTER-CABLE Impact Wrench | 330 foot pounds | 1,650 | 6 pounds | 4.0 Ah |
| DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Wrench | 700 foot pounds | 1,900 | 6.4 pounds | Not included |
| SKIL PWR CORE Compact Impact Wrench Kit | 150 foot pounds | 2,850 | 5.7 pounds | 2.0 Ah |
| Product | Torque | RPM | Weight | Battery |
Best Overall
Milwaukee High Torque Impact Wrench
- $409.95
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: This cordless impact wrench is a good choice for a serious do-it-yourself (DIY) project or for a professional who needs a tool capable of handling large jobs with a high torque level.
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who gave this product positive reviews liked that it was highly durable, powerful, and easy to grip. Several others were impressed with this wrench’s batteries and that the tool kit included two separate and long-lasting 5 amp hour (Ah) batteries. On the other hand, a few customers felt this tool was overly heavy, and some also said the case didn’t fit properly.
Best Value
RYOBI 18-Volt Impact Wrench
- $114.99
- $139.99
- 18% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: This impact wrench is good for those who need an impact wrench for standard household tasks but don’t want to break the bank.
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who left a positive review for this wrench liked that it had excellent power and speed for its size and that it was lightweight and maneuverable. On the other hand, others felt that this wrench struggled to loosen lug nuts, and others felt it didn’t have as much torque as advertised.
Best Mid-Level
PORTER-CABLE Impact Wrench
- $160.28
- $169.99
- 6% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: This impact wrench is a good option for DIYers seeking a well-built, mid-torque model that can work for small and medium-sized household projects.
What Customers Are Saying
Our team found that this impact wrench drew positive feedback from Amazon customers for its portable, lightweight design, durable build, and high power level. However, we did note that some other customers felt this tool’s battery died too quickly, and others said its charger was inefficient.
Best Heavy-Duty
DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Wrench
- $300
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: This impact wrench is a good choice for those working on large household automotive or construction projects looking for a well-built, efficient tool with high torque output.
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who liked this wrench said it was well-built, had excellent torque, and easily removed lug nuts and bolts. However, we noticed that a few customers felt this wrench’s variable speed was difficult to control. Others said that this cordless impact wrench ran out of battery life quickly.
Best for Small Jobs
SKIL PWR CORE Compact Impact Wrench Kit
- $99
- $129
- 23% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: This impact wrench is good for customers looking for a less expensive impact wrench that still produces enough power to work on small and medium household tasks.
What Customers Are Saying
Our team found that customers impressed with this cordless impact wrench said it was durable and well-built. Others found that it had a long-lasting battery. However, one customer did note that they felt this impact wrench’s fan was too loud when charging.
What To Know Before Buying Cordless Impact Wrenches
Cordless impact wrenches are extremely useful tools for construction, mechanical, or landscaping projects, but finding the best option for you will depend on several factors. You should consider the wrench’s battery, ergonomics, power level, and size before purchasing.
Battery
The battery level of cordless impact wrenches is measured in voltage, while the battery size is measured in Ah. Typical power levels include 12 volts and 18 volts for small- and medium-sized tools and 20 volts and 24 volts for larger impact wrenches. Tools with a higher Ah will typically run for a longer charge. Ah levels can range anywhere from 1.5 to 6 depending on the make and model.
Ergonomics
Impact wrenches can be challenging to use and maneuver if you’re not used to them. However, most modern tools have features that make them easier to operate. Look for cordless wrenches with a comfortable handle to ensure the tool won’t cause hand or wrist pain. Additionally, many cordless impact wrenches come with ring lights and vibration control to reduce common pain points. Models with a lightweight design will usually be easier to handle than heavier models.
Power Level and Speed
The higher the power level, the more efficiently you can get through the job. Powerful tools can run at a higher price point, so it’s important to know what job you’ll be performing and if you need maximum torque and RPM.
The power level of a cordless impact wrench is determined by its torque, which high-level models are capable of upwards of 3,000 pounds, and compact models sometimes offer as low as 100 pounds. The speed is measured by IPM (impacts per minute) and RPM, which indicates how quickly it can drive nuts and bolts.
Size
Most cordless impact wrenches are 1/2-inch drive models that accept 1/2-inch sockets, but smaller (usually 3/8-inches) and larger (1/4-inches) models are also available. Cordless impact wrenches are typically full compact or subcompact, with most models being full compact unless labeled otherwise. Full-sized models have longer tool heads that can produce higher torque. However, a sub-compact model may be better for fitting into tight spaces. Sub-compact wrenches will typically be lighter and more maneuverable than full-compact tools.
Common Uses for Impact Wrenches
Many associate impact wrenches with professional construction or automotive projects, but they can also be extremely useful to have for less-intensive household jobs. Here are some ways you can utilize a battery-powered impact wrench to help you get things done around your home:
- Assembling furniture
- Changing tires
- Checking brakes
- Crafting metal when welding
- Installing cabinets
- Installing shock absorbers
- Mounting TVs
- Putting together a swing set
- Replacing bike pedals or handlebars
- Securing rail components on a deck
- Swapping lawn mower blades
- Tightening and loosening bolts
FAQ About Cordless Impact Wrenches
What’s the difference between an impact wrench and an impact driver?
Impact wrenches can deliver more torque than an impact driver, making them more suitable for use on heavy-duty projects such as removing lug nuts or large bolts. Additionally, impact wrenches usually have larger chucks ranging up to 1 inch, while impact drivers typically have 1/4-inch chucks.
What are the advantages of a cordless wrench vs. an air-powered wrench?
Cordless impact wrenches provide more maneuverability and convenience than corded wrenches or wrenches that run on compressed air. Air-powered (also called pneumatic) models may be less expensive, but they require an air compressor setup to work properly.
How do you maintain a cordless impact wrench?
Cordless impact wrenches need routine maintenance to ensure they continue to work properly. Cleaning the tool regularly, lubricating it after each use, and properly charging and storing the battery are some basic steps you can take to keep your wrench working properly and extend its shelf life.
What safety precautions are needed when using an impact wrench?
You should wear proper safety equipment, such as hearing protection and safety glasses, when using an impact wrench. You should also keep the work area free from hazards and ensure the area is well-lit before operating the device. Never use an impact driver if intoxicated, overly tired, or on medications.
Who This Cordless Impact Wrench Guide Is For
Cordless impact wrenches are highly useful for any homeowner or professional looking for an efficient tool that can perform various heavy-duty professional jobs and make it more efficient to complete at-home DIY projects. We examined cordless impact wrenches of various sizes, power and speed levels, and designs to find the best options for you.
How We Selected the Best Cordless Impact Wrenches
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of cordless impact wrenches with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
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Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
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