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The humble wrench is one of the most basic tools you should have in your toolkit. A regular old wrench will probably be just fine for most applications, but if you need a bit of extra power or speed, you could consider adding an impact wrench to your collection. Impact wrenches do basically everything a standard wrench can do, but faster. They can make quick work of tire changes, metal construction projects and more. A good impact wrench can take on heavier-duty projects that old-school wrenches just can’t. Impact wrenches provide a very high amount of torque to quickly and easily loosen stubborn nuts and bolts. Most are battery-powered and cordless, but there are wired options out there as well. Here are the best impact wrenches available for sale online.
The AVID POWER Cordless Impact Wrench is powered by a 3.0A lithium-ion battery that reaches a maximum of 2,000 RPM and up to 330 lb-ft of torque for tightening and 770 lb-ft of loosening torque. This wrench has a special friction design where it holds sockets onto the anvil better than a standard bearing ball.
Key features
- Cordless impact wrench kit
- 3.0A lithium-ion battery
- 1 hour fast charger
- Up to 330 lb-ft of torque
- Maximum RPM of 2,000
- ½” chuck size
This PORTER-CABLE Impact Wrench has a plug-in cord and is powered by a 7.5 amp motor. It reaches a maximum of 2,200 RPM and up to 450 lb-ft of torque. Socket changes are made simple with its ½” hog ring. This wrench comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
Key features
- Corded
- 1/2 “ hog ring anvil
- Maximum RPM of 2,200
- Up to 450 ft-lb of torque
- 7.5 amp motor
This Makita Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Impact Wrench is powered by a large 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery. It reaches up to 3,200 RPM and up to 430 lb-ft of torque. The wrench has three forward and three reverse auto-stop modes to increase efficiency while working.
Key features
- Brushless motor
- Maximum RPM of 3,2000
- Up to 430 lb-ft of torque
- 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery
- Long-lasting battery life
This DEWALT 20V MAX XR High Torque Impact Wrench is equipped with a lithium-ion battery and has 700 lb-ft of torque and 1,200 lb-ft of breakaway torque. It can reach up to 2,400 RPM and has a ½” hog ring anvil with a detent pin. There is a LED light with a 20-second delay to add invisibility in low-light conditions. A 3 year warranty is included with the purchase of this wrench.
Key features
- Maximum RPM of 2,400
- Up to 700 lb-ft of torque
- ½” hog ring anvil
- Magnesium gear case
This Milwaukee High Torque Impact Wrench is powered by a REDLITHIUM battery which is a unique type of lithium-ion battery that lasts longer and has extra protection from overloading and overheating. It can reach 1,400 lb-ft of maximum torque and 1,000 lb-ft of fastening torque.
Key features
- REDLITHIUM battery
- Up to 1,400 lb-ft of maximum torque
- Up to 1,000 lb-ft of fastening torque
- 4-mode drive control
- ½” friction ring anvil
What are the benefits of an impact wrench?
Impact wrenches have various benefits that make them worth the price. Their high torque output gives them a major advantage over other drills and wrenches. They can work much faster than other wrenches and come as either wireless or they can be plugged in.
Are there any disadvantages with impact wrenches?
The biggest downside of impact wrenches is the price. They can cost around $100 or much more and if you don’t use it often then it may not be worth the price.
Impact driver vs impact wrench
The names are similar, but they are different. According to Pro Tool Reviews, “An impact driver is a screwdriving specialist. Use one for slotted, Phillips, square, Torx, and other fasteners with a head that requires a driver bit to install. Turn to the higher power of an impact wrench for fastening and loosening nuts and bolts.”
Impact wrench vs torque wrench
Impact wrenches are power tools that are recommended for more serious projects such as taking apart heavy-duty equipment or removing tires while torque wrenches are more practical for basic work that can be done by hand.