by Joshua Thomas
Unfastening extremely tight or rusted bolts using a manual wrench can be very challenging or even impossible. Luckily, there are powered impact wrenches that can make this work a lot easier.
Even better, there are cordless impact wrenches that can be used practically anywhere, so long as they have charged batteries. However, with this convenience, a lot of cordless impact wrenches have been produced by different brands, which means there is a wide array to choose from.
That said, we have narrowed it down to the best cordless impact wrenches below for easier selection on your end.
Contents
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. DeWalt DCF899HB (Best Overall) |
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 | 2. Milwaukee 2767-20 |
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 | 3. Porter-Cable PCC740B |
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 | 4. Milwaukee 2763-20 |
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 | 5. DeWalt DCF883M2 |
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 | 6. Ingersoll Rand W7150 |
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 | 7. DeWalt DC820B |
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DeWalt's DCF899HB offers you multi-speed control, in which you can run it at 0-400 RPM, 1200 RPM or at the maximum speed of 1900 RPM. This makes it very versatile because you can use it for a variety of tightening applications, such as in tightening lug nuts.
Additionally, the unit delivers a maximum torque of 700 ft-lbs., which is quite strong, with a breakaway torque of 1200 ft-lbs.
On the inside, a brushless motor provides this superior rotational performance while running cooler and having a longer lifespan because of the reduced wear and tear.
This motor is powered by a 20-volt battery, but this is not included in the kit. You must buy the battery and charger separately.
On the bright side, the wrench has an LED light with a 20-second delay for better visibility and with its half-inch anvil size, it comes with a hog ring for fast and easy socket changes.
Other features include a chemical, cleaner, and grease resistant construction that is durable enough to withstand a 6-8-foot drop.
Pros
Cons
In considering the strength of an impact wrench, torque is the determining factor and the higher the value, the stronger the unit. Well, this piece from Milwaukee does pack in a lot of torque, hitting a maximum of 1000 ft-lbs. and 1400 ft-lbs. of nut-busting torque.
With this power, the wrench is equipped with a 4-mode drive control, which includes a bolt removal mode for ultimate control. This mode actually reduces the torque to 750 ft-lbs. after busting the nut loose, thereby giving you more control over this process.
In addition to this high torque, the unit has a fairly high speed that goes up to 1750 RPM and while in operation, a built-in Redlink Plus intelligence technology prevents tool and battery damage by sensing an overload or overheating, then shutting it off.
Power is provided using RedLithium batteries, but these are not included in the set. A charger is also not included and therefore, you have to buy these separately.
Pros
Cons
This cordless impact wrench is built with a chemical resistant housing that is very automotive friendly because it protects all the internal components from fuel, grease, oil and other chemicals that may pour on it as you do car repairs.
Other than this, the unit has a variable speed trigger, which gives you precision control over the fastening/unfastening process, while a 1650 RPM speed lets you drive large fasteners quickly.
However, the unit has a low torque that goes up to 330 ft-lbs., which might not be enough to bust tight nuts open. It is also relatively long, measuring 9.9 inches from front to back and with this size, fitting in tight spaces can be somewhat challenging.
On the bright side, a half-inch hog ring is included for quick and easy socket changes while a built-in LED light helps to illuminate your work area in the dark.
Pros
Cons
Milwaukee's 2763-20 is equipped with a Powerstate brushless motor that runs very smoothly with little wear and tear, making it durable, quiet, cool and powerful. With this motor in place, the unit delivers up to 700 ft-lbs. of maximum torque and up to 1100 ft-lbs. of nut-busting torque.
Redlink Plus intelligence technology is also included, and this enables you to choose between 2 fastening modes. These include mode 1 with 100 ft-lbs. of torque and mode 2 with 700 ft-lbs., effectively giving you drive control.
Other features include a variable speed trigger and a 1/2-inch anvil with a friction ring for quick and easy socket changes.
On the downside, the unit is quite heavy and its 18-volt lithium-ion battery plus charger are not included, which means you have to buy them separately.
Pros
Cons
If you want an extremely compact cordless impact wrench to work on tight spaces, then this DCF883M2 from DeWalt is a good option to consider because it measures only 5.7 inches from front to rear.
Another benefit you get with this unit is that it comes with a pair of its lithium-ion batteries, a fast charger and a kit box for safe storage after use. This means you don't have to spend anything extra before getting down to work.
However, the wrench has a 3/8-inch square drive, which is not ideal for heavy-duty use such as in unfastening lug nuts and suspension bolts. It is recommended for tightening or removing fasteners in wood, concrete, and metal using impact sockets.
On the plus side, the unit is easy to handle, owing to its lightweight 3.4-pound design and textured anti-slip grip, while 3 LEDs illuminate your work area with a 20-second delay after releasing the trigger.
Pros
Cons
Though quite heavy, this W7150 has a durable steel-lined aluminum casing that is designed to protect all the internal components from damages in case of accidental drops.
This metallic structure is covered by a comfortable soft-touch over-molded grip, which reduces fatigue by minimizing the vibrations that reach your hand.
The wrench is run by a brushed motor, which is not as efficient as its brushless counterpart, but at least it provides 780 ft-lbs. maximum torque and 1100 ft-lbs. of nut-busting torque, which is ideal for fastening/removing lug nuts.
Other features include a variable speed trigger switch for precision control, a chemical-resistant housing and a durable all-metal drivetrain that is optimized for maximum power output and efficiency.
Pros
Cons
If you are tight on cash, DeWalt's DC80B is a good option to consider because of its affordability.
Despite this, the wrench is quite fast, reaching a top speed of 2400 RPM for fast application. However, it does have low torque at 145 ft-lbs., which may not be enough to bust open tight, rusted nuts.
On the bright side, this 1/2-inch-drive unit is very easy to handle because it weighs only 2.2 pounds and has a compact size, measuring 5.75 inches from front to rear. This means reduced hand fatigue and the ability to fit in very tight spaces.
A frameless brushed motor runs the wrench, and though not as durable as a brushless motor, this one is designed with easily replaceable brushes for quick servicing.
Other features include a sturdy and durable magnesium gear case, built-in LEDs and a fully metallic transmission that is very durable and directs all the torque to the fastener with minimal losses.
Pros
Cons
Torque can be defined as the force required to turn an object around its axis and with that, the higher the torque value, the stronger the impact wrench.
Even if the unit has a fast speed (measured in RPM), ultimately torque is king and it is the one that shows how strong the wrench is.
To remove lug nuts, you need about 100 ft-lbs. of torque but with old, rusted nuts, the required torque is much higher. Basically, the higher the torque value the better because this makes the unit very versatile in terms of its application areas.
There are 2 main types of motors that are used in cordless impact wrenches. Brushed motors have a simple design, but they are not as durable and not as efficient as their brushless counterparts.
On the other hand, brushless motors are the better option because they have a longer lifespan (due to reduced wear and tear), run at a cooler temperature and are more energy efficient.
Even though such motors are costlier than the brushed type, they are highly recommended and contribute greatly towards making the best cordless impact wrenches.
It is very important to consider the wrench's weight because of fatigue. The heavier the unit, the faster your hand will get tired from holding it in position.
Generally, lighter cordless impact wrenches are recommended because of their easy handling but this might mean that some features are sacrificed so as to achieve this light build.
What you can do is to narrow your list down to the units that meet the specifications you need, then pick the lightest one from them.
A majority of these cordless wrenches run on replaceable lithium-ion batteries but most require you to buy the power station and its charger separately.
If a battery is included, well and good. However, if you are to buy it separately, ensure you get the right voltage for the machine, which is usually either 18 or 20 volts, as per the wrench's rating.
For the capacity though, the larger the better. Measured in Ah (ampere-hours), this shows the charge capacity that the battery can hold and with a large capacity, you can power the wrench for a longer time with minimal battery-replacement or charging-interval interruptions.
The wrench's drive is quite important as it aids in its torque performance. The higher the drive size, the higher the torque performance and this means that 1/2-inch drive sizes are better for heavy-duty work such as in removing tight and rusty wheel nuts.
On the other hand, the smaller 3/8 and 1/4-inch drive sizes are better suited for light duty work such as in removing fasteners in wood, concrete or metal.
Lastly, you should consider the convenient design features that make the cordless impact wrench easier to use.
For instance, a soft grip makes the unit easier and more comfortable to handle, and also helps to absorb any vibrations that may cause fatigue.
LED lighting is also very convenient to have as it illuminates your work area, especially if you are working in the dark. With a time-delay, this lighting is even much better.
An LED battery gauge is also ideal as it helps you monitor the battery level at a glance while safety features for tool and battery protection help to enhance the wrench's durability. Generally, you should ensure that the wrench you buy has as many of these features as possible.
Milwaukee 2767-20 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench w/ 48-11-1850 5.0Ah Battery - Walmart Link
Ryobi P261K 18V Cordless 3-Speed 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit with (1) 4 Ah Battery, Charger - Walmart Link
TTI 2960-22 M18 GEN 2 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Mid Torque Brushless Cordless 38 in. Impact - Walmart Link
BOSCH GDX18V-1800CB15 Freak 18V EC Brushless Connected-Ready 1/4 In. and 1/2 In. - Walmart Link
Makita XWT13RB 18V LXT Sub-Compact 1/2" Impact Wrench - Walmart Link
PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Impact Wrench, 1/2-Inch (PCC740LA) - Walmart Link
Ingersoll Rand W7150-K1 ½" Hi-Torque Impact One Battery Kit , Gray - Walmart Link
Metabo HPT MultiVolt Battery and Charger Starter Kit | 36V/18V | 4.0Ah/8.0Ah | Lithium - Walmart Link
Metabo HPT MultiVolt AC Adapter | Power Source Option for All 36V Metabo HPT MultiVolt - Walmart Link
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Impact Wrench Kit with Hog Ring Anvil, 1/2-Inch (DCF899HP2) - Walmart Link
Ingersoll Rand W7150-K2 1/2-Inch, High-Torque, Cordless Impact Wrench Kit - Includes - Walmart Link
Milwaukee 2767-20 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench w/ 48-11-1850 5.0Ah Battery - eBay Link
Ryobi P261K 18V Cordless 3-Speed 1/2 in. Impact Wrench Kit with (1) 4 Ah Battery, Charger - eBay Link
TTI 2960-22 M18 GEN 2 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Mid Torque Brushless Cordless 38 in. Impact - eBay Link
BOSCH GDX18V-1800CB15 Freak 18V EC Brushless Connected-Ready 1/4 In. and 1/2 In. - eBay Link
Makita XWT13RB 18V LXT Sub-Compact 1/2" Impact Wrench - eBay Link
PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Impact Wrench, 1/2-Inch (PCC740LA) - eBay Link
Ingersoll Rand W7150-K1 ½" Hi-Torque Impact One Battery Kit , Gray - eBay Link
Metabo HPT MultiVolt Battery and Charger Starter Kit | 36V/18V | 4.0Ah/8.0Ah | Lithium - eBay Link
Metabo HPT MultiVolt AC Adapter | Power Source Option for All 36V Metabo HPT MultiVolt - eBay Link
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Impact Wrench Kit with Hog Ring Anvil, 1/2-Inch (DCF899HP2) - eBay Link
Ingersoll Rand W7150-K2 1/2-Inch, High-Torque, Cordless Impact Wrench Kit - Includes - eBay Link
With the convenience offered by a cordless impact wrench, it is important to consider all the necessary features that make up the most suitable piece for your intended use.
As you can see above, these features are quite varied per product but having gone through the cordless impact wrench review, you should be able to easily pick the best cordless impact wrench that suits your needs.
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About Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.
He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.
His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.
Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.
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